I have had a couple cars that were impractical but fun... and I think I am over that... I want something nicer but still fun..

 

nice interior.. leather.. etc..

 

looking at a four door....

 

definitely has to have SOME go in it.. would like good handling..

 

I want to spend between $!5k and $17k MAX

 

would like to be around 50k miles..

 

I was looking at AWD 6speed Turbo A4.. but would happily consider other options.. I like BMWs but I think in that price range I am stuck in a car that would not perform nearly as well as an AWD turbo A4..

 

 

BUT I dont know anything about this stuff.. so looking for opinions..

My opinon? Don't buy a turbo charged audi/volkswagen engine. I know a LOT of people with destroyed engines from oil sludging and the turbo fouling at under 36k and then denied warranty coverage. Even when audi was doing the free maintenance thing. They claimed proper maintenance wasn't performed despite them setting the schedule. Even if the 2.0 is 5 times better than the 1.8 was I wouldn't pay money for a new one, much less used. Heck, I even know someone who has a 2001 a4 v6 with 27k on it that is having reliability issues and she doesn't abuse it. IMO audi think their cars are for rich people who can afford ot throw them away after 3 years.

 

I drive a 2005 legacy gt turbo, and in all leather it is nice and that generation falls in your price range, but the dash mounts are engineered like poop and it rattles in most of them. But other than that it ticks all the boxes. 2008s are going for about 15k

 

I know a few guys that have gotten into a similarly aged/slightly bmw 335xi in your price range in good codition, but it required some horse trading and knowing people.

 

If the AWD working well is important, I'd look at the subaru. If not, I'd consider an infiniti g35x. It's not the best designed AWD system, but the cars run pretty well and I know many happy owners of g35s.

Raz-0, i blew the engine on my 1.8t a couple years ago. Oil light came on, pulled over immediately, the belt had snapped along with a pulley, AAA towed the car to audi, and the engine was seized. 4k to rebuild. One of the oil lines stop pushing oil for some reason, horrible design.

 

I've been in an accord v6 since with zero problems, other then replacing cv joints from torn boots, and even still i got both oem quality shafts for 200buck, honda wanted 800 per side!. It a lot quicker then the a4, and fully loaded they're pretty nice, 6speed, leather, navi. And right in you price range for a low mile 08-09. If you manage to have anything left over for $1000 bucks you can throw tein coilovers on for really good handling, and you don't even have to lower the car. I have had tein basics on my car since 05 and they are still going strong even with a 2 1/2" drop, back then the suspension kit was a good 150 bucks cheaper tho. Installed it myself on a sunday.

Newer TSX is a nice car. Entry level lux with a decent price tag and its very reliable (honda/acura). I have pretty much always had hondas and have never had any major issues. I have a 2004 TSX and love it. Also, you can get the newer TL in AWD but it may be out of your price range. I would stay away from Audi IMO

 

The generation TSX i have 04-08, was one of the best handling sedans out there. Mine is SLIGHTLY lowered, and handles almost as good as any car i have ever driven, except for an all out track car...

Also, when you say "perform like an AWD turbo audi" what do you mean? That car is not fast at all, actually its kind of a dog.

 

As far as AWD system, the best are audi, subaru and honda SH-AWD (found in MDX, Pilot, RL, & the new TL)

+1 for Infiniti G35x

Stay away from German cars IMO. Expensive, un reliable and terribly difficult to maintain. Also I'm not too big of a guy but I feel cramped in a 3/C/A4 entry level German car, they feel to me not much different in comfort than a typical compact car. German cars are for leasing if you ask me. Let the next guy who buys it "pre owned" fork over thousands in repairs.

 

Also no offense but the A4 turbos are not really known for fast. Sure they drive nice don't get me wrong but 15+ second quarter miles times aren't exactly impressive

 

I think your best bet here is Acura

Stay away from German cars IMO. Expensive, un reliable and terribly difficult to maintain.

 

^^ This

 

Look for a used Nissan Maxima, or Acura TSX or even TL. Mazda 6 might fit. Not sure if you'd be able to find one of the newer Hyundai Sonatas for the right price.

The older generation TL-S is a lovely car. Not AWD, but honestly, a FWD sedan will handle pretty damn good in the snow with good tires. I drive my TSX in all kinds of weather and its a dream with nice tires.

Turbo 4wd? Legacy or WRX at that price range.

I had used V6 A4 with stick and while I liked the ride it was unbearable to maintain... So, now I drive Infiniti G37S. 6 speed, RWD and I am loving every moment of it!

Subaru baja with a 2.5 swap Doesn't get more fun and pratical then that

You're going to get a lot of opinions on this.

 

Based on your price and mileage requirements, you're looking at a 2006-2009.

 

You could get an 08 Audi A4 2.0 Turbo for about the money you're looking at

You could get an 07/08 Subaru WRX 2.5Turbo for about that money. Mine runs hard and I used to drag race so I know a bit about performance.

 

There are some Volvos that might fit but I'm not familiar with the models.

 

The AWD BMWs are out of your range.

 

I'd suggest a 2008 Maxima SE. It's a powerful car and they have great, comfortable interiors, but it's front wheel drive. My mom owned one and it was a pleasure to drive.

If you go German, expect frequent maintenance, expensive parts, and unreliability. If you have money to burn and don't mind paying for issues, then go German.

 

All my friends drive stupid "Vee-dubs". They are in their garage more than they are on the road.

 

My gf decided she wanted a nice car so she went out and bought a really nice 2006 A4. I would need another paragraph to tell you the problems that thing had, and that's the thing, it wasn't a problem here and a problem 2 years later, it's a problem every few months.

I have to agree with most of the guys here. I'd say if you want a turbo get a subaru. Those things refuse to die. Simple as that my $.02

Get the Audi. That 2.0T is in millions and millions of cars, fixing it is easy. Vast aftermarket too.

 

I'm a BMW guy but if you're looking e46 I would probably go with the Audi.

 

I had a WRX which was fun to drive but the interior was (not to put too fine a point on it) shit. You have to decide your priorities.

My '06 Accord is a champ. FWD, and drives like a AWD in the snow. Not even the wife has been able to kill it except for a few nails in tires.

Those that know me..... Know i am in the business a long time.....

I am currently a service advisor at an Audi dealer.....

PM me if you want the long version.....

But if you want the short version..... I wouldnt own any german car.....

 

My wife has an 04 TSX .... 134K on the clock.... Fantastic car

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk excuse the spelling

To echo some of the posts here, a preowned turbo Audi is a expensive and frequently frustrating proposition.Don't get me wrong I simply love the car, The fit and finish is superior to most in it's class,it remains simply a intuitive driver's car that rarely compromises on performance but.....and there's a big but.

It's not as quick as you would expect without modifications or springing for the rare and expensive S and RS models. There is still noticeable turbo lag, the electronics is quite frankly....shit and parts and service is nose bleed expensive.

That being said....when it works,it's a thing of beauty and has something that most Japanese and American cars frequently lack but is found in abundance in European cars IMO...Soul.

I would still have you consider a BMW 3 or 5 class and even a Benz C or E class and while you may be looking at a 5 to 9 year old car in your price point,most owners of such cars take pride and pay attention to their rides and a good deal can still be had.

Good luck.

 

Buy a Miata

I currently drive a Trailblazer SS (AWD) - Fast, fun, and lots of space. I've also owned a Subaru WRX and would highly recommend that as well.

Edit.

I KNOW that a factory A4 is FAR from fast... but there are parts available for it that with mild tuning it could be not horrible to drive...

 

I also know that they are issues with them.. so that is what I am weighing out...

 

I guess the idea is a car with a nice interior.. that moves well enough that it is not so boring to drive that I hate it..

 

I understand there are limitations in all this.. just fishing for ideas..

To echo some of the posts here, a preowned turbo Audi is a expensive and frequently frustrating proposition.Don't get me wrong I simply love the car, The fit and finish is superior to most in it's class,it remains simply a intuitive driver's car that rarely compromises on performance but.....and there's a big but.

It's not as quick as you would expect without modifications or springing for the rare and expensive S and RS models. There is still noticeable turbo lag, the electronics is quite frankly....shit and parts and service is nose bleed expensive.

That being said....when it works,it's a thing of beauty and has something that most Japanese and American cars frequently lack but is found in abundance in European cars IMO...Soul.

I would still have you consider a BMW 3 or 5 class and even a Benz C or E class and while you may be looking at a 5 to 9 year old car in your price point,most owners of such cars take pride and pay attention to their rides and a good deal can still be had.

Good luck.

 

 

what is the difference between a BMW 3 and 5 series..

 

is an equally maintained "2004 5 series BMW" better than a properly maintained "2008 A4" (for example)

 

I know what you mean about European cars.. and that is what has me drawn to them..

Nice interior? AWD? Turbo?

 

Why did this go any farther then someone replying "Subaru".

 

They are the end all, when it comes to what your looking for.

what is the difference between a BMW 3 and 5 series..

 

is an equally maintained "2004 5 series BMW" better than a properly maintained "2008 A4" (for example)

 

I know what you mean about European cars.. and that is what has me drawn to them..

The 3 series is rather small and IMO buzzy except with the larger displacement 6 cylinder motors. The 5 class offers more room for a growing family,better amenities and has a solid yet responsive ride quality and performance. Trade off is weight and economy.

Both are better in the long run over a turbo Audi with a finite and expensive to replace turbo and supporting electronics.

I need not tell you that none of these cars are inexpensive to maintain but your task is to identify your wants,needs and priorities at this time in your life in relation to an automobile and choose....

If I were younger ,single and liquid......I'd get a out of warranty Audi,jam it with go fast goodies and blow the block and my reputation in a blaze of glory.

Another +1 for Subaru, I had an 07 Legacy and loved it, then I got the bright idea to get a Hyundai Excel for better gas mileage and hated it. So now I have a truck, and when I need better fuel economy I drive my wife's Mazda.

What a bunch of dub haters!

 

Look at a VW 2.0 TDI Turbo. Yes, Diesel, yes turbo. More torque than you would believe and a ball to drive. Let me know if you go that route and I will hook you up with 'the' TDI tuner.

 

Also - check out www.tdiclub.com

 

I now have a 2.0 gasser turbo, but much prefer the TDI I had before. Will be going back there before long (unless Toyota finally comes out with a decent turbo diesel)

Hopefully soon I can get a car so that I don't have to use the truck all the time. I really want a used challenger srt-8 with a 6 speed. All black

My theory on euro cars is they are bought by enthusiasts and those buyers modify and/or drive the hell out of them. I think the unreliability rumors are unfair.