Classy, well-constructed interiors, sharp handling, precise steering, available CVT transmission and all-wheel drive.
Cons
Price goes up quickly with options, engines short on low-end torque, sport package makes for a choppy ride.
What’s new
The Cabriolet is now available with all-wheel drive, while all A4s now come standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system, revised steering wheels and two-stage airbags. The 1.8T models have been upgraded with 16-inch aluminum wheels and now offer a six-speed manual transmission as an option.
Edmunds says
The A4 is luxurious, sporty, winterproof and a few grand cheaper than BMW's 3 Series. As such, it's one of our favorite entry-luxury cars.
2004 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
I have a previously owned a4, with the ultra sport package. This car has every possible added feature. When my car was working, it was a pleasure to drive. The performance alone, is outstanding. You could drive at 100mph and it felt like you were going 50mph. The AWD was fantastic for snow and rain, I had no problems with traction. I do know that they are EXTREMELY expensive to maintain … and own. Any time my check engine light would come on, which was every month, it would cost no less than 1000$ to have it turned off. One problem ALWAYS led to another and it was so frustrating and discouraging when my car had to be brought in for repairs. Overall, I am saddened to retire this car bc of costs
Love and hate, go hand in hand for this car.
3 out of 5 stars
Matt B, 07/12/2015
2004 Audi A4 1.8T Avant quattro AWD 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
You really have to be passionate about owning this car. Like, to a point where fixing it as almost your priority. There is something constantly wrong with this car. Sunroof leak... ruins the headliner... also to a point where water will ruin the amp.... suspension issues with the control arm bushings not lasting, J-plug cracking and leaking coolant... and putting plastic just where it … doesn't belong, window electronics crap out too. It's almost not worth the premium price brand new if you think about it. There is always something wrong with this car.
It was probably best to lease this car when it was brand new... don't get this car used... there is a reason why you don't see so many of these cars on the road.
And as far and repairing this car... parts are expensive and what crawl space do you have to work with. You have to remove so many excess things just to get to what you need.
I loved this car, but it was such a hassle.
I love it, but I hate it too.
3.25 out of 5 stars
lagdh, 05/16/2015
2004 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
This car is fantastic... When it works. For all the two years I've had it, I don't think it has worked properly for more than two months of that time. There's always some problem which is hard to diagnose, the problem which then ends up being expensive. This is not to say that it isn't a great car, it certainly is. The Quattro AWD is spectacular in the snow and sticks to the road in … summer as well. Performance needs improvement though --- There's very little low-end torque, and there just needs to be more horsepower to propel this 3,500 pound car.
Overall I'd say don't get this car over 100,000 miles, it'll just frustrate
Fun to drive, but a steep investment in repairs.
4.38 out of 5 stars
chash1982, 04/12/2012
2004 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
I've had an opportunity to drive all kinds of cars, from BMWs to Volvos, to high end japanese vehicles and NOTHING has handled and performed like my Audi. This car feels like you are going 60 miles an hour at 100. You can barely feel the body roll as you effortlessly carve through corners at high speeds, and no automaker has a better interior.
On the downside, prepare to set aside about … 3000$ a year for repair and maintenance! Even oil changes will run you 100$, and when your fuel pump dies (and it probably will!) You can expect to spend 1000$ at the dealer if it's out of warranty. This is a driving enthusiasts car that's also a comfortable commuter. I love my Audi, expensive or not!
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