fcp4life

I have a 2002 audi a4 1.8t quattro tiptronic and someone wants to trade me their 2004 rx8 with 66k miles on the new motor which is still under warranty the rx8 is a 6speed, should i go through with this?

JantzenRX-8

iTrader: (9)

I test drove an '02 a4 1.8t quattro the day i bought my RX8. Stepping out of the a4 and into an RX8 was a night and day difference as far as build quality and driving enjoyment goes.The a4 was garbage in comparison. If you dont need a true four door i would do it. The Rx8 is smaller but a much nicer car overall. With a new motor it should be pretty trouble free. I've owned mine for 55k (bought it at 19k) and the only preventative maintenance i've done is upgraded the ignition coils to the BHR kit. I would recommend upgrading the coils at some point but if you got new coils with the new motor you could probably get away with 30k before you would need to upgrade.

Change the oil often and with quality oil, drive it hard once in a while and it will be a great car.

fcp4life

I'm just a little nervous cause i have heard so many stories about the Rx8 and all the problems, are they really that horrible or most of the people don't know how to take care of them?

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

RX-8's are awesome, I have 127,000 miles on mine and I have never had any problems with it.

8 Maniac

iTrader: (1)

I have to question your judgement about that. What are you talking about when you refer to build quality? Something must have been seriously wrong with that A4 if you came away thinking the RX-8 was that much better in terms of build quality. As a whole, I'd have to say the A4 has quite a bit better build quality.

You're worried about reliability coming from a B5?

I sold my 8 to get a B5 S4. I wouldn't have sold my 8 to get a B5 A4. If it wasn't a tip and you had a big turbo set up, it might be a more difficult decision, but I'd still go with the RX-8 in that situation. The biggest thing going for it would be the fact that it's a quattro and not fwd. I have no doubt that the 8 will be much more fun to drive.

monchie

Even trade? Anyway, test drive the rx8 and see how it goes. If its a new motor, then you'll be fine...if you do the scheduled and preventive maintenance. Read the stickies on this site and follow the procedures. The rx8 is a unique and fun car to drive. Good luck whichever route you choose.

fcp4life

I don't have a stock A4, its sport packaged... new rims tires...

I live in Massachusetts, and if the guy really likes my car it will be in even trade the guy must be looking at it at this, German Luxury Car, AWD just sacrificing a little bit of power to ride in luxury style

The Rx8 is a 6speed

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Actually, my A5 2.0T has been easily ECU "chipped" to 261 Hp/305 lb-ft Tq, so... I haven't lost anything (and can get 30 mpg when I don't get on it).

The A4/5 build quality is superior to the RX-8 as well, but it should be considering the price differential. I actually liked the leather of my Shinka seats over the Audi Sport seats.

The A4/5 with Quattro is a heavier and more planted grand tourer but lacks that sheer fun of tossing the lighter '8 around in the twisties. And of course the 9k rotary-smooth rev's....

Icky Mettle

I actually traded an 02 Passat 4-Motion for my 04 RX-8 and have never regretted it for a minute. Having come from the B5.5 platform, I think overall fit and finish is superior to the 8, but mechanically the car was a nightmare. Basically, I traded a car with a supposedly reliable reputation in for something as dubiously reliable as an RX-8, and the Mazda hasn't spent anywhere near as much time in the shop, nor has it cost me anywhere near as much in repairs. Factor in the sheer driving enjoyment of the 8 and it's the clear winner in my opinion.

8 Maniac

iTrader: (1)

I wasn't paying attention yesterday and missed the fact that it's actually a B6. I'd say it comes down to what you're looking for. In terms of luxury and space, the A4 will win. The 8 is definitely better for performance. You could always get a fair bit more power out of the A4, but I personally wouldn't bother doing a whole lot with a tip.

Depending on the condition of the 8, I'd say that's the obvious choice if performance and a fun driving experience is important to you.

RX8sold4EVO

Mass. winters are a monster, are you sure you want to part with the AWD?
Audi interiors are well know for being some of the nicest, highest quality. I havent owned an Audi in many years but I loved mine.
From the pictures Id say you have a very nice ride, btw....how many miles?

fcp4life

yeah its a b6 model, and it has 91k miles always used 93 octane, full synthetic oil, timing belt water pump done, its pretty much all set and ready to go lol, upgraded ASA wheels which look like the new rs4 replicas, 20% tinted windows, 6000k hid headlights and foglights

tcole6

Yeah that's a tough one.

I also went from an '02 1.8t Tiptronic (which I still own actually) to my 04 RX8.
I have an H&R Cup Kit installed along with a front strut tower brace. All in all, I thought it was a pretty bitchin' ride until I got the RX8. Even with all the suspension upgrades on my 1.8t, it can't pretend to hand with the RX8.

I work in NJ, have the luxury of working from home as I need to (no driving the RX8 in bad weather) and also kept the 1.8t for emergencies. So for me it was easy. There's really no comparison between the two for me.

But...if my situation was like yours (as I think I understand it), I think I would keep the A4. Mine has just shy of 200,000 on it, and it still runs like a horse even in the snow (with Blizzaks all around). I would not want the RX8 to be my only car and have to drive in 4+ months of Massachusetts winter weather.

sjschutz

You're going to get a pretty biased response asking that question here - the same as if you posted it on Audi forums. The only way to decide would be for you to drive both cars the same day, taking them both through daily/city driving and then through some twisty/track-type driving. Compare and then make an informed decision.

In my biased opinion, I would say do it. This is based purely on the fact that I have not rode/driven in another car that makes me feel the same way as I do when I'm in my '8. That's something that I am not willing to give up anytime soon.

Let us know what you decide.