Used Audi or Mercedes? Sub $10000 A4s?

[northestPM]

Looking for something inexpensive but a bit more fun than a Camry. I see plenty of Audi A4 B8 (2009+) with the 2.0T for sale for a decent price under 100k.

I've watched Car Wizard's videos, he says certain model years of the A4 and C-class 2010s (C300) are actually decent cars and worth buying if you were looking into a Benz or Audi.

What do you guys have to say, what to look for? Thanks

 

[Nessism1]

I like the A4, but the durability scares me. I love to wrench on project cars, but not daily drivers.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Wife had an '09 C300 4-matic. It drove well, but it was an electrical and mechanical nightmare. Thank god we had an extended warranty.

My '01 A4 manual was fun and reasonably reliable, but don't expect Camry-level dependability.

 

[RooflessVW]

Don't be scared.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Audi-S4-d30#listing=382371991/NONE/DEFAULT

 

[northestPM]

Don't be scared.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Audi-S4-d30#listing=382371991/NONE/DEFAULT

Explain please lol

Total Audi noob here.

 

[MrGraybeard]

Their reliability is below average and repairs tend to be pricey because they aren't engineered with service in mind.
Get a Mazda.

 

[DemoFly]

the 2010+ C250 is actually a **** good car and pretty easy to work on. Service data from Mercedes is also usually really good. It's no Kia/Hyundai but better than VAG.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You'll quickly learn why Lexus is so popular

 

[drtyler]

Their reliability is below average and repairs tend to be pricey because they aren't engineered with service in mind.
Get a Mazda.

Which Mazda will be comparable to an A4 2.0T and be more fun than a Camry?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Which Mazda will be comparable to an A4 2.0T and be more fun than a Camry?

The 6

 

[JeffKeryk]

It's been said the Germans do not understand electricity. But they sure know how to paint!
My BMW was pretty sparky...

 

[drtyler]

The 6

As a prior 6 owner, I would say the interior is nicer than a Camry, and its fairly peppy if equipped with 2.5 Turbo engine. Total dog if no turbo. I wouldn't say that it was particularly fun to drive.

 

[MrGraybeard]

Which Mazda will be comparable to an A4 2.0T and be more fun than a Camry?

Considering the OP's pricetag, I woul look at this one in my neighborhood.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Mazda-MAZDA3-d214?px8324=p2&cgcid=12473&cgagid=30199786&sourceContext=USED&ax8324=155756826&type=GoogleAdWordsSearch&kw=cargurus mazda3&matchtype=b&ad=609617907723&placement=&networktype=g&device=c&devicemodel=&adposition=&physloc=9018941&intloc=&aceid=&cid=1659681091&agid=66251999976&tgtid=kwd-839712917484&fid=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMKfkVpghly6O69AMJsaFpGfkZkPcYk0DL0j4x7yFEMtax1UKoyVjdBoC8KUQAvD_BwE#listing=388306572/NONE/DEFAULT

 

[slacktide_bitog]

As a prior 6 owner, I would say the interior is nicer than a Camry, and its fairly peppy if equipped with 2.5 Turbo engine. Total dog if no turbo. I wouldn't say that it was particularly fun to drive.

All the reviews always said the 6 was the most fun to drive in its class

 

[drtyler]

All the reviews always said the 6 was the most fun to drive in its class

What was its class -- Camry, Accord, Sonata, Altima? That's a low bar.

No doubt the 6 was the most fun to drive amongst that crew!

 

[drtyler]

Considering the OP's pricetag, I woul look at this one in my neighborhood.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Mazda-MAZDA3-d214?px8324=p2&cgcid=12473&cgagid=30199786&sourceContext=USED&ax8324=155756826&type=GoogleAdWordsSearch&kw=cargurus mazda3&matchtype=b&ad=609617907723&placement=&networktype=g&device=c&devicemodel=&adposition=&physloc=9018941&intloc=&aceid=&cid=1659681091&agid=66251999976&tgtid=kwd-839712917484&fid=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMKfkVpghly6O69AMJsaFpGfkZkPcYk0DL0j4x7yFEMtax1UKoyVjdBoC8KUQAvD_BwE#listing=388306572/NONE/DEFAULT

Not sure how that one is supposed to be funner to drive than a Camry, other than perhaps the manual transmission. Nice, clean car though.

I think I would try and find an E90 BMW (2006 325i, 330i, or 2007-2011 328i) or VW GTI.

 

[edyvw]

Looking for something inexpensive but a bit more fun than a Camry. I see plenty of Audi A4 B8 (2009+) with the 2.0T for sale for a decent price under 100k.

I've watched Car Wizard's videos, he says certain model years of the A4 and C-class 2010s (C300) are actually decent cars and worth buying if you were looking into a Benz or Audi.

What do you guys have to say, what to look for? Thanks

Get yourself BMW E90 328 with N52 engine and preferably stick.
If you go Audi, make sure you immediately change chain tensioner. If it is manual, calculate flywheel every 100-120k.

 

[atikovi]

Have you looked at Mercedes CLA circa 2014+? Great looks, over 200 hp, reasonable maintenance.

 

[MrGraybeard]

If you go shopping for a 15-year-old 3 series with $10k in your pocket, be aware that you're going to see a lot of potential money pits. Suspension work is almost a given. Set aside some of your cash to cover deferred maintenance.

 

[edyvw]

If you go shopping for a 15-year-old 3 series with $10k in your pocket, be aware that you're going to see a lot of potential money pits. Suspension work is almost a given. Set aside some of your cash to cover deferred maintenance.

Complete front suspension (besides struts) will cost maybe $300-350 in parts, Lemforder. Strust, like Bilstein B4 and shocks would be maybe $400, if necessary.
On the 3 series, E90, the most important thing to do when buying used is to replace coolant hoses, including the reservoir and Mickey Mouse flange (installing an aluminum one). That can be done for $250 in parts, OE (besides Mickey Mouse flange. Rein makes aluminum).
But, any vehicle dating from 2010 will require some work.