When getting your first car, there are a lot of factors to consider before making a purchase. If this is your first car, you’ll want something that drives well and has minimal expenses. High mileage and repair costs are all important things to think about.
For first-time car buyers, Audi cars will show up on your radar due to their reliability. While their cars have been known for their low durability, Audi has made changes to their newer models to fulfill such needs. So is Audi a good first car?
Audis can make good first cars because of their good performance and their wide range of models available, though most buyers will typically opt for one of their more affordable vehicles. One caveat is that Audis tend to have higher repair and upkeep costs than competing brands.
Throughout this article, we’ll explain why Audi has maintained their reputation throughout the years. Second, we’ll go in-depth on a few cars that might be of interest. Not all cars are perfect, but we’ll give you the information needed to decide if you’ll leave the dealership with a new Audi vehicle.
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So Why Do Some Audis Make Good First Cars?
There are many factors to consider before buying your first Audi. If you’re new to driving, you’ll want to have a durable car like a Jeep or Tesla in the event of an accident. Getting into more collisions will lead to a large increase in your insurance costs in the long term.
Because of this, you’ll want to avoid cars such as Audi RS7. These cars are expensive to maintain and don’t have a manual transmission. There are more Audi cars to steer from but always look for a car that’s going to be comfortable, reliable, and budget-friendly.
When it comes to insurance, Audis are in the mid-range. According to finder.com, the Audi A4 Allroad costs $1,318 annually. Since the national average is $1,000, expect to pay an extra on your annual insurance fees.
Audis are designed by the best German automobile engineering. The newest Audi 2022 TT Coupe costs approximately $50,500. This can be expensive for a first-time car buyer, so always check your budget to ensure that the car you’re getting is financially valid.
So why would I say that Audis are good cars? Because the first numbers I gave you are based on newer vehicles.
Looking at older models such as the Audi Q3 Premium, they cost around $31,800. Also, the older model requires less maintenance than the newer ones. Insurance costs $191 monthly, so you’re still getting them at a higher rate, although they have a lower first down payment.
Now that we know how Audi is from a financial standpoint, here are some cars that you should consider purchasing.
Which Audis Make The Best First Cars?
Take a look at these cars if it’s your first time driving
B6 Audi A4
The B6 Audi A4 is designed on all-road terrain. This versatile vehicle can be equipped with an automatic or five-gear manual, giving you a choice based on your driving style. The car comes with either 4WD or FWD, which creates more options for first-time drivers.
Regarding its turbochargers, the B6 Audi A4 comes in a 1.8 liter or a V6 3.0 liter. The 1.8 liter is more customizable and can be tuned to drive faster. Meanwhile, the V6 3.0 liter is more reliable and sounds better from the engine, so it’s really a manner of personal preference.
On average, expect to pay around $3,000-$8,000 to find a working model. Their only issue is their front-wheel drive, which can be dangerous depending on what road you’re driving on.
Overall, the B6 Audi A4 is a fun car to drive, has multiple ways to tune the car, and is affordable. When getting a B6 Audi A4, make sure you have the right tuning settings to ensure that the car runs the exact way you like it.
D3 Audi A8
The D3 Audi A8 is a large luxury sedan manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany. This car is powered by 4.2 liter and 3.7-liter V8 engines. It consists of an adaptive air suspension that comes with 3 different ride modes (Dynamic, Comfort, Auto) for its specific damper/spring characteristics.
These cars are great for safety, making them a good choice for first-time drivers. For instance, this car includes front airbags, brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control. With these features, you can rest assured that you’ll drive safely when you’re on the highway.
They cost approximately $7,000 – $12,000, making them affordable in comparison to some of the newer models in the market. When buying the D3 Audi A8, you’re getting a car that looks beautiful, runs well, and has safety features to protect you during an accident.
The Audi Quattro
If you want a more classic vehicle, go for the Audi Quattro. This car was manufactured in 1980-1991 and is the first car to have an all-wheel drive. However, the Audi Quattro is not fast, so I didn’t place it on top of my list.
Since the Audi Quattro has a more sentimental value, it might cost more than the average 80s-90s car. Based on its condition, it can sell for around $20,000-98,000.
Worst Audi Features to Avoid
Oil Leaks
Before purchasing your first Audi or Ford check for oil leaks. You’ll find them located in the camshaft tensioner and the valve cover gasket. If you notice this happening to your Audi, make sure you change those parts immediately.
Cars With Exhaust Leaks
When looking at your Audi vehicle, notice how it has a flexible part in the exhaust system. Over time the plastic loses its quality, and leaks will appear. Just like oil leaks, repair the exhaust leaks before they ruin the quality of your Audi.
Electrical Malfunctions
Despite being high quality, Audi vehicles are more susceptible to problems and malfunctions. For instance, fluctuating lights and nonfunctional tail lamps are issues that most Audi owners encounter. Fortunately, Audi has warranties on its electrical parts so you don’t have to pay extra to get an important part repaired.
Conclusion
Is Audi a Good First Car? Yes. Not only is it reliable, but it can be driven in virtually any terrain. Like any car brand, it has minor flaws, but any faulty parts can be replaced or restored by a mechanic. Conclusively, get an Audi if you want a mixture of luxury and high performance.
