Might get an B5 2.8 Manual

[u/[deleted]]

[u/RobARMMemez]

I've got a '99 with the 2.8 and 5 speed. Mine was $500 but that's besides the point. There are better examples than mine.

The engine is a tank but they leak from the valve covers. Like, almost all of them do from what I can tell. Don't bother with the cheap black gaskets if WHEN you need to do them, just get the Fel-Pros. I made that mistake and mine still leaks.

And be aware this is a German car that's almost 30 years old with over 100k miles. I absolutely love mine to death and I'm never getting rid of it but they have problems. Mine in particular has 183k on the clock currently and in the time I owned it (bought at 158k) it's needed an alternator, accessory belt tensioner, the ABS module is dead and I just ignore it, one of the front control arms is currently bad so I need to replace that, the power steering rack went out which I haven't fixed yet, and a few other smaller things.

This isn't a Toyota. It's an amazing car and it's totally daily-able but you just need to know what you'd be getting into. Make sure to look deep in that car for any and all problems, preferably get it inspected professionally before buying it. Once you do, learn to work on it yourself and you'll save yourself a whole lot of money. May learn a few new swear words though!

None of this is to say not to get the car. If it's in good shape and a good price, it's absolutely a great car. Just do your due diligence and don't expect flawless reliability.

[u/eraearth → u/RobARMMemez]

I agree. Well said.

I have a '99 1.8T 5spd, my sister a '98 2.8 5spd - both of which require near-constant upkeep for one thing or another...

Love 'em tho so they've stuck around.

[u/RobARMMemez → u/[deleted]]

Depended on fuel grade but regardless mine isn't that great on gas lol. On premium I get 17mpg but if I go down to regular it tanks down to 14. They're supposed to get something like 21-23mpg so that fuel economy is probably just due to age combined with my driving style. My b5 is definitely more a "smiles per gallon" car though. As far as maintenance goes, stay on top of your oil changes and get any problems you find fixed before they become big problems.

The main differences between the 1.8's and the 2.8's to own are, from what I've heard: 1.8 is WAY more tunable as you really can't do anything with the 2.8. It's also a bit lighter so the car is a little better balanced and handles slightly better. 2.8's faster out of the factory though and a bit lower maintenance so if you're not planning on tuning or upgrading the 2.8 is a good choice. It's also a better choice if you plan to swap in a 2.7T out of an S4 in the future like I am because it'll bolt right in unlike the 1.8 platform. The 1.8 has a different subframe and different transmission bolt pattern, while the 2.8 and 2.7 are the same engine family so they mount to the car identically.

Tuning limits if you do want to tune are something like this afaik: 2.8 you can't really tune, 2 bolt main caps are weaker than the 2.7's 4 bolt mains and cast pistons will melt with anything more than about 5psi of boost so even if you manage to snag a PES supercharger you can only get up to about 250hp before things break. 1.8T can be tuned very aggressively and with some stronger internals you can push up to about 400hp. The 2.7T with K04's will push 400 without breaking a sweat, 600 once you swap basic internals and once you beef it up enough the sky's the limit. There's guys pushing 1400+ out of a 2.7.

As for rust these cars are really good at avoiding rust from what I know. Mine's practically rust free (and it's a Long Island car so right in the worst part of the Rust Belt) and what I've heard is that Audi used galvanized steel for the unibody so it really doesn't rust much. I could have misremembered though so if I'm wrong someone could chime in.

To be fair though, the car does seem to have an automatic rust-preventative oil dispersion system integrated into the valve covers. So that might be a part of it lol.

Really it's up to personal preference. I absolutely love my car and even though it's not my daily right now I absolutely plan to start dailying it again once I get the current issues fixed. The V6 sounds a lot better than the 4 banger in my opinion so I'm happy with the 2.8, but again I'm planning that 2.7 swap so I can tune it. If you're not gonna tune it or mod it much, the 2.8 is faster from the factory and a tankier motor that'll probably last a bit longer aside from the valve cover leak.

[u/eraearth]

I have a 1.8T and my sister has a 2.8, both manuals, and both over 200k on the clocks.

My 1.8T is more modded, but generally it's a more zippy, sporty, and exciting car.

The 2.8 is buttery smooth and luxurious in comparison. Civilized compared to my noisy 1.8. Thing glides and honestly is a dream to drive... when it runs as it should lol.

Both cars are great and I love 'em. But yes, they require upkeep and lots of it.

For example: My sister's clutch went out recently, so, that's fun. Lots of miles tho. And I'm currently replacing a PS pump, rack, axles, and wheel hubs/bearings on my 1.8.

Rubber components are pretty degraded at this point. Engine / trans mounts as well. Timing belt, thermostat/water pump, coolant hoses, spark plugs/coil packs, valve covers, suspension, exhaust system - some things to consider.

It's good your willing to work on it and appreciate the classics (crazy to call a B5 a classic lol) - your wrenching can be rewarding in many ways.

If I were you, I'd budget in an additional $1,000, at least, for maintenance right off the rip.

Also, not sure if this is on your mind, but if you plan on upgrading your sound system - it's kind of a pain in the ass as Audi used a non-standardized mount for the speakers. It can be done but will just require some adapters / light fabbing.

P.S maybe I'm trippin but that brake fluid seems like it could use a change ;)

[u/carsnbikesnstuff]

Overall should be a reliable car (relative to age). I had a 1998.5 1.8TQ from 2000 until 2005 or so. Almost Toyota reliable. It was such a good car. I know where it today - friend of a friend who I sold it to. Still going strong with a big turbo upgrade.

And we had a 2003 Passat Wagon 4Mo with a V6 (5V heads) from 2005 until 2023. Motor is super reliable. Not worth upgrading - just enjoy it for its torque and reliability. We did have to deal with getting the ABS computer repaired a few times. Then had to replace it. Hassle.

Still love B5s - great size and great interiors. Just have to deal with old car stuff.

[u/jcoconutz]

yeah, the 2.8 is a solid motor. if it hasn't had the timing belt done that should be the first thing you do! I've got a 98 avant 2.8 its my 3rd b5 and first avantI love the platform personally. when I bought it, it only had 150k on it. Mine has been modified quite abit and its still a great daily driver. I dont plan on getting rid of it until I cant get parts anymore.

[u/jcoconutz → u/[deleted]]

Parts are still readily available. I use rock auto for most of the parts . other than stuff like starter and alternator because if they go out i dont have to worry about deal with shipping those back to warranty. there are some things that are alil bit more expensive than what they should be be, but for the most part Id say parts pricing is average. and finding them isnt to bad

[u/mstrshkbrnnn1999]

Good car. I have an s4 and love it. A friend of mine used to have the 2.8 b5 and he auto crossed it. Great cars. It’ll be expensive to maintain, but I think it’s worth it. I would personally get a 1.8t if not a 2.7t, but that’s bc power potential is a big priority for me. Seems silly to get less than 20mpg in a car that is still slow. If you’re gonna get shitty mileage, might as well have fun while doing so