I am currently contemplating purchasing a 2004 Audi A4. I have previously owned Honda Accords over the past 16 years. However, while the Accords have been good to me, I would like a car which is a "step up" and in the luxury category.
Have heard many good things about the overall handling and 4-wheel drive of the A4 quattro.
However, was speaking with a colleague who has owned an A4 for the last 8 years and said you will have to use premium gas which is 10 cents a litre more so likely $300 a year more in costs. I can live with that. He also added watch out for the maintenance costs. They can get crazy........ He advised stay away from the Audi dealers garages and find a garage which works on Audi and Volkswagon.

So my question to forum members is when comparing a 4 year old Honda Accord vs a 4 year old Audi A4, "on average" how much more in maintenace costs should I expect to pay per year....???

Look forward to all your comments.

 

Well its going to be more spent for sure. For me the gas is no big deal as I put premium in my 1990 civic even while I had that car.

The average costs will depend on how well it was maintained by the prior owner and what was done before you purchased it. Try to get a complete maintenance record and get the car from someone who hasn't abused it over the years.

I can't really ballpark a figure because it would probably be inaccurate however maybe someone else can chime in. You're getting Quattro all wheel drive which will put a smile on your face in the snow but you'll be paying a premium for a premium car, that is basically all I can say at this point.

 

Thanks for the advice on the maintenance record. Hopefully someone else on the forum might have had experience owning an Accord and A4 and can give a ballpark on annual maintenance costs.

FYI, I have been quite suprised to see on Autotrader.ca that 2004 A4 and 2004 Honda Accords with similiar km, are very close in price (within $1,000-$3,000) on average it seems. So initial cost for a premium car is not much different than Accord....................its the annual costs which I need to get a handle on.......

 

That is going to be the biggest part of your cost. That is why a well maintained car is worth even 5k more than one that has been beat up over the years initially.

Parts are more expensive but if nothing major gives out on you, the maintenance cost won't be too different (knock on wood)

 

If parts are you concern you can always shop around.
I have a 2004 A4 Quattro 6-speed and I got a few parts quoted from US dealers and you save $$$ (even after shipping). Let the CDN dealer try to match your quote. As far as gas goes, Safeway sells premium for only 7 cents more per litre (Alberta) and you get a 7 cent per litre discount if you shop there. One more thing... I've also owned an accord and was a huge fan... until I drove the A4. Go with the Audi.

 

Thanks for the all advice guys !! I certainly am going to give the A4 serious thought........

 

This is quite interesting I stumbled upon this because I purchased my A4 used 2 months ago. It was a 2006 with Quattro. It was a big jump for me since I moved up from a 1998 Honda Accord V6. Initially I was going to buy a used accord too but an 06-07! Even though the Accord had 210000 km's on it, maintenance wasn't all that bad. I've already had some issues with my A4 and the mainenance is crazy but well worth it. If you can afford an Audi, you can afford the maintenance. As an example, I had the front two brakes and rotors changed for my A4 and it cost me 530 at a private garage instead of going to the dealer to change it for 750! I remember I had ALL 4 brakes changed for my accord for 600 a year ago! LOL But yeah, you just have to shop around.

Even though everything is expensive, it is well worth the price.

 

I agree... nothing is cheap anymore...