Hello all, my name is Jed I live on the seacoast of NH and have a white 2002 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T 5spd on air. I love my car but I think it might be time to switch it up as my car is approaching 100k miles and I don't want to store it and power isn't really an option. I have only had the car on air for about 6 months and so far it is a total headache and there is constant clunking. I have replaced my upper arms and sway bar end links next is Tie rods. Anyway I am getting fed up replacing parts constantly and clunking around. My question and the reason I am on the 350z forum is because I would like a 350z because of the sexy looks and for its moderately quickness, but how realiable are these cars? And how hard are they to work on? I know any car on air will have its flaws, but Audi can get expensive parts ect. and working on them isn't such a walk in the park. Please anyone with a little insight on lowered 350z's and just everyday maintenance.

My car

 

I've done all the mods to my Z since I've owned it and only had to take my Z to the dealer once in the past 3 years because I didn't know why my gauge cluster wasn't working...it even took them 2 weeks to find the problem. If you have general mechanical knowledge, there are plenty of good DIY threads on here to get you by.

 

Did you just say you believe the 350 is "moderately quick" compared to a 1.8 liter four door sedan with heavy wheels? Ouch. Watch your back in here. And welcome to the forum!

 

LMAO..

 

The wheels are 3 piece O.Z. AMG aluminum forged wheels and weigh maybe 25lbs. a wheel. Buttt yes the a4 is a tank.

 

My B7 A4 was stolen about a month ago and I replaced it with a 350Z. I miss the boost at lower RPM's, the quattro (smartest AWD ever) and interior plus a space big enough to hold stuff. It was replaced with a car with a very neutral balanced car with respectable motor. Love the looks, still learning what my traction limits are. I have also enjoyed getting the back end to wiggle around a bit looking for traction. My A4 would kill my 350z in the rain (granted my tires suck). The A4 never brought smiles like the Z does.

 

all cars are a pain in the ***

 

Best thing to do is to go test drive one, and get a feel for yourself. If you can, get the car put on a lift so you can see the suspension components, I dont think its too hard to work on.

I would also recommend reading the 100 faqs thread from our forum.

Good luck w/your search

 

ive also had a lowered euro (1.8t jetta) and ive had the same clunking issue that drove me MAD when driving it (glad the car is gone). Dont second guess buying the Z, you can go pretty crazy with the suspension bits and not have a single issue with it. as said above, all cars have issues.... but euros are the absolute worst when it comes to reliability with modifications.

PLUS you wont have to DEAL with vwvortex ever again

 

maybe the clunking noise is the a-arm hitting the metal

i know alot of the Z guys that run "dumped" "slammed" hella low, there starting to cut holes in the engine bay to allow more travel to the a-arm might want to check that out

GL, and as the member above stated...... " ALL cars are a pain in the ***"!!! lol so true

 

The cars control arms do hit the top of the wheel well but only when aired out. I generally drive pretty high with a finger gap.

 

Well there goes that theory hahaha lol

Well GL on yout decision

 

i remember doing a 3 way race once 1.8 a4 awd vs old *** fox body stang( stock) convertible vs stock 08 z i beat the awd off the line and was gone the stang then finished the a4 off lol good times i guess your definition of quick is different then ours

 

My brother has a B7 S4 with 340hp, I definitely know what quick is. I imagine a Z could keep up pretty well though.

 

Cut engine bay mod might help.
It solves the problems for us Z guys.
For the most part at least.

You drive with a 1 finger gap? Still clunking?