[ba] Reliability of B5 vs. B6 A4s? or???

[Tony Hoffman]

I don't currently work at a shop, rather on my own (out of my 2-car
garage). But, yes, I have and continue to work on just about anything
and everything, specializing mostly in VW/Audi.

I don't know about the Accord being the most reliable car around, but
it certainly is a reliable one. For just reliability, I'd recommend
the Civic over the Accord, because of it's simplicity. However, I
prefer Toyota's more, simply because they have switched to timing
chains as opposed to belts as of late. That is one more thing that
doesn't have to be added to the list of maintenance needs as the car
ages.

Nissans tend to need more maintenance than the comparable Hondas and
Toyotas. However, they are a bit more fun to drive, IMHO. And for that
matter, Hondas are more fun to drive than Toyotas.

I've never dealt with a torque converter failure, but I also deal less
with the later model cars as time goes on (current 05 A4
nothwithstanding). I prefer the older ones, which is why I still drive
my 86 4000Q ;-) But, as others on the list have mentioned, it is a
known problem. I do run across it on a professional site I'm on.

My issue with the later cars is not the tip trans, but rather the swap
to the 30v engine. They are higher maintenance than the 12v, and the
TB tool for the cams is different as well. They are certainly more
energetic engines, especially in the higher rev ranges, but to me it's
not worth the extra maintenance.

BTW, I'll absolutely agree with you on driving experiences. Logically,
I'd be much better driving an older Corolla than my 4000Q, especially
here in Houston where it doesn't snow. However, I can't deal with the
(lack of) driving experience. My wife drives an 05 Camry 4-cyl auto,
and really likes the car. BTW, her previous was a 90 V8Q, and before
that a 93 Sentra. The only thing I really like about the car is the
amazing A/C. Oh, and the only work I've done on the car in the 80k
we've owned it is the WP(started leaking at 100k), outside of routine
maintenance.

Tony

On Mon, Nov 29, 2010 at 4:49 PM, robert weinberg
<centaurus3200 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Thanks Tony!
>
> question - does your shop only fix german cars - or have you also worked on
> Japanese cars. reason being i've always heard this urban legend - that a
> honda accord is the most reliable car on the planet. i'm pretty sure it
> needs maintenance repairs, just like any car. and i'd put one with similar
> miles up against my wife's A4 any day.
>
> lastly, have you had any first hand experiences with the "Tiptronic torque
> converter" failure?
>
> i belive only the 1996-1997 A4 12V had the plain-ol' 5 speed auto. then from
> 1998 on, it was tip. or would you still give it a chance if the owner has
> proof that the tranny fluid has been regularly changed? or changing the
> fluid has nothing to do with the failure of the tip TQ?
>
> i had one of those "reliable" japanese econo-boxes - a 1998 Nissan Sentra -
> over the course of two years, i still replaced the axles, starter, water
> pump, battery, front brakes. and it still needed an egr valve. so, all cars
> need repairs - which i'm fine with - i just don't want something major like
> the tranny to take a dump on me ;-)
>
> and i can never drive a japanese econo-box again. i'm scarred from the
> mediocrity. an accord, MAYBE - but i might fall asleep driving it from
> boredom...
>
> thanks,
> Robby