Q: I am considering purchasing a 2008 Audi A4 2.0T CVT. This is the FWD automatic model. According to popular car comparison sources, it is very similar to the Acura TSX 4dr sedan, in term of performance and price, I think. Personally I like the style of Audi better. The car feels less sporty and more luxury than the Acura, and I like that. However, what seriously is holding me back right now is the concern of reliability. Acura is known to be very reliable, while as the Audi (even the models from recent years) has very mixed review for reliability, some of them very bad. I was used to having a Japanese car (97 Accord) and never had to worry about the car breaking down. Is buying an Audi A4 not a good idea? Any sharing of your experience with either A4 or TSX will be helpful! Thank you in advance! Thanks everyone for your valuable suggestions! You guys have given some of the best advices I've got so far! I do intend to keep the car for a long time, if that's possible. I don't really like Acura for the same reason as Jay mentioned, although it's probably a great car! So now I am looking into the Lexus IS250. Reliability is not a issue. For a couple grands extra, I get a peace of mind, although the style may not be my top choice. But not sure how the car IS250 "feels", never drove a RWD before myself. Any comparison there? Still thinking if I can get away with an Audi A4. Why so few of them around? I counted 3 Audi in 4 days.
A: I was just asked this question a couple days ago and I feel that both are good choices but I would go with the Audi. Here are some pros and cons: Pros: Style (This car has the best styling among luxury cars, there is no cheap plastic feel in the car) Luxury Safety (Even without its quattro AWD, the Audi A4 platform was rated the highest by the governement among the luxury sedans) Uniqueness (How many more Acuras you see everyday vs an Audi?) Cons: Reliability (Depends on how long you're keeping your car) Price Gas prices I own an Audi S4 2007, and I have friends who drive Acura TLs as well as the TSX. Both of these cars will give you around 200 HP. In terms of luxury and and style Audi will beat the Acura hands down. When you get into an Audi you'll always notice a difference in the quality of the seats, and the styling. The closest thing I've come to experience this was when I was in my friends new Lexus IS Series. While the guys above me do have a point about the reliability of Audis. I think you deserve a clarification. YES Audis are expensive to maintain especially since it is a German car. However, the Audi will only experience problems towards the 70,000 mile mark. From the people I've met, (who all take good care of their cars) their Audis (from TTs to A4s and S4s) have all been reliable until the 70,000 mile mark. If you want, think of the Audi A4 as the perfect balance between safety, performance, and style. It's not going to be too fast, but it will still be a joy to drive, I know I still do :) In short go with the Audi A4, and if that's not your taste, I'd also recommend the Audi TT which alot of my female friends adore.