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Late B5 and B6 I know require VAGCOM for anything more than simply reading codes, cant do any of the diagnostics or data stream viewing at all with a regular OBD2 scanner (I was using a Snap-On Solus, not really a cheap scanner by any means)Since when can't you use a normal scan tool? All cars 1996 and newer talk OBDII. Sure a VAGCOM ($300) is nice but you don't have to have one. You can do maintenance resets via the cluster. Parts are on par with any German car but there seem to be even more discount parts dealers than BMW and MB. I wouldn't know about the dealer though, I do my own work.
90's Audis and BMWs are a great choice. early 90's Benz' are indestructible but are hideous.
id look into B5 audis and e36 BMWs you can get a E36 328i, Manual, RWD, Leather, Power seats, ect... for like $6k
also Harbor Freight sells scan tools for OBDI and II I have them they were like $35 a piece. work great.
Go do a few more details to come up with another $600 and pick up this Mazdaspeed 6. I think it fits all of your criteria with being AWD, 6 speed manual transmission, turbo, sporty, quick. And it's not 10+ years old so you shouldn't have to do a lot of tinkering.
Cars for Sale: 2006 Mazda MAZDASPEED6 in Brooklyn, NY 11214: Sedan Details - 288870477 - AutoTrader.com
Mark
Audi A4 Quattro (B5/B6)
*Subaru Legacy = Turbo is the faster motor but the N/A motor is sufficient
*Lexus IS250 = early 2000's model with manual/rwd and great handling
Be wary, if you notice any odd engine or drivetrain noises or oddness I would stay far far away, WRX are commonly driven HARD. Even if the exterior is in perfect shape, id still be carefully inspecting the engine and drivetrain before I bought it.I found an '03 wrx with 113k miles, great condition (No dings / interior stains... Well taken care of) for 7.5k on craigslist, but he said he would take 6.5k. =)
Thoughts?
Late B5 and B6 I know require VAGCOM for anything more than simply reading codes, cant do any of the diagnostics or data stream viewing at all with a regular OBD2 scanner (I was using a Snap-On Solus, not really a cheap scanner by any means)
Good cars but very overpricedHonda Civic or Toyota Corolla would be a good first car and very reliable.
How many DIY's.... or shops for that matter do you know of that actually do diagnostics beyond codes? Granted I have not tried data streaming via OBDII, but is that just your experience, or a known rule? I have an ELM I guess I could try out on my B5. Don't get me wrong, I agree that Audi isn't the most reliable German brand, but its not the least, and they are very durable, fun and AWD.
hond accord v5 model should be considered
Thats just my own experience with the Data Streaming, and all the good technicians that I know do diagnostics beyond pulling codes.
Replacing sensors and parts blindly without knowing whats actually broken is a waste of time and money and the customer is going to come back when code is thrown again.
I'm guessing you meant v6? Or is the v5 literally a model?
^^^This is a good idea!^^^
Except for the cost of parts and the fact that you cant even use a normal scan tool for diagnosis you have to take it to the dealer to do a lot of common stuff. Audis are really expensive for maitenence and repairs, moreso than bmw and mercedes even from what Ive seen.
Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla would be a good first car and very reliable.