Hey 3rd gen owners. I have been thinking really hard about selling my 2nd gen and have gotten some offers from random people to buy it lately. My 2nd gen has microtech, streetported rebuilt motor, big turbo etc etc etc. Basically pretty damn built. I love the car but looks wise nothing compares to the 3rd gen...Im 21 now and work full time and drive an audi a6 that also kills alot of my money. My main question is realistically speaking how much of a difference is it owning a 3rd gen money wise compared to 2nd gen. Im really lost on what to do. I know both cars are a hell of a difference and i would just like some input from people that were kind of in my shoes....Young..not too wealthy...but would like to upgrade to 3rd gen.


Thanks and really sorry for the noobish question. Just really dont know if its smart to do yet.

 

There really isn't that much of a difference in cost of ownership. I think the main reason people go with the FC first is its a much cheaper price point to get into than the FD. I'm sure you know that if you buy an FC for cheap its more than likely going to have a million costly problems and its the same for the FD. Mod wise there is a much bigger after market for the FD with new parts still being made. The only problem is they tend to be on the expensive side but probably no different than paying the price to have the rare must have FC items. I say if you can afford it then go for it. I really liked my FC when I had it but I absolutely LOVE my FD

 

can you trade in the a6 for a lower cost DD or would you be upside down on the loan? I'm assuming you're financing the a6

 

I love my FD, but i have been wanting to add a NA second gen to the garage. No real reason why, well I guess there is a reason, a LS1 is going in the FD, and I love the rotary, problem is Id rather have the LS1 for long term and the na rotary to toy around with.

 

I only owe 4k on my a6 and have done everything maintenance wise (not my choice lol). I do have a settlement coming soon and if its what i think it is I might just pull the trigger. Only thing that has me hanging is going from a very quick fc to a basically stockish fd (fc=5-6k +4k cash =$10k stock fd)with unknown issues. I bought my really clean chassis then built it from there so you can understand why im skeptical haha. This has been killing my brain for the past week I love the look of fd's so much!

Thank you for your input! Main thing i was wondering was cost factor in ownership.

Handling wise is there a big difference? lets say stock for stock.

 

One of the biggest things you will notice is that there are far fewer used OEM parts available. This is simply a matter of numbers. The turbo FC models shared many parts with the much higher selling nonturbo cars.

While the FC interior is certainly nowhere near as durable as the interior in my Q45, it's nowhere near as flimsy and brittle as what's in the FD. Much of the FD interior falls to pieces and parts are becoming harder to find. There are some FD-specific problems you may run into like the instrument cluster problem. Things you wouldn't expect to fail can go out on you if you have a higher mileage car, like the heater core and pop-up headlight covers. If you're making payments on the A6 you will need to sell it and get a Civic or something. If you want a nice FD it will hold your wallet hostage, so be prepared.

 

as for the handling, comparing stock or near-stock the FD is noticeably better. This is due to the better suspension geometry and the more "hardcore" suspenion tuning compared to the FC. Then again, both cars are so old that their suspension is likely to have seen better days anyway. The FD antilock brakes are nice. Overall though the more you modify an FC the less gap there will be between it and the FD. They come from different places but end up at the same destination.

 

TURN BACK!! Its no to late!!
I think you are going to notice that used FD parts prices are alot higher than FC ones, thats what I hear anyway from my FC buddies.

I wish you luck and a fat wallet.

 

forget what anyone tells you. FD parts are a pain in the butt and people that have them want a ton of money even if the parts are crappy. i have a 89 vert and a 94 FD that is a rare white. interior parts are almost impossible to find at a reasonable price and you will spend between 150 to 2500 bucks to to revamp your car if the inside is bad. FC are easier to find and cost much less. you wont find FDs in junkyards and the salvage yard wants new part prices for items. You can still find FCs in the junkyards and most owners are pretty cool to deal with. I find guys with FDs think they are on a goldmine and are not as friendly. good luck with your decision but really consider the your pocket.

 

I agree with what some others have said already about your DD. If you wanna upgrade to an FD I highly suggest you sell your Audi, and pick up something thats bomb proof and a bit cheaper so you will not be throwing money into it. Think civic or accord or something. I have been driving a 91 civic hatch POS for the last few years and it has cost me less than $500 to keep on the road. This translated to many thousands being available for my car I really care about, the FD.

Parts are much more expensive, rebuilds are more expensive, and like stated before parts are rare and harder to find compared to the FC. You have a definite leg up from most others though since you are doing research before buying a piece of **** and coming here and asking what BOV you should get to turn up your boost to 20 pounds.

I have seen many very nice, well sorted out, running, driving, Fds for sale over the last year and a half on the classifides. Most legit cars are goin for like 12-15k. Some rare deals down near 10.5.

I really suggest you try to pick up a car that has gone single already and with many of the "reliability" mods already done. This will save you tons of time and thousands of bucks. Let the seller eat the cost of his mods so you can be a step ahead. Just make sure the work is of good craftsmanship and has good documentation. Dont limit yourself to your local area, searh nationwide, much better chances at getting what you really want for a good price. Shipping nationwide is about 500-1000 depending on distance.

I would read the 3rd gen section Faq sticky in the tech section before looking at any cars. This outlines all major problems and concerns with the car. Do your research now and save yourself time and money later.

Gordon: You dont seriously think out cars are gaing value with their age do you?

 

Thanks alot everyone for your input and honesty. I have alot of things now to consider now.

 

Go for the 3rd gen man. Get out while you can, i'm in the same boat. I've spent so much on this fc, I should of gone fd in the first place. Currently parting all my stuff out, and selling bone stock.

 

Thats what im thinking...i dont cheap out on my fc and feel like with the same amount i can have a stockish fd...only thing is like everyone is saying the mods are more expensive which blows. But a nicer looking car would be awesome.