Someone is offering to trade me a 1997 Audi A4 for my 1994 325iC. Obviously not the same value, but if I accepted a trade plus cash, how much would you suggest I ask for?

Essentially, I'm working my way up to an E46 Coupe, and I want to know if anyone thinks I can use this trade to my advantage.

Thanks! :)

No, your vert probably costs just as much as that A4. Why not just sell your 325iC then buy an e46 coupe?

if your planning on switching go for 98.5 and newer models. they had bugs on the 97 and no tuning for older models.

No, your vert probably costs just as much as that A4. Why not just sell your 325iC then buy an e46 coupe?

That's my plan, but I was asking if maybe I can use this possible trade to my advantage. For example, possibly get the guy to trade me the A4 + a few thousand, and then sell the A4 and make more money than if I just straight up sold the 325.

I'm always thinking business. :)


And yes, the vert is worth a lot more. In good condition, my car is worth nearly 9k and the A4, assuming it's got 100000 miles and is in good condition, is only worth 6.5k. Plus, I have a brand new top, headliner, window and tension straps, AC Schnitzer wheels, DEPO's, HID, etc...

I had a 97 A4, and now have an E36 Vert.

I sold my A4 at 100k miles because I wasn't willing to chance how long the turbos were going to last. (assuming it's a 1.8T vs. the 2.8 with no turbo) With the turbo car, you have no guarantees about how it was warmed up and cooled down.

If the 97 is an Auto, then it's just an regular AUTO, not a Tiptronic.

I'm assuming it's quattro? They did make fronttrack A4's and those would be hard to get rid of.

Any mods on the A4? Chip/intake/exhaust are very common.

I have to assume that the timing belt & cam belt tensioners have been replaced. This should happen around 60k miles or so. If they haven't, it's a freaking time bomb. That's a $400 job or so to have those replaced, but if they break while you're driving you're looking at a TON in engine repair.

The 1.8T will have the fake leather (pleater); while the 2.8 will have leather. Hopefully it also has the power moonroof & heated seats. The 97 A4 will also have the uglier 2-piece headlights (which didn't change to a better style until 99)

That's what I can think of so far. I don't know the "value" of the A4; but hopefully my input will help. Also, don't forget to factor in the effects of sales tax if your state requires it. Selling one car, just to buy another that you're planning on selling means that you need to get enough "profit" from the one car to not only offset the sales tax, but also make up for the hassle.

And that's why I ask. =)

Thank you for that input, very helpful. Skipping the A4.

No problem. I tend to think about things like tax effects... I'm a CPA, so I can't help but think in dollars.

Well I was figuring if I could trade this guy my bimmer for his A4 plus like, 3-4 G's (probably not going to happen but hey you never know), and then immediately sell the A4 for like 7-8 grand without ever registering it (yes this can be done) and pocket a couple thousand extra.

I'm pretty sure you can sell the car without registering it (therefore not paying the tax) because I just recently bought a car for my girlfriend (little dinky $500 POS) and signed the title with my name, address, etc.. I never registered the car, so I never paid tax on it, and I GIFTED the car over to her, and then she went and registered it in her name.

Not sure if the same will be possible if money is involved between the private parties, but I'm sure there's got to be a way to sell a car without registering it as long as you can prove you are the owner.

Anyone with knowledge please chime in.

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