I'm so lost and sorry if this is dumb but I need a car for my job in Chicago. I have about 15k and really want an Audi A4 but no clue where to look without getting scammed.
Is there a specific site thats safe?
Caught this thread a bit late but you really need to be careful with A4s in that price range. At 15k, you are looking at the B8.5 generation mostly. I would suggest looking at AutoTempest Car Search Engine because it pulls from everywhere including private listings you wont see on the big sites. Make sure you check these technical bits before buying:
Saw this thread earlier and I gotta say, 15k is a tough spot for an A4 in Chicago right now. You're probably gonna see a lot of high-mileage junk that wasnt taken care of, which is frustrating. Ive had issues with budget luxury lots before... they usually just hide the oil leaks and send you on your way. If youre dead set on this, dont just trust a shiny exterior.
Honestly, finding an A4 in Chicago for 15k is totally doable if you know where to look. Ive been doing the used car hunt for years and Im always happy with how CarGurus handles things. Its basically my go-to because their price rating system actually makes sense. It tells you if a deal is Great or Overpriced based on the local market which is huge when youre on a tight deadline like 3 weeks. Id personally stick to the 2013-2016 range for that budget. You might even find a Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Premium Plus 2015 if you're lucky. Those B8.5 models are pretty solid and Ive had no complaints with the reliability on mine. You definitely want to check out the Audi certified pre-owned site too, even though 15k is on the lower end for CPO, sometimes you find a gem. For Chicago, you really want the Quattro all-wheel drive. Trust me, the snow there is no joke. Id suggest getting a Carfax Vehicle History Report for any car you see on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. People lie all the time about maintenance. If you see one you like, take it to a local shop for a pre-purchase inspection. It costs like 150 bucks but saves you thousands. Just stay patient and youll find a clean one that works well for your commute.