During the `1995-1997` period, the Audi Cabriolet `8G` carried on Audi's front-engined, front-wheel-drive convertible formula, aimed more at relaxed fast touring than at sharp sports-car behaviour. Against a BMW 3 Series Cabriolet, it leaned more on smoothness, build quality and understatement than on agility. It remains appealing on the used market, but only if the hood, sealing and structure have not been neglected.
The range mainly centres on the `2.6 V6`, `2.8 V6` and, from the mid-1990s onward, the rarer but interesting `1.9 TDI 90` `1Z` for calm everyday use. These engines are not especially complicated by modern Audi standards, yet on this convertible you have to inspect the body, seals and equipment just as closely as the mechanical side. A good `8G` is bought on overall condition, hood quality and coherent maintenance, not on mileage alone.