Faults:

Replaced the following between 50,000 and 60,000 miles. They were covered under Audi certification program warranty.

- Control arms. Dealer said this was normal for this car.

- Both headlights. They blew out within a week of each other.

- Radio. Driver side door speakers stopped working. New radio fixed the problem.

- Heating elements in both outside mirrors.

- Cup holders. Springs broke.

- Window controls on driver door.

- Timing chain(?) dampener. Some rattling noise from engine compartment.

Around 75,000 miles the wheel bearings for the back right wheel were replaced.

Around 80,000 miles, right-side headlight blows out again.

Around 90,000 timing belt broke.

Every so often while going up hill at slow speed (under 25) car would refuse to shift down to correct gear and the engine would knock. Audi mechanics told me transmission was "working within spec".

General Comments:

I liked the idea of driving an Audi -- something a little more jazzy than the everyday Accord and Camry.

With new tires, this car with the all wheel drive was great in the snow.

The seats are very uncomfortable after an hour or so.

Car is slow. Especially from a stand still.

Faults:

Lower front control arms replaced at 42000 km (and they need to be replaced again).

Drivers air bag and module replaced at 50000 km.

Water pump replaced at 55000 km.

Power steering pump replaced at 60000 km.

Oil pressure light and oil temp gage sensor replaced at 65000 km.

Windshield washer pump replaced at 72000 km.

Lower door edge moldings replaced at 82000 km.

Power seat motor replaced at 84000 km.

Transmission diagnosed as needing complete rebuild at 82000 km although repairs not done yet.

Myriad electronic and electrical failures through the years.

General Comments:

Even 7 years after introduction, the first generation A4 is a really handsome car, outside and in.

The car is a joy to drive, although it's not particularly quick.

It is miraculous in winter weather.

It has never left me stranded, but has had far too many failures of major components for a car which has been cosseted from the day I first owned it.

It has also suffered numerous more minor electrical problems which end up being expensive to repair.

Repairs, and service for wear and tear like brakes are simply too expensive.

To fix the 1st gear problem in the transmission requires a complete rebuild/replacement, a huge and unacceptable expense in a quality car with less than 90000 km.

The re-emergence of the control arm issue is the final straw!

Faults:

Passenger rear window doesn't go down anymore, no big problem, I just havn't gotten around to putting a new selonoid in it yet.

Water pump started leaking at about 95K miles. But then, every car my family has ever owned (American and European) has needed a new water pump before 100k (except the Toyota). But, like an idiot I kept saying "next week" I'll fix it. After saying that for 12k miles it finally went out. Chain reaction (like any car), I now have a new engine in my car. But that one is my own fault.

Other than that, no problems at all.

General Comments:

When I first got the car, the front end shook at high speed braking, like if I was coming up on stopped or slow traffic on the highway. Simple solution, I put a more stiff sport suspension including sport shocks on the car, and I replaced those nasty manufacturer tires (you all know the ones I mean) with a good pair Z rated tires. The car has handled like a dream ever since.

The All Wheel Drive system that Audi has is amazing. I'd rather drive my audi in Montana snow than any other car, truck, or SUV out there.

Also, I'm 6'5" and have never sat in a more comfortable car in my life. I spent 44 continuous hours. in the driver seat cross country and never hurt once.

I am going to keep buying Audis as long as I can.