Faults:

Passenger side power mirror motor operates improperly.

Trim falls off.

Control arm linkage and boots have been issues several times.

Turbocharger failed at about 35000 miles.

Headlight washer pump seems to have failed (not like this is an exceedingly critical component).

Currently leaking coolant - I suspect the pump, but do not yet know for certain.

General Comments:

Drives beautifully, with sports car like handling and more than adequate passing power and great fuel economy considering its pep, though a little weak off the line. Drives quite well in snow and rain, as well.

Has been about as reliable and cost effective as the '87 Pathfinder and '89 Prelude I previously owned (both considered generally reliable, but typically expensive (for European and Japanese cars, to generalize) to repair), so far. Coincidence? Reflective of maintenance habits?

Could be quite expensive to maintain now that my Audi Assured warranty has expired (e.g., what seems to be the same control arm linkage issue as I've had in the past is back).

Some earlier problems could conceivably had to do with how the previous driver (it was a lease turn in) treated it.

Generally a great performing car for the purchase price that seems relatively reliable and cost effective with some care.

Faults:

1. The Sunroof opens by itself - this appears to be a switch issue and several attempts to fix it failed.

2. The auxillary fan makes grinding noises. This sound started always when the A/C turned on. This appears to be a worn out bearing. Stevens Creek Audi, San Jose, CA, changed all driving belts in the engine - until they finally diagnosed the fan to be the reason for the sound.

3. Yesterday the timing belt broke - that may be it...

I've had 6 Audi's in my life - but I will probably buy another brand this time.

General Comments:

It has been a nice car until a year ago, but it appears to be built for a limited lifetime.

Faults:

Timing belt broke at 79k miles, service interval is at 105k miles. Blown engine that I'm responsible for because of Audi's mistake.

Power windows, both, broke down. $300 a piece to fix the small plastic piece. Around 60k miles when this happened.

Driver airbag light came on, diagnostics showed a broken sensor. $450 to fix.

General Comments:

Comfortable car that handles well and is ergonomic and somewhat luxurious. Great car, but not reliable at all. A lot of small details on top of the things listed above, in general a money pit. I think I'll stay away from Audi and VW in the future.