Luxury and Fun for a cheap price
None as of yet.
Exceptional Car. I'm a little sad about the power and the engine size, but the turbo gives it a nice little kick. Cabin is very roomy and I'm six foot five.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th May, 2007
Luxury, style, and safety in a great-looking and comfortable package
The moon-roof would open and close on its own - this was fixed under warranty.
There was a recall for the fuel pump.
The Audi A4 3.0 V6 quattro offers a great mix of comfort, style, and speed.
The car's interior is superbly designed and very solid. Audi's deserve their reputation for producing some of the best cabins around.
The AWD system is great for all weather - this can handle rain and snow extremely well, and with the additional traction control, it feels very safe.
The 3.0 V6 is smooth and powerful, but not super-quick, still it certainly suffices, but unfortunately the gas mileage isn't so good.
The 6-speed manual transmission is solid, the clutch action is old-school heavy, which I personally enjoy.
The vehicle offers some great creature comforts including climate control, heated mirrors, Bose sound system, Xenon headlights, leather heated seats, and a handy trip computer.
The sports package gives this car a very low profile which I love. What with the muscular body style it makes it look aggressive and sporting.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd March, 2007
Fun to drive, but mechanically a wreck
Oil sludge in engine. Ignition quit working. Air bag had to be replaced.
I have owned this car for 2 1/2 years. The car originally cost about $32,000. I bought it new. Since the date of purchase I have spent over $12,000 on repairs. Audi will do nothing to help. I would highly recommend not purchasing a VW/Audi product.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th June, 2005
I am going to buy a 1999 Audi Quattro 2.8L.. do you think it's a reliable car??
Thanks.
The oil in these engines turns to sludge in the American market because most people don't understand how turbos work. The blades get VERY hot after running, and they are cooled by circulating engine oil. If you turn off the car right away after normal operation, the oil trapped in the turbo will over heat, and turn into sludge or even solid matter. On next start up, it will get flushed into the rest of the lubrication system and plug some important passage... So use synthetic only, change oil every 5000km, and idle your car after a hard run; or get a turbo timer.
Looking forward to buying another one
Frequently the fuse was blowing on the dome lights, rear latch, and other minimal features. Dealer could not correct, but problem seemed to cure itself.
Wiper linkage went bad. This apparantly may be a design flaw on the car.
Ash tray jammed, dealer replaced.
Rear cup holder jammed, dealer replaced.
The car is amazing in the snow, the quattro system is why you buy this car.
Other than aforementioned fit and finish problems, the car has an interior better than the vast majority of cars in its class.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd April, 2005
A lot for the bucks
Strange noise when turning while indicating, dealer says it was the airbag spring. Fixed under warranty.
Fuel indicator stopped working due to corroded sensor. Fixed under warranty.
This is an attractive car and quite enjoyable to drive.
The Quattro system is amazing, the car can be driven hard on any surface.
Braking is really weak and has caused many scary moments, dealer says brakes are OK. Have considered upgrading the brakes, but it will void the warranty.
Automatic gearbox is not great, there is a big accelaration delay in 'Drive', while 'sport mode' is too high revving making it uncomfortable to drive.
I don't regret buying this car, the Quattro alone is worth the dosh, but I miss my 328!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 9th March, 2004
Quattro system is amazing, but braking and acceleration a little dull huh?
I resisted the temptation to buy another high maintenance European car, and recently traded up from my Audi A4 for a fabulous high performance "All Wheel Drive" Subaru. My opinion:
1. Quattro vs All Wheel Drive (AWD)? - AWD is just as stable (if not more).
2. Performance? The Subie kills the Audi, and puts a smile on your face for driving it, not just posing in it.
3. Braking? I kinda thought the Audi had good brakes, 'til I bought my Subie...
3. Features? I now have climate air, front and side air bags, leather, power sun roof, cruise control and after market sat nav - with around Aus $5,000.00 change over a base A4. And you can have an Avant type shape if you want.
4. Reliability? Have you read all the carsurvey.org reviews about the lack of reliability and high maintenance costs of the Audis. Now go and have a look at the reviews on the Subaru WRX's and Libertys. The A4 I had was the most expensive to maintain car I have ever owned.
5. Value? If you want to pose, consider an A4. If you're past posing and want a real driver's car instead, have a look at the Subarus. Oh, unless you want to spend four to five times more and buy a proper Audi such as an S4 or RS6. And if you really care about posing and not driving, spend the extra for the convertible. Of course the extra depreciation each year would probably almost be equivalent to a new WRX or Liberty every year.
Look past the badge (a very illuminating experience).
Interesting analysis. I've driven Subaru's and found that they are an excellent automobile, but they fall short in a few areas that are important to Audi owners. One being the overall level of sophistication, something that needs no further explanation. Secondly, drive-ability. No Subaru that I've driven can compare to the road manners of an Audi. It's like comparing wines, one can always appreciate a fine wine.
While I agree about the quality part (although Subarus are vastly more reliable than any Audi), the reality is Audis are boring cars similar to big American sedans. Subarus are much more fun and prove their rallying roots. Why Audi doesn't do this given its quattro changed the driving world forever is beyond me.
I will say that I swapped out tires on my Impreza for sportier ones and that made the difference.
7th Aug 2006, 12:11
Maybe on your next vehicle you won't wait forever and a half to change you're oil. Use synthetic and change it every 5,000 km's. You would be amazed at how long your car lasts when you maintain it properly and use high quality products in it. Letting your oil turn to sludge is unacceptable.