Faults:

Timing belt slipped at 83,000 miles; engine destroyed according to dealer service department resulting in a $9,200 new engine repair bill.

Cracked brake fluid reservoir and cooling fan assembly relpaced at 83,000 miles.

Rear Brake light relay failed at 79,000 miles and was replaced.

Pollen filter, ball joints (?) headlight assembly on driver's side all replaced at 78,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car drives like a dream.

Quick acceleration.

Smooth transmission changes.

Feels very stable in the corners.

Instrumentation looks great and is well placed.

The trunk has much greater capacity than you might expect.

Faults:

The instrument cluster had to be replaced from a bad temperature gauge, but I bought the extended warranty which covered it.

Windows do leak a little in the rain.

General Comments:

People either love it or hate it, and I love it. I have a friend who had constant problems with her 1.8 180 HP coupe, but I have not had anything I didn't know about going into it.

I read these other reviews, and I guess people think this is a luxury sedan. It's a roadster people! It's built for windy roads and sporty driving. The suspension is way more comfortable than my old Mustang GT, and the handling is second to none.

I chipped it and added a diverter valve, and I highly recommend both. Neither will eliminate my warranty according to Carmax, and it helps decrease turbo lag and add responsiveness.

Don't think I will ever be able to part with it!

Faults:

Timing belt failed at 77,000 miles causing engine damage.

Mass Airflow Sensor Failed.

Combination Valve Failed.

Turbo cooling oil return lines leaked.

Instrument Cluster seriously malfunctioned and required replacement.

Headlight Assembly failed and replaced.

Turn signal relay replaced.

Heated mirror switch replaced.

Fuel Sender pumps failed and required replacement.

Ball joints worn prematurely and required replacement.

Engine mount disintegrated and required replacement.

Axel seal leaked and replaced.

Window seals leak when it rains.

Leather seats were permanently damaged by exposure to one brief rain shower.

General Comments:

This vehicle handles well - when it runs. Two failures have left me stranded on the side of the road in less than 8 months. Many other failures have required lengthy and expensive repairs. I would never buy another Audi or Volkswagen. I purchased this vehicle with about 55,000 miles on it and it now has around 77,000. All of these problems have occurred since my purchase.

Car is very sluggish off the line and remains so until approximately 3,000 RPM. Car is far heavier than I expected and absolutely must be equipped with very good all season tires or dedicated snow tires if it will be driven in the winter. Fuel economy is good (27-30 MPG) between 55 and 65 MPH, but drops into the low 20s or lower when driven around town or at higher highway speeds.