Faults:

Punctured tyre.

Brakes needed replacing.

Aircon/blowers dodgy.

Rear ashtray cover loose.

Cupholders dodgy.

Leather around gearstick shows signs of wear.

General Comments:

Fantastic car - feels like a limousine at a slow pace, yet hungry enough for a little accelerator excitement - especially when the turbo kicks in.

Very smooth ride, totally forgiving - really does drive like it's on rails. never feels like it's losing control.

However that is also a downside - you never feel like you're fully driving this car. My previous car was a Scirocco, and oh boy, it felt like you were driving by the seat of your pants when you pushed it. The Audi doesn't care how hard you push it - but it is scary as you don't feel in complete control. The Scirocco was scary because you do feel you're in total control!

The 1.8 engine is more economical than the larger engines, but the turbo gives it much-needed poke, especially with the revs in the mid-range. With 150BHP, a top speed of 147MPH and around 30-35MPG it has all the right numbers. AND it's chippable to 225BHP should you want more power.

The looks are great - Audi have designed a classic here. Everything about its appearance combines quality, style and power.

The interior is spacious enough for any family, and the boot will swallow most loads.

In short, the closest I have found to perfection in a family car.

Faults:

Usual wear & tear items eg.

Brake pads.

Tyres.

Thrust bearing is starting to become noisy.

General Comments:

Brilliant car, much better looking than a Golf or 3 series.

Previous owner fitted Quattro alloys which make it look even better.

Doesn't have much grunt, but adequate for a 1.6,and cruises happily at 100mph.

Faults:

Offside lower front suspension arm needed replacing - probably due to being kerbed excessively by previous owner. Other than that, nothing!

General Comments:

Very comfortable, spacious and reliable car.

It handles very well although I have aftermarket 17inch alloys on which exaggerates the body roll. I intend to fit lowering springs which should sort this.

Excellent refinement for a 6 year old 1600 engine - incredibly quiet with good, smooth power delivery.

Having fitted aftermarket alloys, the car gets a lot of comments, being in bright solid red it stands out. A lot of people ask how I can afford it - not realizing that it's an N reg (private plate) and isn't too expensive to run!

Faults:

Apart from the Air Conditioning requiring a recharge the car has been absolutely faultless.

General Comments:

I have owned German cars for a number of years and have always been impressed with their reliability and build quality. The Audi has definitely delivered in these departments.

I have marked the dealer servicing rating quite high, but must stress that this is NOT at an Audi main dealer. Find a good specialist and servicing costs are no more expensive than lesser quality family cars. Parts are also relatively inexpensive - in the UK try GSF or EuroCarParts.

The car is very good to drive, it handles pretty well and although more power would be nice - buy a 1.8T then ;) the performance is more than adequate for a family saloon. Fuel consumption isn't brilliant, but it's nothing to be concerned about.

The interior is a very comfortable place to be especially with the front centre armrest. The Climate Control is also great, but I suspect if things went wrong with the control unit this could be expensive. As is typical with VAG cars the interior could be described as somewhat sombre on lesser specced models, but ours is fitted with the full leather interior and walnut cappings which lifts the interior ambience.

My only gripes are the wind noise at speed and a very light clutch which can be difficult to make smooth getaways.

Also shop around for insurance as you seem to be charged a premium for an Audi (more expensive to repair I was told).

All in all a very good family car and thoroughly recommended. In fact I'm half thinking of trading up to a newer A4...