Faults:

My timing belt tensioner started to whine loudly at 65,000 miles.

Viscous cooling fan bearing failed resulting in a horrible whirring noise.

At 71,000 miles the coolant became contaminated with engine oil! After having the head gasket replaced and the cylinder head pressure tested the fault remains. My local dealer thinks the engine block may have to be replaced.

General Comments:

The wind noise from the drivers window at 65 MPH plus is excessive.

The standard stereo system is very basic.

Climate control is superb.

1.8 litre non turbo is very sluggish.

Faults:

Three sets of front brake discs have been fitted to this car from new. Replaced at 31,000 and 58,000 miles.

Fuel gauge went through a period of intermittent failure. Seems to have kept working for the last two years.

Climate control illumination display has failed (few years ago!).

Timing belt replaced at 51,000 miles. This required seized V-Belt tensioner replacement at the same time. (expensive!)

General Comments:

This car does feel very solid. Powerful door closure shows high material quality here.

Audi parts are very expensive! no surprises here.

Niggling electrical faults are not worth taking to an Audi dealer, once out of warranty period. Costs are too high!.

Faults:

Squeaking front shock absorber.

Faulty window motor.

General Comments:

AUDI A4 vs BMW 316.

Having previously been a huge fan of BMW I recently decided to give Audi a try and treat myself to an A4.

The Audi is a 1.8 20 valve whereas the BMW was the 316i, so obviously the Audi scores better in the performance stakes. The engine is silky smooth, feels more like a 6 cylinder than a 4 and delivers its power to the wheels effortlessly, pulling strongly uphill and cruising smoothly on the motorway.

The car is an absolute joy on country lanes too, never feeling unsettled when pushed hard through the bends, although I must admit there is more body roll than the BMW which rightly deserves its reputation as a true drivers car.

It's a difficult task to decide which is the better car as they both drive superbly, but for me the Audi comes out on top. I find the Audi to be more comfortable than the Beemer and the interior is an absolute work of art, it exudes class and quality without drawing attention to itself. It's a really beautiful car.

Faults:

Worn ball joint on front multilink suspension.

General Comments:

Very economical and comfortable car. Returns 55mpg easily on day to day journeys.

Handling could be better and power steering is very light.

Faults:

Electrics and electronics are VERY unreliable, expensive to diagnose and repair.

Dealer usually wants to replace sub units costing from £400 which do not effect a repair.

Past faults:

Fuel gauge eratic.

Air bag warning light.

ABS warning light.

Indicators.

Climate control electronic readouts.

This is my 3rd Audi (1x 80 Sport and another A4), both had serious electrical problems out of the warranty.

General Comments:

Engine and mechanicals are fantastic, totally reliable and very well wearing. Engine good for at least 200k.

No squeaks, rattles or slackness anywhere - build quality on a 100k car as new - big feel good factor especially with a personalised registration as the body shape has changed little.

Faults:

Nothing other than airbag recall, and repair to lock/window after attempted break in.

General Comments:

Engine superb, economy great, would definitely get another especially the 110bhp version.

Climate control a godsend.

Faults:

Recall for potential airbag fault.

General Comments:

Enough acceleration to completely blow away XR3i drivers at traffic lights.

Very classy-looking car.

Niggles: Sony stereo poor; no variable-speed intermittent wipe; doors spring open to detent positions.