Faults:

Brake pump failed at 75000 miles.

General Comments:

This is one of the most attractive soft top cars ever made, especially with the hood down. Audi got it right with this design.

The 2.3 5 cylinder engine is just right for this model. Smaller engines would suffer because of the weight of the car, and larger engines would just make it faster, but more thirsty.

If you ever hear a loud clattering noise coming from the engine at around the 4th or 5th cylinder position, do not strip the engine down to check the pistons like my garage did. The 2.3 engines brake pump is powered by a metal bar, which is driven by the cam shaft as it goes round. If the metal bar wears a little, it will make a very loud clattering noise until the engine warms up and the oil lubricates it.

Faults:

All repairs by Audi specialist as follows:

The radiator went in the first week & cost £360 incl fitting & all new hoses (genuine parts).

There was a lot of noise in the front suspension. The ball joints & CV gaiter needed replacing (£204 incl fitting), but did not fix it entirely.

The brakes seemed poor, so I had new discs & pads all round (£330 incl fitting). It still has progressive brakes i.e. soft at first, but become better the harder you press.

Some leaks around windscreen into the passenger foot well - have not been able to fix.

The seats are excellent & the ride is good & the handling feels safe. Solidly put together.

I'm 6ft 3ins & there is just enough headroom for me.

The rear screen had been replaced, but the hood has stayed in excellent condition for its age.

The engine is wonderfully smooth & refined to drive. A trip anywhere feels special.

Overall, I love this car & don't ever plan to sell it. It was such a stylish & beautiful design, & looks brilliant even 18 years after launch. I can't believe what I got for £2400.

General Comments:

One of the most stylish car designs ever. A beautiful car, & it feels special to own it.

Faults:

Electric radio aerial died twice - £100+ each time.

Brake disks need replacing every 55000 miles - £250 front and back from friendly independent specialist.

Passenger door dropped - rectified by dealer.

Broken cable in boot lid - tail and fog lights not working - either buy new loom (as dealer suggested) or get fixed by friendly specialist for £20.

Hood release switch not working - have to release hood manually. Believe there is a tilt sensor in the boot.

Switch that winds all 4 windows down at the same time needed replacing (£15)

Front wheel bearing needed replacing at 80,000.

Clutch may be on the way out at 112,000 miles - but its been like that for the last 40,000!

General Comments:

Very attractive car with a lovely smooth ride. Has been very reliable and solid.

Its perfect for runs to the beach, or just commuting with the top down. Tiring on long, high speed drives due to wind noise (but it is a rag-top!). Gearing is a bit low for relaxed motorway cruising.

For a heavy car, the 2 litre is a bit ponderous - if this car dies I shall buy a late 2.8 litre version of the same :)

Had a few minor electrical faults, but its basic, solid mechanicals are holding up very well - and I do drive it quite hard.

Faults:

Boot lid letting in water via high level third tail light.

General Comments:

Given that this car is a soft top, road noise is minimal.

Overall build quality is excellent.

The 2.6 V6 is a powerful engine with plenty of smooth torque.

The electric power hood is simply brilliant and will stow away neatly in the hood box in about 10 seconds.