Faults:

Timing belt was due for replacement when I purchased the car - something I was aware of, and I negotiated a discount accordingly.

Water pump - replaced in conjunction with the timing belt. Recommended by the mechanic as the plastic impellers tend to become brittle and fail with age. Proved to be true in this instance - I was able to snap the old impeller blades by hand.

Suspension bush - deteriorated and was replaced with first service.

Hinged cover on recess above the ashtray won't stay down.

Some squeaking under rear seat when occupied. I traced this to the PVC coated wires under the seats rubbing together - some silicone spray fixed the problem.

General Comments:

Lovely to drive, handling is fantastic. The traction control works wonderfully without being intrusive as some systems can be. It can also be turned off if required.

The turbo engine is zippy, however the low down torque before the turbo kicks-in is average. I had an APR engine management program downloaded to the ECM, which has really turned the car into a pocket rocket. Much higher levels of torque are available at low speeds, which improves general driveability, and if you want to have some fun, just point and shoot.

The car feels very solid with a high build quality (that said, mine has done a few k's, so I would expect any issues to have been sorted out by now).

Inside the cabin, the black colour scheme and red back-lighting on the dials / auxiliaries lend a stylish finish. The black leather seats are body hugging, and provide good thigh and torso support during cornering.

Perhaps it's due to the sunroof increasing the thickness of the roof, but there is not a great deal of height available in the cabin for those of tall stature. I'm 5'11", and with the seat adjusted to its lowest point, my hair is brushing on the roof (and no, I don't have Mohawk). Space in the rear limits the vehicle to holding two adults comfortably - three adults could be accommodated for shorter journeys.

Faults:

Electric sunroof potentiometer played up a few times.

Bulbs blew on front headlights; one rear brake-light.

General Comments:

Bought our lil' Audi secondhand off a lady that had used it to go to her office and back (exactly five miles up the road). This resulted in us with an almost new black 2003 Audi, with tinted windows. Beautiful looking car, although I spoiled it by bloody backing into stump within the first 3 days of ownership!

Unbelievably though, despite having a dent the size of two fists in the lower rear bumper area, over the course of the journey back to Sydney (two and a bit hours), we noticed when we stopped for gas that the dent had become smaller and smaller. The next day, it was gone!

Rang Audi Australia to ask if the car had some sort of new compound that reversed crash damage, but they obviously thought I was having them on.

Anyway, it's been a great little car, combining economy with performance. I've driven it reasonably hard with no complaints whatsoever. It sucks premium unleaded and CAN start to guzzle fuel if you consistently hit 4000 /4500 rpm, but otherwise, it's been a pleasure to own and drive.

Only things wrong have been the sunroof playing up once or twice (fixed under warranty), and the headlights / rear lights bulbs blowing. Still, $30 per bulb has been relatively cheap for all the fun and joy the car has given us.

Service was relatively expensive in Australia - $600 for 30,000 km service. Toyotas et al will hit you for half the price.

Sorry to see it go, really. Recommended buy. Audi's service has been excellent all round.