Faults:

The intake manifold got dirty and had to be cleaned at 205.000 km. The oil-check stick broke and had to be replaced. It is a cheap part, but it's failure is common. The exhaust is in OK shape, but the 'damping' part sprung a blow and was replaced at 200.000 km, the part is not expensive if you look around specialized shops. Also, there was a greater service on the front suspension due to play in the joints. This is a common problem as well, although mainly present in areas with very bad roads. The interior is starting to show it's age, especially the steering wheel. The leather around the gear knob has already been replaced. Otherwise, the interior is OK regarding it accommodated 4 for most of it's 12+ year lifetime.

General Comments:

One of it's best qualities is the exterior. It is in excellent condition. Mind the odd little scrape, but there is absolutely no rust or signs of the shell weakening. The ride is good, the steering is very light and easy to operate. Because of the five-way front suspension, the front wheels point excellently in to the right way in corners, and tyre wear is also minimal for a relatively heavy car (1230 or so kg).

The engine is not the best in the A4 range, it would certainly be better with the 1.8T, but in general, and perhaps in comparison to some rival products, it is all-in-all good. The 125 HP are enough for some dynamic driving, although the "N/A 5-valve 4-cyl" layout requires higher rpms if you want to use the power. To about 2-3 thousand rpm, the engine is best used with little throttle. If you give it full throttle from a low speed, it won't pull like a good turbo or smooth V6 engine, it will just use more fuel. In average, fuel consumption is 9,3 litres per 100 km. Very short shopping trips included.

The gearbox and clutch show no wear and are perfect, as well as everything on the track, apart from the front suspension joints I mentioned, that had to be replaced. The air conditioning is good.

The original stereo quality is very impressive for a stock system. Absolutely no need for mods unless you're really in to that kind of thing.

All in all, the car is just fine, and considering it is an Audi - not quite the cheapest new buy, with all the high quality unoriginal parts on sale, it is relatively cheap to run. The engine's 9,3 litre consumption also makes sense if nothing on the engine brakes. Although - oil changes should be made every 10.000 km.

The local official dealer service is of pretty poor quality. But if you have a good 'private' mechanic, servicing is no problem at all.

Till now it has been fine, at the moment it is fine, and it feels ready for another 300.000... in comfort, speed, safety and elegant style.

Faults:

The key and barrel recognition computer, which senses the key, had to replaced, along with a barrel and a new set of keys. It cost me €400 with an auto electrician who went through Audi.

The fuel pump in the fuel tank had to be replaced. That cost €160 with a standard mechanic.

It now needs an air flow meter, which is around €100 from a Motor Factors.

All front suspension bushes need replacing due to the 17 inch wheels and wide tyres (might go to 16inch with smaller tyre's). Approx €500 for the bushes.

General Comments:

Now don't get upset if you really wanted an Audi A4. The car was sitting up for over a year.

As far as I know, they do give fuel pump trouble and air flow meter trouble, but not very often.

It's very fast for a 1.6, and so comfortable.

Great steering wheel and seat adjustments.

Speakers are very good for standard spec. Lots of room for four people.

Just watch the corners, they're a bit soft on the suspension, but take it easy and you will be fine.

Even after all that went wrong, I love the car and I'd recommend the A4 to anybody.