Faults:
5-speed manual transmission flushed with new fluid at 103k miles. Transmission makes grinding noise only on 1st gear because previous owner had never flushed the transmission fluid as required every 25k miles.
Outer tie-rod ends were replaced at 103k miles. Worn out tie-rod ends causes excessive vibrations while driving. Replacements cost $100.
Original head-unit malfunctioned at 104k miles. New Pioneer head-unit installed.
Sunroof controls are malfunctioning at 103k miles. Sometimes it will close and other times it stays partial open. Replacement cost $150.
Thermostat was replaced at 104k miles. Original thermostat was stuck in open position causing bad fuel economy. Replacement cost $30.
Brake and clutch system flushed with new fluid at 104k miles. Required every 2 years.
Power steering system flushed with new hydraulic fluid at 104k miles. Previous owner flushed with regular power steering fluid! Audi requires use of hydraulic fluid for power steering!
Both catalytic converters rattle loudly at 108k miles. Replacement cost $500 each because only the catalytic converters from the dealership will be C.A.R.B. legal in California.
C.V. boots cracked open on both front axles at 110,000 miles. Both axles were replaced with rebuilt axles. Replacements with core exchange cost $100 each.
Dashboard warped along the edge that is touching the windshield. This occurs if it was exposed to excessive heat from hot summer days. Sun-shields should be used when A4 is parked in direct sunlight.
Unknown location of water leak on drivers side floor during heavy rains. Possibly leaks from the rubber sealing the hood latch cable housing.
Randomly an instrument cluster bulb burns out. Replacement cost $3 per bulb.
Interior dome light switches all fell out. Poor design renders useless interior lighting.
Climate control LCD screen flickers on/off randomly. Just a poorly designed electrical connection for the LCD screens. tapping around the edges of the screen temporarily fixes the flickering when it occurs.
Factory alarm module removed. Alarm would go off randomly whenever the A4 was parked on uneven surfaces.
Low RPM vibrations felt inside cabin during cruising speeds around 30-50mph. This is caused by the back pressure of the exhaust system. Occurs in most A4's with factory exhaust system because 2 mufflers are utilized in conjunction, not separately.
General Comments:
If you are mechanically inclined and are able to service these vehicles yourself, then they are excellent vehicles to own. Parts are expensive, but so are BMW and Mercedes parts.
The 2.8 litre engine is solid, but does not yield performance. The turbo 1.8 litre engines have performance potential, but are not solid and require proper maintenance to avoid seize up from oil sludge.
The ride quality of the A4 is smooth with some wind noise at highway speeds. The handling is excellent in twisty roads.
Original paint holds up well if taken care of. Same goes for the leather interior.
Do not use rubberized steering wheel covers as they will damage and deform the leather steering wheel over time.
Short shifter kit is recommended for the manual shift transmission models.
I highly recommend buying the 1997 or newer models rather than the 1996 because of the tip-tronic transmission, revised climate controls, revised instrument cluster, nicer steering wheel, and increased engine power.
1st Dec 2006, 08:30
Surprising that you get all that fixed for under 1000... Typically the timing belt replacement alone would have cost you $600 for labor, and an additional $50 for parts. And that's is NOT at the dealer...