2000 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T from North America

Summary:

The 2000 A4 1.8T Quattro is a pleasure to drive and own, but expensive to repair.

Faults:

Mass Air Flow Sensor 73,000mi

(Manufacturer refused to reimburse cost under their recall reimbursement plan because the vehicle was 3,000mi over the 70,000mi limit despite proof that the car had been misdiagnosed for more than a year)

Combination Valve 73,000mi.

Rear Wheel Bearings (2) 75,000mi.

Oil Pump 78,000mi.

Timing Belt 98,000mi

(Due to the nature of interference engines the failure of the timing belt caused the engine to be severely damaged)

General Comments:

The 2000 A4 1.8T Quattro is a pleasure to drive, but expensive to repair. It seems that when something goes wrong it is often major and very costly.

The last failure (timing belt) may result in repairs totaling $4,500-$6,500. I am currently waiting on a response from Audi of America regarding warranty information. If no consideration is given and I am left with the full cost of repair I intend to bring the matter before a court of law.

If you like Audi and are willing to take a chance it can be a great experience. My only advice is "Super Size" the warranty. In other words, buy the extended warranty if offered. Be sure the dealership you purchase from carries the Audi as the #1 brand and has a reputation for providing honest service.

PS Some Dealership Service Department employees are payed on commission. This is a very bad conflict of interest for the consumer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th May, 2004

1st Jul 2004, 22:09

I am in the market for a used A4, and it concerns me that a timing belt failure can do a lot of damage. When your timing belt failed at 98,000 miles, was that the original belt or the second one?

18th Jul 2004, 21:32

The timing belt that failed was the original.

The manual says to replace at 120,000mi. Dealer service rep. said sixty, but when asked about the owners manual stating 120,000mi could offer no explanation and did not insist on 60,000mi. The belt failed at 98,000mi.

After all was said and done the manufacturer (Audi/VW) would not contribute one penny to the cost of repair. The justification was the timing belt is simply a "wear" item.

I felt hung out to dry by the dealership and the manufacturer. I will avoid the purchase of any Audi/VW products in the future.

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2000 Audi A4 Avant 2.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Design and engineering sophistication don't come cheap

Faults:

AM/FM Stereo presets lost their "memory" settings. Replaced.

Headlamp washer pump leak. Replaced.

High oil consumption, but dealer assured me that the consumption is within "specs".

General Comments:

From a design and engineering standpoint Audi is in a class of its own. Steering, handling, braking and ride are all excellent. The traction of the quattro all-wheel-drive is predictably excellent, as well. The multiple safety systems in the car are beyond comprehensive. The paint, build-quality and materials-quality are first rate.

The smallest thoughtful details impress me every time I drive the car.

Fuel economy is not exceptional, but considering the V6 and all-wheel-drive it is acceptable.

Brake dust appears on the alloy wheels almost immediately after cleaning.

The car has been quite reliable and has cost me nothing to operate other than gas, tires and insurance for the first 3 years with the free maintenance and warranty. I am now concerned, though, that the car will be quite expensive to maintain. This is not unique to Audi and is the price to be paid for driving a German engineered vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2004

2000 Audi A4 2.8 from North America

Summary:

Excellent value

General Comments:

An absolute blast to drive.

Spacious and roomy with lots of truck space.

Unquestionably the biggest little car in this market category.

Only complaints are minor issues.

Wind noise with one window down. Perhaps a 4 door trait.

At this price point, I believe memory seat & mirror positions are a reasonable expectation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 2003

9th Sep 2003, 06:12

Mine was excellent value as well until it ran out of warranty. And then - guess what? The friendly Audi dealer tried to get me into a newer model and was less than friendly once I insisted that I wanted the car for a few more years. The car mysteriously started to have a series of problems. The repair bills mounted. The resale value plummeted. And before you knew it, I had to prematurely sell a car which my heart loved, but which my brain hated. Did I buy another Audi? Sure I did (sarcasm)! When did you say your warranty ran out?

9th Sep 2003, 06:14

Lots of truck space? Good value? You are talking about an Audi sedan aren't you?