2003 Audi A4 1.8T Multitronic 1.8 turbo 180hp from North America

Summary:

A great bargain of performance and luxury in understated package

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

The best car I have ever owned. It handles like its on rail even if it's a FWD. A4 has excellent ride/handling balance. 1.8T is a great engine that provides plenty of torque with the exceptional continuously variable transmission. Interior is very comfortable and extremely well laid-out. Ergonomics are perfect. When I brought the car in for oil change that is not free in the manual (I brought in at 6000km which the first one was not due till 12000km). They charged me $40 for labor which is cheaper than most other cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2004

23rd Sep 2004, 09:13

I am surprised with what you said about the oil change. Though a Audi 1.8 t uses less oil than many cars the shop has to remove the protective plate under the engine so they usually charge more. I hope you are changing the oil at least every 3500 miles or 4500 if using synthetic... turbos demand clean oil, very clean. Don't pay attention to Audi criteria...turbos need to be treated right or you will need a replacement ($2500 to $4000) turbo before 100,000 miles. I own a Volvo S60 T5 as well which accelerates and handles well, but the A4 AWD we have definitely handles better and cost a bit less. The Audi also has superior brakes. However the Audi, with its impeccable leather tailoring and great looks is not as comfortable as the Volvo. I really would like to drive a more powerful Audi to compare it to the Volvo... like an A8 or RS6. In my opinion (haven driven only one Audi, the turbo Volvo uses is better... less lag.

17th Mar 2005, 06:52

My 2003 Audi 1.8T Quattro was fun to drive, but I have had many problems. Fuel Filter replaces at 48,000, Fuel Pump replaced at 51,000 (wouldn't start at all), tons of dashboard squeeks and rattles, repeated blown fuses for the window washing system, washing system for headlamps leaked on two separate occasions, many speaker problems (cutting in and out). Now that I am over the warranty, I feel that it is a ticking time bomb. I'm trading it in for an Acura TL.

2003 Audi A4 Quattro 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Best sport sedan for the money

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car.

General Comments:

It is difficult to see out of this car. The belt line is high, the windows on the smaller side, and the mirrors are small.

The fuel mileage is not great. We get about 20 miles per gallon.

Performance and handling are awesome. It handles better than our previous BMW. Winter driving on snow and ice is unbelievably good. Because of the Audi's sophisticated Quattro system, we can out accelerate four wheel drive sport utility vehicles. The electronic stability program is also unbelievably good at stabilizing the car under poor traction conditions. The sport pack has very little ride penalty, but is a great bonus in handling.

The motor could use a bit more torque.

The 6 speed manual shifts flawlessly.

The exterior and interior of this car are very classy without being over-done.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2003

23rd Sep 2004, 08:58

I agree with everything you say... ours has 30,000 miles on it and while not particularly as exciting as my Volvo T5, my wife's A4 quattro outhandles the more expensive S60. Amazing handling and braking and impeccably tailored (though not as comfortable as the Volvo). Your remark about the torque is accurate.. we have the 1.8 turbo and at the low end (low speed acceleration on slopes) it definitely could use some more power.

11th May 2006, 13:07

Also agree - the handling and power are good, but the visibility is an issue. I have the avant wagon and the rear end will hangout in fast corners. The backseat room is very tight. Another problem is the rather cheap interior and controls.

We've had the fuel pump fail and the climate control still doesn't work right.

It does track perfectly and is great in snow and rain. Buy another? I would certainly give AWD Lexus a look first for that kind of money.

7th Sep 2010, 11:34

Lexus is just Toyota you realize?

My colleague worked for Toyota for 10 years, you get a Lexus transmission changed, it's a Toyota transmission.

You want an AWD look at a suburu.