Faults:

Whining gearbox

Starting problems

Engine oil leak

Erratic temperature gauge

Stereo failed

Stone chips

General Comments:

A fantastic engine that will easily do 50+ mpg and 120+mpg - not at the same time, of course.

A fantastic car that was a comfortable and quiet drive - although not that sharp in the handling department.

The interior was really well designed (but not particularly hardwearing), and the dashboard lit up like Blackpool illuminations. Oh and the stereo is fantastic even in the non-Bose set-up.

However, and here's the rub, the gearbox is the Achilles hell on these cars. Watch out, if the gearbox whines in any gear, during over-run when you take your foot off the gas, then the pinion bearing (s) are shot! This, not surprisingly, requires a gearbox strip down and is not really a DIY job, as the differential needs to be set up correctly upon rebuild, or further problems will arise. Cost approximately £2000.

Changed the glow plugs, but made no difference - I resorted to shorting out the wires on the (newly replaced) glow plug relay. I suspected an engine management issue. Cost - I didn't ask!!

One of the sump gaskets was leaking - yes folks there are two sump gaskets as the boys from Ingolstadt have design the engine with a split sump. I changed the easy one, only to find it was the upper gasket that necessitated removal of the oil pump, drive, other bits 'n' bobs etc etc. Cost of easy gasket £25, cost of upper plus labour, I didn't ask!!

Changed temp sender - still no luck, cost was £25.

Stereo packed in, cost from dealer, £300, I paid £80 from a ICE dealer.

Stone chips too are a big problem, particularly on a dark coloured car.

Would I buy another? Yes definitely! But I'll get a lower mileage model next time.

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

If you're looking to buy a German automobile for performance reasons, then this is not the car for you. It is heavy, accelerates slowly, and is greatly underpowered. However, the car is extremely comfortable to drive, and is loaded with features. The Bose stereo system is incredible, and the AWD Quattro system is amazing in Minnesota winters. I look forward to huge snowstorms so I can head out and plow through any depths of snow before the snowplows hit the roads. I've been through many winters and have never driven a car that offers anything like it.

Faults:

Slight coolant leak, nothing too bad.

CV joint replaced.

General Comments:

Like it loads. Loads of space.

When getting past 1500 rpm, the turbo kicks in and off you go. Power when needed and seats are very good.

Loads of room for the kids in the back, and lots of leg space too.

Quality of the car is great. 1998 and there is not a spot of rust, and the cars looks really good. Interior is like new.

Had an A4, that was nice, but it's going to have to be A6 from here in.

Runs on Bridgestone Turanza and they are great, for a very big car it holds the road very well, as good as my BMW 5 I had.

Faults:

The sunroof motor has gone out.

The bottom fog light grille fell out, and had to be replaced.

Automatic mirror adjustment knob broke off.

Inside door handle can loose (fixed)

$1200 charge to fix the head light.

General Comments:

It is a beautiful car. my parents currently own it, but they are giving me it as my first car. it is so comfortable. great handling in the snow. it has an HUGE amount of trunk space. I love the car and cannot wait to finally get it!!