1997 Audi Cabriolet 2.8 gas from North America

Summary:

A fine tourer and top down cruiser, yet geriatric at times

Faults:

The plastic window in the convertible top has discolored badly, a common VW trait.

Front end work required at 38 thousand miles.

Remote trunk release has failed.

General Comments:

Top is quick even at eight years old.

Seats are supportive and comfortable.

Car has a lot of speed, yet handling is a tick behind other German cabrios, namely BMW's.

Ride is comfortably soft, yet not floaty over bumps.

Brakes can leave a lot to be desired.

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

Review Date: 22nd September, 2005

1998 Audi Cabriolet 2.6 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Open top luxury with lashings of style

Faults:

Boot lid letting in water via high level third tail light.

General Comments:

Given that this car is a soft top, road noise is minimal.

Overall build quality is excellent.

The 2.6 V6 is a powerful engine with plenty of smooth torque.

The electric power hood is simply brilliant and will stow away neatly in the hood box in about 10 seconds.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2004

1999 Audi Cabriolet 2.6 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Selling it very soon

Faults:

Central locking failure driver's door.

Loose cam cover causing engine flutter noise.

Fuel gauge, fuel warning light and fuel in tank saying 3 different things.

Lots of wind noise from the driver's door.

When closing the driver's door, there is often a 10mm gap between the front and rear windows.

When the stereo is turned on and the aerial goes up, it then turns the sound off.

Bought from an Audi Specialist, not much cop at sorting out the problems.

Would not buy another from a specialist, main dealer only from now on.

Engine sounds crap in the cabin.

Needs traction control.

Designed in 1992, built in 1999, and it shows.

General Comments:

Finished in silver, looks stunning.

Get some monster power-slides out of it!

Should have gone for a 2.0 liter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2004

30th Aug 2004, 15:45

Must have bought a bad one! I'm on my second cab, first was a 2.6. The only problems with that one was the dealership! I now own a 1999 2.8 manual, stunning motor, yes a little dated, but good summer fun!

1996 Audi Cabriolet 2.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Beautiful driveway sculpture

Faults:

Drive shafts and clutch failed within 4 weeks of buying the car.

Noisy front suspension after repair work undertaken. Still not fixed.

Wheel alignment not correct from purchase. Still not rectified.

Power steering pump failed at 80,000 miles.

ECU failure at 81,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car is pure art in terms of looks, shame it spends too much time in the workshop. All the above faults have been repaired under the Audi warranty, though we tried to get the supplying dealer to take the car back after the last fault.

My other gripes are very soft brakes, even with new pads and disc's, seats that offer no support under the knee, rear visibility, and no adjustment of the steering wheel.

Good points, however, are exceptional looks, beautiful engine note, German solidity.

I defy anybody who owns one of these not to become a poseur.

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

Review Date: 26th January, 2004

1996 Audi Cabriolet 2.6 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Class, style, comfort and reliability - a modern classic

Faults:

Drivers door was difficult to close and road noise from drivers window was intolerable.

I fixed the door by changing the alignment on the door guide and the locking plate - cost £10 for star bits from Halfords.

Drivers window had been badly installed after it was broken by an attempted break-in. It cost £30 in the local garage to have it installed correctly.

General Comments:

A lovely car. I am now a German car convert.

The build quality cannot be faulted. The handling is perfect although it does take some getting used to as the car is quite heavy.

My previous car was a Nissan 200SX and the Audi feels very tall and solid in comparison, although the steering is light and responsive.

The previous owner opted for the full wood kit, so the entire dash is walnut and good quality as well. All other trim is solid and in good condition.

The V6 twinned with a very smooth automatic box makes for a luxurious ride. The box reacts to my driving style well and when relaxed you hardly notice the gear changes. In fact the rev counter can remain static when driving in town.

The downside of this box is the lack of immediate performance when overtaking.

In my Nissan I could chance overtaking in the tightest of situations, but I wouldn't dare in the Audi.

In fact I would say the Audi has made me a far more relaxed driver. I drive the car simply for the pleasure of driving.

Handling is very good. The Nissan was dangerous in the wet and although I still worry about losing traction the Audi has not failed me yet, even under the worst of conditions.

Servicing is expensive. It cost £150 to have the wheels aligned, and since you cannot have them aligned at Quick-Fit or similar places you have no choice, but to go to the main dealer.

The roof is excellent. I tried several cars before this and the action of the roof is the best. For example, the Saab has no built in roof cover when it's down.

The only problem with the roof is the rear window. I really wish Audi had put a glass rear window in, as the existing plastic window is showing severe signs of damage, including misting which reduces visibility.

The half leather half material seats are comfortable and supportive, much better than the Nissan. I would have liked electric seats and the mechanism for adjusting them is a little clunky.

The rear seat is a treat after the Nissan, although cramped for more than two.

The air dam is great. I have been able to drive the motorway with very little turbulence. Thanks Audi for a great design.

The engine tone is good, although a little rough in the cabin.

The only things I would change about the Audi are:

Glass Rear Window

Wider Wheels

Cup Holders!

Better Brakes.

A beautiful car with timeless style built like a tank. Recommended to anyone who wants to looks good and travel in style and comfort.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2003