Faults:

I have only had the car for two months, but in that time four issues have occurred. The dealer seems genuine in wanting to sort them out, and they include water in the well housing the roof, gearbox loses drive with flashing gear indicator lights, passenger side airbag issue indicated by fault light on constantly, and headlamp washers not working. The reason for posting this entry is to see whether other roadster owners have experienced the sloshing of water in the compartment mentioned? I am not looking for a solution, because I think I have diagnosed the issue myself.

The local Audi dealership said that the drain tubes may be blocked, of which there are two I am told, but this does not seem to hold water (please excuse the pun). The problem only occurs if the car is parked on an incline facing forward, and obviously after it has rained significantly. If it is parked facing downward or at an angle, then the water seems to drain away. Even when you initially hear the water sloshing around as you pull off (sounds like a pint or two), as soon as you pull off onto a different level or incline, it immediately drains to the ground, which can be seen to occur.

This suggests to me that the cavity concerned is U shaped, albeit a shallow arc, where the water sits between the drain tubes if the angle is steep enough and the car is inclined squarely.

I have read on one or two forums that owners have suffered from a lot of condensation on the windows, but no one has linked it to this issue. I too had this problem, but by not parking the car in the manner described above, I have cured the problem. The local Audi service department maintain that the car has no such design fault.

General Comments:

The roadholding is excellent.

The power is adequate.

The cabin is pleasing on the eye.

The exterior design is in my opinion superior to the Mk 2.

Whilst motoring journalists have criticised the road manners of this car, I find it more than flattering to my more limited driving skills, as I actually pay for my tyres and brake pads.

Fuel consumption is reasonable, and very good on longer journeys.

Faults:

The convertible-top water drain tubes leaked almost constantly when it rained, causing the interior foot wells to be soaked and severe condensation to build up in the trunk. It took half a dozen trips to the dealer and insistence that I see the regional service manager before the dealer was able to identify the problem. Turned out that the drain tubing had collapsed, allowing rain water to collect inside the vehicle.

After the problem was finally fixed, the car had a musty smell that wouldn't go away. I couldn't wait to turn the car in at the end of the lease.

This is such a common problem with these cars that it's clearly a design issue, and that these cars should be avoided. I have owned three Audis, and the last two have been so problematic, I won't buy another one - indicative of the difficulties Volkswagen is having.

General Comments:

This car could have been fun, but the drain problems spoiled any joy of ownership. The dealer was not helpful or sympathetic either, and tried to blame the leak problem on me.

Faults:

No problems at all :)

General Comments:

Very quick, DSG gives seamless gear changes, good MPG for a 3.2 I can get up to 38mpg on a run (when on cruise control) I had a TTr 150 last year and the boot was bigger although I can still get 2 antler cases, a suit carrier and a couple of jackets in the boot.

The roof doesn't leak (even when put through a car wash) unlike my last one that poured in when it rained.

I only paid £25000 for this car with a new price of £35000, I had done 6000 miles when I got it, it has Bose, Bluetooth, CD player, CD changer, cruise control Silk nappa etc.

Car is great :) dealers are poor : (

General Comments:

Build quality is first class.

Fuel economy is mediocre but hey, it's a sports car.

150 brake horse power is enough for me.

Theres loads of space for big lads, I'm 6'3" and there's more than enough room.

The boot is quite large due to it being front wheel drive so theres no rear drive to gobble up the space.

The look will last for ever, A classic to rival the mini and the beetle. I will still have this car in 30 years.

The electric soft top is astronomical to replace if it ever gets damaged. Apparently it's £5000.