1998 Audi A4 Avant review from North America

Replaced:

6 Instrument panels: #1 was replaced (blown light bulb). #2 was replaced because of erratic ambient temperature readings. #3 was so dim I couldn't read the display. #4 was almost as bad as #3. #5 solved the lighting problem, but it was discovered that #2-5 were the wrong IP. (Keyes blamed Rusnak Pasadena on making the mistake and they repeated it 3 times). #6 didn't solve the original problem ($800 to not solve the problem)

Climate control computer was replaced to solve erratic temperature display. $700 and it didn't solve the problem, but it did make the A/C inoperative.

Engine computer.

Cam shaft tensioner seals (I was told that all 2.8's need these replaced, but most fail under warranty) $900.

Steering rack sprung a leak. $900.

Stereo.

2 speakers.

Catalytic converter.

Coolant temperature sensor.

Coolant reservoir.

Fuel guage sending unit.

Turn signal stalk.

Tiptronic switch.

Turn signal flasher.

2 passenger side CV boots.

Passenger seat bushings.

Sunroof kept popping open (generally at the car wash)

Car's handling and comfort are great.

$5,700 in repairs during year 5 of ownership.

Car is so complicated even Audi dealers can't fix it. A great independent A/C repair shop refuses to touch an Audi, but they will work on any other car.

After Rusnak Pasadena tore the oil filler cap gasket the car's mileage and power went down dramatically. Numerous complaints to both Rusnak and Keyes resulted in my being told, each time, that the performance is normal for a '98. Unfortunately the car only got 23MPG on the freeway and I had no way of proving that it used to get 28. The old 28 returned when the check engine light was on. Keyes said that's not possible even when I proved it. They said if there was something wrong, the car would tell them. "There's nothing else we can do." I bought a Lexus.