1998 Audi A4 18.t quattro review from North America
"My enjoyment of the car is brought down by my poor experiences with the manufacturer"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The timing belt tensioner failed at 75,000. Service interval for replacement is 105,000.
General comments?
I have enjoyed driving the car. It runs and drives well.
The failure of the timing belt tensioned is a major disappointment. It happened well in advance of the stated replacement interval. On-line research has shown that the timing belt tensioned failure prior to the stated replacement interval is or is becoming a chronic problem for pre-1999 1.8T engines.
Although a redesigned replacement part has been introduced, Audi has not acknowledged any problem with the original part nor have they issued any technical service bulletins recommending early replacement.
The flat-out refusal by Audi to claim any responsibility for the defect and damage caused by it is making me think long and hard about whether or not I want to by another Audi/VW product. As much as I enjoy driving their cars I am really disgusted with their lack of responsibility towards this problem.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Great performance, fit and finish, but prepare for very high maintenance costs |
| Piece of junk |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 43000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 75000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Jetta |
| Date of Entry | 25th July, 2003 |