1997 Audi A4 Avant Quattro review from UK and Ireland
"Great looker. Maintenance nightmare"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Front suspension ball joints and bushes repeatedly failing. Main suspension arm actually snapped. I have since replaced almost all the components, at considerable cost.
Catalytic converter disintegrated and blocked the exhaust pipe, rendering the car useless. A replacement was only available from Audi and hence, very expensive.
Four wheel alignment was all wrong and I shredded £400 pounds worth of tires in only 1200 miles.
Rear windscreen washer sheared off at the base inside resulting in the hatch filling with washer fluid.
Engine and exhaust currently shakes badly due to one, or more, soft engine mounts.
General comments?
This car is stunning to look at with it's lower Quattro suspension and dark pearlescent paintwork.
Interior build quality is superb and is virtually indestructible.
Quattro four wheel drive gives reassuring road holding in all weather conditions.
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  | Classy estate which is a pleasure to drive, but beware of front suspension issues |
| Excellent family car and has been utterly reliable - Recommended |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 TDi (110) Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 107000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 135000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Nova |
| Date of Entry | 11th August, 2003 |