1999 Audi A4 review from North America
"A repair/maintenance nightmare"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Coolant Temp Sensor replaced @ 50k miles.
Rear tail shaft & left/rear axle seals replaced @ 53k miles.
Wheel bearing & camshaft seal @ 62k miles.
Right/rear axle seal @ 68k miles.
Front passenger-side lower control arm @ 70k miles.
Timing belt went @ 73k miles (replacement engine being put in right now)
General comments?
The car is agile and quick even with the automatic transmission. Some extra power would be nice, new models have 30 more HP so should be better. The all wheel drive is great in the winter. The interior fit and finish is very good quality. The exterior design is beautiful.
The car is a repair nightmare. With only 25k miles put on the car, I've dumped about $3,600 in repairs/maintenance. Each 15k mile maintenance interval costs $525 alone. It really isn't a very reliable car. I'm looking at a BMW now, their "ownership costs" seem to be lower, but I'm sure any repair cost would be at least equal to an Audi. Common repairs on the A4 seem to be wheel bearings, seals of all types, and control arms from my experiences and others I have read.
Recommended reviews
  | Good driving, |
| Great driving car, but high maintenance |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 Quattro Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 48000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 73000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 26th June, 2004 |