1996 Audi A4 1.8T review from North America
"Fun while it last, expensive nightmare once it fails"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I knew the previous owner (he was the original owner) of this car, an between him and myself, all the recommended maintenance was done. Oil changes, timing belt replacements, coolant systems and transmission serviced all at recommended mileage.
At 78,000 miles, my head gasket blew resulting in major engine damage. Practically everything under the hood needed to be replaced: The radiator , the turbo unit, all pumps and reservoir tanks, and I the engine was damaged as well. The car was only worth $7000-$8000 at the time this happened, and the repairs would have been that much. I am tremendously disappointed in Audi quality and I will never buy another one.
General comments?
The car was great while it lasted. Peppy engine, fantastic handling. Again, the fact that with all the maintenance I did that such a catastrophic problem could occur is mind boggling. Very poorly made car. I would not recommend buying one.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A German driving machine made like a Yugo |
| Very Impressive |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 63000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 78000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 13th September, 2004 |