1999 Audi A4 Avant 1.8t Quattro review from North America
"Fun to drive; safe. A nightmare of reliability and repair costs"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Fuel Tank Sending Unit - replaced. $250.
Oxygen Sensors, both - replaced at 40k miles. $400.
Rear Wheel Bearing- replaced. $150.
Rear wheel hub - replaced. $250.
Front Strut - replaced. $275.
Check Engine Light -Comes on constantly. You better use high test gas, and that better come from an Amoco, Shell, BP, or the such. A Cit-go, X-tra, or marginal gas station will turn on the light, even if you use high test gasoline. Bothersome to say the least. Cost for having the light checked and turned off? $75 each pop.
ABS/Brake Light- ABS and Brake light come on and flash. Audi says the ABS control unit no longer is recognized by the dash, although the ABS seems to work. $1800. Please.
General comments?
I grew up with Audi's. My mom had many, my brother has had many. I always wanted one; I felt so good when I was finally able to buy one. What a fantastic car to drive, responsive, strong, safe... but it is a nightmare. Repair costs are through the roof, and you will have repair costs. The car has common problems that are very expensive to repair. I have to say good-bye to mine after 18 months of all-trouble driving. Know what you are getting yourself into before purchasing this car.
Recommended reviews
  | Good driving, |
| Great driving car, but high maintenance |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8t Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 76500 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Corrado |
| Date of Entry | 19th October, 2004 |