1997 Audi A4 review from North America

I bought this car at 70k miles. In the past 30k here is what I have had to do to it.

Right rear wheel bearing.

Water pump.

Timing belt.

Head gasket.

And 1 month after doing the water pump, timing belt and head gasket... The engine throws a rod.

The car is nice looking, handles well, and is the best thing on the road in snow... When it actually runs.

I bought this from an Audi dealer with a good reputation. The car was owned by 1 owner and dealer maintained. I have been good with maintenance myself and always have the oil changed, brakes and fluid checked, etc. People say you have to keep on the maintenance and these cars will treat you good. They lie like dogs. I have tuned my car up and changed the oil regularly just to have my engine throw a rod.

I have owned an Acura and Lexus that I have driven harder for more miles, and had no problems with those cars. I cry when I think I traded in my Lexus ES with 155k on it and no mechanical problems for this piece of junk. My opinion now, after my experiences and having a few co-workers that own Audi's, BMW's, and Mercedes... German cars are overpriced, over rated, and not even in the same league as their Japanese counterparts in terms of quality and reliability. At this point I am considering paying someone to steal the thing and drive it in to the woods so I can get the insurance money and go buy a car that isn't a lemon. I would only recommend this car to my worst enemies.. even then I might lose sleep.