1997 Audi A4 review from North America

Timing belt was replaced before I bought the car. If you have the option to buy a 96-01 Audi a4 make sure the timing belt has been changed. This is not a cheap fix. I have also noticed that my window switch is faulty and I can't always roll up my window. Control Arms and tie rods are a problem. My turbo blew the waste-gate at 98,000. That is NOT cheap either, but with the right help (not a dealer) it is a relitively simple fix (app. 5 hours) for a shady tree mechanic.

When driving a car it is easy to forget really how much is going on throughout your entire vehicle. Many people don't care, and that is the problem. If you don't know how to change your oil, plugs, fluids and moving parts. Then this car will break you. You will constantly find yourself at the dealership with your wallet out. But if you are the type of person that fixes things before they become disastrous than you will do fine with this car. The dealership costs are expensive, but if you can do the work yourself you will be set. My car is a great car and I love driving it. It is by far the best car I have driven in the snow!