1998 Audi A4 review from UK and Ireland
"Not a bad car, but the BMW 3 Series is more reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Purchased car back in August 1998. It is beautifully made and put together, but has not been that reliable as expected from the Audi brand.
1. At 1500 miles, after leaving the car outside for 4 days, it nearly left me stranded and took 5-10 minutes to start the damn thing. NOT what I expected on a new car with 1500 miles (the cold starting problem did not resurface after this).
2. There was a suspension recall on the car after I had done 15,000 miles.
3. After 20,000 miles, after a long journey, the car would take two turns to start. NOT what I expected from this car.
4. 35,000 miles, the car would start first time most of the time, but on other occasions it would take 2-3 turns, not what I expected on a nearly new car.
General comments?
Not a bad car. A couple of reliability surprises with the starting and the suspension.
The car does NOT handle very well around corners when compared with a BMW 3 Series.
Fit and finish of the car were first rate.
As a long term committment, I'm not sure how reliable it would be.
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Recommended Reviews:
  | Not worth the premium Audi thinks it's worth |
| Comfortable and good looking, but will cost and frustrate you |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8T Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 35000 miles |
| Previous car | SAAB 900 |
| Date of Entry | 28th December, 2005 |