1999 Audi A6 Quattro review from North America

The car has had numerous issues beginning right after the warranty expired at three years and at very low mileage. Excessive repairs starting around 40,000 miles. Have spent over $5,000 in repairs from 40,000 to 65,000 miles in a four year period.

First, regarding the Quatro, numerous issues and repairs with the rotars, boots, axles, oil gushing out of the wheels. Sorry I'm not a mechanic so I can't be more specific.

About $1,000 when the trip computer/sensor went bad in year 4 of ownership. No way to not repair it because airbags and safety issues are tied to it.

Various water pump replacements, power steering and coolant leaks, electrical issues and several recalls.

Check engine light always means $1,000 expense coming right up.

Oil leaking out of cam tensioners/gaskets.

I thought the newer Audi's of the late nineties to present had overcome their poor reputation for reliability back in the seventies and eighties. I convinced my wife that they had improved and that safety was worth it to not save on dollars with a more reliable Japanese car. Big mistake.

My A6 is gently driven 5,000 to 10,000 miles a year and cannot seem to go a long stretch without a repair. I don't drive it hard and do take it on the highway frequently to blow out the carbons.

Audi mechanics/dealer are very expensive and you are held hostage particularly if you have quatro because they warn you that other mechanics might not be familiar with the quattro and make things worse if they try to repair it.