1996 Audi A4 FWD 2.8

Summary:

Not worth keeping once the warranty expires

Faults:

Suspension has made noise on numerous occasions. Control arms and other suspension components have been replaced every 12-15 months.

Front driving lights were replaced 3 times in 5 years.

Volume control on radio malfunctioned.

Some lights for speedometer do not function anymore.

General Comments:

This car drives like a million dollars on the highway.

The high cost of repairing the suspension every year reminds you that this car is very expensive to maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2003

1996 Audi A4 Quattro AWD 2.8 172 hp

Summary:

If lucky!! An amazing car that has luxury and speed

Faults:

Always a strange noise when you downshift.

Missing power on acceleration.

Both control arms need to be changed.

Engine light comes on and off for no reason after going to dealership.

Oxygen sensor need to be changed with only 60000 km on the car.

General Comments:

On the other hand the car handles pretty good.

Seats are really comfortable.

Very good & loud radio.

Pretty good acceleration by the end of 2nd gear and on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2003

1996 Audi A4 Quattro 2.8 liter 12V V-6 - 172 hp

Summary:

Very nice near-luxury car - makes a change from a BMW

Faults:

Replaced the driver's window motor under warranty (window went up when you hit down).

Replaced the entire dashboard surround under warranty (warped in the sunshine).

New radio head unit (LEDs wouldn't light up) under warranty.

Sunroof rails replaced and lubricated under the extended warranty.

New driveshaft boot gasket (or something) at 60,000 miles.

That's it.

General Comments:

Beautiful design, very solidly built. Driving the car is a delight - tracks well, corners well, acceleration with the 1st generation V-6 is not very good, particularly with the Quattro AWD.

Comfort is great, the Bose stereo is very good.

Not the cheapest car to service, but the number of repairs has not been excessive for 65,000 miles and 5.5 years - unlike others I have not had any significant electrical problems or suspension/steering problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2001

21st Dec 2007, 01:00

Acceleration is OK-7.8 sec 0-60 for 1996. It is kinda slow in first gear, but as soon as you get into second it goes quick enough for most drivers. Otherwise buy S4 bi-turbo and you will never complain :)

1996 Audi A4 2.8

Summary:

A high performance lemon

Faults:

Water pump leaked.

Both upper control arms wore out quickly at 55,000km.

Air conditioner evaporator leaked causing expensive repairs.

Power door lock pumps replaced 2 times.

Power windows sometimes open and close by themselves on cold winter days.

Power window motors replaced 3 times.

Plastic rim nut cover cracks and falls off.

Interior seats (leatherette) easily worn out or rips.

Air conditioner/heat controller has gone AWOL. It adjusts the temperature by itself.

Rear reverse lights burned out 8 times.

Engine light comes on randomly for no reason.

General Comments:

My A4 was a horrible experience. The only thing I liked about it was a nice looking car. Otherwise, the car was a lemon. Bringing it to the shop every 2 months was not enjoyable. The dealers always like to blame, and make excuses for the problems. Once the warranty ended they treated me very nice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd July, 2001

24th Aug 2001, 20:19

I've had a similar experience with my 97 A4 1.8T. Every few months some major problem occurred. It has become a demoralizing experience.

Miles.

6th Sep 2001, 11:13

I own a 1996 and a 2000 A4 Audi. The later one (thus far) is a very different and much better car. The 1996 (87k) needs continuing major expensive repair - windshield, front suspension, steering are the worst offenders. Electrics have a life of their own - the idiot lights and the moon roof function independently of the driver - the big question - after replacing most of the steering and the suspension, can we survive 15k more without major engine problems? The car has been serviced well above and beyond factory requirements.

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1996 Audi A4 2.8 Litre V6

Faults:

Cheap, plastic lug nut covers fell off in a few months, car would not start 3 times 1 year after purchase, "IN 2" signal on odometer can't be reset, brake lights burn out often, cupholders sometimes "stick" when trying to open them.

General Comments:

Beautiful car, great V6, smooth ride, a true example of what those Germans can really do! Brake dust and little backseat room are my only complaints.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2000