Faults:

I have a 1997 Audi a4 with 83k miles on it. timing belt suggested maintenance interval- 90k. my timing belt broke at 83k. cost of engine damage- $6300.

I've done my research- know there is a known issue, know there was a class action law suit, know there are thousands of people who have similar experiences yet have had their repairs paid in full.

Audi is giving me the cold shoulder. I would like any information regarding your experiences, any advice you could give me, or any other complaints regarding the timing belt. I am not letting this get swept under the rug.

Other problems unrelated to the timing belt include: master and slave cylinder had to be replaced at 70k miles, interior leather starting to wear/peel off, coolant tube replaced at 65k miles, keyless entry and alarm no longer work, center display console doesn't work.

Thanks!

Unhappywithaudi@hotmail.com.

Faults:

Hood Latch Was bent and wouldn't open.

I am dealing with a current problem with Tranny. Auto tranny, but won't shift into reverse. When gear selector is put into reverse all the gear selector lights on the dash light up. Still goes forward no problem. First couple times I brought it to the place I bought it and they said they found chaffed wires. It ran for about 2 weeks the first time, and one night the second. Now they have had it for a week and a half and are still trying to figure it out. Any body experience this before?

General Comments:

It will be a great first car if the tranny problems are taken care of.

Quick enough, comfortable and delightful in snow.

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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!

Faults:

Going on my third driver's side headlight. Other than that, over 120,000 fun-filled miles and it feels like it's fresh of the showroom floor.

General Comments:

I bought my A4 with 48,000 miles on it from an Audi dealer. The previous owner had the car serviced religiously, and every oil change and dealer check-up receipt of the car's life came with it. Anyone who is used to driving a Honda or Toyota which you can practically drive cross-country without oil in the crank case would probably not have the best luck with an Audi. However, when serviced regularly and well-cared for, they are, in my opinion some of the most dependable cars on the road. And VERY fun to drive.