2000 Audi A4 quattro 1.8t

Summary:

The car still instills confidence in all areas after 5 years and 100,000 miles

Faults:

The reverse lights did not work when purchased new. The dealer found burnt wiring and had to replace the harness. Car was out for a month. I thought the dealer should have replaced the car.

Replaced rear bearings at 95000 miles for a total cost of $600.

Battery was replaced at 90000 miles (five years later)

Currently on third set of tires and brakes.

Although functional, the LED display is intermittently partial, sometimes get bogus 'check engine' light.

Spilled soft drinks makes the radio and A/C controls sticky, especially at sub-zero temperatures.

General Comments:

Despite the first electrical problem with the car, I think it has held up very, very well in the harsh conditions of New York City metro area.

I have found this to be a very low maintenance car.

At 100K, the performance is like new and the car never disappoints me.

The interior has no rattles and the leatherette is only now showing very minor signs of wear. My five and 2 year old have tried, but have not yet been able to break anything in the rear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th March, 2005

12th Dec 2005, 16:49

Update at 118,000 miles:

- New set of Tires (nokian WR)

- Finally replaced timing belt

- $400 of work to replace Tie-Rods and Lower control arms - this is apparently a problem for A4s.

Now buying an Audi A3 Sportback 2.0T 6Man, Wife is keeping the old A4

25th Jan 2007, 00:35

Update at 150K.

I drove the car for a 100 miles. Still not rattles, turbo pulls strong. Computer Display is completely messed up (but its not critical). Car makes a funny pumping noise after cold start, but goes away after 30secs. All engine components: alternator, starter, exhaust, pumps, coil packs all still original from 2000.

29th Mar 2010, 15:46

Now at 200K - normal repairs, like alternator, etc. The dipstick funnel cracked, LED display is shot. But the car still pulls strong.

2000 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T

Summary:

The 2000 A4 1.8T Quattro is a pleasure to drive and own, but expensive to repair.

Faults:

Mass Air Flow Sensor 73,000mi

(Manufacturer refused to reimburse cost under their recall reimbursement plan because the vehicle was 3,000mi over the 70,000mi limit despite proof that the car had been misdiagnosed for more than a year)

Combination Valve 73,000mi.

Rear Wheel Bearings (2) 75,000mi.

Oil Pump 78,000mi.

Timing Belt 98,000mi

(Due to the nature of interference engines the failure of the timing belt caused the engine to be severely damaged)

General Comments:

The 2000 A4 1.8T Quattro is a pleasure to drive, but expensive to repair. It seems that when something goes wrong it is often major and very costly.

The last failure (timing belt) may result in repairs totaling $4,500-$6,500. I am currently waiting on a response from Audi of America regarding warranty information. If no consideration is given and I am left with the full cost of repair I intend to bring the matter before a court of law.

If you like Audi and are willing to take a chance it can be a great experience. My only advice is "Super Size" the warranty. In other words, buy the extended warranty if offered. Be sure the dealership you purchase from carries the Audi as the #1 brand and has a reputation for providing honest service.

PS Some Dealership Service Department employees are payed on commission. This is a very bad conflict of interest for the consumer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th May, 2004

1st Jul 2004, 22:09

I am in the market for a used A4, and it concerns me that a timing belt failure can do a lot of damage. When your timing belt failed at 98,000 miles, was that the original belt or the second one?

18th Jul 2004, 21:32

The timing belt that failed was the original.

The manual says to replace at 120,000mi. Dealer service rep. said sixty, but when asked about the owners manual stating 120,000mi could offer no explanation and did not insist on 60,000mi. The belt failed at 98,000mi.

After all was said and done the manufacturer (Audi/VW) would not contribute one penny to the cost of repair. The justification was the timing belt is simply a "wear" item.

I felt hung out to dry by the dealership and the manufacturer. I will avoid the purchase of any Audi/VW products in the future.

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