Faults:

The key and barrel recognition computer, which senses the key, had to replaced, along with a barrel and a new set of keys. It cost me €400 with an auto electrician who went through Audi.

The fuel pump in the fuel tank had to be replaced. That cost €160 with a standard mechanic.

It now needs an air flow meter, which is around €100 from a Motor Factors.

All front suspension bushes need replacing due to the 17 inch wheels and wide tyres (might go to 16inch with smaller tyre's). Approx €500 for the bushes.

General Comments:

Now don't get upset if you really wanted an Audi A4. The car was sitting up for over a year.

As far as I know, they do give fuel pump trouble and air flow meter trouble, but not very often.

It's very fast for a 1.6, and so comfortable.

Great steering wheel and seat adjustments.

Speakers are very good for standard spec. Lots of room for four people.

Just watch the corners, they're a bit soft on the suspension, but take it easy and you will be fine.

Even after all that went wrong, I love the car and I'd recommend the A4 to anybody.

Faults:

The clutch failed at 107000 miles.

The drivers seat tends to recline by a few inches over the space of a week or so.

Power steering hydraulic fluid is leaking and has to be topped up every 3 days. Not a big job to repair.

General Comments:

I love this car. It is very smooth, comfortable, cheap to run, and most of all for a 1.6 luxury saloon it is very fast.

The cabin is fairly dull with basic features, but everything is solid and works well.

My only big complaint is that the radio aerial which seems to be part of the rear windscreen does not work very well outside major cities.

Faults:

Front Suspension Joints, all replaced under warranty at 90,000 miles and 3 years old.

Catalytic converter, (element worked loose causing blocked exhaust and power loss.

Immobilizer coil.

Lights on warning buzzer.

Windscreen washer motor.

Brake discs all 4 replaced twice.

Brake hoses.

Auxilary belt snapped.

Heater blower motor replaced.

N/S Rear brake caliper seized, (handbrake)

Rear suspension springs broken.

Rear shock absorbers.

General Comments:

I have spent thousands of pounds keeping this car on the road. I thought Audi were supposed to be reliable, but was proved very wrong. The car has been a constant drain on the wallet so I do not recommend you buy an Audi A4 unless you have deep pockets.

Do not use Audi dealers if your car is out of warranty. When garages see you have an Audi they put their prices up as they think you must be rich.

This year I have started to do my own repairs apart from normal servicing which is done by a local chain workshop. I have replaced rear discs and all shock absorbers and fitted Eibach pro-kit suspension springs, which has transformed the handling and saved me a fortune in labour costs.

I was going to sell the A4 this year, but as I have spent so much money on it, I decided that I may as well keep it or someone else would have a virtually new car with all the parts that have been replaced!

Faults:

Petrol pump failed, roughly £100 for a replacement (not including labor).

Suspension joins faulty, replaced under recall.

Radiator water starting to need regular topping up, not yet diagnosed.

Alarm goes off when it decides to.

Passenger side electric window is lazy, will not respond if moved more than it likes to be (!)

General Comments:

Granted the car is 8 years old and has covered lots of ground, but things have started to go wrong all at the same time.

If it weren't for the fact that someone in the family works in a VW garage, the car would not have been bought in the first place due to high servicing and repair cost.

Car is attractive for an estate, and has roomy boot and front, though a little cramped in the back.

Interior is of a high quality with no loose or rattling panels.

Like many owners, the car has faults with the windows, electrics and even clock; however, I find the standard stereo to be really good.

While acceleration is lacking, the car is fast when wound up, and can be exciting to drive. The big wheels stick to the road very well.

No sun roof or air conditioning makes it a pain to drive in the city at summer time.

Give the service history a good checking over before handing any dosh over.