Faults:

Front wiper blades arms.

Rear wheel bearing.

General Comments:

Above problems sorted by a local garage at little cost (ordered the parts myself).

Car has proved very reliable through the winter etc.

Performance on par with my previous car (Mondeo 2 Litre diesel).

Good fit and finish; very secure and solid.

Ride a bit harsh in Sport form, but sure footed.

Running costs - find a good independent Audi specialist as this is the tough bit if you're on a tight budget. Also check out the various Audi drivers sites, as very good tips and recommendations for DIY or garages.

Economy - just been up to Edinburgh and back (650 miles in total) on 50 litres of fuel to collect my son and all his clobber, so pretty reasonable, albeit mostly motorway, so getting around 55mpg.

Overall pleased so far, and when I can, I would buy 2006 model or perhaps try a BMW 320 estate.

Faults:

All had been OK until I just got in car and cannot rev the engine. It idles fine, but no power.

ESP light is constantly on.

Coil light is continuously flashing.

All 3 faults have just come on, and all was OK this morning after driving for 10 miles.

General Comments:

Car is a dream to drive with great handling and fuel consumption.

Well built and quick.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

VW/Audi TDi engines are not only reliable, but economical with torque that starts at 1000rpm and continues to max revs. Even this current 100bhp engine is delightful to drive. The previous "red-eye" at 110bhp was pretty quick. The current 100 is more rapid in the 60mph and upwards range. All stop at 128mph.

A little cramped for passengers in the rear seats.

Faults:

Airbag warning light stuck on; Audi main dealer changed the airbag igniter computer thing, cost £350 under warranty, and light came on again... found to be a dodgy connection on steering column.

Xenon headlights in UK are to be washed when headlights are switched on. The pump had to be replaced.

General Comments:

Car visually looks great, especially on 18" RS6 alloys. The Avant looking better than the 4 door sedan/saloon IMHO. New BMWs seem to have lost their way...

Full heated electric leather seating is very good & comfortable. Fully adjustable steering wheel allows best set up for driving position.

The engine is fantastic... although very heavy, so car feels like it's under steering in quick bends... tends to roll a bit as well... even though it's the Sport model rather than SE.

4 wheel drive is very sure footed in the wet.

Bose sound system is good, but a little too much base IMHO.

Xenon lights are fantastic.

Audi (RNS-e) Nav system is excellent.

For a 2.5 litre engine, it does at least 34 to 35mpg on mixed motoring. With the cruise control on, this car is a very relaxed motorway cruiser. You cannot tell it's a diesel, until you open a window.

6 speed gearbox is very good.

Performance in 1st is pretty poor really, but once up in 3rd, 4th & 5th.. the car really flies.

I still think my old 1999 E36 328 Sport Coupe BMW was much more fun to drive (much more of a grin factor), but with a new child in tow, this is a cracking practical car...

One niggle, not much room in the back.. so child seating is not great when you have a new baby seat fitted...