High Reliability and a great long distance performer
Two out of four electric windows have broken down. The fuel distributor went bad at 120,000 miles.
This car is the best car I have ever owned and I simply refuse to part with it. I keep it garaged and its appearance is in like new condition.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th May, 2003
I love this car! Sitting in the car and listening to the inline 5 purr is music to my ears!
I got this car for free from a friend that had it sitting in his garage for two years. The car needed the following parts replaced to get it up and running initially: the oil pan, brake lines, radiator hose, front rotors and brake pads, exhaust system, and the parking brake cable.
Later on, the front suspension bushings and steering control arms were replaced to fix the wobbly and stiff steering feel at 190,000km.
Front bearing replaced at 190,000km.
The dashboard is warped and cracked up.
Even though this car is 19 years old, it is my favorite car to date. I guess the previous owners of the car treated it like gold, 'cause I've yet to experience any electrical problems as I've so frequently read about other Audi's of the 1980s.
My car is fully loaded except for leather and quattro. Everything works perfectly except for the front heated seats and the power mirrors, (who cares!)
There is NO RUST anywhere on the car, even the underside! Fellow Audi fanatics are amazed at the condition of the car. The car does need a paint job, UV rays have faded the paint on the top side of the car.
The engine used to have that annoying ticking noise, until I used this funky super oil additive. It pours out slower and thicker than molasses, but the noise disappeared instantly.
There is an oil leak from the cam cover, and the EGR valve doesn't work. Fuel economy isn't that good, but I don't care 'cause the car is so cool.
The free revving I5 engine pulls strong and has a beautiful exhaust note. The 3spd auto could use one more gear, but is shifts very smooth none-the-less. There is a lot of body roll, and the brake pedal is really soft. It's been checked out by different garages, but they all say it can't get any better.
I should replace the front driver seat because it's really worn out. The side bolsters are flat, and the upright is sunken in. My back hurts after long drives.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th May, 2003
I highly recommend one to anyone!
I believe that the CV joint is going out.
The shocks are about gone.
The passenger seat slider bearing is shot.
I love this car, I have always liked the power of the VW/AUDI engines, and I finally have one.
They're a fantastic car, and now that I have the sports shocks on it, it rides like a dream.
They're extremely fast cars with the 5-speed manual.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th June, 2001
A good car in its day
Odometer intermittent for a while then failed. This is a universal feature in this generation of Audis.
The inner CV joint failed, relatively easy to replace the whole axle.
The window power switches had to be removed, disassembled, contacts sanded and put back together every 2 months or so.
The door handles are iffy, but never actually gave out on this one.
Rear left door wouldn't lock (though it appeared to be locked).
Front rotors warped.
Front shocks replaced.
The auto transmission hesitated going into reverse and sometimes first - probably a clogged governor, but ran like that for 3 years without further deterioration.
Piston slap at certain rpms ,but no oil consumption.
That's it in 3 years and lots of miles. Always started on first try. Surprisingly reliable, especially considering it probably had a lot more miles than indicated. No rust, solid build quality (aside from certain hardware items).
The car's performance was anemic, to say the least. The 3 speed automatic coupled to a small though free revving engine was a joke - Audi obviously didn't want to build an automatic transmission in the first place and this one was an after thought. As a result of the above, highway driving was annoying because one knew that the car could comfortably be cruising at 1000 rpm less at a given speed.
Handling was so-so, this version was non-quattro and had a solid rear axle. Stable at highspeed, but lots of body roll in corners.
Other than that, it was an enjoyable car to own and drive. Great comfortable steering wheel and feel in everyday driving (don't push it though). Seats comfy, cruise control, sunroof, A/C, power mirrors and windows etc. Spacious trunk.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th April, 2001
I would really like to know who wrote this survey. I think I might be the owner of this car, or one exactly like it. I found it to be written very accurately because my car has all the exact same symptoms.
I found this site while searching for a cheap front axle for this type of car.
Roomy sedan, great for trips, also good on the track!
Minor electrics, window regulator. Oh and the door handles.
I love the feel of these cars, very tight on the road, and pretty peppy. Wish it were a turbo quattro, but oh well.
I probably spend about $500 a year on maintenance, but I keep the car immaculate, no rust on it either. It's great car to have, and I would definitely buy another!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th August, 2000
30th Apr 2007, 07:55
What makes you think that the cv joit is going out because I was wondering if mine was and it makes a "clunk" on take off.