Faults:

Break reservoir bayonet seal leaked ($20 fix).

Intermediate muffler corroded and needed replaced (whole system $500).

Moulded plastic tube at top of radiator that main hose clamps onto sheared off. Entire radiator replaced ($500).

Heater core leaked inside ventilation ducting - expensive to repair as required most of dash to be removed to access core ($800).

CV boots cracked and had to be replaced ($200).

Front factory oil-filled shock absorbers were apparently badly worn - still not convinced it was a problem, however new air-filled shocks are vastly superior and the handling is much improved. ($1200)

Felt material on doors has come unstuck and has proven a messy job to fix, the foam backing is crumbling and very sticky. However it's a repair I can easily do myself.

General Comments:

The car feels very sturdy, and the 2 litre engine is reasonably powerful for one of this vintage.

The factory fitted oil-filled shocks give a poor ride quality over rough roads, however after they were replaced with new air-filled shocks, the ride and handling were vastly improved. The interior is a mix of black and very dark greys - overall it is quite stylish.

My Audi 80 was in excellent condition when I purchased it and obviously well looked after. It had only 66k on the clock, and was literally close to new condition despite being 16 years old at the time.

Although I would consider the car quite reliable and I have never had it let me down in traffic, there have been several age related problems that have kept my mechanic busy (as described in the fault section of this review).

Purchased this Audi 80 four cylinder despite a preference for the 6 cylinder 1994 version - I had heard too many stories of problems with 6 to take the risk. I certainly don't regret my decision.

Faults:

-Electricity (some contact, the car wasn't able to keep idle rpm)

-Petrol tube which leads from fuel pump

-Central locking - computer located under rear seats had been deformed and this caused the central locking didn't operate properly. This problem has been solved by putting small piece of carpet between it and the seat.

General Comments:

The 2.0 engine is good compromise - it is strong enough for ordinary service, but the running cost is not very high.

As I drove this car for the first time I thought the car was designed for me. Everything fits, the dashboard (and design of whole vehicle) is exactly my style, the seats are absolutely perfect. Just rear passengers have not enough space even they are not very tall.

The chassis is great - hard a bit, but absolutely predictable and in 160 kph you feel still safely.

Don't buy this car if you want to transport large things - the boot cover is very small.

Faults:

Silver head gasket failure.

Oil leak.

Trim fell off very easily.

Very loud squeaky brake pads.

Numerous suspension problems.

General Comments:

The car was fast enough, being a 1.8, but the automatic gearbox sapped power from what should have been a lively engine.

Car was a complete nightmare and parts were expensive. Dealer service was also atrocious and they acted as if they did not want to know. Best make friends with your local mechanic.

All in all, I would recommend that everyone stays out of the German build quality trap. It's the biggest myth they ever exported. The cabin was nicely designed, but bits of trim came off everywhere and there were numerous occasions when I had to glue parts back on.

Audi in all honesty are overrated and unreliable. I found out the hard way. They don't make them like they used to and a friend of mine who also owns an Audi - the A4 model, is having similar problems. So nothing has changed.

Very disappointed overall... Avoid.