1995 Audi 80 TDI Avant review from Norway

Persistent fault with the engine 'coughing' during heavy acceleration or high speed motorway cruising.

Hinge holding driver's door worn out. Had to be replaced at 205,000 km.

Accessory drive belt broke at 220,000 km causing breakdown. This was caused by a faulty tensioner.

Water pump belt tensioner gear rusted.

Loose door lock levers on driver's side.

Inner rubber bushings on forward carrier arms had to be replaced at 245,000 km.

Anti-roll bar links (balljoint) worn out at 255,000 km.

Lower, forward balljoints worn out at 250,000 km.

Air hose going to the turbo cracked open at 250,000 km.

Oil leakage from valve cover.

Rear wiper does not press hard enough onto the rear window due to corrosion in the hinge mechanism.

The good thing with this car is its gas mileage. You can easily get 4,5 liters per 100 km.

Also rust seems to be no big issue.

The main bad thing about the car is the handling characteristics. Driving this car is like driving a lump of jelly. The suspension is way too soft. Its cornering abilities are terrible and actually dangerous unless you really reduce your speed before a turn.

Another main issue with the car I've got, which I also can read here on this site that others have problems with, is that the engine coughs every now and then. It can be somewhat annoying.

The high beam lights are weak (no problem with charging voltage).

I drove the car for 5 hours today, and I am not very tired, and my back does not ache. I guess the seats must be okay then. I still miss the ability to adjust the steering wheel though.

The ergonomics, when it comes to levers behind the steering wheel, is suboptimal. I am talking about light controls and wiper controls. Their functions are illogical and they are difficult to handle.

The air conditioning works great. Very cool.