Faults:

Within a week of purchase the car lost all power steering fluid. This was traced to a defective power steering rack seal. A new replacement rack from Audi costs £600, a local chap got a rack from Europarts at a total cost fitted of £300.

Driver's window jammed. This was traced to a green plastic clip securing the glass to the runner. Guess what, you can't buy this separately and Audi want £170 for a complete regulator assembly. I am saving up to buy a runner assembly from Europarts for £58.

Climate control is no longer cold. Probably needs a recharge at £85.

Bad engine oil leaks came from oil cooler or filter housing. Took two attempts to fix (glad I didn't replace the undertray!) and with a coolant leak, due to a faulty hose, cost £180 to fix.

Suspension arms knocked badly over rough roads. These were replaced at £150 by non Audi dealer. Audi dealer wanted double this amount. Previous owner told me he sold the car after spending £2,000 on suspension over his ownership of 60,000 miles! The knocking has now returned...

Automatic gearbox is now starting to play up. After braking, there is occasionally a delay of one or two seconds before it kicks into gear. This is quite disconcerting at roundabouts.

The alarm is also playing up. Sometimes it goes days with no problems, then activates several times in one day.

General Comments:

Despite the running costs I love this car. When it is running right it is the best car in the world. Even after 155,000 miles the interior is like new, the exterior rust free and everything feels solid.

The fuel consumption is frightening. The engine is too peaky for automatic transmission. However, the car has been converted to liquid petroleum gas and now averages 60 miles per gallon equivalent.

I once bought a 1995 A4 TDi new. That car did 70,000 miles fault free and lost £7,000 in value.

My current A4 has covered 35,000 miles, cost £1,300 in repairs, and lost £1,500 in value. I think I'll buy a new one next time!

Faults:

Left front suspension arm had to be replaced at 118000 kilometres.

Ashtray won't open (in the front)

General Comments:

The Audi A4 is a very classy and modern car, although it was on the market for 7 years.

The car is very comfortable.

The steering is a bit dead (like with all Audi cars).

The interior has a superb finish, but clearly shows some Volkswagen details inside (ventilation panels etc.)

When driving the car, the only thing that ignores you is the wind when driving over 100 km/h.

I sometimes feel that the 1.6 liter engine is a little bit underpowered for such a heavy car (1170 kg).

Faults:

Had the entire front suspension rebuilt, under manufacturer warranty, at just under 4 years of age. Problem was, I was told, incorrect grease used in the assembly of the suspension links by the manufacturer. Fair play, they replaced everything for free and the car drove like new.

Other problem was frequent alarm activations. Audi unable to find or repair problem, or advise me how to disconnect the alarm. Finally, bought a manual, disconnected the alarm - the wiring is integrated into the central locking controls, and installed an aftermarket alarm.

Had to have the receiver coil for the immobiliser replaced, £180, as the car wouldn't start.

Most worryingly, at 60,000 I was advised to have a cambelt change, plus the follower. At 70,000 miles the new cambelt follower failed, fortunately I spotted it before the cambelt itself failed, but this could easily have wrecked the engine.

When standing in traffic, the engine ticks loudly, I guess a lazy cam follower. Hasn't caused a failure (yet) but affects my driving style, i.e. I avoid traffic jams like the plague. But I shouldn't have to really.

Audi have a reputation for reliability, that based on this car, is not entirely justified.

General Comments:

It's a pleasant car to drive, handles well, and looks great.

The interior is well made, and attractive, and is wearing well.

Minor other niggles are excessive noise, both tyre rumble and road noise.

Additionally, the performance is uninspiring to say the least. My previous 115 bhp Audi 80 felt a lot quicker. It does go, but you have to push it really hard.

Fuel economy is also not brilliant, around 29 mpg around town. I'd accept this if the performance was better.

Faults:

ABS sensor corroded after 2 years otherwise nothing.

General Comments:

A great car but why do Audi fit such poxy stereo systems? Sony seem to get better sound from a walkman than a car stereo.

Faults:

Electric windows kept opening. Two new catalytic converters broke (repaired under warranty). Immobiliser had to be replaced due to wire getting stretched by adjustable steering wheel. Two boot locks seized and had to have extra keys to open just the boot.

General Comments:

Although the above seems a lot I had the car for three years and did 107k miles. Very good car, superb engine which was just beginning to loosen up. Have just bought the 2.5 tdi 6 spd Audi A4. Have done 3k in it with no problems.

It is a stunner with 45 mpg to boot.