1996 Audi A4 2.8 from North America

Summary:

A high performance lemon

Faults:

Water pump leaked.

Both upper control arms wore out quickly at 55,000km.

Air conditioner evaporator leaked causing expensive repairs.

Power door lock pumps replaced 2 times.

Power windows sometimes open and close by themselves on cold winter days.

Power window motors replaced 3 times.

Plastic rim nut cover cracks and falls off.

Interior seats (leatherette) easily worn out or rips.

Air conditioner/heat controller has gone AWOL. It adjusts the temperature by itself.

Rear reverse lights burned out 8 times.

Engine light comes on randomly for no reason.

General Comments:

My A4 was a horrible experience. The only thing I liked about it was a nice looking car. Otherwise, the car was a lemon. Bringing it to the shop every 2 months was not enjoyable. The dealers always like to blame, and make excuses for the problems. Once the warranty ended they treated me very nice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd July, 2001

24th Aug 2001, 20:19

I've had a similar experience with my 97 A4 1.8T. Every few months some major problem occurred. It has become a demoralizing experience.

Miles.

6th Sep 2001, 11:13

I own a 1996 and a 2000 A4 Audi. The later one (thus far) is a very different and much better car. The 1996 (87k) needs continuing major expensive repair - windshield, front suspension, steering are the worst offenders. Electrics have a life of their own - the idiot lights and the moon roof function independently of the driver - the big question - after replacing most of the steering and the suspension, can we survive 15k more without major engine problems? The car has been serviced well above and beyond factory requirements.

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1996 Audi A4 SE 1.8 20v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fantastic, shame about the electrics

Faults:

Electrics and electronics are VERY unreliable, expensive to diagnose and repair.

Dealer usually wants to replace sub units costing from £400 which do not effect a repair.

Past faults:

Fuel gauge eratic.

Air bag warning light.

ABS warning light.

Indicators.

Climate control electronic readouts.

This is my 3rd Audi (1x 80 Sport and another A4), both had serious electrical problems out of the warranty.

General Comments:

Engine and mechanicals are fantastic, totally reliable and very well wearing. Engine good for at least 200k.

No squeaks, rattles or slackness anywhere - build quality on a 100k car as new - big feel good factor especially with a personalised registration as the body shape has changed little.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th September, 2000

1996 Audi A4 2.8 Litre V6 from North America

Faults:

Cheap, plastic lug nut covers fell off in a few months, car would not start 3 times 1 year after purchase, "IN 2" signal on odometer can't be reset, brake lights burn out often, cupholders sometimes "stick" when trying to open them.

General Comments:

Beautiful car, great V6, smooth ride, a true example of what those Germans can really do! Brake dust and little backseat room are my only complaints.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2000

1996 Audi A4 SE 1.9 TDi from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing other than airbag recall, and repair to lock/window after attempted break in.

General Comments:

Engine superb, economy great, would definitely get another especially the 110bhp version.

Climate control a godsend.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 1998

1996 Audi A4 T 1.8 petrol turbo from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Recall for potential airbag fault.

General Comments:

Enough acceleration to completely blow away XR3i drivers at traffic lights.

Very classy-looking car.

Niggles: Sony stereo poor; no variable-speed intermittent wipe; doors spring open to detent positions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 1998

8th Sep 2002, 08:12

I have a A4 1.8T Sport of the same year and I would agree with the comments here except running costs. I get 43mpg if I manage to stay at 70mph (rare) and overall 36mpg which I reckon is good. Insurance is usually about £400, servicing about £250.

Audi's are a bit more expensive, but well worth it for me.

4th Mar 2003, 05:55

Hi I wish I could get 43 mpg can't seem to get anywhere near it, but love the car had it 4 months now and its been brilliant

1996 Audi A4 Avant 1.9 TDi 110 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Boot interior light broke - replaced under warranty.

Recalled due to minor fault with airbag - fixed promptly.

General Comments:

Audi service (especially 20k mile) too expensive for what it entails.

Customer service could be better.

The car itself is excellent and much better looking than a BMW 3 series any day.

The engine is smooth and responsive not to mention very powerful.

The interior is well thought out and SONY stereo is excellent.

Cannot wait until Audi bring the A4 with 2.5TDi (150bhp) engine to the UK.

Will I buy another Audi?

Definitely.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 1998