Faults:

Radiator at 90,000 miles had a hole that was patched with some type of pink compound and could not be seen before I bought it. Dealer repaired but would have cost over $1000.00.

Side molding under Passengers side door fell off at around 105,000 miles due to rot, but replacement was cheap at around $40.00.

At 108,000 miles rear brakes had to be replaced, and the car had the original brakes disks so they were replaced as well. Easiest brake job ever, and I was surprised. $70.00 including the new disks, brakes, lube, brake cleaner, and fluid.

At 108,000 miles, while replacing the brakes, I discovered the passenger side outer tie rod end was defective, and I replaced at a cost of around $50.00. Very easy to replace.

General Comments:

I bought this car for my college age daughter after she was t-boned in our 2000 Mustang. The car looks great, even at 10 years old, and actually runs very well.

The first week she had it, she took a trip to Florida, which was around 3000 miles round trip with only a flat tire breakdown. Don't rely on getting the tires off easily as the lugs seemed to be welded on, and the car had to be towed to a shop, thank goodness for AAA.

She loves the Bose system and multi disk CD player, although it is sometimes a pain changing the CD's in the trunk.

Faults:

Faulty Bosch ABS control box; Audi want $3300 to replace.

General Comments:

Parts cost a fortune.

Recalls mean nothing to dealers.

When checked Internet, we realised scope of problem.

Faults:

Brakes (all pads and rotors) $300 (labor 3+h DIY)

General Comments:

I can't recommend this car if you want a reliable commuter car. This is a "drivers" car, and the performance and comfort of this car are wonderful, and the winter driving is superb. If you have the money and time to fix the car, you will love it and if you don't, then get a Toyota or Honda.

Faults:

Rear brakes at 116,000. Front brakes at 126,000. Front control arms at 134,000 (total of four between left and right.) Rear sway bar link at 134,000. First timing belt change at 80,000.

And the weirdest thing of all... the catalytic convertor literally came off the turbo, flames and all, at 68,000. It appeared on closer examination, that Hanz and Franz in Ingolstadt never really did make any attempt to reinforce that area (?), therefore, it simply fell apart one day. Too much Dunkel Weiss, perhaps?? And no, Audi had no comment on that, nor was it covered, as clearly any warranty was well over with.

General Comments:

My car has held up well, when I compare it against many other reviews. The brakes were all original and didn't die until after 110,000 miles. The control arms as indicated, were quite recent. I love this car. Like many have said... I really, really love this car. There just isn't another car out there that handles like this A-4. (That is under $40,000) But be prepared to spend $1500-2000.00/yr. keeping it on the road after the warranty runs out. And that is such a drag. There are also many annoying little things that I'm hoping Audi fixed after the year 2000 model. The door side strips would be one. All mine have fallen off. Lame. Rusting side mirrors...again, lame. And the timing belt service...yeeeah, if you're not a mechanic, it's $1000.00+. If you are a do-it-yourself kinda person and have the tools and basic knowledge of this engine, you can do it yourself for about $400.00 but be prepared to spend 8+ hours doing it. And from everything I read and am told by my mechanic, 60,000 miles seems to be the magic number for this service.

Sigh...expensive addiction and one I will stay with for a few more years I suspect. Just love the car too much.