Faults:

At 0km:

- Fog lights had condensation, causing an electrical short.

- Brake calipers rubbing on rotors, causing the wheel to rub while driving.

At 8000km:

- Turbo leak (fixed under warranty).

At 60,000km:

- Battery exploded. Seriously. Like a bomb. Battery acid all over the engine compartment. Audi contacted, and all I got was a "courtesy phone call", and they didn't even replace the battery for free.

At 100,000km:

- Center differential failure ($$$).

General Comments:

- Great handling.

- Very refined feel from the inside.

- Fun to drive.

- Quattro is wonderful.

Faults:

The reverse lights did not work when purchased new. The dealer found burnt wiring and had to replace the harness. Car was out for a month. I thought the dealer should have replaced the car.

Replaced rear bearings at 95000 miles for a total cost of $600.

Battery was replaced at 90000 miles (five years later)

Currently on third set of tires and brakes.

Although functional, the LED display is intermittently partial, sometimes get bogus 'check engine' light.

Spilled soft drinks makes the radio and A/C controls sticky, especially at sub-zero temperatures.

General Comments:

Despite the first electrical problem with the car, I think it has held up very, very well in the harsh conditions of New York City metro area.

I have found this to be a very low maintenance car.

At 100K, the performance is like new and the car never disappoints me.

The interior has no rattles and the leatherette is only now showing very minor signs of wear. My five and 2 year old have tried, but have not yet been able to break anything in the rear.

Faults:

The following faults were fixed (if possible) under warranty. Clutch failed after one year and 30,000km.

Centre electronic display failed and was replaced. Immobiliser refused to function correctly and all lock barrels needed to be replaced due to the underlying fault, that is the ignition failed to recognise that the key had left the ignition.

Electric window switch fault.

Engine burned a lot of oil from day one. Oil light used to come on every 5,000kn or so.

I am sure there were other problems under warranty, but can't remember them all.

Out of warranty problems include bent steering arms (no I didn't hit a curb). ABS computer blew (repair NZD$4,000).

And I am not kidding you, but the bonnet has been lifted so much on this car that the bonnet pull has worn out and a part is on order for it now.

General Comments:

The faults I have had with this vehicle have been unbelievable. For a car that purports to be a quality product it just doesn't even come close. I am looking for a new car and might get something cheap to service like a Maserati. Funny thing is compared to this Audi a Maserati will be cheaper.