Faults:

Gearbox mounting worn, needed replacing at 100K. Front centre armrest plastic clip (holds armrest cover closed when armrest is raised) broke, as did armrest hinge. Some clonking from OSF suspension, though it has done 130K so this is just wear.

General Comments:

Excellent quality and equipment, I bought the car in Jan 06 with 98,000 miles and it now has 130,000 on the clock (end Oct 06). Very quiet, does low to mid 30s per gallon. Engine is a bit sluggish, but not too bad. Handling a bit wallowy on std 16" alloys, but upgrade to 18" rims has sharpened up the steering no end. Seats are immensely comfortable, esp. with optional heated seats.

Faults:

My timing belt broke two weeks after my Audi authorized dealer service 80 K service.

Valve damage and new engine needed.

At the time of service I asked my Audi guy to do proactive maintenance so nothing would go wrong with car. I was never advised that caution would suggest the timing belt be changed and leave it up to me if I wanted this major maintenance done earlier than 90K.. The result? Disaster. New engine. Stranded on highway in the rain. Lots of towing charges.

The arrogance of Audi to wait til 90K for maintenance that can ruin an engine. Sounds like unintended acceleration all over again.

General Comments:

The arrogance of Audi to wait until 90K for timing belt maintenance when failure can ruin an engine.

Faults:

Fuel pump after less than 200 miles.

Both front tires around 5K developed bubbles on the side walls of the tires. Cost to fix as not covered on warranty was $250 each. Pirelli all year.

Ignition coil at 35K.

Dash pixels burn out (didn't fix it).

But here is when things get bad...

I purchased a 2001.5 A4 in Oct 04 for $23K (Ultra Sport, xenons, and all the frills). I've done 42.8K miles and pampered the car. All maintenance by Audi. This is a certified car with 1 year on the Assured Warranty still left.

2 weeks ago I was on the highway, cruising at 70 mph, and while driving my battery died, then I felt a jolt, the lights were flashing on off till the car came to a stop. It could have been a bad accident. Anyway, the dealer as told me to change the timing belt. They say in this situation mileage wasn't a factor, but it was time. That the car was over 5 years old, so it was due. The dealer refuses to pay for this, and says it isn't covered on the Assured Warranty.

I called Audi of America, and they contacted the dealership, called me back, and conveyed the same message as the dealership, that either I pay $330 for the diagnosis, or $1200 for the belt (including $285 for new battery and $50 deductible for alternator and $330 for diagnosis). My car is sitting at the dealer as I write. On top of that, they refuse to give me a loner, because I towed the car from the highway instead of making an appointment.

General Comments:

If you are going to buy an Audi, sell it once the 4 year bumper to bumper warranty ends. They are very expensive to maintain.

The "Audi Assured" warranty is garbage. Audi will find ways to exclude anything of importance from this. If they do change a part, they will insist you get something else fixed to make up for their time.

The parts are over priced. I bought a battery for $285. Sears sells their Gold battery for $115 + $12 for installation.

The tires are $250 each at the dealer, plus extra for balancing etc. Sears sells the same tire with installation for $199. Online is even cheaper. "Assured Warranty" is the opportunity for Audi to rip you off.