Faults:

The maintenance on this car is quite costly compared to similar cars: expensive parts and expensive labor cost, even in local repair shops. One should expect a budget of up to $2000 a year in worse years. Do your timing belt and oil changes early enough to avoid much more costly repairs, as this engine is known to be quite "irritable" if not maintained correctly.

Suspension can be quite bumpy on damaged roads, such as the ones we have in Quebec.

Few parts got too old/noisy in the front drive train, which is not surprising for such an aged car (170 000 km).

General Comments:

Solid interior, no noise while the car is quite old. The car just gives me a big smile when flooring it, even if it's using only stock parts.

Being used to manual gearboxes, I feel the Tiptronic/automatic gear box can be slow to switch gear, and I don't like the Tiptronic gear switching using the gearbox lever (I don't have the wheel Tiptronic buttons, which would be much more handy). Still, acceleration at low speed is surprisingly good, given the weight and the automatic gear box when one floors it, or when one kick it down.

Gas consumption is quite high in town (10-15/100 km at stabilized speed, 20-40 during acceleration) due to car weight. Down to 7L/100 km when cruising on the highway. Range is about 400 km in town, 450-500+ km is doing highway.

The car's suspension is comfortable most of the time, but still feels like it's too soft when driving over distorted roads with potholes.

If I were to change my car, I'd hesitate between a similar German one (for the special, luxury filling and the smile-making) or an Asian one (for the maintenance cost and depending on its dynamic characteristics). Well for now, I'm keeping this car :)

Faults:

Where to begin? I have had issues with this car since the 2nd year I owned it. The first notable thing was when the car stranded me. The dealer said it was the fuel pump. Right after the 50k mile warranty was up, everything started failing. This includes the radio, windshield wiper pump, both catalytic converters, ignition coils, power windows... just to name a few. Right now my car won't start, and I don't know why. The battery seems fine but it just won't start. I just had it in the shop two weeks ago too!

General Comments:

I have never had this many issues with a car. I even had a BMW before, and it only required regular maintenance. Audis may look nice, but I would not recommend one unless you have money to burn.

Faults:

Front wiper blades arms.

Rear wheel bearing.

General Comments:

Above problems sorted by a local garage at little cost (ordered the parts myself).

Car has proved very reliable through the winter etc.

Performance on par with my previous car (Mondeo 2 Litre diesel).

Good fit and finish; very secure and solid.

Ride a bit harsh in Sport form, but sure footed.

Running costs - find a good independent Audi specialist as this is the tough bit if you're on a tight budget. Also check out the various Audi drivers sites, as very good tips and recommendations for DIY or garages.

Economy - just been up to Edinburgh and back (650 miles in total) on 50 litres of fuel to collect my son and all his clobber, so pretty reasonable, albeit mostly motorway, so getting around 55mpg.

Overall pleased so far, and when I can, I would buy 2006 model or perhaps try a BMW 320 estate.