1999 Audi A4 Quattro review from North America
"Great but tempermental"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
O2 sensor.
Minor engine problems.
Minor electrical issues.
Timing belt just blew, causing major damage to the car.
General comments?
Bought this car in 1999 while in graduate school and loved it. Honestly, expected to have periodic issues because it is a European performance car. Not many problems until it had over 50k, costing about 1500/yr max until yesterday.
I actually just had the timing belt changed a few months ago at my 90k check, and it blew while driving home. The engine shut off immediately and I had it towed on a flat bed to my mechanic. He said it would likely be several thousand dollars and maybe need a new engine. Will call Audi tomorrow am to see if they'll foot the bill, since they just changed the belt. I'm probably out of luck.
I will likely buy a BMW. I know what I'm getting into - I drive too much to buy an Acura. I want to enjoy being in my car, even if it spends a few weeks in the shop every year.
Recommended reviews
| Not very reliable or cheap to fix |
|
| Great driving car, but high maintenance |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 23 miles |
| Most recent distance | 99000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Golf |
| Date of Entry | 22nd September, 2008 |