1997 Audi A4 Quattro review from North America
"Reliable, comfortable, good durability"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Radiator - 152K miles
Motor mounts - 145K
Control arms - 100K
Wheel bearings - all 4 from 90K to 140K
Cam tensioner seal oil leak - 80K
Turbo waste gate rod - 50K.
General comments?
After 156K miles the car is still very solid, and none can believe it's 12 years old - no rust after living in MI all these years. It's very comfortable to drive, and the visibility is great. I like the turbo power, and it's been chipped with APR stage 2 for the last 100K miles.
Watch out of sunroofs, they have plastic parts that break- mine broke last year. I do my own work on the car, and haven't taken it to a mechanic in years.
For the past 3 years I replaced a wheel bearing every fall, and also last fall I did the radiator. We have no hesitation taking this car on long trips.
The only thing that bothers me is the 2nd gear syncro is getting weak. Once I've driven a few miles it's OK.
I have no want for a new car other than higher safety. The car is still fun to drive. I do wish it was quieter on the highway, but the Borla exhaust is mostly to blame for that.
Recommended reviews
| Dependable if maintained regularly, and a pleasure to drive! |
|
| Buy if you can do your own repairs; Lease otherwise |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8T Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 156000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercury Sable |
| Date of Entry | 15th April, 2009 |