2005 Audi A4 review from North America

- Throttle body had to be replaced at 54,000 miles.

- Transmission control module had to be replaced at 60,000 miles.

- Coolant leak at 60,000 miles.

- Gasket leak at 72,000 miles.

- Fuel pump replaced at 72,000 miles.

- Timing belt replaced at 80,000 miles.

That is a grand total of $6,000 (approx.) in random repairs to this car!

I fell in love with this car when I bought it. It was cute, and according to Consumer Reports it was a reliable car. Wrong! After I realized something was wrong with the car I started reading forum posts and realized I had made a mistake. They were all about transmission issues and timing belt replacements. I guess that is what I get for not doing my research beforehand.

The car is still in perfect condition to the average eye. I have a small dent on the back passenger side fender, but other than that it looks new on the outside. Inside it still smells new! I have people comment on that all the time. The black leather is something Audi actually got right. It stays in great condition and is beautiful. I kept up with regular maintenance and had a tune up done at 70,000, which is when I found out about the gasket leak.

Now I just want to get out from under this problem car and into something more reliable. One problem, I am upside down and out of cash... thanks to my A4. I'll definitely go for a Honda or Toyota... great reputation and low maintenance costs, if something does go wrong.

So if you enjoy driving a rental or going without your car, and you would rather spend your savings on repairing your car, rather than a vacation... Go with Audi!! I have been contemplating hanging out at the Audi dealership and telling their innocent potential customers not to buy an Audi!