1998 Audi A4 Quattro review from North America
"Good car, but the newer ones have a better reliability rating"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I purchased the 1998 Audi A4 Quattro in Phoenix, AZ. in 2004 and imported it into Canada. It had 103,000 miles at the time of purchase, and was in mint condition.
107,000 miles - replaced timing chain, tensioners, thermostat and water pump (no problem... I just didn't know when they had been changed last)
109,300 miles - replaced secondary air pump relay after it shorted out, causing the fan to keep running after the car was turned off. This would cause the battery to discharge.
120,590 miles - replaced leaky power steering hoses and split front CV boots;
127,700 miles - replaced all four wheel bearings (one was starting to make noise so I did all 4)
140,670 miles - replaced both front brake calipers after they started leaking (did this along with full brake service)
General comments?
The car handles very well and is very stable at high speeds. The leather interior that still looks in mint condition after 11 years. It is definitely the most comfortable car I've ever owned.
The expenses to date have been acceptable, since I have stayed away from the Audi dealers for repairs.
Recommended reviews
| Great performance, fit and finish, but prepare for very high maintenance costs |
|
| Over engineered piece of junk |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 litre Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 103000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 141000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Jetta |
| Date of Entry | 3rd May, 2009 |