1999 Audi A4 Quattro review from North America

1- When I first purchased the car, after about 1 week the belt tensioner went, and as a result 2 of my lifters got bent. I went back to the place where I bought the car, and they agreed to pay half for the repairs, as this was under a recall, but the previous owner didn't take it to get it fixed and I got burned, so I had to pay $800, which was my half.

I don't regret paying that $800, because it got me the following, which were due anyways soon, and I would have to spend double the money to get all that done:

$800 got me:

- New water pump

- New belts all around

- New tensioner

- 2 new lifters that were damaged got replaced

- Inside engine wash

- New gaskets/seals

- Oil change

- 8 months full parts and job warranty

- And some other minor parts got replaced

So I went from disappointed to glad it happened, since I got more for the money.

** Other than that problem when I bought the car, there was nothing else wrong with it to date. The car runs great, smooth and responsive. I just changed brakes all around and my shocks are soon due for a change, I will put the sport shocks that come on the S4 Audi because the stock regular shocks are not stiff enough for me, since I previously owned a GTI VR6 Golf that was lowered with a sport suspension, so it's a bit soft for me.

Overall, my '99 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro is an EXCELLENT purchase, and I'm planning to get another A4, but a 2008-2009 model.

** FOR THE RECORD **

All those who bash Audi for the high maintenance costs etc. All I have to say is that it's not the cars fault, it's your fault for not doing better research on what vehicle you can afford to maintain. You pay for what you buy, so unless you are aware of the related costs, you shouldn't be buying something that is way out of your league to maintain.

Audi is a great car and has been for ages, it's not like a FORD or a HONDA.. German cars require regular maintenance to perform at their peak, and most people can't afford to follow regular maintenance schedule because it is costly, so they by-pass it, and when things break, it costs them an arm and a leg, and they then complain and blame the car or the car manufacturer for the problems that arise. Well the only person to blame is yourself failing to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.

I was born in Europe, growing up with these cars Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche so I know what it takes to own one. Once again... if you decide to own any German made vehicle, you make sure you follow regular maintenance schedule. And if you buy used, and it breaks well it's not the cars fault, it's the previous owners fault for abusing it, and not taking it for regular maintenance.

Enough said... BUY GERMAN! LASTS FOREVER!