1997 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro review from North America
"Numerous known problems that dealers cannot or will not fix"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Intermittent problems with Electronic Control Unit (ECU) since new. Dealer refused to replace although service bulletin was issued that it should be replaced.
Transmission went at 53,000 miles (tiptronic) dealer says entire transmission must be replaced - cost $9,000 USD
Rear differential seals (L/R) and rear transmission seal went at 50,000 miles
Temperature control sensor went at 39,000 miles
Passenger rear wheel bearing went at 42,000 miles
Driver front passenger control arm went at 49,000 miles.
General comments?
My 1998 2.8 A4 Quattro was my first Audi. For the majority of my 3-year warranty, nothing major went wrong with the car. It was a purchase not a lease.
Despite intermittent ECU and cold-start problems, the car was reliable until the 4th year.
At that point, I had leased a second A4 2002.
The car is incredibly unreliable now, and incredibly expensive to repair. A $9,000 transmission repair is ludicrous at 53,000 miles. AoA refuses to assist.
Never buying Audi again.
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? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 7 miles |
| Most recent distance | 54000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 5th February, 2003 |