1999 Audi A4 Avant from North America - Comments

My check engine light has come on five times. All times were due to the evaporative/emissions sensor in the car.

The small solid state computer that controls ignition timing failed at 60,000 miles.

An ignition coil failed.

The heater fan's bearing is going bad causing an obnoxious whining sound when the heater is on.

Replaced the timing belt at 60,000 miles.

The CD changer doesn't work sometimes.

Multiple leaks in the vacuum system which controls just about everything on these cars (poorly designed).

This car is unbelievable on the snowy roads of Colorado and I feel the traction is actually better than my Toyota T-100 4-wheel drive truck.

However, the maintenance costs are ridiculous.

I am seriously considering getting rid of this car and buying something that is actually reliable.

My wife and I have spent over $4000 on maintenance bills and have only owned the car for a little over a year.

If you do choose to buy an A4, I suggest you do two things: (1) Move in next door to a factory certified Audi mechanic and (2) Buy a car that is actually reliable to have as a back-up.

For every comment I see made on Audi, it proves that the owners of these vehicles have poor car management skills or are ignorant to the fact that they do not maintainence their vehicle properly.

I've had a 1999 Audi A4 Sedan 2.8 V6 since the day it was released, and the only propblems that I've encountered were the need to replease an electronic component that is used in the starter process.

How does my car work so effectively? It does so because I properly care for my car the correct mileage amounts and time elapses.

If you are looking for a car that doesn't require proper care, then good luck finding one, but before you decide to negatively criticize an excellent vehicle please include the fact that you do not properly care for it, as I can see that much of the problems many of you have listed all are the results of ignorance to a problem that could've been solved easily or proper care.

I suppose you must work for Audi or your just very anal. The Audi dealerships are usually criminal in the prices that they charge. I love the way my 1999 A4 2.8 Quatto drives and looks, but my water pump went at 40K miles and I replaced the timing belt at the same time. Now at 44K miles the check engine light came on and won't go out after 3 visits to the shop. Already they had to replace the connections on the secondary air pump and the air pump it self and the light still won't go out. This faliure is due to poor design and location of the device. It was corroted. I do not drive this car in the winter as I have a Chevy 4 wheel drive truck for bad weather.

I have spent over $2000 for repairs for this car in 4K miles. I was considering buying a new A6 because it is beautiful, but I will now purchase a new Cadillac STS V8.

I have just purchased a 1999 A4 2.8L with 55,000Miles. I was wondering if anyone can direct me to some kind of maintenance schedule. Thanks for your help.