1995 Audi A4 review from UK and Ireland

Within a week of purchase the car lost all power steering fluid. This was traced to a defective power steering rack seal. A new replacement rack from Audi costs £600, a local chap got a rack from Europarts at a total cost fitted of £300.

Driver's window jammed. This was traced to a green plastic clip securing the glass to the runner. Guess what, you can't buy this separately and Audi want £170 for a complete regulator assembly. I am saving up to buy a runner assembly from Europarts for £58.

Climate control is no longer cold. Probably needs a recharge at £85.

Bad engine oil leaks came from oil cooler or filter housing. Took two attempts to fix (glad I didn't replace the undertray!) and with a coolant leak, due to a faulty hose, cost £180 to fix.

Suspension arms knocked badly over rough roads. These were replaced at £150 by non Audi dealer. Audi dealer wanted double this amount. Previous owner told me he sold the car after spending £2,000 on suspension over his ownership of 60,000 miles! The knocking has now returned...

Automatic gearbox is now starting to play up. After braking, there is occasionally a delay of one or two seconds before it kicks into gear. This is quite disconcerting at roundabouts.

The alarm is also playing up. Sometimes it goes days with no problems, then activates several times in one day.

Despite the running costs I love this car. When it is running right it is the best car in the world. Even after 155,000 miles the interior is like new, the exterior rust free and everything feels solid.

The fuel consumption is frightening. The engine is too peaky for automatic transmission. However, the car has been converted to liquid petroleum gas and now averages 60 miles per gallon equivalent.

I once bought a 1995 A4 TDi new. That car did 70,000 miles fault free and lost £7,000 in value.

My current A4 has covered 35,000 miles, cost £1,300 in repairs, and lost £1,500 in value. I think I'll buy a new one next time!