1998 Audi A4 1.8T review from North America
"Nice looking car with LOTS of problems"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Two of the four front control arms making lots of noise - replaced ($400 each) at 80,000 miles. Right Front wheel bearing failed at 82,000 ($200), Electrical issue in instrument cluster ($900) at 78,000, emission control charcoal canister failed at 75,000 miles ($500). Radiator overflow container went bad at 70,000.
General comments?
The A4 is a great looking, comfortable car, with good performance. However, I will never buy an Audi again that is not new or under warranty. Audi's lack of quality is the reason they are so reasonably priced compared to comparable used BMW's. Of the 14 cars I have owned this A4 depreciated faster and cost much more to operate. A good friend of mine is having similar issues with an A6 4.2 with 80,000 miles.
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? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8T Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 60000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 88000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda S2000 |
| Date of Entry | 19th July, 2004 |