1996 Audi A4 Quattro from North America - Comments

All eight front suspension bushings have been replaced. Only the two attached to the lower control arms were covered by Audi.

I had the (original) tie rods replaced this year because the right was loose. My mechanic was incredulous that these original tie rods had lasted for eight years since they usually fail in three.

Both rear wheel bearings have failed.

The rear differential oil seal has been replaced twice.

The AC evaporator was replaced two years ago for $1400.

I was stranded at work when the multi-function headlight switch/ turn signal lever failed.

One can smell unburned gasoline in the cabin on cold days. No mechanic has yet been able to solve this problem.

I have spent thousands of dollars repairing and maintaining this car, but I can't bring myself to part with it. I just wish that a tree would fall on it.

I don't understand why Audi's have a good reputation, since they are so unreliable.

My next car will be a Subaru.

Well, what can I say about my 1996 Audi 2.8L AWD? I can't tell you how happy I am to finally be done with it. I traded it in for a Saab. OK, here is the list of the problems I had with the car.

1) Bad Transmission - The transmission blew out at about 75K miles. Obviously it was out of warranty and the Audi dealer here in Chicago quoted me $11K to fix it. I have a mechanic that replaced it for $4200. Not fun.

2) Bad Water Pump - The water pump exploded spewing liquid all over my timing belt resulting in a purchase of a new timing belt (2nd one) and the pump itself with every sensor imaginable.

3) Bad Control Arms - I did not even deal with the control arms because I was going to get rid of it.

4) Bad O2 Sensor - Replaced this fellow 3 times.

5) Blown Head Gasket - This was the icing on the cake. I just couldn't take putting more money in this car.

6) Rear Suspension - Very strange sounds came from the rear suspension which I didn't even want to know about.

7) Check Engine Light - If I had a penny for every time the check engine light went on, I would be extremely wealthy. 99% of the time the mechanic could find no problems.

I would strictly advise anyone to avoid the 1996 Audi's. The do drive superbly, but even Bill Gates would balk at continual maintenance issues. I read recently that Audi's are the 2nd most expensive cars to fix under Range Rover. Yikes.