2001 Audi A4 ultra sport review from North America

Fuel Pump less than 200Miles.

Both front tires around 5K developed Bubbles on side walls of tires. Cost to fix as not covered on warranty $250ea) Pirelli all yr)

Ignition coil at 35K.

Dash pixels burn out (didn't fix it)

But here is when things get bad...

I purchased a 2001.5 A4 in Oct 04 for $23K (ultra sports, xenons, and all the frills). I've done 42.8K miles and pampered the car. All maintenance by Audi. This is a certified car with 1 yr on the Assured Warranty still left. 2 weeks ago I was on the hi-way, cruising at 70 mph, and while driving my battery died, then I felt a jolt, the lights were flashing on off till the car came to a stop. It could have been a bad accident. Anyway the dealer as told me to change the Timing belt. They say in this situation mileage wasn't a factor, but it was Time. That, the car was over 5 yrs old as was due. The dealer refuses to pay for this and says it isn't covered on the Assured. I called Audi of America and they contacted the dealer-ship, called me back and conveyed the same message as the dealership, that either I pay $330 for the diagnosis, or $1200 for the belt (including $285 for new battery and $50 deductible for alternator and $330 for diagnosis). My car is sitting at the dealer as I write. On top of that they refuse to give me a loner because I towed the car from the highway instead of making an appointment.

---- Stay away from Rahway Bell Audi -----

- their service is horrible, and very arrogant.

If you are going to buy an Audi, sell it once the 4yr Bumper to Bumper Warranty ends. They are very expensive to maintain. The "Audi Assured" Warranty is garbage. Audi will find ways to exclude anything of importance from this. If they do chnage a part, they will insist you get something else fixed to make up for their time. The part are over priced. I bought a Battery for $285. Sears sells their Gold Battery for $115 + $12 for installation. The Tires are $250ea at the dealer plus extra for balancing etc. Sears sells the same tire with instalation for $199. Online even cheaper. "Assured Warranty" is the opportunity for Audi to rip you off.