When I bought the car the first thing I noticed was that the radio didn't work. I pushed the faceplate back in (it was bent) and it worked. But the CD changer never worked.
Next I noticed some of the instrument lights were out. I have since replaced almost all of them. The temperature light is now out, but I believe just loose.
The gas pedal fell off, just the plastic part. Still is not fixed. Falls off occasionally.
I installed a new stereo and discovered that the battery placement in the back is in line with a spring from the seat. I have since melted the backseat to the battery twice when occupants were there.
The sunroof interior visor broke, now must be pulled out of roof by hand when sunroof is closed. Leaked once.
I have tried using xenon-look headlights and the car blows them left and right. Longest any have lasted is a month, shortest is about 4 days before blowing. And not the light coil, the base explodes. I now buy bulbs in bulk.
Right taillight fills with water.
Car is terrible on gas for the type of engine. Two valve small sixes should not guzzle gas like this car, Quattro or otherwise.
Power does not match mileage.
Check engine light comes on when cold, but that's because after pulling my bumper off, the lower air dam fell off. So the engine doesn't think it is warm enough.
I can relate to the bucking bull when trying to get out of the doors when they swing back and knock you down.
Cruise control sometimes doesn't catch on the first try.
Sounds like a CV joint is about to start going, noticeable clunk when I turn the wheel to a certain point (not very far off true).
Exhaust is visible at unusually warm temperatures.
Water temp never seems to go up in the winter, no thermostat problems.
Wind noise from my window, don't know about the others.
Rattles come from window areas.
I bought the car because of how smooth it rides. I have since replaced the springs with lowering springs, so ride has been compromised.
Overall, the car is nice, it looks nice and drives nice for the most part. But it doesn't meet my expectations for what it is. A near-luxury car.
My previous cars never gave me as many problems as this one.
I love the AWD, but not how temperamental it is, I believe the next car I buy will be a Subaru.
This car had been obviuosly abused all its life and it is still in running condition. Isn't that a sign of a good quality? Seriously, before you buy a car learn its history! My friend leased a car and he drives it like crazy - his explanation: i'll dump this car in 12 month and get another lease! I sort of agree with him, but YOU might have have gotten one of his abused cars!
Good luck!
To the original writer:
The battery in your car may be the incorrect type. I have not seen any other reports of a similar problem with this model here on carsurvey.org or anywhere else. Check with the dealership to be sure.
Your choice of xenon headlamps is the cause of your bulb problems. It is unfair to blame the car for a botched modification that you made. Try using a bulb of a higher wattage (to handle the current flow of the xenon system you installed). But before you do, consult an automotive electrician just to be sure.
What people often do not realise is that a small engine does not mean that the car it is bolted to will be fuel efficient. Efficiency is generally on a curve. There is an optimal engine size for each car that will yield the best results. This 172hp V6 is below that curve. It is hauling a lot of machine around so economy will suffer. That said 24/19 isn't great, but it's not that bad either.
With regard to that check engine light. Go have that looked at.
Air dam? What air dam?
Engine doesn't think it's warm enough? I doubt this.
Bad CV joints do not "clunk", they "click" repeatedly. And you only hear them when the car is moving and then the wheel turned to either side. Take the car to an alignment shop and have them check the suspension and steering systems.
With all due respect my friend, this car seems to have been fairly reliable. Apart from a few minor niggles it has never broken down with you. I think you would be better off taking the car to a professional technician instead of nickel and diming the car to death. If you think you will be spared the wrath of Murphy by getting a Subaru, you may be in for a surprise. They have their fair share of issues too. Have a read on here and you will see.
Something to note:
If the car is not getting up to temp, there IS a problem with the cooling system, most likely the thermostat. If this is working properly, then the engine would stay this cold even if you put a pipe in place of the radiator (not gonna happen).
If the car is not getting up to temp, it is never running as efficiently as it should be. These cars aren't gas mileage champs, but I was never disappointed with my mileage.
I also beat the snot out of my Audi, and it took the abuse better than any car I have ever owned. It actually got better gas mileage than my 1.9 L Ford Escort driven in the same manner.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site