1979 Audi Fox review from North America
"The most enjoyable car I have ever driven"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I've had the car for 19 years, so a lot has been replaced due to age and mileage. Here are the items that I initially had to repair or replace within the first couple of years:
Outer CV Joint replaced at purchase.
Fuel Accumulator replaced to cure hot start vapor lock.
Extra starter relay added to resolve poor starting.
Ignition switch replaced.
Battery ground replaced.
Fusebox replaced (newer version is MUCH better, older version used pins and solder, solder joints cracked leading to mysterious electrical problems)
One fuel injector replaced.
Cold start valve replaced.
Transmission rebuilt.
General comments?
Out of this world handling.
Plenty of power.
Extremely fun to drive.
Comfortable cross-country driver.
Excellent seating, controls, and ergonomics.
Very comfortable back seat with good legroom.
Excellent a/c and heating.
Excellent build quality.
Windshield wipers slow in heavy rain at highway speeds.
I have driven up to 20 at a time in this car, stopping only for fuel and rr breaks without any real fatigue. The vehicle is a blast to drive and retains its timeless good looks.
Parts are readily available at low cost.
Fuel mileage is very good, about 30/34 mpg city/highway.
This car will last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
My other vehicles are a '95 Jaguar XJS convertible, an '02 VW Passat wagon, and on '04 Infinity FX35 AWD; I much prefer to drive my little Audi whenever possible.
If you are lucky enough to find one of these today there are a few things that should be done.
1) Replace the fusebox and ignition switch.
2) Add an additional relay for each of the following; the fuel pump, the headlight switch, the starter.
3) Replace the in-tank fuel filter.
4) Add additional grounding wires for the headlights, turn signals, and tail lamps.
5) Check thoroughly for rust, especially behind rear wheel wells, and inboard of the rocker panels.
Recommended reviews
| Fantastic car! Very well built. Handled like a dream, and ran forever with no problems |
| I love this car and I hope to always own it and love it |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1978 |
| First year of ownership | 1985 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8L Gas Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 170000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 475000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 4th November, 2004 |