Faults:

Two failed water pumps

Three failed oxygen sensors

One failed brake pressure accumulator

Phone: non functional

Radio has insane cycling heterodyne

Digital features: do you like running out of gas when the computer says you have 200 miles left?

Sunroof: stopped functioning

Tachometer: works intermittently

Heated Seats: non functional

Dealer won't touch it.

General Comments:

The Audi V8 Quattro was the first of the technologically challenged Audi's sent over to America. The above failures and problems speak volumes as to the lack of basic quality inherent to this vehicle. All of this at just 75k.

With an original sticker of $50,000, one would hope for a bit more out of this pretentious money-pit that holds its value like a pasta strainer holds water.

No, it's not completely bad. It's really a blast to drive when it's not sick. It handles like a sports car, and it's deceptively quick (a timed run to 60mph took just under 8 seconds). It will effortlessly cruise at 120 plus for as long as you desire. This car was designed for high speed cruising in Europe, and it loves to go fast. Put your foot into it and prepare to spend much of your spare time in traffic court. It exhibits unbelievably handling characteristics in the higher speed ranges.

Unfortunately it suffers from inexcusable quality control, cheap construction, coupled with mind boggling repair costs. The electrical system is legendary for failures, and the subsequent cost of repair will make your eyes bug out. The repair cost for the Tachometer problem was $1500. That's just to see the engine speed, folks. This car has more current problems than all of the other cars I have owned... combined! Your biggest challenge with this car will be finding a mechanic who has the proper tools, and is willing to work on the car.

Yet it continues to run. You know... like a rattlesnake that still bites after it's dead.

Faults:

Transmission. Leaks around seals and sender unit. Cheap, but took an extraordinarily long time to procure. All parts are a major problem with this rare vehicle.

Many engine leaks, replaced seals.

General Comments:

Best riding/handling BIG car that I have owned. When it works it pleases. Tank like, solid feel. Crisp handling and POWER in the high end of the spectrum. Car just gobbles up the highway. Gas mileage? TERRIBLE. A joke. Lucky to average 16mpg on 93 octane. Car is both expensive to own and service - Audi dealers are obnoxious and downright insulting. Independent service is a must.

Faults:

The car sprung a hydraulic leak once in 1998, which an aircraft mechanic at the local air-strip was able to fix. He even had the correct hydraulic fluid for it!

The battery died when I left the car with lights & blinkers on & engine off for 30 minutes 2 years ago. Turned out the battery was 10 years old. I replaced it and no more problem.

In 80k miles of very "spirited" driving, that is the sum total of non-scheduled maintenance.

Regular maintenance is as expensive as it gets. I must have spent $5000 when I first got the car between shocks, timing belts, and synthetic fluids all around, but the payoff has been well worth it.

Two gripes:

1. The defroster is pretty weak, esp. for a car with a pass-through ski-bag, seat-warmers, and 4-wheel drive!

2. The early electronics are annoying. Warning beeps when the windshield washer is running low and break-wear indicators that exaggerate.

General Comments:

It takes some getting used to a V8 tuned like a small engine (all top end) but the rewards are plentiful when the revs get past 3500. At lower speeds, such as in town, it is comparatively ponderous, but with a chip & an air filter it will pass 150mph without even breathing hard.

The quattro encourages sporty driving. When it slips, you just accelerate!

The interior is a 10, from the seats to the phone & sound system. So much speed, so well appointed. Compares favorably with cars 5 years newer. Its middle name is "road-trip", esp. with its 22.5g tank!

Equally at home opening night at the opera and spending Christmas skiing.