Engine leaks everywhere, terrible gas mileage, electrical problems, engine problems, timing belt went and trashed the valves, flywheel broke - how does a flywheel break? Very expensive to repair.
Despite its problems it is by far the best car I have ever owned, and I've owned many, mostly high end. V8 is smooth and powerful - when it runs - and I can't imagine driving anything other than the Quattro in the New England winters. Solid, stable, smooth yet sporty ride. Nothing but problems with the engine, the latest is a cracked flywheel after a complete top end rebuild when the timing belt went and the valves got trashed, but you know what? I'll be getting it fixed, the sooner the better.
Such a shame; if one had done more research, one would have known to replace the timing belt and fuel pressure regulator; two of the things that can cause big money repairs!
From what I have read, the fuel pressure regulator, if aged, may fill the cylinders with fuel and cause a hydraulic lock, therefore when starting will strip a few teeth off the flywheel.
So like with any car; japanese, euro or american, they all have their downsides, but none of the others have won 24 hr Le Mans as many times; a testament to reliability...
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