2003 Audi A4 1.8T Multitronic from North America - Comments

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The best car I have ever owned. It handles like its on rail even if it's a FWD. A4 has excellent ride/handling balance. 1.8T is a great engine that provides plenty of torque with the exceptional continuously variable transmission. Interior is very comfortable and extremely well laid-out. Ergonomics are perfect. When I brought the car in for oil change that is not free in the manual (I brought in at 6000km which the first one was not due till 12000km). They charged me $40 for labor which is cheaper than most other cars.

I am surprised with what you said about the oil change. Though a Audi 1.8 t uses less oil than many cars the shop has to remove the protective plate under the engine so they usually charge more. I hope you are changing the oil at least every 3500 miles or 4500 if using synthetic... turbos demand clean oil, very clean. Don't pay attention to Audi criteria...turbos need to be treated right or you will need a replacement ($2500 to $4000) turbo before 100,000 miles. I own a Volvo S60 T5 as well which accelerates and handles well, but the A4 AWD we have definitely handles better and cost a bit less. The Audi also has superior brakes. However the Audi, with its impeccable leather tailoring and great looks is not as comfortable as the Volvo. I really would like to drive a more powerful Audi to compare it to the Volvo... like an A8 or RS6. In my opinion (haven driven only one Audi, the turbo Volvo uses is better... less lag.

My 2003 Audi 1.8T Quattro was fun to drive, but I have had many problems. Fuel Filter replaces at 48,000, Fuel Pump replaced at 51,000 (wouldn't start at all), tons of dashboard squeeks and rattles, repeated blown fuses for the window washing system, washing system for headlamps leaked on two separate occasions, many speaker problems (cutting in and out). Now that I am over the warranty, I feel that it is a ticking time bomb. I'm trading it in for an Acura TL.