2003 Audi A4 Avant from North America - Comments

Strange noise when turning while indicating, dealer says it was the airbag spring. Fixed under warranty.

Fuel indicator stopped working due to corroded sensor. Fixed under warranty.

This is an attractive car and quite enjoyable to drive.

The Quattro system is amazing, the car can be driven hard on any surface.

Braking is really weak and has caused many scary moments, dealer says brakes are OK. Have considered upgrading the brakes, but it will void the warranty.

Automatic gearbox is not great, there is a big accelaration delay in 'Drive', while 'sport mode' is too high revving making it uncomfortable to drive.

I don't regret buying this car, the Quattro alone is worth the dosh, but I miss my 328!

Quattro system is amazing, but braking and acceleration a little dull huh?

I resisted the temptation to buy another high maintenance European car and recently traded up from my Audi A4 for a fabulous high performance "All Wheel Drive" Subaru. My opinion:

1. Quattro vs All Wheel Drive (AWD)?- AWD is just as stable (if not more).

2. Performance? The Subie kills the Audi and puts a smile on your face for driving it, not just posing in it.

3. Braking? I kinda thought the Audi had good brakes, 'till I bought my Subie...

3. Features? I now have climate air, front and side air bags, leather, power sun roof, cruise control and after market sat nav - with around Aus$5,000.00 change over a base A4. And you can have an Avant type shape if you want.

4. Reliability? Have you read all the carsurvey.org reviews about the lack of reliability and high maintenance costs of the Audis. Now go and have a look at the reviews on the Subaru WRX's and Libertys. The A4 I had was the most expensive to maintain car I have ever owned.

5. Value? If you want to pose, consider an A4. If you're past posing and want a real driver's car instead, have a look at the Subarus. Oh, unless you want to spend four to five times more and buy a proper Audi such as an S4 or RS6. And if you really care about posing and not driving, spend the extra for the convertible. Of course the extra depreciation each year would probably almost be equivalent to a new WRX or Liberty every year.

Look past the badge (a very illuminating experience).

Interesting points however having sat inside the cabin of a recent WRX and an Audi A4 I'd have to say I'd rather the A4 just on the sheer quality of it (plastics, ergonomics, the way the door shuts, features etc..). For a one off track day, sure, the WRX, but day to day 'normal' driving (and lets be honest, what we all do 96%of the time) the A4 is much nicer place to be. And as for posing, unfortunately society equates the model car with the image you wish to project, my bet is your (solid & sound) arguments will fall on deaf ears of the next good looking single girl you meet (she'll be off with the guy in the A4 anyhow).

Interesting analysis. I've driven Subaru's and found that they are an excellent automobile, but they fall short in a few areas that are important to Audi owners. One being the overall level of sophistication, something that needs no further explanation. Secondly, drive-ability. No Subaru that I've driven can compare to the road manners of an Audi. It's like comparing wines, one can always appreciate a fine wine.

<<Interesting analysis. I've driven Subaru's and found that they are an excellent automobile, but they fall short in a few areas that are important to Audi owners. One being the overall level of sophistication, something that needs no further explanation. Secondly, drive-ability. No Subaru that I've driven can compare to the road manners of an Audi. It's like comparing wines, one can always appreciate a fine wine.>.

While I agree about the quality part (although Subarus are vastly more reliable than any Audi), the reality is Audis are boring cars similar to big American sedans. Subarus are much more fun and prove their rallying roots. Why Audi doesn't do this given its quattro changed the driving world forever is beyond me.

I will say that I swapped out tires on my Impreza for sportier ones and that made the difference.