Totally nothing!
This car is just great, every morning I can't wait to drive. I got it used and I put 10000 on it without any problems. It drives like a dream, very reliable, perfect in any weather, very comfy compared to my Acura which was impossible to drive in a rain and snow, the car wouldn't even more from its spot. It had a beautiful perfect interior and its very classy looking. Audi all the way!
Agree!! I have a "99 1/2" 2.8 5 speed, and it is a gem. A truly incredible car. When you open and close doors and touch any control it feels like a Swiss watch. When you drive, it feels and responds like a sports car and literally makes you grin. The steering "talks" with feel, the gearshift slides into gears like in butter, the brakes are firm. When you hit a bump, nothing vibrates, nothing rattles, nothing squeaks - the entire car feels like it's machined out of a single billet of steel. On top of that, it is probably the most tastefully designed and beautifully finished compact car ever. And mine has been completely trouble free. And then of course there is the Quattro AWD system -- you don't need snow tires.
The A4 does not have the image of the BMW 3-series, but is more sophisticated, all around better and more fun.
I truly agree with this author. I bought an '01 A4 30-valve V6, auto w/tiptronic, xenon lights, sport-tuned susp., and a number of other things (sorry I just love bragging about it, cause I love it). I'll tell you, I can't wait to drive it everyday. My gf has a '03 325i and I prefer mine to hers any day; and it outperforms hers as well. Now I'm just a little disappointed with the engine (cam) seals that I have to replace cause they're leaking oil (internally). Aside from the design flaw (or quality) of the seal that makes it wear prematurely, I'm very impressed with the overall ingenuity of this finely-tuned German automobile. Remember fellas, luxury and sportiness doesn't come with a cheap price tag. To drive something nice and fast, things are gonna go wrong sometimes--as with any other car. But that is life and there is no such thing as a PERFECT car. But I will always be loyal to Audi and just hope they can continue to manufacture more sexy and fun-to-drive cars. Thanks to Audi and my fellow enthusiasts.
I Agree too that the audi is a fun to drive, well designed vehicle. Those germans really put thought into the appearance, design, and features of their cars. You just have to use sense when owning one. For example:If they say to use 91+octane, don't put in 83. If it says use mobil 1 only don't get your oil changed at the quick lube-use the mobil 1 and a german filter. Also if you find something minor wrong don't run to the dealer to fix it. Try to fix the problem yourself. People always whine about the cost of high maintenance of these vehicles, but if you won't work on them yourself of course you'll go broke.I've owned two passats and one A4 since 1999 and have very little in maintenance. Of the 3 cars I've replaced 2-3 coilpacks, one set of tie rods, a couple of vacuum lines. If your idiot lights come on go to walmart buy a $99 code reader and source and repair the problem. If you want a car that is fun to drive and not run of the mill buy german. If you want something bland that may not need as much attention buy something japanese.
I truly agree with this author as well. Yes Japanese vehicles are a little bland, but very reliable as well. Personally, I love the technology the Germans use. Of course, more technology, the higher the chance for maintenace. In the end, it's all worth the buck for the extraordinary drive of this Audi. It certainly helps too if you know some basic mechanic work for do-it-yourselfers. The dealership will put a toll on your wallet. That's for sure!!!
I agree also with the posters above. If you maintain an Audi, or any German car for that matter, and give it the proper care that it needs - you can literally drive these cars forever. Just don't buy a German car expecting Toyota reliability and maintenance costs. Nor should you expect the general boring feel that comes with driving a Toyota either. That it what makes ownership of a German car worthwhile.
The only time I went to a dealer is when the car was under warranty to replace the coil packs and to replace the driver side seat and passenger side seat airbags.
One time, I ran over an object on the transition from one freeway to another. When I took the car to the dealer to evaluate the damage he quoted me a sum that flabbergasted me. I took the car to a shop that I trusted, and the owner said, 'Yes there is evidence of you hitting something, but
the damage is superficial and nothing to worry about'.
So, I've learned to stay away from dealers and find a shop that is TRUSTWORTHY.