Used A4 for sale
ridiculously unreliable
rosanne2e, 03/17/2002
1996 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In it's lifetime between 60-85000 miles it's had several major problems including: 1) climate control display has broken 2) keyless door locking system broke 3) tie rod wear --needed replacing 4) one set of rear wheel bearings needed replacing 5) filter piece inside the coolant reservoir broke 6)oil leaks -needed oil pan gaskets replaced 7) car would die at low idle -an idle controller part needed replacement 8) dashboard trim around air bag separated from the airbag cover I will not buy another German car, especially not an Audi. It's been a waste of time and money to own this car. I'm in the market for a small to medium sized Japanese SUV.
Repairs! Repairs! Repairs!
lovesit22, 04/25/2008
1996 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't know if the prior owner just ran the car down, but I've had to replace the heater core, two oil pans, and $3000 of other repairs I couldn't even remember. I love how the car looks and drives, the interior is so nice, but dumb things break. Like the sunroof went out and the vents broke, just little things but they add up. I'm hoping to get a newer Audi and not have as many problems! But it's great in the snow!
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See all 0 listingsgood solid car
Chad wolfe, 11/12/2016
1996 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has had a few small issues but in all its a nice ride. Id definitely buy another one.
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Great car a little expensive
Robert Johnson, 02/11/2019
1996 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Heater went out and front suspension at around 150,000 but was a good solid car.
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all good things must end
John E, 01/17/2021
updated 01/22/2025
1996 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it as a 9-year-old single-owner used car for my younger son. He drove it for several years, traded "up" to a 2000 S4 (big mistake), and eventually moved on to various BMWs. I "inherited" it from him, and it was my car for close to 10 years. It was comfortable, sharp-looking, and a blast to drive, but 1996 was the first year in the US, so parts were getting hard to find. What finally killed it at only 112K miles was a major electrical short-meltdown in the power window/power lock circuitry. I am an electronics engineer with technician experience, but the wire harness meltdown was just too extensive. I have since read that VW/Audi and other German manufacturers used biodegradable wiring insulation in the 1990s. Given the amount of insulation damage I found in the engine compartment and then in the power window circuitry, I believe this.
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Piece of Junk after 60K
Disappointed in Audi, 07/09/2002
1996 Audi A4 2.8 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Loved the car, until I hit 60K miles - fuel pump, thermostat, two water pumps, CV Boots, coolant reservoir, radio/casette player. Treated like a human wallet by the dealer in Hermosa Beach, CA. Used to love the car, now I am going broke keeping it going.
The Sweet & Sour Audi
Jack Gross, 06/21/2004
1996 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Alas, my experience with the '96 A4 has also been of the approach-avoidance type. Agree, beautiful to look at and to drive; ergonomics are great. Also agree that the 2.8/175HP engine was not big enough for a compact this hefty. Having steered at least a half dozen other buyers to Audis, I was taken aback to be told that a recent whining noise was emanating from the 5-speed manual transmission and that it needed replacing. This is with only 55,000 miles. And this is after replacing the front suspension twice. My heart says get another one, but my brain just won't let me.