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Daily Driven & Canyon Carved
I bought this car 2 years ago with 195000 miles on it for $2500... now I got it as a winter beater and its sole purpose was for me to have some fun in the snow. Jump 24 months later and it's almost like I have a 3rd child, I absolutely love this car! Okay so let me start off by saying that the car was not perfect when I got it. Be weary of coil packs and suspension components on this car. I knew what I was getting into, because I've owned german cars before and follow car tuning forums. So if you're looking to buy this car, please get it with a carfax and buy from a responsible person. The previous owner of my car had it for 12 years and kept it completely stock! Since I've had it, I've upgraded to coilovers and had a performance chipped installed as well as a new diverter valve. I did all the preventative maintenance for the car the very first month I got it. Regardless of what the previous owner told me.. I redid the oil change, I rotated the tires and realigned the car. I also had the car checked out by an independent Audi Specialists who personally gave me the thumbs up. Without going into detail, I spend an additional 3k on top of the 2.5K on the car just to make sure it was in top shape. Some of you may think I'm crazy.. but here's the deal, at the end of the day I got a 200hp turbo, all wheel drive, stick shift, german car for $5500 with no check engine lights, no oil leaks, no ABS issues, no airbag lights... no regrets! The car is an absolute blast to drive, what's so great about it, is that you won't catch any attention and you won't have a car that looks like everyone has one. In my opinion the car looks beautiful and is so very simple. BTW I've driven this car on Angeles Crest on many occasions and not once has it ever over heated or gave me trouble. Excellent car for tuners and a great car for someone who just wants to have a fun driving experience with the added safety of the quattro system. Before I conclude this brief review, I must let everyone know that this car will treat you right BUT you must treat it right, meaning you must keep it fed with premium gas as well as use only synthenic oil and OEM fluids. Please please please don't cheap out on these things. My Audi as 210000 miles and is still on the original stock turbo.
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Sweet and solid 2.8 5 speed
I have read reviews about expenses. One person spent 3,000 on brakes, tires and rear wheel bearings, try finding a honest local repair shop. Max on that bill should be 750. Tires and brakes are consumables. I had two upper control arms put in at a total cost of 140, big whup! I have read reviews on Hondas and Toyotas and people complain about them. Make sure you know a local repair shop that works on these and the bills will only be slightly higher than the bland accord Camry domestic cars. This is a car that you smile in as you drive. If you are looking for a grocery car then buy something else b/c this is meant for a driving enthusiast not Gramma. Drink holders stink, who cares ur driving not eating.
- 2.8 quattro SedanMSRP: $3,400970 mi away
- 2.8 Avant quattro WagonMSRP: $10,9951,753 mi away
2.8l Quattro
I love my a4. I bought it used over a year ago, and haven't had too spend TOO much money fixing it up. Of course, some things have gone wrong, but thanks to a large internet owner's community, you can easily fix many problems yourself if you are willing to learn some DIY. I have never once regretted buying it.
Terrific reliable car, but costly
100,000 miles later, it has never let me down, but be prepared to pay. Suspension bits especially, and there are an infinite number of bits in the quattro suspension. The interior is unmatched and extremely durable, and Audi paint is excellent. There are few cars of the era that do so many things well, including 27mpg.
Own two A4's
I have two of these cars - a 98 Turbo FWD and a 99 Turbo Quattro. Most of the people on this site who have rated these cars are idiots - comparing apples to oranges. Yes, if you have Quattro it is goin to be sluggish in first and second. AWD robs power, you fools. Don't compare it to a FWD Japanese car. Yes, your car is going to need new tires and timing belt at 60,000 miles. Stuff wears out, suck it up. No, it is not more expensive to fix than a Japanese car - I have found it to be cheaper.
Tons of fun!
I bought my A4 2.8Q brand new. Over 13 years later I couldn't be much happier. It drives like new with over 120k miles on it. It is great fun to drive and I love carving through the mountain snow here in Utah with only all-season tires. I had some front suspension issues until my local mechanic solved what my dealer could not. I have had my brakes done once with that same mechanic for about $600 for all four. I have replaced all four lower door trim pieces and both heated side view mirrors but no sensor or engine issues. It runs smooth and hard and I love it! My kids don't like the back seat but that is what the Odyssey is for. I wish I could afford a new one. An all around great car!
Excellent little wagon
I bought this car new in January 1998, 2.8.l V-6, Quattro, manual transmission. I have today only 173,400 miles, the car is in excellent shape, no rust, probably the best kept Avant in USA. It is excellent in snow, rain, great handling. I put in Mobil 1 oil since new. I had some occasional suspension issues, but many years the only maintenance was oil change. I hate to part with it, the engine is still strong, probably will go many more years. But I am missing all the new technology new cars offer today (I got the taste of it, when renting cars).
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The old ones are more fun
It is fun to drive. Very peppy engine (V6, 5 valves per cylinder) and very slick shifting 5 spd. transmission. Great road holding. Short turn radius for an AWD car. Not as luxurious as a current A4, or even A3, but a lot more fun to drive.
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My 5th German car and best yet!
I bought this car with 113k on the clock and it is in great condition. It has 125k on it now and I intend to drive it till 400k if it'll let me. The v6 engine is awesome but know you are not getting any modification potential other than exhaust. Performance chips are worthless for this engine. It corners great for a bigger car and the torque this engine provides makes it great for around town driving. This is my first lux AWD sedan and with the 5spd it is easily my favorite car owned so far. Very sleek exterior and interior. The build quality is top notch and the 2.8 has been extremely reliable as long as you keep up with maintenance. I couldn't have bought a better car.
Great car
I really like this car. When buying the car I thought I would be fun and safe ride and went for it despite its low ground clearance, I was worried about winter driving. I live in northern Vermont where winters are long, snowy and icy. It turned out to be the best winter car I have ever driven. When it got really bad out we would leave the all wheel drive truck with studded snow tires at home and use the Audi. I did put a set of good studded snow tires on it but what made it stick to the road was the great suspension and quattro system, by adjusting the throttle you could decide if you wanted to over steer or under steer
Love my AUDI A4 1.8 AWD
I love my car. I have owned it for over a year and it still runs like a champ. Thankfully the people I bought it from took very good care of the car, and I have continued the same maintenance. It has great gas mileage, and is a beautiful car. It doesn't have the power when you first hit the gas pedal but once your moving it goes.
Please help me sell my lemon
Here I sit car-less again. My Audi A4 is in the shop. Last month it was the clutch. My car has only 60,000 miles! And yes, this is the FIRST time I have ever had to replace a clutch and it's my fourth manual trans car. My computer has to be reset continuously. I have replaced my CD changer twice. And why is it they make you trade in the old one but STILL charge over $200 for the new one??? Also, why was Brake Check able to locate the oil leak in one visit when the dealer wasn't able to locate it in MULTIPLE visits? I wanted to wait a year before buying a new car, but I have recently determined that I can't afford to spend another dime on this lemon!
Costly to drive
Bought it new 1998. Six V cylinder engine with a manual stick. Fun to drive and a lot of pep, but repairs way too much and suspension design and transmission not worthy of German engineering (mechanical engineer myself). 12 years and average maintenance/repair cost $1,000/year. First the lower suspension arms replaced, twice each side (Audi recall eventually), then new leaky radiator, wheel bearings on three wheels, timing belt and water pump at 90,000 miles, 142,000 miles new clutch ($1,300), control arm upper front, and exhaust pipe clamps (3 times) plus regular maintenance. I think this is my last Audi and I will turn it in
fun $$$$$ car
Bought this car with 40000 miles and have spent $7000 in 2 plus years replacing almost every moving part - shocks,wheel bearings,ABS control module and complete front end . Have not touched engine nor transmission and hope to sell car ASAP
Gentlemen, Open Your Wallets
I purchased this vehicle new and loaded with all options including the 2.8 V6 because I was seduced by timeless looks and the AWD feature. I took loving care of the car, returning to the dealer for all scheduled service intervals and driving the car gently. Once the warranty expired, I was rewarded with a series of "routine" repairs, many well in excess of $1000, including the infamous timing belt/water pump/main seal change at 65K miles, followed shortly by new tie rods/ball joints at 75K. I had intended to keep this car for at least 150K miles, but chose not to do so by enriching the dealer (and later, competent but equally costly independent shop). Will never purchase another Audi/VW.
Was a very nice car.
Amazing in the Wisconsin Winters. I call it a tank for the reason that it has been hit 4 times, and the only visible damage to the car was a slight tear in the right rear fender the day it was knocked out of a parking stall and into the stall next to it. However, the repairs make this car not so much fun. I have done regular maintenance on it since I bought the car, and yet I always drive home with it wondering what is going to go wrong with it next. The high dollar fixes become a drain, especially in this economy. Have to get a new PCV valve, and the part costs forty dollars. Repairs total 350-400.
Great quality, reliable, fun to drive.
I have driven my pearl white Audi for about 3 months now. Before this Audi, I was driving a 2002 Volvo S60 (great car also). I have all factory packages that were available for this car. My car has a 30v V6 which sounds lovely before 4k rpms, after that, it builds up this roar, all the way to redline of 6800. The sport package is outstanding (if you prefer comfort, you wouldn't like it). The sport seats are somewhat hard but support you when entering a corner at 40+mph. Suspension is a bit harsh too but the car handles like it is on rails. Cruising at 80mph is a breeze and my friends can't even tell we're going 80. Take care of it, it will last forever!
fun in the winter
This vehicle is amazing! I used to drive a 1999 Acura Integra GS-R and the performance is very close between them. The 190hp is enough to push around the estimated 4,500lbs that the car weighs. The handling is also great due to the AWD. It has the high performance Brembo Break kit which makes stopping extremely easy. This car is like a tank. The body is solid and so is the drivetrain, and it will go anywhere
Great Buy
Bought it with 129,000 miles on it. After buying it, spent few grand on regular maintenance (timing belt, fluid flushes, water pump) none of those thing were needed, but I was looking to keep it for long time. Currently has 140,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable for me ever since I bought it. Only thing I had to fix after I bought it, was wheel bearing and valve cover gasket set. I have many after market parts on it such as (performance chip, borla exhaust, itg air filter, etc) the gas mileage has been decent. 18-20 city and 26-31+ highway. Which I think its great for an all wheel drive car. I will drive it till wheels fall off.
My A4: I think I'll keep it...
I factory-ordered my A4 Avant with the works -- Pelican Blue metallic over beige leather with sunroof, sport suspension, Bose sound and (most important) the five-speed manual. Although I've put only 44,000 miles on it in four years, I still have to say that my A4's about as reliable as my old Acura Integra GS-R. Small problems arose at the very beginning (jammed CD changer and balky starter and cruise control switches) but since then its been smooth sailing. I foresee putting many more years and miles on this vehicle.
Vintage Beauty
I bought this car 4 months ago, 25 year old car with 220,000 miles. I have put 13,000 miles on her, 2 oil changes, new tires and new tie rods. It has the original engine and transmission. I’m guessing everything else has been replaced. It cruises smoothly at 85mph (both the ride and the engine). My first German (and European) car and I do love it so.
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Lovin it so far
I just bought my A4 last October with very close to 100k miles on it, but I know the previous owner and know that it was well cared for. So far, I'm loving it! Except for the recent trip to my mechanic, where I found out that my tie rod had a slight problem, as well as my wheel bearings, so that was a bit to get fixed. When I bought it, the track for the moonroof was broken; it still can pop up, it just won't open completely, so I'm in no big hurry to fix it. Other than small things like that, I'm loving it!
Wonderful, but be good with a wrench
I bought mine used three years ago. I have had many cars but this one was great, terrific pick up, quattro snow traction, excellent ride over all surfaces. I say "was" because it was destroyed in rear-end accident last week. This is not a car you want brought to the dealer w/no warranty! Ever. You must plan on repairing items yourself or finding a local guy. If you can do that, the car is affordable, if not, don't buy it or buy a newer one. Mine has been somewhat reliable, but the engine is particularly trouble prone. I have personally done the following: replaced all camshaft seals (tricky), timing belt, front main seals, wheel bearings, oil pan.
Love my car!
I love this car. Most people don't believe it's a 98. Looks great drives great and would buy another one. The only thing I've done is replace the rack and pinion. Still happy!
Still Holding Up
I've had this car for three years and it's held up fairly well. My only problems so far have been a broken switch for the right rear window, faulty door seals in the left rear that allowed water to leak in when it rained hard, and the headlight sprayer hose caused a leak to the washer fluid reservoir. Other than that this car has been fantastic. It handles well, still gets compliments on it's looks, and the FWD version (which is a few hundred lbs lighter than Quattro) is fast enough to pass anyone I want, even in 5th gear on the highway. I've got 93000 miles now and I plan to drive this car into the ground:)
Audi
I purchased my Audi A4 2.8 Quattro new after studying reports on AWD and 4 wheel drive vehicles on the Internet and in libraries, I narrowed the field to 5 potential cars. I then test drove all of them, most more than once, on surface streets, highway and the Colorado mountain highways to check cornering and ability to keep up with the pack (you know what I mean if you've ever driven I-70). The Audi A4 stood out far above all the others! 8 years later, I am still a huge fan! All scheduled maintenance has been performed, but no major repairs have been necessary. The car still handles and performs like a dream, and looks as good and stylish as any new auto. I love driving this car!
WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED
Worst mistake I've ever made was buying this car. Spent more time in the shop than I did driving it. The dealer gave me Toyota Corolla loaner cars - if at all (expected more after a great experience with BMW). I tried to get rid of this car for years, but was unable - nobody would give me any money for it. HORRIBLE RESALE VALUE
Love Hate Typical Euro
Loved the car. Quattro, V6, manual - everything I wanted in an automobile. Unfortunately, I owned a Honda and a Toyota before my A4. Audi is totally performance oriented and cares nothing about vehicle life after the 50k warranty. The following were replaced from 70k to 110k: tie rods, suspension components, electronic controls, wheel bearings, and ABS sensor. There was a lifter tick for the last 10k miles so I'm sure something else was about to fail. Timing belt change job cost $1400 at 90k. I kept great care of this car and it kept breaking. I don't care how great Quattro was I'll never go back to Audi/VW.
Must have bought a lemon
I bought this car used in 2007. It was a 1-owner vehicle with 65,000 miles. 2 weeks after I drove it off the dealership, it broke down. Thank goodness I decided to buy the extended warranty because it was $1500 to fix all that went wrong. In the year and a half I owned this car, it was nothing but problems. I would be anticipating it to break down every 2 months. Fuel line froze 4 times with Heet in the gas tank, tie rods needed replaced, ABS went out, radio needed a code that nobody could find. Would not buy an Audi unless I was making big bucks. Expect to pay a lot for maintenance.
Audi state-of-the-art technology
This is my first Audi, which has totally impressed me with its technology and quality. Especially, its state-of-the-art AWD System {i.e. Quattro}. The Car handels extremely well under all road conditions and is most definitely a solid car. The Tiptronic Transmission is another piece of technology that distinguishes the Car from other upscale sports sedans, with its ability to shift either manually or use the automatic feature. The Car is most definitely a quality automobile, but does have its share of electrical reliability problems that are typical in most cars that offer a wide variety of power options.
Fun to drive - not fun to own
I had purchased this car believing that Audi had a decent quality car in the A4. Wrong, bought in Feb 2002 and nothing but quality problems. Cruise control died, tires were not balanced (dealer), sunroof opened by itself, airbag sensor died, recall on tie rods had to be done, turbo died, center armrest kept dropping, and when I was getting rid of it the cruise was in the process of dying yet again. However, when it was running correctly it was one of the nicest, well mannered front wheel drives that I have driven (hence the purchase). The doors and the chassis are real solid. Dealer was good about it and put me in a BMW 323 reasonably.
Audi A4 - A huge dissapointment
All I can really say is that this is the WORST car I've ever owned. I bought the vehicle with 38,000 miles and by 48,000 it needed new rear brake pads and rotors. But that was just the beginning. At 60,000 miles, the rear struts and bearing had gone. At 65,000 the front CV joints has deteriorated to the point of failure. Now, at 68,000 miles the car is in the shop due to excessive engine noise and the fact the engine check light has gone on. I'm afraid of what the shop is going to tell me. In fairness to the car, it performs fantastic and looks great. But the reliability problems that have plauged Audi in the past are well evident in the newer models as well.
Will Look Swanky in 2020
Unlike the Passat wagon, Avant styling is sublime, it's performance striking. It's in the details. VW settled on aluminum roof racks, A4 goes steel. VW goes for a painfully boring interior, Audi goes tight & classic. Avant is designed with just enough room for hauling, but it handles like a cool, little sportscar. Drawbacks: no backseat space. A4 performance at low speeds is annoyingly sluggish. It zips confidently on the highway, but the neighborhood runs is a crawl from 1st to 2nd gear. This for a V6? The red dash is cool, but tough on the eyes.
my A4 is falling apart
Have dreamed about the A4 for years.Once I got it I was so glade my car was assured. Audi paid for: rear differential, clutch, faulty suspension, brake recall I was praying that the car holds up when the warranty expired. Since then I replaced the timing belt twice in 30k, tensioner, water pump, the oil cooler, and now a ball bearing problem.A4s are overrated.Dealers have monopoly on servicing Audis, you cant change your motor oil without going to the dealer! Audi unwilling to assist.
Best car owned
Have almost 100k miles and car is as tight as the day I bought it. Not as much as 1 problem with the car. Cruises easily at 85 mph, yet handles the turns with ease. Quality of materials used is A1, and the car is a beauty to look at, still get compliments after 2 years of owning it.
AutoA428 / Hi Maintenance
would not recommend due to very high maintanenace costs - 1st gear of Manual transmission is going / replaced catalytic converter /was leaking oil fixed and a year later is leaking again.
Good Car, Bad Service
Good car and good company until my servicing dealership performed unauthorized work on my vehicle. Audi customer service claimed there was nothing they could do and I would have to take it up with the dealership. On top of that, they didn't even do the service correctly. They aligned my car and claimed it was perfectly straight with the steering wheel cocked to the left. They requested I take it to another shop and if they think the steering wheel isn't straight, then they will fix it. It took them three visit and three weeks without my car and my wheel is still off center. Believe it or not, the car was in better condition before I dropped it off at the dealership.
A great ride
The Audi A4 has been the best car that I have ever owned. It is the perfect balance between performance and economy. I regularly get 30 mpg, but it certainly doesn't drive like an economy car. The turbo gives it power at high altitude that you just can't get with a normally aspirated 4 cylinder engine. Quattro all-wheel drive keeps it on the road in all weather conditions. It has provided 165,000 miles of trouble free driving with only routine maintenance. I haven't abused it, but I don't baby it either. Never a dull moment.
My life with an A4
I have owned this car for over four years now and have loved every minute of it. It is tons of fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and is quite comfortable. The egineering details are fantastic. Four and a half years later I don't think there are many cars with a nicer interior design, and I still get compliments on how good the car looks. Reliability has been very good (though likely not on par with Japanese makes). Service and parts can be expensive, but I don't think the prices are out of line for a car in this category. Overall, I would recommend an A4 to anyone who loves to drive, and appreciates well thought-out automotive engineering.
disapointing A4
I love my car, but this machine has cost me plenty of headaches and thousands of dollars to keep it running. So far I've replaced several major parts in the engine that should have lasted the lifetime of the vehicle. I expected Audi to produce more reliable machines.. this one is not.
Fun to Drive Sedan
We've had this car for 5.5 years and its been great to us. Fun to drive, great in the snow and ice we get in the north, and very rich in the interior department.
pure enjoyment
I do alot of driving and absolutely love my A4 2.8Q. Bought with 50K I now have 140,000+ and expect to get 300K from this car. The Quattro is inspired. The Bose stereo is great for someone infront of it quite a bit. For this car the build quality has been fine with just the suggested maintenance needed to be done. Owning an Audi means you have to join the Quattro club and attend as many events as you can! I am an Audi guy for life!
It's a keeper
During the warrany period, my A4 had quite a few little things go wrong: wind shield wiper pump, seatbelt case broke, trip odometer panel went dim (2x), all were repaired/ replaced under warranty. The only things that have gone wrong since the warranty expired where a direct result of abuse (usually by the car wash attendants), or normal wear (the break pads needing to be replaced). After 4 years the car still sounds and runs like the day I drove it off the lot.
Solid as a Rock
I purchased my A4 used with the Audi Assured warranty -- a good bet. After 3 months a cracked tie rod boot only cost me the $50 warranty deductible instead of $400. People mistake the car for brand new even though it has over 50,000 miles on it.
lemon?
Inspite of no abuse & dealer maintained on Audi schedule we've had various problems with this car both electrical & mechanical. We've had to replace a drivers window motor, airbag sensor on passenger side, a rear differential while still under warranty. The car is about 5yrs old with 98,000mi & we now learn that the cam seals & cam adjusters need to be replaced. I feel that this is a major mechanical failure for a car like this. Based on our experience we would be hard pressed to buy another Audi. My 3 yr old Dodge Dakota Quad Cab with 71,000 mi has a much better track record than our Audi.
Nice Little Car
I purchased this car used from a guy in my neighborhood who took great care of the car (a 1.8T Quattro.) He only had 20K miles on it when I bought it from him. So far so good with the car. It has the chip and is fast, but doesn't have the best pickup from the line. I love the car. It is comfortable, looks great and the build quality is fantastic! I am still looking for an Audi club in the Phoenix area, so I can get some tips from other owners...
feels like new at 127,000 miles
This car has been the best I've EVER owned. I have a Lexus that my wife drives with lower milage and I must say the A4 has held up much better. I drive a twisty road along a river in Vermont that makes this car shine. I have replaced the lower control arms and one wheel bearing, the T.belt kit, W/pump because I was so close doing the T.belt, use Mobil One oil with Audi filters. The low end works so well when you need to step out, even in the snow and ice few cars can get out of the way as the Audi can. I admit adding a mild chip bumped the Hp to just over 200HP. The 1.8t keeps a good balance over the heavy 2.8 and
Audi A4
Great value. Exceptional exterior and interior styling. Superb handling with adequate performance. Reliability not in keeping with design and technology.
great value for money
It is an incredible vehicle at this price point. Hard to beat the AWD in tough weather conditions and the V6 is as smooth as you could want it to be. The styling is still up to date even with the refreshing the line recieved in 2002 due to the fact that the new A4 looks like the A6.
Not reliable at all
This car is junky. I owned it less than a year and had $7000.00+ in repairs. Most of the time this was my primary vehicle, I was driving my 1995 Dakota instead, because it always runs. The timing belts on these will not last until the recommended service interval. This is critical for you to replace early if you have a 2.8 car. You will be VERY VERY unhappy if your belt goes. This will cost you thousands. Just replace the belt at about 50,000. I promise you'll be glad you did. After that disaster, the car still has not been running well, and as you know it takes weeks and weeks to get these repairs done on an a4 at any of the dealerships.