Used 2004 Audi A4 Consumer Reviews

Don't blow a tire

I am looking at $1500-2000 of repairs to my gas tank,wheel lining and shock absorber, not to mention the replacement tire,which was $180, because I had a flat tire on this vehicle at 2389 miles. To my dismay, neither the dealership, nor Audi of America, will stand behind their vehicle and cover any of this cost. I apparently had a leaking gas tank for several days before the "check engine" light alerted me to a potential problem. It would seem that the design of this automobile should address the severe damage that apparently can be caused on this car from a flat tire. It makes me concerned about my safety.

Unreliable luxury

CVT transmission had to be replaced at 50k miles, but had the symptoms at an earlier 30k miles (there's an existing TSB for this issue). Working with Audi of America to see what our options are. Always had the vehicle serviced at an Audi dealer at the prescribed maintenance intervals. Day after the trans install, the check engine light was on, which was found to be a defect part on the 'new' transmission. Love the car, but can't afford the maintenance. I thought German cars were built to last. A lot of other little things are broken, not working, or just acting up in the car. I think it's time to see what BMW has to offer...

Great.......until it wasn't !

Bought this 04 with 93K on it, used for mostly city driving, but was driven through some harsh winters and poor road conditions. The AWD made this an absolute tank and I've never had a vehicle that handled quite like it. Fast, comfortable, 32-34 MPGs. Unfortunately as the miles tacked on, the more it ended up in the shop for expensive repairs. Unless you know someone who can work on euro cars or can do it yourself, you'll bleed $ every time there's an issue. And once the car started having problems around the 120K mark 6 years after later, it never seemed to stop. The check engine light was always on, the electronics started screwing up, and even after maintenance the performance still lagged. I got luckily when the metal roofing blew off of my neighbors barn and totaled the thing. Grace from God.

Audi A4 1.8t 2004

Nice reliable car until the CVT transmission went out at only 71,000 miles. $6,000 repair from the dealer. $5,000 to rebuild it. Great mileage. Good ride and handles well. Looks sharp. Should have bought extended warranty. Won't be buying another Audi.

2004 Audi A4 1.8T FWD

I bought my '04 A4 1.8T FWD a little under a year ago with 87,xxx miles on it, haven't had a single problem with it beyond regular maintenance. Keeping up on regular maintenance is important to preserve the life of the car (more so than for non-European cars). Fortunately, any known problems (like the timing belt) had been worked out by the previous owner. Very good value, rock solid reliability, comfortable and very fun to drive. If you want speed, get the 3.0 V6 or the S4. As it is though, the 1.8T CVT goes from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds in Sport, or 8.5 seconds in Drive. Not to bad for a small engine, getting 33 mpg on the highway. Handles like a dream. Very nice interior. Audio system rocks.

2004 audi a4

Love this car very nice easy to take care off have over 200k on it only maintence is oil changes evey 4 months and timeing belt water pump every 65k other thin that nothing

Beautifully refined car

I have the 3.0 A4 with UltraSport package. The rims and trim associated with this package turn this car into a head turner. My previous vehicle was a 1991 MR2 Turbo. Although it might be the slowest car in it's class, I love it. The biggest difference I experienced (compared to Japanese brands) is the attention to detail. Things such as storage under the seating, lights under each door to illuminate where you are going to step, and a cool hidden trunk release, just to name a few. It feels super solid on the road, especially in rain. I chose the 3.0 over the 1.8T because I don't want to deal with all the problems associated with high-mileage turbos.

A4 1.8T with tip auto

I bought this car used with 38k miles now it has 63k miles and the fuel pump along with airbag sensor and window motor all went bad. luckily i bought the extended warranty which covered all expenses with a minor 50 dollar deductible. Very expensive car to keep up with i wouldn't recommend it if you're on a tight budget. One RSA good year tire $200 oil change $75. Car makes a grinding initially of every first start. The trans doesn't feel very strong and i baby it so much i don't even tip 2500 RPM. A light buld change is $100+ I'm going Toyota or Honda next.

Runs Well, Looks Terrible

If you're looking to purchase for the long haul be aware the vehicle will drive well. My once beautiful jet-black A4 (under 100k miles) is embarrassingly unsightly. The paint/topcoat split and appears like large puzzle pieces all over the surface. Dealing directly with Audi Corp I am told to hit the road; pun intended. I asked for a contribution from Audi for a paint job. Denied. The bottom line is it's OK with Audi that my beautiful car now looks like junk. Meanwhile I park near or drive by cheap, much older American made cars with pristine paint/bodies. I live in a normal climate; Pennsylvania and my car has never been exposed to any extreme conditions. I felt that Audi, despite an expired warranty, would have concurred that the vehicle's body should have remained intact, black and have its original pristine shine. It's not even worth washing and its trade-in value is significantly reduced. I later found others online with similar circumstances.

Nice but unreliable

I’ve had this car for years, and the amount of money spent on repair and maintenance over the period of 5 years, I could of gotten a new car. Replaced tranny, turbo, fuel pump, put in brand new engine (yes I paid for brand new engine) in hopes it would stop breaking.. I was wrong. Things just kept on breaking, it never ends. It’s a very cool car to have with nice leather interior and great AWD system. I sold it and got a new Chevy Malibu.. never buying a used German car again. Btw it’s not just Audi’s, anything European and used is a money pit.

I can not believe Audi sells this VW at Audi price

We purchased this 10 months ego and after 10 months of pain and problems it has stranded us 180 miles from home at 11pm. We are replacing it with a Lexus RX300. This has needed new catalytic converters, coils,O2 sensors, control arms, wiper mechanism, trunk actuator. Sunroof is stuck, brake caliper is not working right and wears pads too fast on 1 side, tranny shifter gets stuck sometimes, 1 wheel is bent, power steering pump squeaks, and now the fuel pump gave up the ghost. All between 75k and 98k. First month we owned it, it spent 3 weeks in shops and 1 week on the road. Most parts are VW. I can not believe Audi sells this VW at Audi price. Don't be a fool and buy one.

Forget BMW

The A4 with the smaller turbo engine gets great gas mileage, has just enough pep for anyone, and the sticker on mine was less than 34k. (Power everything, leather, 17"low profile alloys, tiptronic, all wheel drive, heated seats, the list goes on and on) Unless you live in L.A and have no snow and you want to waste an extra $5,000 dollars on a similarly equipped viechle, buy or lease the AUDI before they realize they could get $3,000 more for the car and people would still buy it. Impress your wallet, not your friends, FORGET THE BMW!!!!!!

2004 Audi A4

This one of the best year model AWD I've ever had never had issues with the AWD system, My opinion I think these are the best years the 2004 Audi A4 3.0L it has everything you need.

AUDI A4

Its a great looking vehicle. I get compliments on it all the time.Fantastic for the price.I am tall (6'4)and its extremely comfortable.Its a great car for road trips.I am overall very happy with my decision.LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

Excellent !!!

This car came after having a BMW 328 for 3 years, it is overall a better car, looks great, drives incredible and it has a very good price for that level of car.

none

this is one of the most fun cars to drive that i have owned. it rhandles great and has an exquisite interior.I couldn't be happier with it

Germans Do It Right

Love my Audi! Excellent quality inside and out. They did not cut corners on anything. I test drove the Infinity 35, Maxima, and found the Audi to be the best value for my money.The exterior fit and finish is awsome.

A4 3.0

This car is quick, but not fast. Great gearbox, very crisp and pretty short throws. Have yet to try the quattro in the snow, but this thing feels like it is on rails. This was the only car I could find that met the majority of my requirements in performance and luxury. I looked at the G35, 330, 9-3, TSX and IS300 and ultimately choose the Audi. AWD was a big factor for me over the G35 and 330. It is hard not to love this car....

Impressive

This is a great car, well made, fantastic finish. Definitely fun to drive. For drivers in the North East, the combination of the AWD system and the convertible are a great match. I have owned a 98 528 and a 2001 E320, and this car is on par with the fit and finsih of the BMW and light years ahead of the Mercedes. The only knock I have is it is a little slow off the line but once you are at 20 mph you are fine. Gas mileage in general is fair but when you are in the sports transmission mode or drive it hard it poor, but I am sure most people are not buying this for the gas mileage....

A4 Avant

For the money, hands down this is the best car in its class. No other car drives like the quattro all wheel. You feel very much in control in all weather conditions. I made a very good buying decision! :-)

Nothing comes close

There is NO other car with interiors to match Audi's quality and design. This was a huge factor in picking it over competition. 10 out of 10! Exterior is outstanding as well. I get tons of compliments, and this is a station wagon! Very modern, organic design that'll hold up over time.Car is quiet as a lexus, even at 80+mph. Smooth ride, good brakes. Performance is good. Of course it could use more power. Very well balanced in corners for such a heavy car. Quattro makes it fun in snow and rain. Cargo area is very usefull.Hauled 27 retaining wall blocks home from Home Depot with not problems. Great soundsystem, excellent controls and guages.

Ultra-Sport Avant Ultra-Fun!

Just looking at the car makes me grin ear to ear. Great lines and inside it just continues, leather, feel-good dash, excellent sound system. Fast enough and brakes that actually do there job. Drove from Chicago to New Jersey with the wife and our two dogs. Fold-down rear seats with built-in dog screen, the tops! I have become an Audi enthusiast! The dealership was top notch along with the salesman. The service incredible.

Love/Hate Relationship

I bought this car w/50k miles on it and it has 89k now. I love driving this car. I love the looks & the interior is awesome. Gas mileage is grt as I avg 26 mpg & get at least 32 on hwy. The hate on this car is reliability issues. I have had coolant leaks, oil leaks, & now the trans is leaving puddles on my garage flr. I have replaced both frt wdw regulators, the fuel pump, 3 of the 4 ign coils on the engine. I have had issues with the air bags & the engine light is on a lot. When it rains the car leaks water in at the A pillar & no one seems to know why. It's in the shop more than my garage. I'm scared what it will cost after 100k. I love it, but it's going to have to go. Go back to BMW or Japanese.

A4 Conv

when i was looking at conv to buy i looked at all choices and i so wanted the Bmw but after i drove the Audi all that changed. Audi gives u a 4 yr 50,000 mile warranty which covers everything except tires. that alone is a great thng to have. I also own a Bmw at the moment and would def like to trade it in the near future. the overall service from Audi Customer Relations and The purchasing dealer have been great. Its great to get into a Audi loaner as well when u come for Service not a Enterprise Escort when u have Bmw And Benz.

Amazing car.

I purchased my A4 back in January of this year after doing extensive research on everything from Acura, Lexus, BMW & Volvo. What truly sets this car apart is the fact it is AWD with luxury and ride comfort that I did not find in any of the above listed models. The interior styling makes the BMW 3-Series look cheap. I have never found so many compartments for storage in a vehicle like this either. The handling is amazing I drive in the catskill mountain range in southern NY and can't tell you how amazing this car handles. I've driven it through ice & snow even at 65mph this car feels like it's riding on rails. Go for a 6-speed manual to maintain a sports sedan feel. Amazing car!

Right Brain Meets Left Brain

This car has probably the best combination of attributes among sports sedans that will appeal to both right-brained and left-brained people. For left brainers, there's the super- smooth, cutting-edge CVT transmission that doesn't sap engine power to achieve creamy smoothness (I previously drove sticks); absence of torque steer; superb handling and value versus BMW (I paid the same for this as I did for a 2001 BMW 325i with fewer options and smaller engine). For right- brainers,there's the clean exterior lines with an aesthetically superior interior design and quality of materials that can't be matched in any price class.

Convertible Top Troubles

This past December while lowering my soft top, I heard a rip. After raising the top, a small tear was noted. With Audi's inclusive warranty, I called Crown Eurocar (my dealer) and was given an appointment for 2 weeks. When the car went in to Crown the service department rep said, "yea it is ripped and would need to be replaced (first day lost;they had refused to just look at it without appt.). Returned 2 weeks later for repair.Loaner given and told it should take a day to repair. Next day the only tech who could repair it was out. Finally it was determined that a defect was responsible, the car had slipped quality control and the entire top had to be replaced (after ok from Audi)

Happy Wagoner

Wanted a versatile do-it-all vehicle (be fun, sporty, stylish, and practical (cargo and winter). Love the design and features (though maybe not the complexity and weight); still undecided about the suspension tuning. I endlessly debated the Sport Package but the stock ride is as firm as I want day-to-day on bad roads, and only in certain situations have I wished that things were more pulled-together. (I think better AWD driving technique would help!) The Avant?s position in space is hard to judge now, but I?m sure I?ll adjust to the dimensions and sightlines over time. 2200 miles/6 months on the car, no problems and no rattles/squeaks.

MPG worries?

I had concerns since most reviews I found mention an average of about 21-25mpg. I have found that reasonable driving habits have given me a combined average of 32.1mpg on regular gas over the last 20,000 miles! Of course if you bought this car to really drive it you won't do so well, but I was so impressed with the design, quality and ride that I got it to enjoy those features (I drive about 30,000 miles per year and don't race, or even speed much). A buddy of mine who does have a lead foot gets about 21mpg on premium in his 2001 A4 2wd.

Wouldn't Trade it For Anything...

This car screams quality through-and- through! It offers a great ride, impressive perquisites, a classy look, and a price that is competitive with other entry-level luxury convertibles. It has surprisingly good pick-up, given its powertrain. It is a joy both to drive and to own! Run... don't walk... to your dealer and purchase one of these gems!

A4, A+

My father got me the Cabriolet for my birthday and it's been a joy to have. The triple layer top allows me to drive it in the winter, but it's a summer made car. Both sports and luxurious, it's a great car to have as a teenager. It's safe and fuel efficient. Needless to say, I'm usually the designated driver. The only downside is the cupholders, one on the dash and the other inside the armrest, both are inconvient to access.

Always something wrong with it

I bought my A4 in May 03. It was one problem after another. The trunk compartment for holding the top broke and needed to be replaced. The final straw was when the transmission needed to be replaced with only 9k on the car! It had been making some strange creaking noises but the dealer kept insisting it was just loose bolts they needed to tighten. After several visits to the shop, they finally determined that the transmission was defective. In 9 months of owning the car, it was probably in the shop for a total of 8 weeks. I would never buy another Audi. Very poor quality.

A4 with sports package

I have owned several cars including my most recent, a 2002 BMW 325i. Overall, I would rate this A4 as the best car I have owned. The exterior and especially the interior styling cannot be beat in this price range. I have the sports package with the interior aluminum trim and love it - very sporty and classy at the same time. Also, I love the lower profile, sleek look with the sports package. The ride suffers a bit with it as to be expected and there is not much noticeable improvement in handling IMHO, but still worth it for the look.

The A4 convertible

The wide threshold results in difficulty getting out of the car. Coupled with wide doors that don't open enough when in a parking space, the car is just not comfortable unless you're over 6 feet, or want to push the seat all the way back to get out. Also, when the top is up, the visibility is very poor when backing out of a parking space.

Its not all that bad

I have owned 3 A4 1.8t quattros (1997) was my first car. I have honestly never had a MAJOR issue with either of my 3 cars, worst thing i had happen was my suspension spring broke while i was driving (in the 1997). I donno maybe i got lucky and everyone got stuck with the bad batch hahaha but any way. Car honestly looks nice from outside and in, drives and handles like a champ, not as fast but if u want a fast car get ones wit bigger engines. there are tho some down falls to em such as the [non-permissible content removed] plastic everyone keeps bringing up, window regulators going out. fortunately i know how to work on em so i never take em to service them. but for those of you who are getting them used and are not prepared to service them on time...dont get it ull just waste your money. if you are and plan to maintain them and not drive like a nascar driver, they will last an would be worth it. by far best car i ever drove

04 Audi A-4 Quattro 1.8T Ultra Sport

I have driven thousands of cars over my 18 years in the automotive industry, I can honestly say that this car hands down is my favourite car EVER. Yes some repairs can be costly, but you need to keep on top of me problem each time the car tells you there is a problem. I bought a OBD 2 engine code reader and snap shot codes and this helps me stay on top of repairs. They are Very picky with fluids so only use ones designed for this car. I have 210,000kms on it now, I hummed and haaaaed a few weeks about doing the timing belt and water pump that is do, $300. Power Grip Complete Kit ( Amazon ) + approx $500. Lab . So, for $800. I decided to go ahead with it as I thought to myself… Value Is Remembered Long After Price Is Forgotten… This car is Awesome! Can’t part with it quite yet.

Is it just me? Or is it my A4?

Longtime lover of the Audi series. Friends all swore by A4's. I finally leased one in 2004. At first I was pleased, coming off of many high end japanese vehicle leases, but I have now been in the shop with a lot of little issues. Started out with driver's power window not closing. Then water leaks in dashboard window which led to freezing ice in winter on the INSIDE. (blamed on water drains clogged?!) Window broken again. Now a/c doesn't work and transmission not shifting properly on hills. Anyone else have these issues or just me? I love my car and I'm saddened by all the time it spends in the shop.

A blast to drive but VERY pricey to fix!

This is an amazing car to drive. It handles like a dream on both dry roads and ice packed roads. The interior is beautiful and very functional. You will definitely get some head turns with this car. I would, however, anyone who is considering buying this car to reconsider. The car is extremely expensive to fix and seems to have more problems than the average car. I have taken amazing car of the car but unfortunately it has not returned the favor. In the past 6 months I have put approximately $4500 into the car. I don't know how much longer I can keep it up. I would highly recommend looking at a Toyota convertible.

2004 A4 Avant 1.8t 6spd

An excellent car for a great price. Handles well, with many comforts inside.

My 2004 Arctic White Avant

This car is a dream to drive. With the sport package, which stiffens the springs and lowers the car, it sticks to the road. Audi also offers many options, as I have added an Audi body kit, which really looks great.

STICKY LITTLE 6 speed

Loved it but it had to go

This was by far my favorite Audi. An 04 Ultrasport. Fantastic handling. Good thing I had an extended warranty - the car broke a lot - always something - the only way I would consider driving another Audi product at this time would be if I could have this car back - after repairing it month after month I sold it to buy a new Audi. I traded that within a month of buying it.

new audi enthusiast in pa.

after 4 years with a 320clk the quality is outstanding,I have owned a bmw 325 and a nissan 280z and have never felt so satisfied while driving! What a car, I can't say enough about this car .............just drive it!

Perfect Choice

The Audi A4 1.8T is one great package. It handles like a dream, looks great, is one of the safest cars you can get, and the interior is second to none. The car may not have the power of a G35 but it has plenty for most drivers.

Best Car Available

This is my 4th A4 - I now have an A4 3.0 Litre...All have been incredible. This is the best car for the money available today - for fun, reliability, winter driving...

A4 1.8T Quattro LOADED

I love my new car.....everything about it. It looks good, sounds good and is so incredibly fun to drive.

3.0 L A4 FWD CVT

I have found my A4 to be an outstanding car. I have been very satisfied with the comfort, reliability, styling and road handling capabilities of the 3 liter FWD. I have to admit the 1st gear off the line in auto sometimes hesitates but a simple fix if you need the get into traffic acceleration is to switch to select manual. There is negligable drop in RPM when in auto at gear changes - if you can feel it-pure acceleration. Fuel ecomony is fine - if you don't dog it and cruise sensibly - below 65 - I have gotten 30 mpg on the highway - 20 in town. The non turbo 3 liter is a great engine.

JD Low Mileage A4

Original owner of this A4 for the past four years. Quality and performance are great with decent gas mileage. Audi maintenance covers everything during warranty and dealer's have provided exceptional service. I will buy another Audi in 2009, anxious to see how the trade in value holds.

I waited too much

I don't know how I waited that long to have suche A+ class car. Great product, confortable, it fits perfectly for and average 5'10 to 6 foot tall people. Great performace once you put your RPMs over 3000. The 6SP tends to rev really fast, so the first 3 gears have to be changed quickly. The torque under 2100 just pushes the car a bit, the the turbo comes and nails you to the seat (careful departing from stop signs). Really happy with the car. PERFECT for daily commute. As for the shark fin... just try to ignore it.

A car for the REAL world!

The 3 series works well in dry weather but I needed a safe car thats smart enough direct power to the sticky part of the road when needed. I trust this car far beyond the limits of most other cars. I know when my wife and kids are traveling they have an incredible advantage. When you learn how to get the most from Quattro drives you earn a confidence few understand or will ever know. I driven Q's on the race track pushing the limit and beyond, they may be slightly slower to the next light but after a few S's, little rain or god forbid snow the 2 wheel drives are better off at home.