Have a question for everybody. I'm looking into buying a used A4, and at this point I'm a bit caution about its reliability record. My girlfriends brother has a 98 2.8, and after test driving its competitors within the price range, it's with out a doubt the best feeling and refined auto around. The only realistic competitors I found with in the price range were Lexus ES300 and Acura CL. I did not expect much from ES300, since it's basically a Camry with more stuff, and Acura distinctly shows it's American engineering and production. Another words nothing special. I have driven real Japanese cars, and they have very little in common with Japanese/American "imports" which carry same labels. In this round up, A4 comes on top, but after doing some research I'm a bit confused with conflicting information. What interests me in particular, are numerous problems like stabilizing links, ABS, transmission, steering, climate control, broken seat springs, dead clutches, and the list goes on. Problems like this really make me think of staring into thousands of dollars in repair costs, and more importantly the headaches of dealing with repair shops. If this is the case, I simply can't afford to have a set of wheels that I'll enjoy a couple of months at a time. As much as I love driving, I will settle for cheesy *****, no guts, tiny wheels, and other Honda like weirdness, but at least I'll know I'll get wherever I need to go. What do you guys say? Fun driving 'till the bill or isolated cases?

 

Buy Audi you never will want another car,Believe me

 

a4's are great, but get ready for small problems.....like the radio

 

Grader,
I'm in the same boat as you when deciding to buy an A4. My biggest concern is reliability too. I'm leaning towards buying a used A4. I think I'll just buy one and hope for the best.<ul><li><a href="http://tech.vw.com/audi/index.htm">http://tech.vw.com/audi/index.htm</a</li></ul>

 

The A4 has its share, but none of them affect reliability. My definition of reliability may differ from yours but, I define unreliable as stranding me and not allowing me to get from point A to B.

My A4 is 3.5 years old with 62K miles. It has been chipped for 22K miles and has had other modifications. It has been dead on reliable (per my definition).

Feel fre to read the details in my registry...
YMMV.

 

You're right. My radio keeps chaning the presets for bass and treble??

 

I think you're being a bit hard on the Hondas. I love my A4 and the VWs I've had but the Japanese cars do have their plusses - reliability and refinement being a few of them. I only wish the my 1.8T's engine was anywhere near as refined as any typical Honda or Toyota engine! Of course the 2.8 is smoother but again not as smooth as the Honda/Toyota V6s.