Reliability
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Reliability
I am looking into buying a 96 Quattro 5 speed Manual transmission. Is this vehicle going to be reliable for me or will I have problems with it. I currently have a 97 VW Jetta GT and I dont want to be stepping into a car that is less reliable than the one I currently own (so far it has been reliable).
Elder Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 26,881
Likes: 0
You've been warned
For those of you that disagree with this advice, flame on. YOU may be having great luck, but personal experience has shown me that the 96 is completely unreliable.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1576887.phtml">post regarding latest problems</a></li></ul>
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 21,108
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville, FL
I think you are wrong.....
115K miles sounds comlpetely acceptable for the power steering pump and control arm. And as for the water pump...yes, strange that it failed after only 30K miles, but the first one lasted 83K miles...so, maybe install was not perfect, or it was a cheaper aftermarket part?
Ban tie rod ends...that would annoy me if they did go out after being replaced 40K ago.
Overall, I bet the 12v is more reliable than the 1.8t or 30v. Problem is that most 12vs are in the hihger mileage range now since they are older, and there are less high mileage 30v and 1.8ts to compare them to.
Ban tie rod ends...that would annoy me if they did go out after being replaced 40K ago.
Overall, I bet the 12v is more reliable than the 1.8t or 30v. Problem is that most 12vs are in the hihger mileage range now since they are older, and there are less high mileage 30v and 1.8ts to compare them to.
Head Cat Herder
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 66,550,462
Likes: 103
I don't disagree totaly, but you are also talking about 6 and 7 year old cars.
Stuff breaks, things wear out, fluid seals leak etc.. It happens. It sucks when it costs a ton to fix, but it happens. Have you ever seen a 7 year old Subaru or Toyota or Honda? They all eventually have similar problems, at least here in the north east.
New Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Re: Reliability
There are good years and bad years. Go and get a 2000, Audi seems to have worked out the kinks on the A4 by then, also get an extended warranty if you can, its good insurance. Good luck on your quest..
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Re: I think you are wrong.....
I am not asking about its comparison to other audis, I am asking about the reliability in comparison to other cars in general specifically my well maintained 97 jetta. I can afford the payments but I cannot afford a few $1500 repair bills. My audi/vw mechanic looked at it and said everything looks good and it looks well maintained, so I am wondering about the a4 from about 1996/1997 in general.
Trending Topics
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 0
I am going to go against the grain and say don't do it...
Reason being is that if you absolutely cannot afford a $1500 repair bill, you are taking your chances with the audi, some people have been trouble free other have had recurrent issues. Push comes to shove $1500 repair bill is not unheard of, there are other cars on the market (hondas) that will significantly improve your odds
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
U don't want me to start. Is really depent and I am starting to believe that is just luck (m)
Maybe is just me, but till know let me see I will try to write everything.
for past 40000miles I have 85000m now,
1. Pinion and Rack (sp)
2. 3 times tie rod end (thanks MA nice roads)
3. 4control arms (upper and lower)
4. Water pump
5. 2 termostats (one was replaced for free it faild in less then 12000miles under Audi warranty)
6. Coolant temp sensor
7. Knock Sensor
8. Camshaft sensor
9. FR ABS sensor
10. Right CV joint
11. Rear Right Bearing
12. Idle control Valve
I can't remember what else I will check my records, believe me I love my Audi but it will be my last one.Sorry no more AUdi for me.
It might be my luck don;t, there are planty of people with much more miles on their cars and don;t ever had a problem.
for past 40000miles I have 85000m now,
1. Pinion and Rack (sp)
2. 3 times tie rod end (thanks MA nice roads)
3. 4control arms (upper and lower)
4. Water pump
5. 2 termostats (one was replaced for free it faild in less then 12000miles under Audi warranty)
6. Coolant temp sensor
7. Knock Sensor
8. Camshaft sensor
9. FR ABS sensor
10. Right CV joint
11. Rear Right Bearing
12. Idle control Valve
I can't remember what else I will check my records, believe me I love my Audi but it will be my last one.Sorry no more AUdi for me.
It might be my luck don;t, there are planty of people with much more miles on their cars and don;t ever had a problem.
Elder Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 26,881
Likes: 0
I owned a 90 Prelude with 147,000 miles, beat the hell out of it (from VT)
sold it for $1200 in 2001. Never did a timing belt.
Repairs:
Oil Pan, tie rod ends, exhaust, brakes. All else remained solid.
You are right...the car I have now is old, problems are expected. But when someone comes to the board and asks about reliability, I can't answer that it is. Great looking car, fun to drive, nice interior, yes, absolutely.
Will your repair bills be high? Odds point to yes. If you can afford the risk, take it, they are fun cars, don't get me wrong!
Repairs:
Oil Pan, tie rod ends, exhaust, brakes. All else remained solid.
You are right...the car I have now is old, problems are expected. But when someone comes to the board and asks about reliability, I can't answer that it is. Great looking car, fun to drive, nice interior, yes, absolutely.
Will your repair bills be high? Odds point to yes. If you can afford the risk, take it, they are fun cars, don't get me wrong!