Skip Hoyt

Traded 1998 A8 one month ago-Racing Green/Ecru all options with 54000 miles. Except for higher than average miles the car was perfect. I was not happy with only 30K for a two year old A8 and drove all so called comparable cars. Two weeks later returned just as they said I would and gave my deposit. Nothing came close!
Now my problem or promblems-----In my two years of ownership of the 98 I did not even have one adjustment that was needed, the car was perfect.
In my first month and 1500 miles I have a list that is quite long. Are other 2000 owners having similar problems?
1. Menu control-to set clock etc. does not work
2. Cruise control-when set trans downshifts two
gears even on slight upgrade-very annoying!
3. Turn signal lever only engages aprx 1 out of
5 times. Other times I have to hold it manually
4. Center door on console sticks shut
5. Fan that is run by solar panel-runs anytime the
sun is out even at 10 degrees. Not warm air but
cold.
6. Sounds like bad bearing or A/C compressor
problem at idle. Very loud rattle in area of
fan belt.
7. Climate control-Erratic does not hold temp. We
are constantly adjusting. Must have faulty
sensor.
8. Wind noise around drivers window
9. Sun roof tilts open when we hit a bump
10.Trunk not sealed near bumper-carpet and trim
covered with salt and road dirt.
11.On rapid acceleration car seems to hesitate on
auto shift from first to second.
12.And finally my main complaint-can I have my
heated steering wheel back????

Other than these SMALL problems I do love the
car. One side note- I needed snow tires for my
extra set of 17" wheels and found no 225/55 17s
to be had since it was late in the season. Tire
Rack suggested the Michelin Artic-Alpin in
size 215/60 17 for only $81.00. Best snow tire
I have ever had for quiet,comfort,and traction.

rich

....it DID have 50 some odd thousand miles....AND it was used by an unknown owner....

frank

Rich...he bought a NEW 2000 and traded in HIS 98 with 54K...

Manny

I haven't had problems with my '99, (aside from a flaky CD Changer which was changed during the first week) but if I had these problems, I would dump the car.

It sounds like Audi needs to keep an eye on quality control as it continues to break its own sales records. I had noticed some differences (for the worse) between my '96 and '97 A4's. It seems that the more they build, the less the quality remains. The problems you noted are unacceptable for a $65K car.

Skip Hoyt

Thanks Manny for your imput!! I think you are right on target and so does the service manager at my Audi dealer who indicated he is seeing many more "glitches" in the more recent production.

We all hope that Audi who has a great thing going doesn't blow it and return to its earlier image.

Audi Roadside was very responsive with my call today and flat-bedded our sick car to the closet dealer. My wife agrees with you to DUMP IT!! I want to give the dealer a chance to rectify the problems but won't have a great deal of patience if they linger.

dontinw

Wait a sec...need snow tires? What about the Quattro? I thought you didn't need snow tires if you had Quattro...I have a BMW 528 now, seriously thinking about swapping for an Audi, basically for the AWD. But if you're saying that won't help...

Manny

That's my term for the "lemon" Audis that are out there. As a whole, I find their quality to be great (I have had 4 Audi's in four years - 96 A4, 97 A4, 99 A8, 00 S4) - never a quality problem. Every manufacturer occassionaly produces a lemon (although some makes seem to be more prone to produce lemons).

I figure if you get a car made during Germany's OctoberFest (a heavy beer fest party), watch out.

When was you '00 CAR made???

John

I'd be pissed if I had to shell out big bucks (after losing out on the deprec on the 98) and get a car that wasn't as perfect as the old one.

But that's just my opinion. I'd happily drive a 98 w/ 54K if it was perfect.

Skip Hoyt

John- I am asking myself the same question. I do put close to 25K miles a year and figured another year and odo of 80K might bring problems. I also got caught up with new car fever and liked some of the new 2000 features. The 2000 has now been on the dealers lift for almost three weeks and they still haven't been able to explain what shredded the timing belt. I don't want to alarm other 2000 owners with the info the technician told me in passing--until I find out if it is true. The list of problems I noted can not be rectified until they get the car running again. I will keep you updated. Meanwhile after driving a 95 Passant with 56K miles,as our loaner car for two weeks, Audi did update us to a 2000 Pathfinder since it may be quite some time until we see our car again!