I'm looking at buying an Audi A4 and have a good deal on a 1999 model
2.8 V6 Quattro with 48,000 miles. I have read some review on Edmunds
and consumer reports and am concerned about the reliability of the
car. Some of these reviews say that when the car reaches 50,000 miles
or 5+ years old, it starts to fall apart; other reviewers love the car
and say that they've had no problems.

Does anyone own this specific model of A4 or a similar one? Any
thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

Kartik

 

Kartik wrote:

> I'm looking at buying an Audi A4 and have a good deal on a 1999 model
> 2.8 V6 Quattro with 48,000 miles. I have read some review on Edmunds
> and consumer reports and am concerned about the reliability of the
> car. Some of these reviews say that when the car reaches 50,000 miles
> or 5+ years old, it starts to fall apart; other reviewers love the car
> and say that they've had no problems.
>
> Does anyone own this specific model of A4 or a similar one? Any
> thoughts would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks a lot,
>
> Kartik

I have a '99 A4 2.8Q. 75K miles. The radiator failed at 70K, the rear
diff leaked at 60K and needed to be resealed, and the cam seals started
to leak about 55K and were replaced with the timing belt and water
pump($1100). The passenger seat air bag failed at 73K. That's about it
for the non-routine stuff. Despite these problems, I consider it to be a
good car overall. An Audi is not a Honda, but it doesn't drive like one
either and the all wheel drive is awesome. It all depends on what's
important to you.

 

"Kartik" <kartik_n@hotmail.com> a écrit dans le message de
news:b8c50100.0404281054.349dbaa@posting.google.co m...
> I'm looking at buying an Audi A4 and have a good deal on a 1999 model
> 2.8 V6 Quattro with 48,000 miles. I have read some review on Edmunds
> and consumer reports and am concerned about the reliability of the
> car. Some of these reviews say that when the car reaches 50,000 miles
> or 5+ years old, it starts to fall apart; other reviewers love the car
> and say that they've had no problems.
>
> Does anyone own this specific model of A4 or a similar one? Any
> thoughts would be much appreciated.
>

I had to change the water pump the first time at 199,500 km (not miles). The
radiator and the quattro system has never caused any problem, especially no
leak. I had to change the front shock absorbers at 210,000 km. Up to now,
this Audi has been the most reliable car I ever had.

--
Best regards.
Giovanni Tarantino
Bevaix (NE)
Switzerland
1997 Audi A4 2.8 Q 220,000 km (137,000 miles)
1997 BMW 535i 217,000 km (134,000 miles)