| Author |
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+ Rob +
Guest
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 Posted:
Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:04 pm Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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"K. Daver" <duckie74NOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:l9hYd.3139$ZB6.1703@newssvr19.news.prodigy.com...
| Quote: | Bob,
Appreciate the help. What types of problems have you had? For me,
it'll be the most expensive car I've owned. Never been in a position to
have a new(er) car before, so obviously I want to do my homework before
I plunk down the money for it. Repairs, can be costly, so obviously I'm
very interested in their upkeep.
The dealer told me that I must put premium gas in it. Several people at
work drive them (and love them) but use regular gas. One person has a
99 and says he's put nothing but regular gas and it's never been an
issue. Can there be heavy repairs associated with non-premium gas?
I'm in the states and around here premium just spiked to about $2.20 vs
$1.95 for non-premium. No Audi Hybrids yet, right? :)
|
You don't have to use premium. It's just recommended for optimal
performance. All of today's computer controlled engines will essentially
de-tune themselves in order to harmlessly utilize regular gasoline. However,
the engine will not be quite as responsive under those circumstances and gas
mileage will suffer a bit too. So, despite the front-end savings on fuel,
the overall cost may not be any less.
Rob
2002 A4 3.0Q (black)
2005 TT 3.2 DSG (ocean blue)
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Ian S
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Mar 12, 2005 7:50 am Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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I've owned Audis for nearly 20 years so I feel somewhat qualified to
comment. Others have extolled the Audi virtues and I won't bother repeating
them except to say if you're set on the 3.0 you ought to get quattro - it's
a nice feature and one of the most reliable parts of an Audi. Now for the
downside. First, as you realize, maintenance and repairs are fairly
expensive. Most parts - either OEM or aftermarket - come from Europe where
the euro is soaring against the dollar and there are relatively few
independent mechanics who work on Audis although that has improved in the
last decade or so. Brake pads wear out fairly quickly and when you replace
them you usually wind up replacing the rotors since the design does not
allow for much machining. When you replace the pads, consider an aftermarket
pad which will offer equivalent or better performance and reduced dust. My
A4 owners manual recommends a timing belt change at 90,000 miles but that
interval is now reduced to between 60,000 and 70,000 miles by most accounts.
TB failure is a VERY expensive disaster but replacing it and the other
components that are recommended at the same time (water pump, thermostat,
tensioners, serpentine belt) will cost you typically between $800 and $1000.
The 2.8 and I suspect the 3.0 are prone to oil leaks from the cam seals and
the valve cover gaskets after about 50,000 miles. This repair runs around
$400. I also had to replace a radiator for close to $600 at 65,000 miles and
a temperature sensor ($200) around 55,000 miles. Earlier, warranty repairs
included a clutch throwout bearing and the ventilation fan motor at 22,000
miles. Fortunately, I have so far - knck on wood - escaped the widespread
control arm problem and my A4 was too early a model to have suffered from
the coil failure problem that has now been rectified.
To sum up, my A4 is enjoyable to drive, a pleasure to look at but a bit too
prone to costly maintenance and out of the ordinary failures. For now, I'm
keeping it but I expect it will be my last Audi for awhile. |
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K. Daver
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Mar 12, 2005 6:41 pm Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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Hi Ian!
Wow.. I'm sorry to hear that you had such problems with them. I
probably forgot to mention it earlier, but I was looking into the A4 3.0
quattro model, not the non-quattro.
Were any of your repairs under warranty? As I'd be looking at a
certified model, it should be warranteed for up to 100k miles.
Some non-Audi dealerships offer an aftermarket warranty, which I will
probably go for. From what I understand (and what you mention), I'd
rather have it warranteed for as long as possible. I'm not sure how
reliable the aftermarket warrantees are though. I think some places use
Pinnacle which apparently is accepted at any Audi Dealership (with a
$100 deductible).
Thanks again!
Marty
Ian S wrote:
| Quote: | I've owned Audis for nearly 20 years so I feel somewhat qualified to
comment. Others have extolled the Audi virtues and I won't bother repeating
them except to say if you're set on the 3.0 you ought to get quattro - it's
a nice feature and one of the most reliable parts of an Audi. Now for the
downside. First, as you realize, maintenance and repairs are fairly
expensive. Most parts - either OEM or aftermarket - come from Europe where
the euro is soaring against the dollar and there are relatively few
independent mechanics who work on Audis although that has improved in the
last decade or so. Brake pads wear out fairly quickly and when you replace
them you usually wind up replacing the rotors since the design does not
allow for much machining. When you replace the pads, consider an aftermarket
pad which will offer equivalent or better performance and reduced dust. My
A4 owners manual recommends a timing belt change at 90,000 miles but that
interval is now reduced to between 60,000 and 70,000 miles by most accounts.
TB failure is a VERY expensive disaster but replacing it and the other
components that are recommended at the same time (water pump, thermostat,
tensioners, serpentine belt) will cost you typically between $800 and $1000.
The 2.8 and I suspect the 3.0 are prone to oil leaks from the cam seals and
the valve cover gaskets after about 50,000 miles. This repair runs around
$400. I also had to replace a radiator for close to $600 at 65,000 miles and
a temperature sensor ($200) around 55,000 miles. Earlier, warranty repairs
included a clutch throwout bearing and the ventilation fan motor at 22,000
miles. Fortunately, I have so far - knck on wood - escaped the widespread
control arm problem and my A4 was too early a model to have suffered from
the coil failure problem that has now been rectified.
To sum up, my A4 is enjoyable to drive, a pleasure to look at but a bit too
prone to costly maintenance and out of the ordinary failures. For now, I'm
keeping it but I expect it will be my last Audi for awhile.
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K. Daver
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Mar 12, 2005 7:15 pm Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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Dan,
Appreciate the help. Yes, the 1.8 did seem a bit underpowered and felt
as though I was dragging something. My guess is that it was just the
engine trying to keep up or something. Either way, although they are
common, I didn't like it at all.
I sure wish I were in NJ -- gas here is just at about 2.00 for the
regular now. I remember the days when I thought 1.30 was CRAZY for
PREMIUM gas.
I'm glad you are happy with your purchase. As I've never spent so much
money on a car before (or on myself!) it's hard to finally say "Ok... do
it!". I'm trying to find a certified car for the warranty coverage, but
several local dealers offer aftermarket warranties which apparently are
good at Audi dealerships. I'd like to be able to have the piece of mind
that I have 100k of warranty.
Thanks again for your help!
Marty
Dano58 wrote:
| Quote: | Marty, I am a 'new' Audi owner (bought my 2004 A4 1.8Tq in September of
2003) and am glad I did it. I compared it with the Acura TSX and the
SAAB 9-3 when I was shopping. The 1.8T is great in manual transmission
form, but if you test drove a Tip, I can see how you'd feel it was a
little underpowered. While I have had a few minor annoyances (not
problems) they have all been fixed or are in the process of being fixed
under warranty. Glovebox door and rear seatbelt airbag sensor are
awaiting parts, and I had a sunroof rattle that was fixed. Others have
mentioned the coil pack issues which are all gone. I have about 16,500
miles on mine and have found it to be everything I was hoping it would
be.
In general, the foreign cars I have owned (Volvos and VW's, mostly)
have all been as reliable as anything Japanese - I think the difference
is that the European cars really need to have the regular maintenance
done (oil changes, timing belts, etc.) whereas most Japanese cars you
can just drive them without regard to maintenance. Of course, how many
Accords with 150+ miles do you see, versus Audis, that are still being
driven? Not many.
I use only premium gas in my A4. I haven't tried a lower grade only
because here in NJ, premium is still below $2.00 a gallon and since I
work at home, I only fill up every 10 days to 2 weeks....
Good luck, I don't think you'll be disappointed with an Audi....
Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA
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K. Daver
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Mar 12, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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Kyle,
Glad to hear it! I had my heart set on a S40 until I realized how small
it was. Then, I figured the S60 was the way to go until I test drove
it. So, I figured on an Audi... did a little research and test drove it
and am in love.
Because I've never had a new(er) car, I don't know if I'm just in love
with the Audi or the new car itself! :) I'm going to test drive a few
non-european cars to see if I am still in love with the Audi. I have a
feeling I will be.
Thanks again!
Kyle Tucker wrote:
| Quote: | In article <mz3Yd.8149$DW.6879@newssvr17.news.prodigy.com>,
"K. Daver" <duckie74NOSPAM@yahoo.com> writes:
I was reading consumer reports and they didn't really speak highly of
the Audi. They rated the 2002 as having a lot of engine problems, while
the rest of the car did fairly well. It didn't do so well in the
electrical system, either.
I just hit 100K miles on my 2000 1.8T A4 last week. It has by far
been the most enjoyable AND dependable car I've ever owned. I've
had new Hondas, Toyotas, Volvos and others. The Audi still drives
as tight and fun as mile 1. There's been some issues, but none
with engine or electrical, mostly brakes and wheel bearings. I'll
buy another Audi in a instant.
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K. Daver
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Mar 12, 2005 7:19 pm Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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Robert,
Excellent! I had heard (and someone else posted here) that there would
be pinging and knocking. I figured that wouldn't be a good thing! :) I
do know a few people that love their Audi's and use the regular gas. Of
course, one of the owners has a lease so he's not too concerned as when
he trades it in, he'll be done with it.
I appreciate your help!
Marty
+ Rob + wrote:
| Quote: | "K. Daver" <duckie74NOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:l9hYd.3139$ZB6.1703@newssvr19.news.prodigy.com...
Bob,
Appreciate the help. What types of problems have you had? For me,
it'll be the most expensive car I've owned. Never been in a position to
have a new(er) car before, so obviously I want to do my homework before
I plunk down the money for it. Repairs, can be costly, so obviously I'm
very interested in their upkeep.
The dealer told me that I must put premium gas in it. Several people at
work drive them (and love them) but use regular gas. One person has a
99 and says he's put nothing but regular gas and it's never been an
issue. Can there be heavy repairs associated with non-premium gas?
I'm in the states and around here premium just spiked to about $2.20 vs
$1.95 for non-premium. No Audi Hybrids yet, right? :)
You don't have to use premium. It's just recommended for optimal
performance. All of today's computer controlled engines will essentially
de-tune themselves in order to harmlessly utilize regular gasoline. However,
the engine will not be quite as responsive under those circumstances and gas
mileage will suffer a bit too. So, despite the front-end savings on fuel,
the overall cost may not be any less.
Rob
2002 A4 3.0Q (black)
2005 TT 3.2 DSG (ocean blue)
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Ian S
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:12 am Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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"K. Daver" <duckie74NOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MjCYd.8832$DW.4924@newssvr17.news.prodigy.com...
| Quote: | Hi Ian!
Wow.. I'm sorry to hear that you had such problems with them. I
probably forgot to mention it earlier, but I was looking into the A4 3.0
quattro model, not the non-quattro.
|
Quattro is the only way to go with an A4. ;-)
| Quote: |
Were any of your repairs under warranty? As I'd be looking at a
certified model, it should be warranteed for up to 100k miles.
|
The clutch throw-out bearing and heater fan motor were warranty items. Also,
front pads and rotors at around 35,000 miles. I did the rears - both pads
and rotors - myself at around 55,000 miles. I was able to get quite
reasonably priced rotors and pads via an aftermarket supplier and the job is
quite easy as long as you have your own piston tool or borrow one from
Autozone. You want to look very closely at whatever warranty you get because
the Audi new owner plan spoils you badly since even maintenance items are
covered. In a used car warranty, brake pads and rotors are unlikely to be
covered and I'm not sure about the TB - certainly you don't want it to fail
and then not have the damage covered under the warranty. The radiator
replacement due to a serious leak at the six year point may have been my
fault since I let the antifreeze go for longer than the recommended 2 year
interval.
| Quote: |
Some non-Audi dealerships offer an aftermarket warranty, which I will
probably go for. From what I understand (and what you mention), I'd
rather have it warranteed for as long as possible. I'm not sure how
reliable the aftermarket warrantees are though. I think some places use
Pinnacle which apparently is accepted at any Audi Dealership (with a
$100 deductible).
Thanks again!
Marty
|
I only mentioned the major problems - there were minor problems repaired
under warranty such as an electrical switch and burned out heated mirrors.
The latter were a design flaw that may have been rectified in newer models.
I'm reasonably certain mine have burned out again but living in Phoenix,
it's not a big deal to me. I also had a problem with the rotary switch that
operates the sunroof - this common problem manifests itself in the sunroof
seeming to develop a mind of its own and opening or closing part way with no
driver input. That was post warranty but I fixed it myself. You might want
to visit Audiworld.com and search their forum archives for info on
troublespots and many useful how-to's. One issue you may want to look into
is related to control arm deterioration. This was a problem on models at
least through 2000 I believe and maybe beyond. I would expect it to be
covered under any warranty you're contemplating but you may wish to check
for sure. My car BTW, has about 75,000 miles to date.
Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed my Audis and I still think the 1998 A4
with sports package is still one of the best looking sedans on the road (the
sports package wheels especially complement the car's "muscular" look). It
also has nicely balanced performance and comfort. But Consumer Reports IMHO
accurately pegs it as less than a pinnacle of reliability. |
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Glenn Richards
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Mar 13, 2005 5:44 pm Post subject:
Re: Audi questions from a perspective buyer |
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K. Daver wrote:
| Quote: | I sure wish I were in NJ -- gas here is just at about 2.00 for the
regular now. I remember the days when I thought 1.30 was CRAZY for
PREMIUM gas.
|
If only it was that cheap here... 95 unleaded is somewhere just above
80p/litre, according to the current exchange rate that's somewhere
around US$1.50 per litre. Note that's per metric litre, not per gallon!
And on a 2.0 A4 you can expect to get around 30mpg...
No wonder the diesel models are so popular here. Diesel is slightly more
per litre (around 85p at present) but you'll get 50-55mpg out of the 1.9
130bhp engine.
Not only that but the pulling power on a diesel has to be felt to be
believed. My A4 has the 1.9 130 engine, and unlike a petrol engine which
only has the rated power when the revs are high, the diesel has flat
torque. Trust me, with the traction control turned off you end up
smoking the tyres only too easily!
The next car will be diesel, definitely.
--
Glenn Richards Tel: (01453) 845735
Squirrel Solutions http://www.squirrelsolutions.co.uk/
IT consultancy, hardware and software support, broadband installation |
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