Audi A4

"An Audi without Quattro* is like a day without sunshine" - the sales guy was laying it on thick, but I wasn't about to be swayed with slick banter. However, one test drive later (including an abandoned parking lot) started making me a believer too. I did my research, I had my drive and I was sold.

* Quattro is a term Audi use to describe their all-wheel drive system (which is permanently engaged) which helps provide extra grip in slippery conditions by redistributing power between all 4 wheels to keep the car on course.

7 years later and the car is still a favorite, despite some mechanical flaws and wishing for a little more acceleration from stop. The A4 is a solid car with agile handling and a quiet and comfortable ride.

Specs:
* 1.8 Turbo
* Quattro (all wheel drive)
* 4 CYLINDERS (5 valve per cylinder = 20 valves total)
* 150 HP / 162 @ 2200 RPM
* Fuel econ: 18/26 approx (city/highway)

Pros:
* Styling: good looking car, even after 7 years
* Steering: good weighted steering (not too light, not too heavy), allowing good road feedback
* Handling: this car feels solid and is very capable - handling well even at speed
* Exterior/interior: the car is well built and somewhat classy, down to the interior trim details - nice
* Luggage space: good large trunk with ample luggage space
* Safety: crash test ratings were good. Engine is designed to collapse under the driver in event of head-on collision, reducing risk of injury to front seat occupants. Front airbags. Side protection.
* Braking: Good & reliable (although I can never come to a smooth stop without a *very* small lurch - perhaps it's just my car)

Cons:
* Mechanical problems: auto/manual gearbox shifter (now slides beteen manual and automatic without 'staying' in place!), and also the computer chip (had to be replaced for $400), the A/C compression (seized, replaced for about $800 if I recall correctly, as the entire coolant system had to be flushed) and some fuel sensor (approx $200).
* Interior problems: none really except for a slight tear in driver's seat (leatherette) and a crack in plastic trim behind driver's seat belt and a slightly faded on-board computer LCD.
* Rear legroom: a bit cramped legroom for adults
* Fuel: my 1.8 turbo requires 90 octane, so I fill up on premium fuel. One tank is about $40, and lasts approx. 300 miles (I use it mostly in stop-go commuting to work and other relatively short runs).
* Lights: I replaced the original 1999 low beam bulbs as they were too dim
* Acceleration from 0: sometimes feels a little slow from a stop, however the Turbo helps provides boost acceleration at speed for quick overtaking. You can also buy aftermarket chip to boost HP by 40-45 (I didn't).


Overall I like the Audi brand and despite some mechanical problems and complaints about power, it's a fun car to drive and is very quiet and comfortable. I'd be keen to test a more recent year model to see how things have improved.

Beautiful design, nice interior, heated seats are great in the winter, superb performance. cannot go wrong with Audi A4.

Great car and a very good value, this vehicle has good power and nothing beats and all wheel drive vehicle in the snow or any kind of wheather. In my opinion no one should buy or drive anything other then an all wheel drive vehicle.
Thanks

I love the Bose System, and the heated seats, I hate the expensive repair costs, I like the AWD system, and thats about all I can say.

I actually purchased this vehicle to use as a second mode of transportation. It was everything the pictures and the dealer said it was. When I called Import Auto Direct and asked if I should get an independent inspection, Dimitri said "you can do what ever you want...but an independent inspection would be a waste of your money because this car is a cream puff". Indeed it was. I think buying a car on the internet is a giant leap of faith and I held my breath until the car was delivered to my front door. The car was in Philadelphia, PA and I am in So. Cal. When the carrier backed the car off the truck, I thought 'wow'..someone has really taken good care of this little car.
It was a great experience.

Great car, handles amazingly, gets great gas mileage and the fit and finish is superb. This particular car had 36,000 miles on it, but was super clean. We drove it home 500 miles and it performed like a watch. We are very happy

Really sharp car and fast. I like all the looks it gets. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Good buy.

it is nice car but it is to far for me to go get the car sorry for all this i wil said it is nice car

Great Car we love it, and mine has the navigation system which is a great help. Awesome car. I bought this car and i though it would be just like any other car, but it is much much better. I'm a big BMW fan nd that is all i drive, but Audi is just as good and reliable.

Bought this car out of state so I had to fly from Pennsylvania to Texas to pick it up and drive it back home. Twenty one hours of driving and no driver fatigue. Great engine - over 32 mpg highway. Very quiet ride. Sporty but smooth. Great options standard with the Premium Plus options package. Great new styling and much larger than previous generations of the A4.