"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.

This is not a good seller to do business with. He wasn`t honest about the car. I wuoldn`t buy anything from him. Watch out for him ebay buyers.

The Audi A4 is a luxury compact executive car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1994. The first generation A4 succeeded the Audi 80.

It is available as an "Avant", Audi's name for a estate/wagon, a saloon/sedan, and a Cabriolet version.

Audi introduced a heavily revised A4 in late 2004, with the internal designation of B7. However, this new range A4 still utilised the existing Volkswagen B6 (PL46) platform, a chassis derived from the outgoing B6, but enjoyed heavily revised steering settings, suspension geometry, new engine ranges, navigation systems and chassis electronics (a new advanced Bosch 8.0 ESP system). Audi's internal platform nomenclature uses PL46 (longitudinal passenger car platform, size 4, generation 6) for both B6 and B7 chassis. The Typ 8E and 8H internal designations are also unchanged from the B6 A4.

The engine lineup received many additions. The 2005 introduction of Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) on the 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 V6 FSI petrol/gasoline engines, as well as other refinements, increased power output to 200 and 255 PS (147 and 188 kW), respectively. These engines both implement a four-valve per cylinder design. The prior 5-valve design was incompatible with the FSI direct injection system. The 2.0 TDI diesel engine now combines Pumpe Düse (PD) technology with 16 valves for the first time, while the larger 2.5 TDI was increased to 3.0 L, offering 204 PS (150 kW). quattro permanent four-wheel drive remained available on most A4 models. Audi retired its 5-speed manual transmissions in favour of a 6-speed. As before, multitronic transmission is available on front-wheel drive models, while a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission is available on quattro four-wheel drive models.

In addition to the higher-performance S4, which carried over the powertrain of the B6 S4, Audi has reintroduced the ultra-high performance RS4 (RS for RennSport) to the lineup, for the first time on the saloon/sedan and Cabriolet body and with a normally aspirated 4.2 V8 FSI engine. Another notable inclusion is the 3rd-generation Torsen T-3 quattro system, which uses a 'default' asymmetric 40:60 front-rear torque distribution (this new asymmetric centre differential was only available initially on the RS4, and later, on the S4. The remainder of the A4 range still utilised the 50:50 split diff). A limited edition variant first introduced in late 2005, named "DTM Edition", was reintroduced in 2006 as a regular option, the 2.0T FSI engine now engineered to 220 PS (162 kW) with standard quattro. The front grill assembly has changed to be a tall trapezoidal shape in the same manner as the C6 (third-generation) Audi A6.

The B7 Cabriolet model arrived later than the other two body variants, with sales beginning in February 2006. Brand new on the Cabriolet was an entry-level 2.0 TDI version, but to date this is not being offered with the Multitronic gearbox.

The Audi A4 offers many safety features, including side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stabilization Programme, and its optional quattro four-wheel drive. It also received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick For 2007"

I highway commute every workday, and I have never felt so safe in a car! Snow, ice, rain, the quattro keeps me glued to the road, I'll never drive "white knuckled" again. Great performance, great reliability, warranty is awesome and the Audi dealership treats me like gold (I didn't even buy from this dealership) Decent gas mileage (even at higher speeds) from a V6, very quiet, I really can't find anything wrong with this vehicle, imported it to Canada from the States, saved over ten grand, and Audi honors the warranty here. If there was a 6 out of 5 rating I'd give it that! I've owned a lot of other brand new vehicles, I bought this Audi used with 27k miles and it outclasses anything north american, the technology in this car is light years ahead and it works! There is one problem... now I have to buy one for my wife!

It is a perfect mix of power and luxury. I have been averaging 27 MPG on the highway. Yet it still has the power to go when you want to. I had been wanting an A4 for sometime, and finally broke down and bought one. I wish I had done it sooner.

Love the car. It was very clean and runs good so far, except for a minor vibration (tires). One complaint that I have is that the previous owner was probrably a smoker. It wouldn't have kept me from purchasing but it would have been nice to know. The seller was relatively easy to work with once I won the bid.

This car is the best car I have ever driving besides a Porsche. Audi A4 handles very well in rain and the seat make you feel like you are molded to them. I just have a safe feeling every time I drive my car. I highly recommend this car or even Audi it's self. The only thing I don't like about the car is the armrest. It's not made very well so, becareful opening an closing it and also, the ski storage bag is kind of a pain to put back together but, overall thats small so, the car is amazing, Thanks Audi.

Greatttt!!!!! It is avery good dependable car...I will buy 100 more. i sell cars for a living and audi and vw are great vehicles and have A huge resale value

Audi A4 1.8 turbo Quattro automatic transmission. Bought at about 80k and immediately had timing belt replaced as preventative maintenance. Mechanic said the belt was actually in good shape when changed. Overall car has performed well up to 166k when reverse in transmission failed. Otherwise she has done her job, only major failure was an old pump. I have never been stranded driving an Audi (have owned 3 in total). They do require more maintenance though they are far safer (I was in a serious accident in a 5000 and was very impressed - no injuries but car totaled). Audi gets a bad wrap because the standard is they are invincible, they are not. No car is. They are durable, and not throw away Honda's. They can do things most cars cannot. Good mix of economy, style, and performance.

I spent 3 months looking for 1 car that would satify many requirements. I work on the road therefore I need a realiable, comfortable vehicle that would keep me on the road through a snow storm. I also wanted a sporty car for the weekend. This car, after much research, fit the bill. And it has continued to exceed my expectations. Handles well in the curves, great pick-up for the express-way, keeps me on the road in the winter months with AWD and without the bulkiness and high gas bills of an SUV. Only draw back is the smaller back seat however not a problem for an "empty nester". My snow skis even fit in the special compartment. And the Audi dealership treats me like a queen when I take it in for the Audi paid regular maintenance visits. I highly recommend this car for quality and realiablilty with a great look! I also recommend the teflon coating applied to the exterior. No scubbing or waxing for 5 years. I just spray the dirt off my car at the car wash and I'm back on the road. Love the low maintenance, especially with a white car. I have had many cars in my life however I will continue to own an Audi. I just love everything about this car.