1997 Audi A4

Great car so far...

By Ty (CA) on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

Pros: "fun to drive, comfortable, good looking"

Cons: "gas mileage, bad cupholders, weird clutch feel"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is my second ever car, and it blows my previous car out of the water. The Avant Quattro version is both fast and practical, not to mention good looking (especially from the back). My car is the manual version, and I'm glad I have this version, otherwise it would be about a second and a half slower to 60. It has a great interior and there are no shakes or rattles, and its 15 years old - that's German engineering for ya. All the electronics work, including the sunroof, windows, electric driver's seat, automatic climate control, outside mirrors, etc. Overall its a great car, I'm just dreading the moment it needs to be fixed."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Be ready for costly repairs!

By Audihater (NY) on Saturday, January 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 125,000

Pros: "Nice ride when it works, good design"

Cons: "Constant repairs, hard to repair, high price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I bought this car with great enthusiasm after all I have heard about German engineering. The car is comfortable and good looking and when it works the ride is pretty good. The combination of manual shifting, turbo, and Quattro is what I was looking for. The car had only 89K miles when I bought it. Soon after I bought it, the problems started - suspension, steering, engine, electrics, multiple leaks from just about everywhere - coolant, steering, transmission. The car behaves strangely in the cold - almost impossible to change to 2nd gear before it warms up, and the airbag light is up until warm. The plastic inside passanger and the engine compartments is crumbling even when you look at it. I try to do repairs first on my own, I do have some experience with other cars. This one rates the worst for repairs - the parts and fluids (steering oil, antifreeze) are very expensive, some of them you can find only at the dealerships (where you have to bear AUDI representatives horrible attitude), and than everything is constructed like it will never be repaired with even simple jobs like a belt change taking a lot of time and effort. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this car to anybody but the enthusiast who is capable and willing of constant repairs or the one who can afford the robbery at the AUDI dealerships."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great car, especially with certain equipment

By jimazee (PA) on Wednesday, January 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

Pros: "great/funn driver, great in snow, still 'classy',"

Cons: "back seat, $ maintainance potential, cupholder"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Bought this new. Stick, 2.8 30 valve V6, Bose radio, leather interior, sport suspension. Just a great little car. Fun to drive. Classy/classic interior. Good looking still (now 15+ years old). Decent mileage low 20s suburban hi 20s Interstates (but uses premium). At 140k miles, replaced timing belt (2nd time) and all/most gaskets, cam seals etc (they leaked a lot and I could have changed at 70k miles but stayed with the leak and frequent add of oil) and it just got worse (bad design?)). Big hit here is the labor...it may be best to consider doing this as one job with timing belt, water pump, other gaskets, belts hoses, filters etc as needed. Rough cost $1000 to $2000 depending on what, where, who does it (get an estimate) ...but the car seems strong at 140k Can be pricey to repair and maintain, but is manageable if done intelligently and with assistance of local Euro shops w Audi knowledge. Back seat is smallish but OK for occasional use. Front cockpit is great fit for me (I am 5'11"). A nice driver with good tires in summer and just great in the snow when equipped with snow tires. I plan to keep or pass on to someone."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I love my Audi Quattro wagon

By STAR (CA) on Thursday, December 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 121,000

Pros: "comfortable, practical, fun to drive, good looking"

Cons: "burns a little oil, parts are expensive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've owned this car since 2005, and I love it! It is my SUV in a can. I can throw all my gear in the back, including my bike with the back seat down. It gets decent gas mileage, and is super sporty and fun to drive. Not to mention going to the snow is no problem in this car. I just got in a tiny little accident taking out the front corner of the car. Unfortunately, the costs exceeded what the insurance was willing to pay and it got deemed a 'total loss', but I chose to put it back together, and boy am I glad. I couldn't have replaced this classic little car for the money. I perform regular oil changes, and aside from normal wear and tear, i.e, brakes, suspension at 100K, and a new valve cover gasket, I would say it has had very few mechanical problems. I can say that I have never been stranded. I would recommend this car to anyone who appreciates German engineering and creature comforts (heated, leather seats)and loves to drive sporty cars. Hint: find a volkswagon mechanic to work on it. Same cars, cheaper shop rates!"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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My love

By Josian (CA) on Saturday, July 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 123,000

Pros: "fast-sporty"

Cons: "break pads wear out fast"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I own this car and its fantastic its fast, and looks great minimal problems... in all im in love with it!!!"

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Pretty Good little car

By Chris (NY) on Sunday, June 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 115,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"I have owned this car for a year and I have to say that I love it. I have however had to pour over $2000 into it for maintenance that had to be done at the 100,000 mile mark that was never completed before I bought the car. MAKE SURE if you buy this car near 90,000 miles that you have an additional $1,200 to spend on a timing belt replacement."

14 people out of 14 found this review helpful

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