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Comments
whether the timing belt has been replaced; whether you need front and rear breaks; whether the car needs an alignment; leaks in the front and rear seals of the transmission; and whether the car has been in an accident (rear or front). Then set aside $3,000 for repairs (that's the real cost of your car).
The Audi was a great car to drive, but there were just too many nits and noids that always needed attention (electrics, door seals, brakes groaning, cricket like noise from the engine compartment) that I was afraid to keep it long term.
Getting the thing serviced is very expensive and I wasn't all that thrilled with the impending timing belt change and the oil sludge issues that folks have been talking about.
My check engine light came on at 51,500 miles, and it the dealer wanted 125 just to read the code. I got it read and repaired at an independent shop. Still cost 88 to read the code, about 30 for parts and 60 for labor to fix. Turned out to be a vacumn leak and two small hoses had to be replaced.
I will miss the A4, but not the cost of keeping it running.
I am averaging 18mpg (70% city/30% highway miles). I use 87 octane.
Is there something wrong? I notice that the car hits 6th gear at 45 mpg, something I find kind of strange, and it feels sluggish at this speed. Does it have an adaptive transmission like the Highlander that learns your driving style over time?
Any suggestions as to what's going on much appreciated.
Yeah, this topic has been beat to death in many forums, but the fact of the matter is that if you use lower octane fuel on higher compression ratio engines, you're gonna get worse performance and lower gas mileage. There is absolutely no incentive (including no financial incentive) to put in cheaper gas.
DL
After I got home today, I swore to God that if I made home, I will never ever ever never ever, buy another German car while I breathe. After driving Japanese cars (I've owned 6) since I was 16, I decided to try the "German driving experience" . Yes I sooooooooo much love the drive, feel, connection of the Audi, God only knows that it puts a smile in my face when I corner, or drive that beautiful machine in the highway (mind you that I have the anemic 1.8!), I love the interior and its perfect lighting instruments, but my dear friends, I have never encounter a new car that have given me such heart palpitations. Maybe I am over reacting??? but coming from trouble free Toyotas/Hondas, I got spoiled.
The only good news is that I leased the car (thanks GOD!) so everything will be cover under warranty. But as soon as the Lease experies in Jan 2008, I will be back driving my reliable Japanese car (Lexus IS250) despite the disconnection with the road, its tiny back seat and lack of "spirit".
I test drove the IS in the taste of lexus event and it certainly is not an AUDI when it comes to handling and feel, but I'll sacrifice that (with lots of tears), in order to prevent a heart attack!!
You know......as I mentioned on my previous post. I really love to drive this car, perhaps when the lease expires their reliabilty will improve or am I wishfooly thinking???
But one thing I'll do is to enjoy it and I will stop thinking about it anymore.
Well, if you read some previous posts,I think that there is one about a person whose warranty just expired after which all the warning lights and problems started to appear and he/she had to pay for it. I wonder if this is built into that little computer these cars have. I like you have always financed and I wish however, this time that I leased. I do like to own my cars 7-10years. However, I have learned my lesson. Things may have settled down for now with the car. However, I bet that if a problem appears right after the extended warranty expires, I will be kicking myself for sure. Lesson learned well here. At least I have not been out of pocket on this car. All repeated repairs have been covered all be it was a huge nusance/waste of time/frustration. Besides, I think there is an unwritten rule about selling before warranties expire. Yes, it is an enjoyable / comfortable car to drive.
Cheers!
Nancy.
You mentioned that you had very few problems with the BMW, what about their customer service? Were you happy with them?
Thanks
Think I'd like a new car, but am scared of AUDI after all this. Any thoughts on the '06's, despite the ugly front grille?
Were you able to solve your problem?
Audi A4 Convertible 2004 (appx. 46000)
4 year lease
Problem:
Oil Sludge
Four days ago, my car just suddenly dies in the freeway and it's towed to the dealer. The problem, "Oil Sludge" they call it. So the dealer asks for my recent service receipts so I provide them with all my receipts and I have them done with synthetic oil. Some I've got it done outside of dealer and some from the dealer. Later, they decline the warranty due to lack of info and that I went over 2000 miles on one particular time with the service. Now they are asking about $7000 to fix the car. In this case, what should I do cuz I really don't have that kind of money. This really doens't make any sense to me cuz I had cars previously and they never break down even I go over 10,000 miles! Is there anyway I can talk them into a warranty? And is there any way I can just return this junk?
DL
Wear and tear seems to be Audi's mantra. Two weeks after my clutch went on my car with 54,000 miles and having it replaced, the worn brake pads light came on and had to have the front brakes of the car redone. This after they told me just before the warranty went off that the brakes were fine. They threw me a 10% discount on my bill as if that would make it right. I swear Audi programs their computer sensors to kick in after the warranty runs out. Always an adventure with this brand of "fine German engineering."
I have an A3 98 TDI 3 door, my drivers door window has stopped working and i cant seem to close it. I wonder if anyone can tell me how the door panels can be removed as i think the window may have come of a runner as the electric motor is still working but jams when trying to close.
Thanks
Autozone or somebody else might be able to read the code for you on the cheap, but my guess is that whoever does the actual repair is going to charge you to read the code anyway before they start work (which would make sense). As long as the light is on steady (according to the 01 owner's manual and the dealer) it was ok to drive. If it flashes then you need to have it towed because you could do some damage by continuing to drive it. I don't know about the 02 though.
Good luck.
TB
However you can also use Mobil 1 synthetic 0w-30, but that's not neccesary. (It will be more durable but not provide better performance...that's what he said. Mobil 1 synthetic is used for the purpose of avoiding the sludge problem on A4 1.8T)
Anyone has comments on this?
Any ideas what could be wrong?
I've told them that this is the last time that I will take the car for the same reason (this is the third time engine light is on), and if the engine light comes on again, then I will start Lemon law proceedings. Do you guys think I'll have a case if this engine light keeps appearing??? The car runs fine, but it is so anyoing to keep comming back for the same reason. Have any of you experienced the same problem so many times in such a short period of time?
Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.
R
2005 A4 6M 1.8L
Leased 1/11/05; current mileage 21,000
The steering wheel vibrates at certain RPM 1200 - 1400. Above of below this range is fine. I just wonder how did you solve the problem. Any shave will be very appreciated.
http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/Audi_Approved_Oil_Chart.pdf
This standard was implemented as a result of the sludge problems experienced a few years ago. Neither Mobil-1 0W-30 nor 5w-30 meet the standard.
I bought my A4 of lease from the dealership in 2003. Since then I have poured an additional $8000 into the car for repairs. The last straw or go around, they are claiming I need a new computer ($3000 with labor). Enough already!! I subsequently took the car back and got a second opinion to find out the dealership mechanic failed to put back parts of my car. They were kind enough to fess up and put the parts back free of charge, but what kind of shady business in this? I would Never NEVER recommend an Audi to anyone that I like. :lemon:
Check the bottle as I believe it specifically lists the VW/Audi specs.
JR
Today I sent a letter to that Dealership Service Manager, and cc Audi of America Customer Relations as well as NJ lemon law division (this is the third time that the engine light keeps coming on). I dont know if you guys have received such poor service at your Audi dealership, but I would never recommend you purchase a car from Flemington Audi. While the sales person was terrific and the sales process was excellent (not complaints there), the service dept has really left a very bad impression on me.
I guess that after being treated one way by my wife's dealer (Lexus ES 300), you do get spoiled. I always have gotten loaners even from Miami dealers when we travel(we purchased the car in NJ).
I had it with the poor reliability of this car and the crappy treatment that the service department seems to give its customers.
Thanks for listening and I will be counting the 26 months or 780 days or 18,720 hours left on my lease, and I will return this car with a big smile. Never again!
Thanks all
p.s. I would like to know what type of experiences you've had when requesting a loaner from a dealer different than where you purchased the car. Life Quality Audi in BayRidge Brooklyn called me back to let me know that they "stopped" the loaners program for customers that bought the car somewhere else!!! While I understand that the "in-house" customer should get preferential treatment, at least they should make an effort to provide others "outsiders" with a loaner. Anyway, just let me know if you guys are able to get loaners from outside dealers.
Thanks for listening to my cries
2005 A4 6MT, 1.8