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Comments
I was also considering the Passat, but after your towtruck story I will test the Honda for sure. I have to admit I am a German car driver, have had mucho problemas with my Benz for sure. I do love the feel of the Audi but now I am not so sure that is going to be worth the extra money. S
Which engine do you have? My 2001 A4 1.8T required PREMIUM gas. I would think that yours would too. I used Mobil 1 synthetic oil, 5W-20 I believe. Pretty much any guality oil in the 5W-20 or 10W-30 range should be ok until you find out from the dealer the exact recommended oil. I run Mobil 1 in all my cars and bikes. Good stuff.
Good luck.
TB
But once again I think you need to find someone familiar with Audis and have them replace your timing belt before a major problem occurs. Audi actually has a recall for this, due to so many Audi A4 timing belts tensioners failing. Although Audi wont fix it for you they will check it for free and tell you if you need one or not. But you need it.
And oh yeah here http://www.modulemaster.com/audiabsrepair.html
these guys can fix your abs module and it doesn't cost as much as what Audi wants for it.
As for as my car, I still love it, I'll try to get a pic online one of these day so you can see it. :shades:
Until next time
-------------> David
Unfortunately you have two different problems. The first problem with the air rushing, Well that is what they call a secondary air pump. What it does is push more air into your exhaust system, it is suppose to lower emissions by speeding up the warmup process. Either way it most likely has water in it and needs to be replace, whoever replaces it tell them to also replace the combination valve on the back of the head. It is expensive but wont affect anything else so that can wait. Although you wrote this two weeks ago, you probably already know you need and ignition switch. This is why your radio stays on and everything else. Audi has had problems with those also on the older cars.
Just like to say I still and will always LOVE my Audi :shades: No matter how much it cost to fix 112000 and couting... 98 a4 1.8tqm
0------------> David
PS: To those A4 owners experiencing many problems and trips to the shop; I feel for you. I had the same problem with my Jetta VR6 years ago due a undiagnosed problem with ehe digifant fuel injection. The car would stall out when it reached a certain tempeture on the freeway. Scarey.
I have only had minor dealer type warranty type "problems" with my car and have experienced relatively no down time due to routine issues exceptng a glitch with the sunroof and a light sensor. Other than that, I have about 45K on the car and I enjoy driving it very much. The 1.8 takes adjustment from the 6 cyl experience but motoring is fun once you master the nuances of a turbo! Good luk.
I know someone close to you who used to work for Audi but currently works fpr VW shoot me an email...
Its in my profile and I'll get back to you.
--------> David
samueld said "Just like to say I still and will always LOVE my Audi No matter how much it cost to fix 112000 and couting... 98 a4 1.8tqm"
WORD. I have a 99 2.8 A4 have only had it from 95k to 103k and virtually no problems other than routine maintenance. High miles for the car but I still love it.
But that said, I have a short drive to work and never keep my A4s beyond the warranty period. I would not pick an Audi for high-mileage applications nor would I buy a used Audi. Another reason I've stayed with Audi is that the local dealer is very easy to work with and seems to have a good service department.
Anyhow, it has been said that Audi is aware of the reliability issues and has been working to improve their product line.
Time will tell.
Byron
Dealer has had the car for over a week and has no clue about what's wrong with the car. :lemon:
At least, when I had a German car, the dealers generally fixed the nits and nads w/in a day. And the car was fun to drive. But think of it--why own a 4runner other than supreme reliability?
Even down to the last few minutes of signing off on the "lease end" paperwork.... They kept babbling about how reliable their cars are, this includes corporate. Anyway, this car you are looking at, make sure it is not dark blue with grey interior, could be my return. If the seats move by themselves then it is mine.
I recommend you look at another brand, Audi does not back up their products, simple as that.
I've heard that from other Audi owners too (had a lot of time to chat with them since I was in the service waiting rooms so often). I've also come across many stories like mine. There seems to be no middle ground, even the car is fine or just a total bomb. What I also found alarming was how the Dealers and Audi try to smoke screen these problems that other customers had...sort of hoping they'd go away. I spent some time heading up the ranks in Audi USA and customers are not first...not first at all.
I don't blame the car since I've had German cars for years (first Audi though), I blame the dealerships and company. Most of my issues were repair-able, most, not all. But the dealer network just blew it. Even the senior folk at Audi USA admitted there was a serious flaw in their reporting of repairs and ability to fix this car the first time. Audi knows they have serious problems and a long long road uphill to get to where the other German brands are today when it comes to service.
However, they still backed away from the most serious of issues with the car. I know German cars can be testy, but most dealers are prepared or take the time to listen and inspect properly. In the beginning Audi dealers blamed me and the blame even came from Audi USA. It was not until the gent from Germany and a senior tech came over to look it over. About 50% of the flaws were due to dealer incompetence (Audi USA admitting this) (I had been to 4 dealers) and the rest were just poltergeists. These dealers are all in Northern NJ...so that leaves basically zero that are able to address serious flaws other then a burned out bulb.
Sad thing is I liked the way the car drove, but, without a good service infrastructure one is just playing "russian roulette" with this Brand. I really wanted to feel good about Audi, this is what makes it so frustrating.
For those reading my posts and past posts thanks for letting me vent.
Mason
I just picked up my car this Saturday, and long and behold, yesterday I got this warning sign "check rear light". Although this for sure is just a minor thing (this is the second time it happened), here I go again to the dealer.
I have to agree with some in this forum that say that the dealers can also make a great difference. I refuse to go to my original dealer, Flemington Audi NJ, even if I have to pay for a rental. I was so turned off with their service that I wrote a letter to Audi customer care (most likely it found the garbage bin), indicating their poor level of customer service.
I am having my car now serviced in LifeQuality Audi in BayRidge Brooklyn.
I have started lemon law paperwork this week so I'll keep you guys posted as to what will happen. Audis are indeed great cars (when they are not in the shop), and I will indeed shed some tears when I switch, but I just cannot stomach so many problems in so little time.
I figure I have some fun with all my problems:
How can you tell if you are an Audi owner?
1) When your neighbors ask you how come you change your car every three months, a Jetta, a Passat, another A4 or an A6 parked in your driveway...oh and sometimes an occasional Dodge Neon (but they don’t know, they are all loaners!!)
2) You get to know at least three to four service reps from 3 to 4 different dealers, and you get to know the wife's name and kids name of at least one of them.
3) You absolutely, positively just lease the car as to own it would represent a kamikaze move, or it means that you are very accustomed to pain.
4) Your vocabulary all of a sudden expands as you start to use difference kinds of words, sounds etc to describe your problems to the tech.
5) Your frequent visits to the dealer makes you an industry insider as you know about when the next model will come before the public, changes and news about the Audis (you do this when they ask you to wait for your car and not loaners are available!)
6) and last, for no apparent reason, you start to cry when you see an add referring to the “German driving experience”. :sick:
There was another car brand in the USA that offered the "Italian Driving Experience", which soon became known as the 'Fix It Again Tony" experience. Where are they now? Not here.
I was told by the trailer people a hitch was available, but I needed a powered converter, but no-one has a clue how to wire it to the AUDI, I can't believe this can not be done, certainly would be disappointing, not to able to buy a car because you can't hook-up a trailer, fine car.
My question is how do I wire a trailer to this cars electrical without causing any damage?? Any help would be greatfull.
Thank you for any help.
ddelect
I went back for the same rear light failures 7 times with the '03 A4 I had. Twice it actually failed right at the spot where the dealer drives the car up to return it. Turns out it was not a bulb issue but a module somewhere deep inside the car. Only took them 5 months to figure that out and that was discovered by the guy that came all the way from Germany.
I liked your chat about neighbors asking about all the different cars you had...consider yourself lucky as I was always given Mazda3s, Hyundais, or Chryslers. However, one thing the neighbors noticed was those loaners went more then two days without problems where my Audi had a glorious day if it made 12hrs. To be fair, Paul Miller (1 of the 4 dealers I danced with) gave me a 1.8T A4 as a loaner, had that 45 consecutive days as they figured out what to do about my 3.0....no success there either. They actually said don't come back, the car is too much of a liability and then said they focus on the best customer experience, all in the same breath. I felt so special.
Tried your profile but couldn't get email address. If you can get me that information I'd appreciate it. Thanks
Ray
You know, I think what I will do from now on is to drive my trusted, old college years 1994 Toyota celica hatchback more frequently, and try to only drive the A4 maybe 2 to 3 days per week (I drive to work every day).
I am just afraid that if my lemon law suit does not go well, and when I return the car and if they find something wrong (highly problable), then I will get stock with a huge bill.
I guess the mistake I made when I lease the car is that I leased it for 39 months as supposed to 36 which is the warranty period. I do however intend not to even touch the car after the 36th month even if I am still making three more monthly payments.
Oh well, lesson learned
thanks for heads up. I will make sure to avoid that dealer.
Where the heck was AUDI all this time?
THANKS!!!! :sick: :lemon:
email sxb9365@yahoo.com
I am about to buy 2001 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 112.000 miles on it at $7500. I am considering about high mileages. Is anybody has same car and mileage in this board and maybe they can give me some advice? Should I buy it?
Thanks
Bulent
It just amazes me that people continue to buy these cars used. Don't you have a warranty with the vehicle?
I own toyotas, and have only had to change the oil and rotate the tires.
Naturally you can swap out the springs/shocks but sorry I can't help on the cost of converting the car back to a more compliant suspension.
Byron
Thanks for the response. Running 35lbs in front and 33 lbs in back. These are the recommended pressures for 235/45 17" all season tires. I'll call the service dept at the dealer on Monday and see whar they say.
Save yourself some trouble and go for a Honda, Toyota or Nissan.
Byron
I had my engine oil light came on while I was driving on a highway. It ended up the engine could not started anymore and had to get a tow truck to bring it back. Now it is in dealer shop. I looked up several websites and noted this engine problem is very common in Audi A4. In 2004, Audi had issued a warranty for all Audi engine for 8 years with unlimited mileage. Maybe you can look into this. I believe there are many Audi A4 owners have encountered or suffered this problem. Please keep us posted. The dealer has not told me what's wrong but I am worrying I may get into the same boat. Thanks.
GJ
Audi knew from the beginning the issues I had with the car and the dealers and they turned a deaf ear. In fact, one of their customer service experts told me they only sell cars and are not responsible for their dealers actions. Whatever.
Audi of Mendham/Bernardsville was the originating dealer....they were useless and funny enough Audi USA admitted that. I did a stint at Town Motors after Paul Miller, they did try and were nice, but Audi got tired of paying all the warranty claims, (seems that is their clue to do something) so they sent me to Jack Daniels thinking it would solve the issues. JD had the car with an Audi expert and guy from Germany for 2 weeks. Still came back faulty, one phone call as follow up and one call from Audi I got (it took them 2 weeks to send me the paperwork - guess edits had to be made - the package was a book!!) The car was just a mess.
When I told Audi USA I was still having the same issues, Audi USA said I could go to any dealer I wanted - that statement came from their so called special customer service person (the one that gets problem customers like me, or as they put it "someone having a unique experience"). So I drove around with a faulty car for a few more months, the options I paid extra for only worked in the brochure.
Audi just sells cars...NEVER FOLLOW
To be frank, most car manufacturers take this tired old stance. As side note,a legal represenative who had helped me resolve a GM lemon issue told me Honda and Mercedes were far and away the worst wrt their resolving "lemon" issues.
But I wonder if Audi, like their parent VW, is still way behind the curve here?
"Audi of Mendham/Bernardsville was the originating dealer....they were useless and funny enough Audi USA admitted that."
So why the heck does Audi let a dealer they __know__ is useless continue to sell their product?
NO. Too many miles, if you have to have an Audi "like I did" look around longer you can find a car with less miles. If you're in a big city check Ebay Motors, always great deals there. I would have the car fully inspected before purchasing though no matter what they tell you. Good Luck.
BTW I love my 3.0. It is a cabriolet and I get about 33 mpg on the highway top down at the speed limit. I have had some problems but I can live with it. I had Fords before the Audi. Talk about problems.