Audi Owners?

Question

My boyfriend and I looked at a great 1999 Audi 4 Quattro last night. It seems to be in excellent condition. We are of course going to get it checked out by my mechanic before buying it - however, he's not an Audi specialist by any means.

So, does anyone know if they are overall good cars? Are they expensive to maintain? Or have any known issues?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Audis are good cars, but like any German cars, when they break, they will cost you quite a bit to repair. The usual problem with German vehicles are they are really not made for an easy maintenance. Where as most Japanese cars allow parts replacement fairly easily, German cars require removal of MANY parts to get to the part that broke. Hense, the labor cost is much higher.

Believe it or not, parts cost are not bad. Sometimes, they are much cheaper than Japanese counter part. But the problem is, they tend to break more often.....

1999 is already 8 years old. Even well engineered and constructed vehicle will start to break down. If you go-ahead and purchase it, budget appropriately for repair.

Answer 2

I would really suggest that you take it to someone with Audi experience. Not only are they familiar with these vehicles but sometimes the generic scan tools can't pull up all fault codes logged in the car's computer. You didn't mention the engine (V6 or 4 cyl turbo), miles on the vehicle or type of trans.

Things I would specifically ask about on this vehicle:
Was the timing belt and tensioners replaced? What about the water pump?
How are the control arms and tie rod ends?
Any oils leaks? Check the valve cover gasket and chain tensioner (half moon seal) gaskets.
Has the coolant temp sensor been upgraded?
Activate the headlight washers and make sure they don't get stuck on the on position and drain all the washer fluid out.
Have them scan the car's computer for any pending fault codes.
Any power steering leaks? Check the hoses carefully.
Does the expansion tank show any signs of stress cracks on the plastic?
Does the owner's manual have a radio code?
Are there any spare keys?
Any rattle from the catalytic converter(s)?
Has the ABS control module been replaced before?
When the car is started, is there a rattle from the front of the engine? (This may mean that the chain tensioner is on its way out.)
Is this a manual transmission? Beware that a clutch job on a quattro is $$$.

Whew! This is just a sample list of things off the top of my head that are common with Audi A4s. Overall, I still love these vehicles however their repair bills are on the higher end as they get older. You definately are on the right track by getting this vehicle inspected before purchase!

Good luck!

P.S. Ask them if there is any evidence of being in an accident.

Answer 3

I have that same exact car! I've had it for 2 years, and I've never had any problems with it that were directly caused by the car itself. I was told to just take really good care of it when it needs service, because if you put if off, the part may go bad, and imported parts from german brands can be costly. In the two years I've had it, I've had the brakes replaced and almost needed to buy a whole new engine, but that is only because I put off the much needed oil change. Pretty much, the few problems I had with it were because I ignored the service light for too long.
Going to a Audi dealership or specialist is best, because while a regular mechanic will have cheaper prices, he may not be able to recognize the special needs of a german import. I get my oil changed with a reg. mechanic, but everything else is with my Audi specialist. They tell me problems that are specific for that year and make, and they're awesome.
The car is reliable overall though. Enjoy!

Answer 4

They're great cars. Audi's aren't nearly as expensive as BMW's. They're not as big of problems as are VW's. Audi's generally last for a long time with few problems. A 1999 A4 that's been kept in excellent condition should be an awesome car. Be sure to check that all the electrical has been working properly and if it has ever needed to be replaced. European cars around the late 1990's had a lot of electrical issues. As long as the car gets its regular maintenance then foresee-ably it should be good.

Answer 5

They are enjoyable cars for a number of reasons - style, performance, etc. but they are not cheap to maintain or fix, even if you get a cream puff of a car. Engine is pretty solid. Electrics tend to be a problem (like many cars), and over time they go out and have to be replaced.

Good for you on checking it out with a mechanic. I'd look for a history of the cars service history if available. You may want to check if the timing belt has been changed. If not,you should budget accordingly (about US$1000, includes the water pump replacement). Also look for leaks and check the suspension. The Quattro system is pretty robust but it also means more places for oil leaks. Also check for valve cover gasket leaks too.

Good luck- if you find a good car, great!

Answer 6

I had the '99 1.8T for about 4 years and loved it! Great car with no trouble since all the maintenance was done as scheduled. There is a lot of great advice given here, so pay attention. The only reason I don't have this car now is an upgrade to an S4. I'm Audi all the way though.

Answer 7

they are vary reliable cars for a German luxury brand they are expensive to maintain premium fuel, ONLY synthetic oil etc. but the cars are worth it. i have a 97 that still looks better than a good majority of the newer cars on the road. If you are looking for basic cheep transportation you will not be happy with this car they are far from basic and there not cheap to own. But if you are looking for a driving experience safety and build quality than they are great cars especially if you live where there in snow the quattro is amazingly predictable in snow and on ice. ive driven many many makes and models and few have teh winter ability of an Audi quattro.

Answer 8

They are expensive to maintain but they are excellent in the snow.

one of My cars is the 2007 Audi A8 W12 and I have only had one issue with it witch was the brakes and I paid $2,350 to have that fixed

Answer 9

they are expensive to maintain. i would not buy an Audi thats more than 3 years old.

they run fine mechanically, but they have electrical problems.

electrical problems cannot be forseen either.