Audi A4 Saloon 1.8 4d (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Audi give less for your money than BMW. You have to pay a lot to get a nice spec, but you have to remember you're an Audi driver, not a BMW driver!
Costs
Things seldom go wrong, but when they do, like any car, you have to pay the price of repair. Avoid Audi dealership services and repair cost. Get servicing and brakes etc from your reputable local mechanic garage.
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On the road
Driving
Excellent precise steering. Scary at high speeds on the motorway!
Performance
1.8 is brisk, but front wheel drive ruined the traction and acceleration 'kink' is annoying, but can be overcome by changing your gas/clutch action to get smoother/swifter acceleteration.
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Living with it
Reliability
No major problems. Electric illumination on temperature control dials have gone out... probably loose wiring? Getting tracking corrected a pain if the tracking bolts are rusted into place, as Audi don't grease the bolt. I've had this problem!
Image
Feels much better to be stuck in traffic in an A4 rather than a 3-Series or C-Class. Quieter image for the modest driver who wants German engineering!
Comfort
Seats not so comforable, especially on long drives. Rear space very small, only good for 2 adults. Rear arm rest will annnoy person in middle at the back! Suspension good.
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Security and Service
Service
Audi dealerships think every Audi owner can afford their high service etc prices! Haven't really dealt with dealerships cos of this reason. Cheaper to find local mechanics etc who can do the job.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
High revving on starting engine up sometimes. Doesn't sound as good as a 3-Series 'humming' engine :o(
Other
Exhaust always makes a louder than normal sound... like it has a hole in it. Althought this is the same on ALL A4s I have seen of this shape, but adds to make the car seem more sportier!
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes