Audi A4 Saloon (1995 - 2001) 1.8 T Sport 4d (1995/N) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It says I know nothing about cars. Somebody who drives an Audi is somebody who puts image before driving involvement.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Everyone loved it, especially my girlfriends at the time. They didn't have to drive it though.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, never. I mistakenly thought Audi still made quality products until I owned this thing. The engineering is really nowhere near BMW levels.
What are you likely to buy next?
I swapped it for a SAAB 900.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,250
When did you buy the car?
January 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not really; it was slightly over book price, but I felt it was worth it because of the condition of the car and the fact an affluent elderly guy had owned it, and not a boy racer type.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
It looked like a lot of car for the money. I was a dedicated VW nut, but this was cheaper than a Golf or Passat with a similar spec.
What was the dealer like?
Mid-60s, cheerful personality, beard, large house
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
In the first year or so, I loved it. Slight torque steer when pulling away on a hill. Great for long motorway trips. Then I drove a similar spec E46 318i and realised it was nose heavy, clunky and under-engineered compared to the Bimmer.
What's it like to park?
Easy. I'm a great driver, so that kind of thing is no problem.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Everything was fine until 100,000 miles. ECU shut down the car on the motorway, and the RAC guy couldn't diagnose the fault because of the age. Needed a new fuel pump. Needed another one not long after. And new coils. And sensors. And an ECU. And an alternator.
What's most practical about your car?
The largeish boot. The seat didn't fold down, but you could get several Top Gear suitcases in there.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The little sun visor above the rear-view mirror. Audi Sport wheel is very very nice to hold.
