Since I keep reading about 'so many on here have complained about Audi faults', I was curious - those of you who have participated in this forum since the beginning, can you give a count of how many A4s have been declared total lemons (as in complete, utter loss), how many (proportionately) have the minor faults (i.e. squeaky breaks/armrests/), and how many have been perfectly happy with their A4s? <p>From my memory, I can only recall 4-5 total lemons (I've only been here since early 97). It seems to me (and I'm pretty sure this has been said before sometime last year) that the messages about the truly awful A4s draw a lot of attention from those of us who fall into the 'happy/very happy with our purchases" category simply because they are such rarities. <p>The point I'm trying to make to people who are considering buying Audis is that there is never certainty that the cars we buy will be perfect. (The nightmare of the highly-lauded Jag XJ40 Vanden Plas my parents bought in 1986 is a good example) There are only varying degrees of flawlessness - even if my car was actually very well put together, I'd still be able to pick on very minor details, like cupholders <G> And I'm not saying people who have problems with their A4s shouldn't come out and highlight them, because that alerts the rest of us to the possibility our cars may suffer the same fate. It would just be nice if we could keep some perspective on the matter, and not nitpick about really minor details, IMHO. The 4 or 5 people who have complained about their cars I believe are absolutely justified. Maybe we could just discard some of the lesser charges we see so often levelled against the A4s? If we were really looking for great cupholders, maybe we should be driving minivans :) or if we really wanted to do 0-60 in under 5 seconds, maybe we shouldn't be driving at all <G> Just need to remind ourselves why we were attracted to the A4 in the first place, so we don't scare everyone off buying one. <p>Sorry if I've offended anyone. Just needed to make a point<p>Adrian

Here, Here, Adrian you hit the nail on the head. In my 60 years I've never owned a more fun car. I have had sport cars, small cars, big cars and an SUV. No car has been more fun to drive or built as well. The quality of this car is better the quality of my wife's 98 Benz. In addition, the service is the best I have seen at any dealership. For what it's worth, that's my 2 cents.

Funny because I was thinking the same thing recently. A lot of attention is drawn to cars with problems or vendors (banner advertisers) where there has been a little problem. People hardly ever just say how happy they are.<p>I love my A4!<p>Jason

Yes, I agree completely. Now, my borther-in-law has pointed out to me that Chrysler makes an EXCELLENT selection of cupholders and puts about 20 of them in each of their vehicles...Of course, that means you have to BUY a Chrysler, or at least drive a loaner Chrysler when your A4 is in for extended Catalytic Converter repairs...Hmmm, I'll stick with Audi.<p>Kirk

Let me first say that I LOVE my A4, and there is no car I would rather own with the exception of a new S4. I have owned many previous cars, and my 98.0 A4 2.8QM is the funnest, tightest, and all-around nicest car I've ever owned.<p>However, I've had these problems: <p>The first (Minnesota) winter, I had a recurring problem wherein if I started the car cold, then drove it five or ten minutes, then turned it off (such as quick runs to the store), upon trying to restart the car the malfunction light came on, and the car would not turn over. Strangely, I never had a problem during totally cold starts, or if I drove the car long enough to really warm it up. The diagnosis at the dealer was that it needed a new "temp sensor", which was covered under warranty but which had to be ordered.<p>In the spring, I noticed a grinding sound when steering at very slow speeds (e.g. backing out of a parking space & turning). The dealer had to replace the ball joints at both front wheels, which was covered by warranty, but which he informed me was an $800 job.<p>I had another case of repeated malfunction lights around 20k miles, for which the solution was a new set of plugs (warranty again -- no big deal).<p>Also, I agree with many postings here that the paint job is extremely soft and prone to prominent scratches. <p>Oh, one more...both front and rear brake rotors had to be replaced (warranty again) at about 30k miles, though the pads were still good.<p>None of the problems cost me any money due to the excellent warranty, though I did have to make a trip to the dealer each time.<p>Anyway, I still think it's a great car, and I trust that these problems have been fixed. I plan on keeping and enjoying the car until the next generation A4 COUPES come out (...make that S4?), although I'll have to seriously consider an extended warranty when I get close to 50k miles. <p>Rich D.<br>98.0 A4 2.8 QM H&R/Koni, Stebro cat-back, K&N

You'll find people who've had lemons from every manufacturer in existance. This includes Toyota, Honda and Mercedes. <p>The only thing you can do is some up with a valid statistical sample. The only people who at least try to do this, IMO, is Consumer Reports(JD Powers doesn't). If you do enough searching on the net(especially USENET), you can get a decent approximation of a valid sample. However, you'll have to keep in mind that those who have problems are going to be louder than those who don't.<p>So, go to Dejanews and do some searching.