There is another example that you really didn't take the time to read closely what I said (as AudiCross mentioned), but if you did then youeither have a mental comprehension disorder or you areobviously prejudiced. I suggest you read posts closer and think about it before you post. I appreciate that you are an Audi owner, but I prefer to hear from objective Audi owners not "blindly" loyal owners. I currently own and work on various brands. I own a ton oftools. I got repair manuals coming out my ears. I am simply trying to learn what is the hardest thingto learn-what is the truth? So, your one sentence post told me absolutely nothing. If anything, responses like that push me away from a brand. Obviously, something about Audi has my attention (primarily Quattro and the 12 year body warranty (I figure where there is smoke there is fire).

Btw, for the rest of readers. There are quite a few things that I dislike that the Japs do. For one thing, I think that jamming an entire drivetrain in with steering and suspension, and then just having the rear end a suspension system is a cheap and crowded way of doing things. Of course so does the Audi Quattro, but the reason for it is different. The Japs for some reason unknown to me have achieved (generally speaking)a better reliability rating, and I think the culture and way they look at doing things has something to do with that. I noticed that they will give you a quality product, BUT theywon't give you anymore that what they have to. Its good quality but it is also often skimpier. When we looked at the Acura TL suspension systems they were the same as the Honda Accords, BUT both had thinner metal than the Audi did. Audi was simply beefier. Of course the Japs will say, "Well, we don't need to be thicker because our metal alloy is superior." ... ? ? ?

I am still interested in Audi, but I do not want a vehicle from ANY mfr who is going to hide the repair info (like the Mercedes-Benz monopoly), or a vehicle that will have its dash warning lights going on in the middle of a trip far from home, and after it is fixed it happens all over again, and I know I was ripped off.Is that what to expect when you own an Audi? Anyone trained by a dealership who has access to parts and complete info should be able to easily diagnose a car - who couldn't?Those guys are just trying to make a living and earn as much as possible. They look in the database or Mitchell,and if they can do a five hour job in two hours, then they get the five hour money. People who are car lovers and enjoy working on their cars are in a totally different situation. We struggle with the truth, trying to find out what is "exactly" wrong and nothing more. We do not have the luxury of a parts dept to try out this or that part, that theScanner told us is the problem area. Parenthetically, hasn't it irked any of you Audi owners when even and Audi tech bungles a repair job and then you are left to have to deal with it, and then finally do a better job than even the trained tech!?

So David, are you going to be here with the information I will need to fix an Audi should Mom buy one? Will you walk the walk, not just talk the talk, or are you one of those suburban-computer-stock-yuppie-millionaire-types, who think all that life is all about is $ and nothing more, and you cannot relate to those who cannot afford to pay for repair after repair after repair? The wealthy alway say,"Heck, it isnt much, only a $1,500 repair (which you can make in one days work). You know, sometimes non-millionaires and poor people also need cars, and appreciate quality, and give it a good faith effort to purchase such cars, albeit USED, who cannot afford new cars or to make a mistake on a used one (my income is $8,676/yr disability!).

Vehicles are the only consumer product I know of that is way overpriced to begin with, and costs a fortune even when you find a great bargain, and then once you do own one, it is nothing but headache after headache, and in the end it is worth nothing! I once purchased a 1967 Shelby GT-500 new for under $5K ... yeah right, Audi A4s are worth $35K! At that price, they ought to last for 30 years trouble free. You can buy homes for that much $ in some mountain regions. Thanks for nothing David.

diyer

PS. The housing market is finally crashing and the greed that caused it? When in the world are you automotive owners of the world going to demand justice from all the rip off repair scams, excessive prices, and the government turning their backs on consumers with tongue in cheek policies?

 

That's good to know. I read far more about Honda product having bad tranny's, do you think that isHonda's weak area? Nothing worse than a bad tranny for a do it yourselfer to have to deal with.

diyer

 

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Firts, I understand that the simpler it is the more reliable it is, and many techs tell me that.

Second, regarding the computers control,if that is true then cars should have less problems, not more, and computers are suppposed to be solid state and far more reliable with a 100% repeatability rate. So, why the high problem rate?

diyer

 

Yikes, you like to type lol.

You may be torn between a Japanese (I don't think the term "Jap" is as PC you may think it is) car and an Audi but take the A4 for a test drive. Even stock they are a blast. When it comes to mods, there are LOTS of options and most will retain that luxury look and feel to the car.

We all know how well you take care of your car is related to reliabililty and thus how many CELs you'll get. Audi is no different. One major difference is there is PLENTY of DIY information out there so you're never blind when you do it yourself. Also quite helpful and a true money saver in the long run, you should own a Ross-Tech Vag-Com. You will know exactly what's going on, whether it be to correct or prevent issues, and will have plenty of info out there to consult once you find out.

Again, when it comes down to it, these cars are a blast to drive and handle quite well. There isn't a car out that will never give you a problem so fun should be right up there with reliability. And when you do encounter something, rest assured that sources like this forum abound with guidance to help you out.

GL

 

Yes, we will takea test drive.

Actually, I hate to type. I just find that most people don't like to think or read, so that presents problems when you want to know the truth from strangers - I'm at their mercy, so I try to articulate things as best I can.

As for Japanese made vehicles, I do not really care for them as much as you might think. Its just that on reliability issues,the Japanese always seem to get the highest scores. Other than that, there is little I do like about them, so there is no point trying to elaborate on all that I dislike. I love European cars, and American trucks. The one exception is the Toyota Tundra. In fact, I am willing to put up with more problems in a European car, and even buy parts from the dealer, as long as: 1) the problems are notserious design flaws that cannot be fixed, or 2) ones that must go back to the dealer and it costs a fortune, or 3) ones that are safety related that can kill you.

Btw, do the newer computer-software run cars eliminate the drivers ability to totally 100% control the throttle, the steering, the brakes?

As for that Ross-Tech Vag-Com. Ok, I was at the Ross-Tech site and read the FAQ. Why isn't a Vag-Com enough as a stand alone product? Why the need forPC? ... Is Vag-Com just a software program for your computer, and then you hook a Vag-Com cable from your PC to the cars access port, because I was picturing ahand held type scanner when you saidget a Vag-Com.

diyer

 

No one can deny the Japanese their kudos for totally revolutionizing the manufacturing process (arguably Honda motorcycles in the 70's). In my opinion that more than anything is why they score high in reliability. Domestic manufacturers still look to see how they do things and use those techniques here. There is something to be said for process control. They're also good engineers. They make great cars but for me, the fun factor just isn't there. Perhaps it's beacuse space is at a premium and they don't have an Autobahn? Lol.

The major one I can think of at least on the B6 platform is the sludge problem. There's plenty of information on that in the forums but preventative maintenance and quality oil products can do much to take care of that.

There's no denying dealers will cost a fortune. Most agree that once over the 50k mark when the warranty expires, you should go Eurotuner or DIY. Again, at least for DIY there is a lot of information and aftermarket products. You still have to go to the dealer to get certain things, though.

More than anything, the reason I bought my A4 was for safety. I have been in a couple bad accidents: rollover in a 1988 Toyota 4x4 pickup (college roomate driving) --> totalled, rear-ended in my replacement 1988 Toyota 4x4 pickup on the NJ turnpike --> totalled. I count myself lucky to walk away without a scratch from both. Did you ever see the doors on those things?! Wafer thin! I was drawn to the A4 because the thing is a nimble tank and will be like one of those giant inflatable children's amusements at carnivals should I ever have another accident! The front and side impact airbags are great piece of mind and the quattro is better than most 4x4 systems on trucks (open differentials or limited slip).

The DBW system isn't THAT noticeable in everyday driving to me. The computer does interpret your gas pedal actions and "decide" how to best apply response but to me that does more to save the car from you than anything. The ESP system can be turned on and off. I don't know about steering, I think I have full control there. If I don't I can't believe it, it works really well. The brakes are just like any other car's so that point is moot.

Ross-Tech is the maker of the Vag-Com pc-based software. You need a way to run it (laptop pc) and connect with your car (cable). It is NOT a mere ODB tool like the handheld scanner you're thinking of. IMHO, it's a must have for VW and Audi owners with some DIY in them. Some purchase their software and get a cable off of ebay. It saves some money but I chose the other way. I bought the usb dongle cable from them, which has the keycode built into it. That way, anywhere there is software installed all you need to unlock the full version is that cable. It's a good option if you have a couple of laptops and such. The other ebay cable method involves a lengthy process to move the unlocked software from computer to another.

If you want the full experience, test drive a manual transmission and be sure it's a quattro. Happy hunting!

 

Below is what I found on the 2007 VW Passat, V6 with AWD, DBW system (same systemas the Audi): http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

Make : VOLKSWAGEN Model : PASSAT WAGON Year : 2007
Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10163399 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: April 23, 2006
VIN : Not Available
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary:
THERE IS AN UNSAFE PROLONGED HESITATION WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON THE 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 3.6 LITER 4 MOTION. WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL YOU'VE DEPRESSED THE PEDAL APPROXIMATELY 3/4 TO AN INCH OF PEDAL TRAVEL, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR LURCHES AND ACCELERATES AT WHAT FEELS LIKE HALF TO FULL THROTTLE. IT IS A RANDOM HESITATION, YET OCCURS AT PROBABLY 30% OF THE TIME. IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP, YET WILL HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, IF ACCELERATING TO PASS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION. IF THIS ABRUPT ACCELERATION OCCURS IN SNOWY OR ICY CONDITIONS, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES, WHEN I EXPECTED MY CAR TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN I DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL, ONLY TO HAVE IT HESITATE AND NEARLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAR HAS A DRIVE BY WIRE ACCELERATOR, WHICH I BELIEVE IS A FAIRLY RECENT DESIGN CHANGE. WE HAVE ANOTHER CAR WITH THE SAME TYPE OF SYSTEM WHICH DOES NOT DO THIS. *NM *AK

And then I also found this also regarding VW 2007 VW Passat, V6, AWD, DBW: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...n-passat-6.htm. To me, Audi is to VW, what Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus are to each other:

Damon Bell Like others have noted, the wonky throttle response spoils this car. Even if the throttle lag were fixed, this car's $35,500 price tag will be a deal breaker for many.

Ed Piotrowski Volkswagen says a fix is in the works to address this car's poor throttle response, and it won't come soon enough. At that time, this vehicle needs to be re-evaluated because this condition alone is enough for me to dissuade anyone from considering it.

John Biel Near-luxury prices for a less-than-rewarding drive don't cut it, even with wagon utility.

Mark Bilek Color me disappointed in Passat's around-town demeanor and price tag. It's a good car that's fun to drive on twisty roads, but that doesn't cut it any more. Volkswagen cut it's teeth in the U.S. market by offering value-priced European flavor. Passat doesn't offer value and the flavor, due to the terrible around-town throttle response, leaves a bad taste you your mouth.

diyer

 

Instead of searching the internet and spending all your life typing manifestos, go out and test drive cars and see which ones you like.

 

OK, well testimonials on the forum adn others aren't enough so what can we say? Don't buy one, you'll hate it. It will be the worst decision you'll ever make in your life. Buy a Japanese car.

 

Your particular A4 is an electronic toy not a real car, just as the Jap carsare toys too. Now in 67 I owned a new 427, Shelby GT-500, and rode and drove many a Cobra, and they were real cars you totally controlled.