I've been a die hard Audi fan for several years now. I am only talking about my experiences and some of you have had great luck with your Audi but i am over it. The car is great when it is running good but I have had too many problems and don't have enough time/money to continue to work on my car. Ive moved from a B5 to a B6 and truly enjoyed driving it and the looks it gets but...too many maintenance problems.
- Heater Core
- Timing Belt
- Ignition Coils
- Sensor Problems
- Oil Level sensors
- Water pump
- MAF
- PCV
- Breather Hose Problems
- Vacuum Leaks
-CEL every month
-Ignition Control Module
- Heater not working.
- Moonroof with own mind
- Valve cover gasket
-O2 sensors
- Tow truck expenses
etc etc etc.

Thanks to this forum for saving me $$$ by DIY posts. The only way i'll be back is if I get a brand new audi with 100k bumper to bumper warranty.

 

We feel your pain, brother. No doubt most of us have experienced some/all of those problems. My wife's Avant is currently in the shop getting the timing belt job done, along with a new power steering rack that decided to start leaking the day before we took it in for the timing belt job.

Pity me, for I have a B5 and a B6!

So, what car are you thinking of moving to?

 

Haha, thanks JD. Not sure what car I am moving onto. Just got my Audi back from the shop, now I'm tempted to drive it again lol.

Guys, if you didn't have your Audi, what other car would you consider?

 

That is a highly budget-dependent question. How much am I allowed to spend, and am I buying new or used?

On the one hand, if I need a cheap, reliable car just for basic transportation, my GF's Nissan Sentra has been a very good little car - totally reliable, great gas mileage, nice steering. It's a bit lacking in power, and there isn't much in the way of luxury features, but it is a very good basic car. If, on the other hand, I'm allowed to spend a bit more, well, I've been desperately wanting a Porsche 911 for many years (preferably a 993, but I wouldn't turn down a nice 964, and it's hard to argue against the 997 or the new version about to come out). The *only* reason I don't have one instead of or in addition to my A4 is that I simply cannot afford it. They're fast, look great, and make wonderful noises - it's just that they're so expensive.

All that said, it sounds like I've been considerably more lucky with my Audi than you have been with yours - I've had only a few of the problems in your extensive list, though I have run up against several things that have simply worn out, but that's to be expected, as they're wear items. (Tires, brakes, timing belt; hopefully the clutch doesn't go anytime soon...)

 

If I ever get fed up with repairing/maintaining my Audis, I would probably buy an Infinity G35x. All wheel drive, drives like it's on rails(feels like a BMW 328xi), plenty of power under the hood. And probably much more reliable than the Audi A4.

 

Yeah, I was looking at an Infinity G35x also. Nice, sleek car with AWD and probably more reliable than the Audi. 328xi is another option but a little pricier.

I'll keep you guys updated and thanks fellas.

 

Wow. I've had most of those issues except the big ones: heater core, ECM, breather hoses, sensors, PVC, & MAF. Never had problems with those. But the rest I didn't think much of and was able to repair myself. I think my car is pretty reliable, but I never recommend it to a non-enthusiast, DIY type of person. So I totally understand your feelings.

But now I'm reaching 200k miles and thinking about getting another car but I have no replacement. The G35 is too small (want a bigger car this time) and the M35, which is great does not have fold down rear seats, and that's a bummer for me. (I can fit just about anything in my A4). Then there's the uniqueness - I have a V6, 6spd, AWD 4-door sports car with leather, and fold down rear seats that has been customized just for me. I've got a receiver hitch for my bike rack, mp3 player in the trunk integrated with my stock head unit, Bilstein shocks, S4 sway bar, ect. So it's very difficult to find a replacement. Please let us know what you decided to get.

 

I'm thinking about getting a new car recently but mainly focus on a bigger vehicles because the arrival of a new family member. B6 is just too small for family of 4 especially with 2 car seats at the back. I'm considering the following:

Audi Q5
Acura MDX
Acura TL (AWD version)
Volvo XC90

 

Speaking from experience, a perfect family vehicle for small children is the Honda Odyssey. Those auto-sliding side doors are priceless when you have a couple of munchkins in the back. It's a very safe vehicle, too.

 

I know a van would be a perfect family vehicle... but, but... I just can't see myself driving a van though... Also, I need a AWD because we (mainly my son and I) do lots of winter sports.