04-12-2007, 04:39 PM
I stole the template for this from Mike, who did this for his car about 6 months ago, and I have no shame in doing so. My car hit 50k miles in the last week and thatÔÇÖs not bad considering itÔÇÖs an ÔÇÖ01. IÔÇÖve had it for nearly 2.5 years and averaged ~800 miles/month during that time. My current commute is 8 miles round trip but it used to be 4x times that and I take it on trips so thatÔÇÖs how I averaged out where I did. ThereÔÇÖs way too much here to proofread (read: this took awhile and IÔÇÖm tired of it) so apologies in advance for typos or streams of thoughts.
Engine
No problems here, I dont think (see electrical section). Its strong, pulls when I actually step on the gas and my turbos havent blown yet. Its an 01.5, which are less prone to turbo issues, so Ive got that going for me as well. Its got obvious boost lag and this being my first boosted car found myself getting caught out a few times early on. Oil changes are based on the OBC saying it was time for service and that ended up being every 9k miles or so. I really have a hard time letting go of the 3 month or 3k mile rule but I supposed manufacturers know what theyre doing. Im still not convinced there arent long term ramifications but I rarely own a car long enough to experience them so I guess it doesnt matter.
Suspension
I have absolutely no complaints here and IÔÇÖve had no mechanical issues. ItÔÇÖs probably not as stiff as your typical sports car but itÔÇÖs a helluva lot stiffer than your average sedan. My E36 M3 was stiffer but combine it with lower profile tires and it strikes a nice balance of comfort and function. IÔÇÖm sure some would say itÔÇÖs a pig given the weight but I think itÔÇÖs quite capable regardless of her weight problem.
Drivetrain
Again, IÔÇÖve had no mechanical issues and IÔÇÖm extremely happy. AudiÔÇÖs Quattro AWD is extremely confidence-inspiring as itÔÇÖs very solid in foul weather. IÔÇÖve never hesitated to drive it in the dozen or so snowy days weÔÇÖve had in the past few years and I can actually tell the difference between it and the RWD M3 in heavy rain. IÔÇÖve driven it in as much as a foot of unplowed snow and you can still hang it out in the snow should you wish to have a bit of fun. Adding some counter-steer and power pulls it right back in line with the help of traction control. I did shoe it in ultra high performance Pirelli P-Zero A/S tires and IÔÇÖm sure that helps a wee bit.
Electrical
This is the area thatÔÇÖs most annoying and probably no surprise given AudiÔÇÖs track record. The pixels in the informational section of my dash started to burn out awhile back. The interesting thing to note here is more pixels would dim the hotter the hotter the weather and the longer my trip seemed to be so I figured it was heat related. This is a known issue with the B5 S4s and Audi replaced it under warranty no questions asked. Then about a year ago I was headed to a race at VIR, about 4 hours away and just when I pulled into the paddock my car threw an oil pressure warning. I restarted the car thinking that maybe it was just an electrical hiccup. The warning went away and I dismissed it and just a glitch. When I got back from VIR I took the car to Audi to get it checked out since it was still under warranty and they said everything checked out. A few months later about two hours into a three hour trip I get the same oil pressure warning. Thinking it's the same problem surfacing and the ECU just needs a flash I slow my pace, turn the car off and then back on again. Oil pressure warning comes back immediately and I now have the added effect of the tachometer being pegged regardless of what the engine is actually doing. I got it towed for free under the CPO warranty to the closest dealer, which actually happened to be the one I bought it at in Delaware. They spend two days trying to diagnose/recreate the problem with things such as 50 mile road test, pressure tests, dyno runs, ECU flashing and a myriad of other things they say should have found the problem. The end result is the issue isnÔÇÖt reproducible and there isnÔÇÖt any mechanical issue with the car. I take it back as is and have yet to see the problem again. I tend to think itÔÇÖs another overheating issue since the OBC is part of the instrument cluster. IÔÇÖm sure they didnÔÇÖt put in a brand new one when I had my other one replaced and I think this one just has/had a gremlin.
Interior & Exterior
The condition of everything has held up well and IÔÇÖd actually say both the paint and the leather are better than your average 6 year old car. I know mileage has a lot to do with this but it hasnÔÇÖt always been garaged and sitting outside does have an impact. The leatherÔÇÖs also probably helped by the Virginia legal limit tint on all the windows. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even for bigger drivers but I wouldnÔÇÖt mind a seat position memory. I really like the red gauges with white needles as theyÔÇÖre easily readable any time of day. The lack of a boost gauge is disappointing but I havenÔÇÖt cared enough to add this, especially after the issue with my after-market oil pressure sender for the M3. I do have a minor fan squeak behind the glove box when making left hand turns while the heat is running. IÔÇÖve taken the glove box apart to fix it once but the problem came back the next winter. I suspect this is a result of taking a bumpy dirt road to/from work for well over a year but I donÔÇÖt care enough to actually fix it permanently.
Efficiency
I get 22mpg in mixed driving and top out around 28mpg in highway driving. The car takes premium so a tank of gas can hit $40 in recent weeks but I fill up maybe every other week so it doesnÔÇÖt bother me that much. IÔÇÖve been known to have a lead foot on occasion and given that IÔÇÖm happy with the 22mpg. If I really cared about saving money I would ride one of the motorcycles everywhere and I donÔÇÖt.
Conclusion
I love this car, I really do. ItÔÇÖs a great balance of sport and functionality with 250hp, AWD and four doors. ItÔÇÖs somewhat grownup while still having a tinge of boy racer and I still get comments about it. I can fit 2-3 suitcases in the trunk and twice that if I fold the seats down. ItÔÇÖs definitely an all weather car and itÔÇÖs certainly a lot cheaper than fueling an SUV. The electrical issues have been aggravating but I havenÔÇÖt seen it in nearly a year and I really do love everything else about it. I thought I was going to unload it when they originally crept up but have since changed my mind. All in all IÔÇÖm glad I bought it, glad I got it with a CPO warranty and will probably keep it for another year or two (shutup RJ!)since itÔÇÖs paid off.
edit: CPO warranty runs out in August so I may regret that decision. :?
Engine
No problems here, I dont think (see electrical section). Its strong, pulls when I actually step on the gas and my turbos havent blown yet. Its an 01.5, which are less prone to turbo issues, so Ive got that going for me as well. Its got obvious boost lag and this being my first boosted car found myself getting caught out a few times early on. Oil changes are based on the OBC saying it was time for service and that ended up being every 9k miles or so. I really have a hard time letting go of the 3 month or 3k mile rule but I supposed manufacturers know what theyre doing. Im still not convinced there arent long term ramifications but I rarely own a car long enough to experience them so I guess it doesnt matter.
Suspension
I have absolutely no complaints here and IÔÇÖve had no mechanical issues. ItÔÇÖs probably not as stiff as your typical sports car but itÔÇÖs a helluva lot stiffer than your average sedan. My E36 M3 was stiffer but combine it with lower profile tires and it strikes a nice balance of comfort and function. IÔÇÖm sure some would say itÔÇÖs a pig given the weight but I think itÔÇÖs quite capable regardless of her weight problem.
Drivetrain
Again, IÔÇÖve had no mechanical issues and IÔÇÖm extremely happy. AudiÔÇÖs Quattro AWD is extremely confidence-inspiring as itÔÇÖs very solid in foul weather. IÔÇÖve never hesitated to drive it in the dozen or so snowy days weÔÇÖve had in the past few years and I can actually tell the difference between it and the RWD M3 in heavy rain. IÔÇÖve driven it in as much as a foot of unplowed snow and you can still hang it out in the snow should you wish to have a bit of fun. Adding some counter-steer and power pulls it right back in line with the help of traction control. I did shoe it in ultra high performance Pirelli P-Zero A/S tires and IÔÇÖm sure that helps a wee bit.
Electrical
This is the area thatÔÇÖs most annoying and probably no surprise given AudiÔÇÖs track record. The pixels in the informational section of my dash started to burn out awhile back. The interesting thing to note here is more pixels would dim the hotter the hotter the weather and the longer my trip seemed to be so I figured it was heat related. This is a known issue with the B5 S4s and Audi replaced it under warranty no questions asked. Then about a year ago I was headed to a race at VIR, about 4 hours away and just when I pulled into the paddock my car threw an oil pressure warning. I restarted the car thinking that maybe it was just an electrical hiccup. The warning went away and I dismissed it and just a glitch. When I got back from VIR I took the car to Audi to get it checked out since it was still under warranty and they said everything checked out. A few months later about two hours into a three hour trip I get the same oil pressure warning. Thinking it's the same problem surfacing and the ECU just needs a flash I slow my pace, turn the car off and then back on again. Oil pressure warning comes back immediately and I now have the added effect of the tachometer being pegged regardless of what the engine is actually doing. I got it towed for free under the CPO warranty to the closest dealer, which actually happened to be the one I bought it at in Delaware. They spend two days trying to diagnose/recreate the problem with things such as 50 mile road test, pressure tests, dyno runs, ECU flashing and a myriad of other things they say should have found the problem. The end result is the issue isnÔÇÖt reproducible and there isnÔÇÖt any mechanical issue with the car. I take it back as is and have yet to see the problem again. I tend to think itÔÇÖs another overheating issue since the OBC is part of the instrument cluster. IÔÇÖm sure they didnÔÇÖt put in a brand new one when I had my other one replaced and I think this one just has/had a gremlin.
Interior & Exterior
The condition of everything has held up well and IÔÇÖd actually say both the paint and the leather are better than your average 6 year old car. I know mileage has a lot to do with this but it hasnÔÇÖt always been garaged and sitting outside does have an impact. The leatherÔÇÖs also probably helped by the Virginia legal limit tint on all the windows. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even for bigger drivers but I wouldnÔÇÖt mind a seat position memory. I really like the red gauges with white needles as theyÔÇÖre easily readable any time of day. The lack of a boost gauge is disappointing but I havenÔÇÖt cared enough to add this, especially after the issue with my after-market oil pressure sender for the M3. I do have a minor fan squeak behind the glove box when making left hand turns while the heat is running. IÔÇÖve taken the glove box apart to fix it once but the problem came back the next winter. I suspect this is a result of taking a bumpy dirt road to/from work for well over a year but I donÔÇÖt care enough to actually fix it permanently.
Efficiency
I get 22mpg in mixed driving and top out around 28mpg in highway driving. The car takes premium so a tank of gas can hit $40 in recent weeks but I fill up maybe every other week so it doesnÔÇÖt bother me that much. IÔÇÖve been known to have a lead foot on occasion and given that IÔÇÖm happy with the 22mpg. If I really cared about saving money I would ride one of the motorcycles everywhere and I donÔÇÖt.
Conclusion
I love this car, I really do. ItÔÇÖs a great balance of sport and functionality with 250hp, AWD and four doors. ItÔÇÖs somewhat grownup while still having a tinge of boy racer and I still get comments about it. I can fit 2-3 suitcases in the trunk and twice that if I fold the seats down. ItÔÇÖs definitely an all weather car and itÔÇÖs certainly a lot cheaper than fueling an SUV. The electrical issues have been aggravating but I havenÔÇÖt seen it in nearly a year and I really do love everything else about it. I thought I was going to unload it when they originally crept up but have since changed my mind. All in all IÔÇÖm glad I bought it, glad I got it with a CPO warranty and will probably keep it for another year or two (shutup RJ!)since itÔÇÖs paid off.
edit: CPO warranty runs out in August so I may regret that decision. :?
'76 911S | '14 328xi | '17 GTI | In memoriam: '08 848, '85 944
"Here, at last, is the cure for texting while driving. The millions of deaths which occur every year due to the iPhone’s ability to stream the Kim K/Ray-J video in 4G could all be avoided, every last one of them, if the government issued everyone a Seventies 911 and made sure they always left the house five minutes later than they’d wanted to. It would help if it could be made to rain as well. Full attention on the road. Guaranteed." -Jack Baruth
"Here, at last, is the cure for texting while driving. The millions of deaths which occur every year due to the iPhone’s ability to stream the Kim K/Ray-J video in 4G could all be avoided, every last one of them, if the government issued everyone a Seventies 911 and made sure they always left the house five minutes later than they’d wanted to. It would help if it could be made to rain as well. Full attention on the road. Guaranteed." -Jack Baruth
