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Audi Problems

Are you having problems with your Audi? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Audi issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Audi in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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Audi A4 using alot of oil

VW/Audi engines are known to use oil from new, but they usually settle down once the engine is run in. The rate of oil usage Audi has quoted you is about what you would expect. A litre per 1000 km is too much, however, and it would seem Audi accepts as much given they are prepared to do some rework on the engine. Have the work done as the company recommends and keep track of what oil is used after the rework.

Used Audi A6 review: 2005-2009

The mid-sized prestige market has been a very lucrative one in the past 20 years or so, particularly for European carmakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and more latterly Audi with its A6. Audi has been aggressively, and successfully, chasing market share and the A6 has been an important weapon in its campaign to overthrow its rivals.

The most obvious change to the A6 introduced in 2006 was the bold new grille, but that change alone said plenty about the model and the brand's intent. In one fell swoop the A6, and the brand, took on a more aggressive, in your face look. It emerged from the pack and said 'look at me'. If the grille was the centrepiece of the overhaul, there were other changes to the body as well. Again, given BMW's move to more sharply defined, chiselled lines, the smooth, sweeping lines of the Audi were appealing to the many buyers who found the BMW looks challenging.

The new A6 was larger than the previous model, with more cabin space and a larger boot, made even more useful thanks to a folding rear seat. The interior was nicely designed and finished, with comfortable and supportive seats, and everything else you could wish for in the segment. When first launched the A6 had a selection of engines ranging from a 2.4-litre V6 through to a 4.2-litre V8, along with a new 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6.

But in no time at all more engines were introduced, including a new fuel-efficient 2.0-litre TFSi unit. The transmission choices were a six-speed automatic with tiptronic shift control and a smooth CVT continuously variable automatic gearbox, and there was a choice of front-wheel drive or Audi's popular Quattro all-wheel drive system.

Not surprisingly given its price the A6 came with plenty of luxury features, like leather and wood trim, CD sound, power seats, sat-nav and a raft of others. On the road the A6 was a smooth operator aimed more at giving the executive a smooth ride than a driving thrill. It wasn't as sporty as a BMW 5-Series, but that was Audi's claimed point of difference. Even though it didn't pretend to be as sporty as its main rival it still displayed a fine handling balance with a reassuring neutral poise that dealt corners with a minimum of fuss. The ride, too, was blissfully smooth and supple on all surfaces, and bumps and broken pavement was soaked up with consummate ease.

IN THE SHOP

It's European, which means it comes with technology that can  sometimes be temperamental, and parts and repairs can be expensive. Before buying a second hand Audi it's a good idea to have it checked  by someone with experience in the brand, someone who can pick the faults and advise on what could go wrong. It's also well worthwhile to be on good terms with an independent Audi specialist who can not only expertly service your car, but also source more affordable parts if and when needed. Look for oil leaks around the engine and coolant leaks around the cooling system, check the service record, and inspect for poor crash repairs.

AT A GLANCE

Price new: $80,600 to $145,900
Engines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 125 kW/280 Nm 2.4-litre V6 petrol; 130 kW/230 Nm 2.8-litre V6 petrol; 154 kW/280 Nm 3.2-litre V6 petrol; 188 kW/330 Nm 4.2-litre V8 petrol; 246 kW/420 Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel; 165 kW/450 Nm
Transmissions: 6-speed auto, CVT, FWD, AWD
Economy: 8.5 L/100 km (2.0T), 9.8 L/100 km (2.4), 9.7 L/100 km (2.8),  9.9 L/100 km (3.2), 13.2 L/100 km (4.2), 8.3 L/100 km (3.0 TDi).
Body: sedan, wagon
Variants: Base, Avant, and Quattro Safety: 5-star ANCAP

VERDICT

Smooth driving, smooth riding, well-equipped alternative to the BMW with a smooth new look.

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Ask Smithy Xtra Audi A4 engine flooding

It’s most unusual for a fuel-injected car to flood, but if it is flooding as you say I would check the fuel injectors, one or more could be worn and leaking.

Audi Q7 a lemon

We don't have lemon laws like they do in the United States, which is unfortunate, because you seem to have copped a lemon for sure, and under the US laws your car would almost certainly be replaced. You are right in demanding it be fixed, and also right in telling Audi not to return the car until it is fixed, but I would have gone further and demanded they either replace an apparently faulty car or give you your money back. I would suggest three things you could do to achieve a resolution to your problem; first contact Audi head office in Sydney and demand to speak to the Managing Director, second contact the consumer affairs people and enlist their help, and third consult a lawyer with a view to sending Audi a letter demanding action.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.

Used Audi A4 review: 2005-2006

You only have to look around you while parked in the daily traffic grind to know that Audi has made great strides in recent times; the multi-ringed badge of the German prestige brand is now a familiar sight on our roads.

Where once Audis had a reputation for smoky engines and rusty bodywork they're now cars people aspire to have parked in their driveways. At the core of the range is the A4, the mid-sized sedan that's pitched up against prestige class heavyweights like BMW's 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

MODEL WATCH

The B7 range Audi released in 2005 was made up of 16 models, sedan and wagon body styles, and front-wheel and all-wheel drive.  It was slightly larger than the outgoing model it replaced; most notably it had more boot space.

The B7 also presented a fresh face to the world with a big new grille, more aggressive headlights, new two-piece taillights and twin exhausts.  There was little change to the cabin where a new multi-function steering wheel was one of the few highlights, but it was rated one of the better interiors anyway so there was little need to change it.

Four engines were initially offered in the B7 range. It began with the 2.0-litre four and climbed through a 1.8-litre turbo, a 2.0-litre direct injection turbo and topped out with a 3.2-litre V6.

The 2.0-litre base engine was carried over and was underwhelming at best. With 96 kW at 5700 revs and 195 Nm at 3300 revs it was a rather pedestrian drive.

The three other engines in the range were much more rewarding to drive. The was the 1.8-litre turbo pumped out 120 kW at 5700 revs and 225 Nm at 1950-4700 revs, the new 2.0-litre TFSi that delivered 147 kW at 5100 revs and 280 Nm at 1800-5000 revs, and the V6 that gave 188 kW at 6500 revs and 330 Nm at 3250 revs.

Of those the 2.0-litre TFSi turbocharged and direct injection engine was highly regarded as the pick of the bunch. It had a wide power band with plenty of lowdown punch that got it up and going with plenty of zip.

A few months after the initial launch Audi added a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine to the range and that had peaks of 103 kW and 320 Nm.  The transmission options were a five and six-speed manuals, and a continuously variable automatic (CVT) and a six-speed auto.

Most models drove through the front wheels only, but there was also the choice of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.  Underneath the suspension was upgraded and there was new speed-sensitive power steering.

Standard equipment even on the base model included climate-controlled air, cruise, multi-function steering wheel, CD sound, leather trim and alloy wheels.

IN THE SHOP

It was once thought that buying a used prestige car was a good way of enjoying the benefits of a quality car at an affordable price.  That might have been the case with the older models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz when they were very well engineered, solid and reliable, but it's not necessarily the case today.

Cars today are packed with so much technology that they can be very costly to own should something go wrong with them.  Buying a car like an A4 second hand can be an enjoyable experience, but they must be chosen well.

They must be well serviced by someone familiar with the brand and anyone contemplating buying one would be well advised to get to know a specialist mechanic who can service their cars at a reasonable price.  Watch for any vibration or shuddering from the CVT transmission that might indicate trouble coming.

IN A CRASH

With front, side and head airbags the A4 was well equipped in the event of a crash and there was every chance of avoiding a crunch with ABS antilock brakes, emergency brake assist, optimum brake force distribution and the latest generation at the time stability control.

UNDER THE PUMP

Not surprisingly the turbo diesel is the fuel miser in the B7 range, it gets on average 6.4 L/100 km. The next best is the 2.0-litre four, which gets 8.0 L/100 km, followed by the 1.8-litre turbo and the 2.0-  litre FSi that both get 8.4 L/100 km, and the finally there's the 3.2-  litre V6 that does 9.7 L/100 km.

OWNER SAYS

Mark Wheeler thought the 2006 Audi A4 1.8lt turbo multitronic CVT was perfectly suited to his needs, but says it has not lived up to his expectations. He says it is a lovely car to drive, but it's not a car for the long term and he reckons it's best to get out of it by 100,000 km to avoid high cost repairs and servicing. While his 1990 Mazda 626 has clocked up 500,000 km without a major issue, his A4 needed a $1600 auto transmission repair at 160,000 km.

LOOK FOR 

  • Bold look of big new grille
  • Elegant lines
  • Lively direct injection turbo engine
  • Choice of economical diesel
  • Euro appeal

THE BOTTOM LINE

Understated, but solidly built and packed with technology and a wide choice of models to suit all prestige needs. 70/100

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Used Audi A3 review: 2004-2007

Not so long ago you would have been laughed at if you'd suggested that your aspiration was to own a small car, but that's how far the market has matured in a very short time.

Such is the maturity in our market that when Audi launched the A3 in 2004 it was quite open about its ambition for it to be a small car people would aspire to own.

Audi said upfront that it wasn't out to become the volume leader in the segment; its ambition for the A3 was for it to be the benchmark in the class.

MODEL WATCH

The A3 was the entry model in the fast growing Audi range and that put it up against cars like the BMW 1-Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo S40 and even the Alfa 147. Although it looked less aggressive than its predecessor, and was 55 mm longer, 30 mm wider and 10 mm lower, there was still a familiarity about it that reminded you of the old model.

While the A3's looks were underwhelming there was big news under the skin with a number of innovations including new suspension, electro- mechanical steering, a new and innovative direct injection engine and a direct shift gearbox.

The engine range was made up of three petrol engines and a turbo- diesel. It kicked off with a 1.6-litre single overhead camshaft four- cylinder engine that produced 75 kW at 5600 revs and 148 Nm at 3800 revs and ended with a 3.2-litre V6 that offered 184 kW at 6300 revs and 320 Nm at 2500-3000 revs, but the real interest was in the 2.0- litre FSi engine and the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that fitted in between the bookend engines.

The FSi was a direct injection engine where the fuel was vaporized in the combustion chamber and not in the intake manifold, as is the case with most petrol engines. Audi claimed significant improvements in response, economy and efficiency for the new engine, which put out 110 kW at 6000 revs and 200 Nm at 3500 revs and promised 0-100 km/h sprinting in 9.1 seconds. The turbo diesel produced 103 kW at 4000 revs and 320 Nm at 1750-2500 revs.

The 1.6-litre engine was available with a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed tiptronic auto, FSi buyers could choose between a six- speed manual and six-speed auto, while diesel buyers got a DSG sequential-shift manual shift six-speed.

The DSG was an innovative gearbox that had two clutches working in tandem for smooth, seamless shifting. While one clutch was engaged the other one preselected the next higher gear; then when it was time to shift up one clutch disengaged and the other automatically engaged bringing the higher gear into play.

It works much like an auto 'box without the losses that come with an automatic transmission, and without the sloppiness that characterized the shifting of most other automated manual shift gearboxes.

Audi offered two models in the A3 range, the entry level Attraction and the uprange Ambition. The Attraction came with a choice of the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre FSi engines, along with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth trim, split-system air, eight-speaker CD sound, stability control and traction control. The Ambition was available with the 2.0-litre FSi engine and the turbo-diesel. Perched above them all was the Quattro Ambition with the 3.2-litre V6, all-wheel drive and DSG transmission.

IN THE SHOP

Overall the A3 appears to be holding up well since its launch in 2004. The things most reported by mechanics are oil leaks and brake wear, the latter a common issue raised by owners of most European cars. Check for a service record to make sure the oil has been regularly changed; old oil can be a killer of engines.

IN A CRASH

With front airbags, head and side airbags the A3 had plenty of protection in a crunch, while standard ABS braking, ESP stability control, and traction control it was also packed with the electronics to help avoid the crunch. When tested by ANCAP the A3 was given a four-star rating.

UNDER THE PUMP

The turbo-diesel is the hero when it comes to fuel consumption with a claimed average of 5.7 L/100 km. Of the petrol engines the 2.0-litre FSi sets the pace with a claimed average of 7.7 L/100km, while the 1.6-litre has an average of 8.1 L/ 100 km and the V6 9.9 L/100 km. When Cars Guide tested it the 2.0-litre FSi Attraction averaged 8.9 L/ 100 km.

OWNER SAYS

The only thing Aldo Scodella doesn't like about his 2007 Audi A3 is the cost of servicing it. It costs a "fortune" he says. It's a 1.8- litre TFSi and he's done 20,500 km so far without any trouble to report, but says he's still getting used to the hill-start assist and is having trouble getting away smoothly.

LOOK FOR

  • Uninspiring looks
  • Good build quality
  • FSi performance
  • Diesel economy
  • Robust and reliable.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A well equipped, smooth and advanced small car that grows on you.

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Ask Smithy Xtra Wobbly Audi A4

The dealer is in the best position to determine the cause of the problem and rectify it. I wouldn’t be too concerned, even brand new cars can have problems, and hopefully yours will run reliably again once it’s repaired.

Used mid-range cars review: 2009

The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.

WAGONS

One's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.

The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.

The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.

The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.

SEDANS

One's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.

All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.

As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.

DIESELS

One's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.

Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.

Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.

SUVS

One's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.

Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.

While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.

How much is that badge worth, again?

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Wrong colour carpet in my new Audi Q7

First, this should be a warning to all new car buyers to thoroughly check their car before accepting it from the dealer. Don't be afraid to be a pain in the rear, check it against the order that you placed, and make sure that it is the car you ordered. If it isn't, or there are doubts, ask questions of the dealer and get any issues resolved then and there. If you can't satisfactorily resolve any concerns you have do not drive the car away, record your issues with the car in writing and have the dealer sign them as an acknowledgement of your discussions.

It's really unbelievable that Audi and/or the dealer didn't simply change the carpet and resolve the issue immediately. But as they didn't, the best solution for you is to accept the dealer's offer of replacing the carpet at half cost. While that's not the optimum, in the circumstances it's probably the best you can hope for.

Stylish, practical cars

But the really important question is: what do women want in a car?

Finding the answer keeps carmakers tossing and turning at night, because they are well aware that women choose more than half the vehicles sold in Australia. There are all the ones they buy for themselves, as well as the deciding vote on most of the ones bought by households.

Sorry, fellas. It’s true. No matter how much you want that souped-up sports car, unless the head of household finances agrees you may as well back away from the vehicle now.

One of the earliest attempts to deliver a car for women was the mid-1950s Dodge La Femme. It was actually a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer under the skin, but the Detroit designers camouflaged that skin as thoroughly as a make-up artist doing Vogue covers.

The car was decked out in pink paint, with an interior covered in pink vinyl, set off by pink rosebud tapestry. And to show that this was not merely a cynical marketing exercise, Dodge kitted the car with accessories they thought reflected the growing independence of post-World War II women moving into meaningful career paths - a pink handbag complete with office essentials like a matching powder compact, lipstick case and comb.

Sales estimates run as low as less than 1000 cars. And the pink panderer was quickly dropped from the Dodge range at the end of the following year.

Australia’s own Carla Zampatti tweaked a Ford specifically for women in the 1980s, but whether it won women - with accessories including a hanging hook for handbags - is still open to question.

However, Dodge and Ford weren’t completely on the wrong track. Women want a car to be stylish, but also practical. Luckily, these days there are quite a few vehicles that fit the bill – without playing the pink paint card. These are the best style picks for women today, from a woman's perspective, with the figures for the basic car.

Don’t agree with these? Let us know what YOU think women want in a car in our poll at left.

LIGHT
Mazda2
Price: from $16,030
Engine: 76kW/137Nm 1.5-litre petrol
Transmission: manual
Economy: 6.4L/km
Emissions: 152g/km
The baby 2 has cute and slightly edgy looks, is compact with usable space, and the long doors make it easy to get in the back seat. The auto will be preferred by most, but it adds to the weight of the little car.
Close calls: Ford Fiesta from $16,990; Peugeot 207 from $22,490.

SMALL
BMW 1-Series
Price: from $38,900
Engine: 160kW/270Nm 2.0-litre petrol
Transmission: manual
Economy: 8.2L/km
Emissions: 190g/km
A pocket-sized entry in German prestige – without breaking the pocket. Looks stunning, an amazing amount of room, and great to drive.
Close calls: Mazda3 from $21,330; Hyundai i30 from $20,390.

MEDIUM
Ford Mondeo

Price: from $31,990
Engine: 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre petrol
Transmission: manual
Economy: 9.5L/km
Emissions: 227g/km
The best thing Ford has brought to Australia in … ever, possibly. Enough space to make you wonder if you’ll ever need a larger car, elegant design and well built.
Close calls: Mazda6 from $31,834; Audi A5 Sportback from $78,400.

LARGE
Audi A6
Price: from $74,500
Engine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrol
Transmission: automatic
Economy: 5.8L/km
Emissions: 153g/km
There’s not a high chic quotient in this class - where the homegrown Falcon and Commodore lean more to aggressive styling - so the Audi’s restrained elegance makes it a clear winner.
Close calls: Honda Accord from $36,381Mercedes-Benz E-Class from $80,900.

PEOPLE MOVER
Honda Odyssey

Price: from $46,166
Engine: 132kW/218Nm 2.5-litre petrol
Transmission: manual
Economy: 8.9L/km
Emissions: 212g/km
In a class that’s dominated by lumpy boxes, the Odyssey is a sleek stand-out. It's low-slung, car-like and leading with a fashionable face.
Close calls: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso from $39,990; Chrysler Voyager $60,990.

SPORTY
BMW Mini Cooper Clubman

Price: from $36,600
Engine: 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre petrol
Transmission: automatic
Economy: 6.8L/km
Emissions: 163g/km
A bonsai wagon with go-kart street cred and revamped retro lines, this one will get admiring glances from everybody.
Close calls: Kia Cerato Koup from $23,690; Audi S3 from $69,100.

CONVERTIBLE
Volkswagen Eos

Price: from $47,990
Engine: 103kW/320Nm diesel
Transmission: automatic
Economy: 6.0L/km
Emissions: 158g/km
The EOS is streamlined and sophisticated, looks equally good with the roof open or closed – and has enough room in the back to get a couple of extra friends in for short trips.
Close calls: BMW Z4 from $86,200; Lexus IS250C from $80,150. 

SUV
Hyundai ix35

Price: from $26,990
Engine: 122kW/197Nm petrol
Transmission: manual
Economy: 8.5L/km
Emissions: 201g/km
There’s heaps of practicality but precious little style in the SUV paddocks. But Hyundai’s new compact ix35 proves you can have both. Ultra-modern lines, trim shape and space to spare.
Close calls: Jeep Wrangler (medium) from $31,590; Land Rover Range Rover Sport (large) from $99,900.

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Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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