Audi reliability - is it really getting better?

[LeeH]

I really WANT to like Audi products. Reading some of the nightmare stories here and on other boards has kept me away.

A couple of days ago I came across this:
Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Rankings: Japanese Dominance Cracks as Audi, Volvo & GMC Secure Spots in Top 10 - MarketWatch

Audi finished 4th in reliability, behind Lexus, Toyota, and Acura.

There aren't a lot of details about what years are included. Is a 2006 A6 going to be reasonably reliable?

[Jrboulder]

I can't comment directly on Audi reliability but you have to keep in mind an 06 is coming on 9 years old. I'm not sure I'd expect reliability out of any 9 year old car.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

I can't comment directly on Audi reliability but you have to keep in mind an 06 is coming on 9 years old. I'm not sure I'd expect reliability out of any 9 year old car.

I dunno. I expect reliability out of my 08 Subaru...moreover, I depend on it to be reliable. I do maintain it and pay attention to funny sounds and feelings and look into them when noticed. Nothing last forever but 9 years seems to be shorting expectations of a modern car. YMMV.

[TheMentat]

Originally Posted by LeeH

I really WANT to like Audi products. Reading some of the nightmare stories here and on other boards has kept me away.

A couple of days ago I came across this:
Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Rankings: Japanese Dominance Cracks as Audi, Volvo & GMC Secure Spots in Top 10 - MarketWatch

Audi finished 4th in reliability, behind Lexus, Toyota, and Acura.

There aren't a lot of details about what years are included. Is a 2006 A6 going to be reasonably reliable?

Well, for what it's worth, my 06'A4 has been just ok. Nothing serious:

Coil packs have gone
Coolant thermostat went

In addition, the electronics are acting up a bit... Bluetooth drops without warning (maybe it's my phone?), rear view mirror doesn't automagically tilt back up after reversing

Aside from that, it's been a great car, but it's soon to be replaced. I'd buy another Audi based on my experience, but I'm leaning toward a Lexus GS due to the marque's staggeringly high reliability ratings.

[Brando]

I expect a car to last longer than 10 years. Esecially and Audi, Porsche, Mercedes or Volvo for the cost of a new one.

[Nostril Cheese]

In my experience, no. Audi is not getting better. They are better than BMW these days, though. I'd be looking at other things instead of an '06 A6.

[aschen]

I would like to know more details about how these studies are performed, I normally dont trust them however. The least meanigful type seems to be the initial quality rankings that the comercials always brag about.


I want to believe that all modern cars are mostly reliable. However nearly every time I talk to an VAG car owner about there cars they have horror stories. It seems more than circumstantial.

[RANDY P]

Nissan VQ and VK engines have some serious stories behind them as well- oil consumption. Many of those cars have had engine replacements before 100K.

The other thing, is cars in general are becoming tied to the electronic gimmicks that plague cellphones- who is going to want to use these things in 20 years? They found a way to build planned obsolescence back into cars. Quality isn't the hallmark, technology (disposable) is.

rjp

[onewhippedpuppy]

Audis seem hit or miss. My 2002 S8 was fantastic with only minor issues. But many of the others definitely have their fair share of issues. I really like their cars and would take one over a BMW any day of the week.

[javadog]

I've owned more than a dozen Audis and found them to be more reliable than a BMW or Mercedes.

Any car will have problems, sooner or later. To expect them to be defect-free is not realistic. Look at it this way... those guys that buy new ones and trade them for another new one as soon as the warranty runs out are losing more in depreciation than you ever would spend repairing an older one.

Pick your poison.

JR

[Tobra]

My Integra was dead reliable, 14 years and a 150,000 miles, Miata is 10 years old and 60,000 miles, also dead reliable. My Superbeetle was reliable for decades and hundreds of thousands of miles.

I would not consider a new Audi or VW product for a moment.

[Super_Dave_D]

Hate to hear this, I'm seriously considering an S3 over the IS350 F sport. Maybe I should reconsider?

[dad911]

Our Audi a4 was more reliable than our 5 series bmw. However, at just under 100k miles, it needed cat converters and a rear main seal. Wasn't worth the repair so we traded it in.

However, the A4 was the goto vehicle in bad weather, better in snow/icy roads than my Expedition.

[porsche4life]

Did my Friday pic stir your curiosity lee?

From what I've read about the 2007-2009 S8s they don't have any more issues that are to be expected with a car with that many bells and whistles. One reason my corolla was so reliable, is that there just wasn't much on it to break. These big German cars just have so many options, the percentage is much better for some sort of an issue.

I think I'm willing to roll the dice... Thats one damn fine driving car. The one I looked at was an 09 with 75k on. Still was perfect inside, no squeaks or rattles. Doors closed like a bank vault, and it was nice and quiet going down the road.. And least until you awoke the dragon in that big V10...

[nostatic]

My ex loved her A8. It nickeled and dimed her as it got older but it was a pretty spectacular car. I liked my A3 a lot as well.

Stuff goes wrong with cars. Not the end of the world. Some of you guys have no sense of adventure...life is short.

[speeder]

There are better ways to get a little spice in your life than buying POS cars...just sayin'.

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by speeder

There are better ways to get a little spice in your life than buying POS cars...just sayin'.

Yeah, spending an entire weekend removing the front clip to replace an alternator belt, is not my idea of a little spice .

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by speeder

There are better ways to get a little spice in your life than buying POS cars...just sayin'.

I fall into this camp now as being in my late 60's my next car will be Japanese and hopefully rock solid. Am looking at a used Lexus RX350 but had considered the BMW x1, VW Tiguan or an Audi. These latter three makes new are all priced between upper $30k to $40+ Canadian. Am not willing to risk them. Yep I know life is short but each one of these makes gives me an excuse not to have one.

Coming from an old Boxster I need comfortable seats and a soft ride. I want to sit high, decent cupholders, lots of space and unlike the X1 I will have room for a real spare tire!
The Lexus NX is up for display mid September and will look at that . This suv starts in the low $40k Can but suspect I will gravitate towards the used RX350. Xmas is coming early this year and with cold temperatures coming up I want a car that is reliable. Oh yes the Certified Lexus comes with a 2 year warranty! So what is it going to be for you German and fun or utilitarian Japanese?

Guy

[javadog]

Just because you buy Japanese doesn't guarantee success. My youngest son's girlfriend bought a used Lexus last year from the local Lexus dealer and it has since toasted the motor, among other things.

Not sure why Fred needs an entire weekend to change an alternator belt. Mine are all serpentine belts and the last belt R&R I paid for cost me $80 in labor.

I like the way German cars drive; been driving them for 30 years. American and Asian cars aren't the same. For me, driving one of those is just one step up from riding the bus. Whatever it costs me, is worth any extra expense, if any.

JR

[jwhcars]

Both of my sons have A3's chipped and exhaust mods. They have had no problems and the 4.9
0 to 60 is great.