Audi A4 Avant (1996 - 2001) 1.8 T 5d Owner Review

1.8 T 5d

24 June 2021

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In their own words

I got this car because it was on paper better than the competition and to drive it suited me best. I feel like it was a turning point for Audi into what they have become today. I specified the car highly and think it was better for it, so if someone is looking to buy one of these get one with the highest specification possible. A car with sports suspension transforms the handling, its very tight and taut, stable and the steering gives great confidence through bends if you're an enthusiastic driver. Being a 1.8T front wheel drive, the front tyres can sometimes be overwhelmed by boost from the turbo. The car is comfortable, refined, great motorway cruiser and aside from the cambelt issue I had that was my fault this car was great provided you keep up with the maintenance. These cars are not cheap to run, and parts can be expensive so be weary and prepared to have some money set aside for repairs. All in all, great car, it offered me enough pace and space to suit my needs as well as being a good looking classy car.

How reliable do you find the car?

Mostly suspension related work, this car has been used for high mileage across the European continent. It has been reliable however, at 97k miles the cambelt went and left me stranded. In the process the valves were bent and it required a new head probably more my fault than the car. Aside from this, no other issues just preventative maintenance.

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

I feel like this car was a turning point for Audi, I liked the way it looked when it was debuted at the end of 1994. I got the avant in April 1998, an azure blue 1.8T, with blue buffalo leather, wood trim, Bose sound system, and sports suspension to name a few. The car was always got comments from passers by, I used it for many continental road trips it was at home sat cruising on the autobahn at 130mph regularly and would keep pulling beyond that. It had the pace, and the handling it was a fun car to drive on country lanes, it had the space perhaps could've had a larger boot.

How they rated it
Reliability: 4 out of 5 4.0
Meets Expectations: 4 out of 5 4.0
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 4.0
Dave recommends this car