Quality on the new Audis

[DeanG]

We rented a new Audi A4 TFSI (1.8 I think, as it didn't go that well) whilst we were on holiday in Croatia recently and I was very disappointed with the quality of the interior.

The car had about 26k km on the clock and there were several places where the metallic finish had already rubbed off. The silver surface on the handbrake switch had complete rubbed off to reveal the white plastic colour underneath it and on the silver matt finish on the steering logo was also coming off. Apart from this the quality of the plastics used don't either match that of our Audi A4 B6 or my RS2.

The 1.8 TFSI also felt gutless, which I assume is party down to the extra weight. We definitely will be sticking with our existing cars.

[Mark.se]

I'm with you on this.
I work for a VAG Dealership. Test drove a brand new A6 2.0TDi
The whole of the inside felt very flimsy and not very well put together.
Thin light plastics, very bland and basic. Same also with the Q3 - didn't do it for me at all. The engine start stop function, you can shove that, what a PITA.
A1 - didn't think much of that either.

In comparison I have a 2007 A4q 2.0TFSI (BUL 220bhp B7), quick off the lights, comfortable, nothings wearing out or worn off. Tougher materials.

[piotr]

Audi-s made in 85-95 are soooooo much better then Audi-s made this days,and you are saing 1.8 is gutless-yes compare to RS2 beast it is s..t:mischeif:

[Dan]

I think there's a difference between models. Our A6 has done 50k now, and aside from a few minor electrical niggles, it's not skipped a beat. Feels totally solid. On the other hand, we borrowed a new A4 that just didn't feel anything like.

[DeanG]

Sorry should have said our Audi a4 b6 is the 1.8t Quattro and I much prefer this over the 1.8 tfsi. Our 1.8t feels just, so much more lively and torque, although it runs out of steam at the top end.

[Ian Simmonds]

The chap who I built the rallyrep with had an A4 in recently, 2003 ish and all of the plastic breather pipes (of which there are many, and varied) had degraded into a biscuit like brittle shell... So bad it could be picked away like the shell from a boiled egg... TFA pricing soon identified the true cost of the problem.

[DJones]

It has to be said that all things built in this economic meltdown will be effected..

How long before "the pre 2009 models were the best" becomes a regular saying... I say 09 and not 07 as industry takes a certain amount of time to react...

[mcandmar]

I have found the same, from the late 90's cars just started turning into pieces of plastic. At first it was just cheaper made interior trim, as above break or wear out. But these days the amount of engines parts made form plastic fascinates me. Who ever thought plastic thermostat housings was a good idea.

The last A4 i drove (2010-2011) age was'nt an Audi to me. It felt hollow like a japanese car. Had you blindfolded me and said it was a new Toyota i would have believed you.

[5cylinderman]

After owning a '95 A6 tdi Avant for many years I took the plunge and bought a '99 A6 Avant tdi quattro 180bhp. That was a mistake.
Even between these years the quality had gone IMHO. The switchgear looked similar but that old school clunk click had gone. Everything was lighter (cheaper?).
Give me a pre 1998 Audi anyday.

[martinws]

It's the same across all car companies as well. I had a 1989 se420 merc with 195000 miles on it. It was rock solid and I sold it to a guy in holland who drove it back no bother. The underside was perfect. In comparison, my girl friends dad had a 1998 e class and it rusted out in 2009 I think it was.

[Mark.se]

But these days the amount of engines parts made form plastic fascinates me.

VW esp. on the Transporter range use plastic inlet manifolds. Sell quite a few of these, fail only after a few years from new. Joke

[prosty]

I had a newer A6 from 2008, both TB's failed after 98000km, cost about 1500£ with labour. I got it on my insurance but still. What the hell? A diesel engine that can't run hasslefree 100k km? Bad.. And they said that they had upgraded the TB's now, but didn't do goodwill with this, even though this is a known issue. And C6 has a lot of rust issues at the doors too...

No new Audi for me. I'm currently driving a Subaru Boxer diesel