Overview & Reviews

A cheaper Audi A4 1.8T debuts, featuring a 150-horsepower, 20-valve, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a base price in the low 20s. The 2.8 gains a revised deck lid and expanded central locking features. All models have new cloth upholstery, and the console and armrests are trimmed with the same fabric as the seats. Three new colors debut for 1997.

• Artful bodywork, outstanding handling, luxurious interior, optional Quattro all-wheel drive system, bargain price

• Rear leg room, fussy stereo controls, suspension float

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 60.00

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  A4 ......my few words........eulogy - 1997 Audi A4
  By a4fan1 - July 23 - 8:02 pm

  I would say I gave my everything to this car, The car absolutely is a blast to drive , excellent winter vehicle and is a head turner. As a loyal audi fanatic , I have poured a great deal of money into the car, but, at 120,000 miles everything just started to go one week after another, I dont think I went 1000 miles between repairs. When no maintinence is needed, its a top notch, safe car, but overall I would say if reliability was a centerpoint for you, not a good bet for a used vehicle.I finally gave in and sold mine after years of ownership. That said I still would buy another one .....want my reason?.........Test drive one :)

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  Expensive repairs - 1997 Audi A4
  By spotmaker - August 12 - 11:30 pm

  Paid about $6200. for the A4 2.8 quattro 6 cylinder. Engine seized about a year later, cost $5,500 to replace with a used 50,000 mile engine. A/C just packed it in, at the tune of $2,200 to fix. Drivers door window falls into door. LEDs on stereo are mostly burned out. Very annoying buzz from rear wheels.

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  Brilliant - 1997 Audi A4
  By AudiFan - September 1 - 5:48 am

  I bought this car after its 11th birthday, It had a very hard life before I bought it. But a bit of TLC took care of that. Even though I spent a lot of money on her, What she ended up costing me in total was still a bargain. I would rather have looked at a newer model if I could afford one, But the fact is it has served me well and will continue to do so.

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  Good Car, Average Reliability - 1997 Audi A4
  By Timlars - March 7 - 9:52 am

  This car worked well, but we had a number of small issues with it. The drivers side window repeatedly slipped off the track, the transmission has been not shifting as crisp as it should. Its a good car if you get on that has been taken care of. Handles well, but there is a lack of power. AWD system works great in MN winters. Would buy this car again, but make sure the timing belt has been changed!!! If it isnt, you can bend a valve and it will be $3000 later before it will be back on the road.

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  Expensive - 1997 Audi A4
  By hitman0304 - June 5 - 1:18 am

  Bought for 5k, over 3k spent on ball joints (bad design), tie-rod ends, sway bar links, steering rack and hose, lots of money! Suspension design is a joke with the exception of the struts, never need to replace, stupid stuff can break like my $1780 steering rack/hose installation. Good vehicle for a high roller who can afford to be robbed on parts and labor.

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  Great Car - 1997 Audi A4
  By Josh - January 21 - 10:54 pm

  Great car, suspension is fantastic, although the exterior is ok. It can be easily spiced up a bit by adding an RS4 body kit. They will then look fantastic. Outstanding car for the miles that are on mine, 101000.

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  Great Car...Just take care of it!! - 1997 Audi A4
  By AudiLover - June 12 - 6:15 pm

  This has been an excellent car for the past 9 years. It is just crossing over the 95000 mile mark and it still drives like a new car. As long as you take care of the car it should live nicely. The car is a bit delicate in that it doesnt respond nicely to adverse situations. The check engine light is bound to come on for any little reason. Maintenance is expensive. The only major problem I have had was with the transmission. At the 7 year mark the transmission had to be totally replaced. My mechanic (a German car specialist) indicated this was a common problem with this style transmission.

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  This is German engineering???? - 1997 Audi A4
  By Bob - November 19 - 3:12 pm

  Fun to drive. Not fun to service. Belt tensioner went south at 60K, ($700 repair) ECM at 70K ($600 repair) plus electrical and AC problems. Recommended service always on time at a independent Audi shop. Parts should not be failing at this rate. Audi service manager said that these vehicles exhibit problems, and listed about 10. Suggested I buy a 2005 A4. My company cars (Ford, Chevys) are more reliable though not as fun to drive. OK, were selling this A4 and buying a new 06 Civic. Fun to drive, tight body, go kart handling etc. Not worth the $$$ to replace poorly designed components. You can get the same performance looks etc., in other cars.

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  Like but trouble - 1997 Audi A4
  By ed - May 8 - 11:23 pm

  Great car to drive. Can not beat it in snow with 4 snow tires. Many problems with repairs. Front end parts, electronics, leaks, trans. Will not get another German car they are very nice but too many expensive repairs.

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  fun little machine - 1997 Audi A4
  By Pickle - March 3 - 3:25 pm

  I bought my A4 at 3 years old, and have run it up to 116,000 miles. It has been incredibly dependable but repairs arent cheap. The car always gives me plenty of (usually audible) signs that something needs attention. I have had to replace the CD player and all the ball joints...other than that, it has been great.