Q: I am thinking about buying an 2007 Audi A4. I keep getting warned by people that they break down and are expensive to fix. I currently have a Chrylser Crossfire, which uses all the mercedes SLK parts, and its very expensive to maintain, 180 dollars for oil changes, 100 dollars for headlight change, etc. If I get a new Audi With a warranty on it, should it be fine. What are they most common things that go out and whats the normal price?
A: Actually, they have a program where you can add the cost of usual maintenance to the loan. They started offering that this year because 06 was the last year they offered free maintenance for the first 4 years /36k miles. It was bumper to bumper brakes, clutch and all. I thought Audi's oil changes were expensive!!! They run $75. I believe the labor rate is $120 per hour. The upside is that the oil only has to be changed every 10K miles by factory warranty. That is of course if you go to the dealership for oil changes which I do. I haven't had any issues with bulbs as I didn't see the need for xenon bulbs which will run you 100+ any where. I have had my car (A4 quattro manual) since April 06. The only problem I have had is that the fuel line seems to loose pressure over night so I have to turn the key to get the pump to energize before I can start it. I have taken it in for service, but since it doesn't throw a code, they can't find the problem. My dealership has excellent customer service. I generally don't keep cars past three years so I am not really worried about the issue. My tires I get rotated at Discount tire for free because when I purchased the car, they allowed me to purchase the road hazard on each tire for $23. This includes rotation, balance and repair, as much as I like. I have used it once already to have tire replaced and rotate and balance tires every 5k miles, so it has paid for itself.