So as I was moving up in the job world, I got a higher paying job, and decided that I should get a new car. I went car shopping at dover vw, which I have always bought my cars from there, and saw a 2003 beige audi a4 with dark tinted windows. It looked sporty, and expensive, but not too flashy if you know what I mean. When I heard the price I was kind of shocked that an '03 would cost that much in 2007, but yeah it was 21,785... which is a big hunk of change, but with my stepfathers help with insurance, I figured out that I would be able to afford the almost $500.00 car payment every month. The test drive went amazingly well, no problems, the engine ran smooth but had a weird vibration (explained in more detail later on), and the sunroof hesitated to open, but it just had to be greased. Now, Im gonna tell you all about the cars ins and outs.

Performance: The a4 I purchased was equipped with the 1.8t engine, which has acceptable and lively performance, yet isnt a pocket rocket. As with all turbo engines it takes a while for the negine to actually build up speed from a stop, but once you hit 20 with the slightest touch of the gas pedal you peel off. Now, there are more things I dont really care for with this engine, than things I do. Take the layout for example. It took me the longest time to find where the battery was. They have it covered under a large plastic cover, which lies right underneath the lowest part of the windshield area. Also, I went to recharge the air conditioner with one of those kits you buy at the auto stores, and they have the ports in places where you cant determine which one is the high side, so that can be very dangerous because if you hit the wrong port wrong, then the can of refrigerant can explode and cause major damage. Then I found out that you have to have a special fitting to charge it... which I couldnt seem to find anywhere so I had to take it to the dealer. Plus, the engine has an extremely noticeable "buzz" whenever your at a standstill... I dont think however, that this is acceptable for a car that cost nearly 35k brand new. Overall the engines performance is good, but the design and practicality of it isnt all there.

Looks: Well, this is where I think this car shines, as all german designed vehicles do actually. In 2002 the audi a4 got a facelift, which gave a more fresh front grill the extended below the hood, and crisper lines all around. The rear end does seem a little too bubbly for me though, It doesnt look like it matches the rest of the car that well. One thing I definitely could do without, is on my car there is a grey plastic strip going all the way around the car, which reminds me very much of a honda element or saturn vue... which is around 15-20k less than this car brand new? However you cant deny the sophistication of all the angles and sharp lines, understated, yet exaggerated if that makes any sense.

Comfort: Another area that this car shines... As soon as you sit down, you have so many adjustments to find the perfect driving position for you. you have a tilt/telescoping wheel, height adjustable seats, power mirrors, and the knob that adjusts the seatback (which im very fond of because you can put the seatback anywhere, where as in other cars there are only 8 or 9 preset locations you can recline the seat to) so getting comfy in the driver seat shouldnt be a problem at all. Neither should head or shoulder room, im 6'2 and I was very comfortable.. However what should be a problem is getting anyone to ride in your backseat twice in a row. Maybe im mistaken but isnt this car about the same size as a passat? (or is that the a6?) but there is virtually no leg room unless the driver and/or passenger is about 5'2 or shorter... Speaking of seating, the leather heated seats on my a4 are very comfortable, yet I always have a sweaty back after a 30 minute drive or so, I think there should be some kind of ventilation going through the leather. All of the adjustments and controls for the seat warmers, stereo, climate control all seem to be in a pretty ergonomic place, yet as always the germans have failed to give americans what we need, GOOD CUPHOLDERS! The same flimsy cupholders found in the jetta and passat are found in this car as well.. and there is also one in the center arm-rest.

Reliability: this is what really kills the car for me, as much as I love driving it, and everything else about it... in the 2 months I have been driving it, its been in the shop 3 times. First time, the airbag light came on, and 5 minutes before I got to the dealer it began flashing, which I was later told means that the airbags would not deploy if I was in an accident? So I felt pretty safe after knowing that. Then the check engine light came on, and they had to replace the alternator. THEN 2 weeks later I filled up at a gas station, and it wouldnt start after that, so I waited about an hour and tried off and on, then finally it turned on, needless to say that was going to cost me another trip to the dealership. nice. I hate to say it, but if the car keeps going at this rate then I will probably end up trading it in.

Accesories: There is no doubt that this car is loaded up with gizmos, gadgets and a whole bunch of junk that nobody needs, but its still really cool to play with! Like did you know that there is a feature on this car that times how long you;ve been driving, and after a 2 hour period it flashes this signal that tells you to take a break??? Ya... it took about thirty minutes for me to find out what the symbol was, but we got it. Then, there is a speed limiter, which you can set right from the driver seat and the car warns you when you have reached or gone over that speed. Which if I knew how to work it, im sure it would come in handy. Plus there are storage compartments everywhere, under the seats, in the backseat middle compartment, in the trunk... everywhere there are little cubby holes to place stuff. One of the most useful features I have found are the one touch up and down windows, because when your driving you dont want to hold a button down to roll the windows up you want to tap a button once, and they roll up themselves. Plus there is a neat little information center, that tells you how much longer your gas is going to last, and what your average speed is, what your average mpg is, and how long you have been driving for. It goes without saying anymore than that been already said, that this car is pretty well loaded.

Safety: Well, this car should hold up pretty well in a frontal impact, as well as side. It has standard dual front, side, and side curtain airbags which helped earn its excellent government crash text rating. Also, my car is a quattro, and I never knew it but the quattro means it is all wheel drive!! duhr on my part, but that is definitely a handy feature when driving in the winter or making emergency moves at high speeds and such. It also comes equipped with traction control which just further helps the awd system.

Overall: This is a neat little car, with tons and tons of gadgets, but as the technology goes up, so does the frequency and cost of the repair bills. Its a good performer, and an even better looker, but if you cant afford the up-keep, dont touch the audi :D
Amount Paid (US$): 21785
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: 1.8t, quattro, power everything, key fob, sunroof, leather heated seat