Positive Review
I bought my Cabriolet new in 1996 and figured I'd probably keep it for three or four years. Now 15 years later, I still own it and I'm not sure I could bear to sell it. Although the style is getting a bit dated, it is still beautiful and runs great. If anything, it may run better now than it did when I first bought it. Despite its age, it still gets looks and most people have no idea how old it is. It still looks like a new car. A few years ago, I replaced all the rubber belts, hoses, timing belt, etc., just because of its age. The 2.8 liter engine seems to be powerful enough for it and the last couple of trips I checked and it was getting about 28 mpg on the road. The only major problem over the past decade and a half was some work needed on the convertible top when it wouldn't retract due to a faulty sensor.
Critical Review
We have owned this 1997 Audi Cabriolet for a little over a year and have spent more money in repairs than we did for the car. We have had issues with the ignition switch, a/c, electronics, convertible top, wheels/tires, sensors, ABS, evap system, and transmission - all within a year. The car only has 117k miles on it, and we were expecting it to carry us a bit further, but we have decided to cut it loose. We thought we were purchasing a quality car, but we will never buy an Audi ever again.
Showing 8 of 30 reviews.
Good gas mileage for a V6 - extremely reliable!!!!
Cosmetics go after 150,000+ but which ones dont?
We bought this car with 155,000 miles on it. It has 186,000+ and runs like a singer-sewing machine. The engine has been pristine. We did put a new transmission in it at 174,000 miles, but it is like PLUG AND PLAY. The cosmetics on it are worn, but this car ticks like a clock....very reliable. I cannot say enough about Audi and the quality. We take very good care of our cars, and expect another 100,000 miles out of this one! EASY. Parts are a little difficult to find, but a person will notice those incidents are few and far between. You love your Audi, it WILL LOVE YOU BACK!
Drives great smooth ride and looks great
Parts can be expensive.
I purchased this 1996 Audi because I had always wanted a convertible with a back seat. I purchased it cheap and having to put some money in it to get it back to great shape. This one had been neglected but I rescued it and will get it back to awesome. Yes some of the parts are expensive but the quality is outstanding. I feel if this car had been taken care of then it would not have had some of the issues. That is ok because I will bring it back to awesome. Just had to replace 2 window regulators and ignision switch that someone rewired to avoid fixing a problem. Just caused other issues. I really love the body style and the way she handles. I have found that just pay the price to get it fixed correctly not just rigging it works best. Used parts work great and do as much work on it yourself will save a lot of money. Just saying Audi the jack the price up. Find someone you trust and make sure they know how to work on an Audi, it will save you money in the future.
A dream to drive and own
need to watch oil level between oil changes.
I bought this car almost 12 years ago. I have had to change the water pump, brakes, upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, and tires over that time, but the car was well worth it. It has always started in the coldest of winter days and would take me anywhere I wanted to go without a second thought. It had just over 41,000 miles on it and now has just over 103,000 and still looks and drives great. I would run out and get another just like it, but why spend money when I have what I truly love? Thank you Audi for building a car that will last for another 20+ years!
Great value, economical, powerful, sporty.
none
Had this car a few years. It has been a pleasure to drive and has never left me stranded. Has required very little maintenance other than changing the oil and putting in gas. Has timeless looks.
Fun, Cheap, Sporty
Small back seats, Slow automatic top
This car has been going strong for the four years I have had it. I have used it as a daily driver, averaging around 60 miles a day, and it never gets old! While the speedometer is a bit optimistic (going up to 160mph), this car can handle 85-90 mph highway cruising in such a manner that it feels like I'm doing 55. I get compliments on this car all the time and people always think it costs so much more than it does. The convertible top is wonderful, although it is a bit slow at times. Having front wheel drive, it is very different, and in my opinion better, than its 3-series competitors... Fun to drive on mountain roads near my home. I had an issue with the O2 sensor that was repaired quickly and relatively cheaply, but all in all, I'd say this little car has been well worth the price I paid four years ago. Just keep the belts up-to-date and you're set!
A fun car to drive!
Has a bit of cowl shake.
I bought my Cabriolet new in 1996 and figured I'd probably keep it for three or four years. Now 15 years later, I still own it and I'm not sure I could bear to sell it. Although the style is getting a bit dated, it is still beautiful and runs great. If anything, it may run better now than it did when I first bought it. Despite its age, it still gets looks and most people have no idea how old it is. It still looks like a new car. A few years ago, I replaced all the rubber belts, hoses, timing belt, etc., just because of its age. The 2.8 liter engine seems to be powerful enough for it and the last couple of trips I checked and it was getting about 28 mpg on the road. The only major problem over the past decade and a half was some work needed on the convertible top when it wouldn't retract due to a faulty sensor.
I have owned this car for just over a year. It has 145,000 miles and is still going strong. Very solid and sporty. The only issue I've had with this car is the idle control valve needed to be cleaned (but I didn't need to replace), this is a common thing. Milage is good, looks good, runs good. Overall great car!
Over 130K my Cabrio still runs down the road with a nice smooth ride and we still get "nice car" compliments. With good maintenance it could run for another 130K and it costs less than new lease or a buy to maintain. Owned it since 1998. Convertibles should only be rag-tops like this one. I think i'll keep it for a while longer and see how long it will last!!