I sold my 2006 Audi A4 S-line last year because I was tired of putting it in the shop every quarter. I purchased it used, owned it for about 27 months, and it was covered under the original warranty for the first 12k miles I put on it, then under a powertrain-only warranty offered by the dealership. Ultimately, I came out of pocket twice to get the automatic passenger window functioning again, and had to replace a fuel canister -- total out-of-pocket for me: ~$1000. I also had the coils replaced (under recall), and ultimately ended up in the shop with a major engine problem, totaling ~$2400. Fortunately, the 2nd powertrain warranty covered it.
All said, I was so tired of the "check engine" light coming on that I put it on Craigslist for a reasonable price, and sold it in a week. Incidentally, the day before I was to meet the new owner at her bank -- after all, it had been 3 months since the major engine problem -- the electronic display in the center console started to flicker and dim. The new owner was financing it, and was to hand over $500 in cash, but I told her about the problem and said she could keep the cash -- "You're likely going to need it" -- if she still wanted to proceed with the purchase. She did, and I am so happy to be rid of that car.
I've been driving my wife's '99 Honda Civic since, and while I've had a couple of minor problems with it, I wouldn't hesitate to drive that car anywhere today. So, if you can live without luxury, buy a reliable brand -- e.g., Toyota, Honda -- that is several years old, or if you have more to spend, most 2009 and newer vehicles will be reliable or perhaps still under warranty. If you desire used luxury, pay more for a Lexus or Acura, and stay away from a German car not made in the last couple of years or not under warranty with a dealership (read: repair shop) just down the street.
One last note: that Audi was the best car I've ever owned… when it was running. I'd buy German luxury all day long if I had the inclination to purchase a brand new vehicle.
All said, I was so tired of the "check engine" light coming on that I put it on Craigslist for a reasonable price, and sold it in a week. Incidentally, the day before I was to meet the new owner at her bank -- after all, it had been 3 months since the major engine problem -- the electronic display in the center console started to flicker and dim. The new owner was financing it, and was to hand over $500 in cash, but I told her about the problem and said she could keep the cash -- "You're likely going to need it" -- if she still wanted to proceed with the purchase. She did, and I am so happy to be rid of that car.
I've been driving my wife's '99 Honda Civic since, and while I've had a couple of minor problems with it, I wouldn't hesitate to drive that car anywhere today. So, if you can live without luxury, buy a reliable brand -- e.g., Toyota, Honda -- that is several years old, or if you have more to spend, most 2009 and newer vehicles will be reliable or perhaps still under warranty. If you desire used luxury, pay more for a Lexus or Acura, and stay away from a German car not made in the last couple of years or not under warranty with a dealership (read: repair shop) just down the street.
One last note: that Audi was the best car I've ever owned… when it was running. I'd buy German luxury all day long if I had the inclination to purchase a brand new vehicle.