Over The Top, Or Under The Radar? - Audi S3 Comes Out On Top Of Subaru WRX Sti

I like them both but the WRX fans are going to bring the usual excuse, "but the AUDI will breakdown". That excuse is getting old with buyers as we can see by the numbers of units sold.

Unfortunately for Audi, the Subaru will have better reliability even with the oil leaks and valve train clatter issues. You can say the excuse is getting old, but the better response is to be annoyed that Audi has not made quality and reliability its priority. A car with poor reliability mere reflects its low quality.

@fourtyfour Your words sound like the teacher in Charlie Brown commercials and are as easy to ignore.

Can someone direct us to the latest quality stats on Audi? Something that shows the last 3-5 years to track or spot trends?

The so-called poor reliability has not changed customer perception of the Audi brand. Audi still sells in tremendous numbers globally and is on the verge of possibly overtaking BMW for the number one luxury sales crown either this year or next.

It is clear that consumers overlook any reliability issues with Audi and decide to buy the brand due to other attributes.

I personally am not interested in the other attributes of Audi as much as I am interested in reliability ratings. I'm confused what attributes stand out above reliability? If something drives really great, but is unreliable...then what is the point?

This year almost 2 million people with disagree with you, leej. There is nothing to be confused about. Reliability clearly is not everyone's top priority. Design, interior luxury, fuel economy, innovative features, driving dynamics etc. are all important. Audi has proven that it's a leader in interior design and innovation and that it can deliver excellent driving dynamics in some models.

If reliability was the most important factor then no one would buy an Audi, but almost 2 million people will do so this year.

You personally may not be interested in other attributes of Audi as much as you are in reliability ratings but that doesn't matter to Audi because there are plenty of people who think differently then you.

@leej I am glad there are morons out there who will buy garbage for reliability Audis because they have pretty interiors like @GermanNut says, but I'd argue that the profile name "German nut" says it best. It it beyond nutty to buy a low quality German car. Reliability is a function of quality. Then again when your Audi strands you, you'll at least be able to wait in a pretty interior for the tow truck to arrive.

Suggestion? Don't count the number of Hyundais that work just find that pass by your sidelined butt.

@leej are you a car enthusiast? I bet you buy a car on what consumer reports recommends. Even my LEXUS has had it fair share of problems. If you care so much about reliability then buy a CAMRY, I bet it will be the most reliable toaster you will ever own. Most of the people that are really concerned about reliability probably don't have any money to buy an AUDI anyways.
I guess you will never aspire to buy any of the exotics (Lambo, Ferraris) or even supercars like GT-R and Porsche GT-3s have plenty of issues.

"I am glad there are morons out there who will buy garbage for reliability Audis because they have pretty interiors like @GermanNut says, but I'd argue that the profile name "German nut" says it best. It it beyond nutty to buy a low quality German car."

Of course, how could I forget? The CEOs, entrepreneurs and other extremely successful people worth tens of millions of dollars who buy Audis are morons.

Did you ever stop to think about your comment before posting it?

The latest Car and Driver has a test of the (European spec I believe) S3, the numbers are really impressive to say the least!

Good thing I'm not a newbie to Audi. If I were, and listened to all these haters, I'd probably would never have experienced a terrific auto.

The wife's '10 3.2 V6 Q5 has been fantastic and still solid after 5 years of ownership and two years out of warranty due to mileage.

And my 2+ years '13 V6 SC S5 is a superb car. Never a serious issue with either car.