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How reliable is an Audi A4 2005 and newer? Are the general running costs more expensive than an Japanese made car such as Toyota?

In general the risks are definitely higher with the European brands in comparison to the mainstream Japanese cars like Toyota.

People don’t always purchase vehicles simply based on low running costs however, and what some Euro's lack in reliability they can sometimes make up for in looks, driving pleasure, higher specification levels and performance.

Putting aside any prejudices one way or the other, a good guide is the costs of purchasing a mechanical warranty insurance policy.

They are more expensive to purchase and the excesses are higher for European vehicles in comparison to mainstream Japanese or even Korean brands.

Insurance is all about risk and the underwriters will tell you based on experience and past repair costs, that the risk levels rise with European cars.

We get to hear the worst of everything and Audi is not excluded from coming under the spot light for some major repairs on transmissions, air-conditioning and electronic components. Often it’s the used imports which suffer the most in this regard.