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[TonyD_za]

Hi all. I own a 2004 1.8T multi which I bought in 2006. It had 60 000km on the odo, meaning that there were still 40 000km of the ‘ Freeway’ maintenance plan remaining. This proved useful as both the control unit and the CVT required replacement after a short period. I have the suspicion that the control unit may have contributed to the CVT failure, as this was (unknowingly) due for replacement under warranty at the time I purchased it (probably the reason the 1st owner traded), but there was a delay due to an administrative stuff-up. This meant me using the car for a period of nearly a month with a faulty control unit before it was replaced.

The CVT failed about 6 months later, at low speed, without prior warning – it lost drive and made a grinding noise until I selected neutral. This was fortunately also replaced under warranty. I did ask at the time if there were any known issues with these transmissions, but was advised that it was an unusual occurrence. I decided not to extend the warranty at the time it expired, due to the cost (assuming that the CVT was unlikely to fail again), although I still take my car to the official agents for servicing.

It now has around 125 000km on it, and has remained largely trouble-free (I had to replace an ignition coil pack once). I should point out that I have always treated it gently and have seldom used the manual over-ride (usually when demonstrating how it works), and it is now driven almost exclusively by my wife who is probably more gentle than me.

My previous Audi was a B5 1.8 auto that I sold at 200 000km, and is still going strong at 250 000km in the hands of my brother’s wife (who is not very gentle). Assuming that I could do the same distance on my current one, this would give me another 10 years use at its current rate. I would love to keep it, as a modern replacement would be only marginally better (if at all) at a huge cost.

After reading this and other posts, my assumptions regarding the longevity of the CVT are:
• The CVT is probably least likely to fail in the model with the lowest torque output.
• Failure is less likely if serviced regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s specs.
• The replacement CVT fitted in late 2006 was probably the newer (7-plate?) model.
• Gentle treatment would be beneficial (duh!)

I would appreciate any relevant comments, as I may need to make a decision regarding keeping it in two months time. If there is a real likelihood of the CVT requiring replacement again, the obvious choice is to trade it now.