Which Audi A4 Avant?

**Dunc2610** · 15-05-2009,09:48 AM

I've been looking through pages and pages of info on Parkers on different engines and specs, and well, i'm no closer to disiphering which model i should look at.

Firstly, engine, 1.8T vs 1.9tdi vs 2.5tdi, my driving is mostly m'way, with a few country lanes thrown in for good measure. I tend to cruise at 70-80mph on m'ways so don't really need a massive top end, but low end pulling power would be nice. Also how do they compare service cost/frequency wise?

Secondly, is what trim level? Currently i have leather, climate, cruise control and heated seats, and would love this in whatever car i look at next. I'm bamboozled, by sports, quattro's, quattro sports, SE's etc. At first i liked the idea of a sport with the firmer suspension, but then Parkers says they didn't have cruise control etc....a little guidance would be great there.

Look forward to any assistance you guys can offer.

Many thanks,
Duncan

**ali_a4_avant** · 15-05-2009,12:08 PM

I have a 2003 A4 Avant 1.9tdi 130 SE with cruise control, non leather, no arm rest (these are the extra's i wish i had). I drive 200 miles a week, work is 2 miles through town centre, normally gets a good run on motorway at weekend, and I average 48mpg.

**Eshrules** · 15-05-2009,12:15 PM

one major issue here, you've not given us a budget to work with

I was working with a budget of around 5.5k, at first, looking at passat wagons. Only on the off chance and rather wild suggestion from mycarsavw, I took a look at a4 avants, to find what seemed to be a gift horse, £5k for a 130 tdi sport, 70k on the clock, leather/alcanthera interior, cruise control and a few other extras besides.

with you doing mainly m.way mileage, I'd opt for the diesel, higher on average (compared to the 1.8t) mpg, it'll cruise a lot easier on the m.way too imho, diesels are excellent for overtaking due to the extra torque. I've been diesel for 4 years now, I've never looked back.

Tell us your budget and then we can work.

**Dunc2610** · 15-05-2009,12:23 PM

Ah sorry, £10k absolute MAX!!

**broon1982** · 15-05-2009,01:17 PM

hi

ive got a 1.8t saloon and used to regularly drive a colleagues 1.9tdi. i reckon you would get better motorway mpg with the diesel but my own personal opinion is the 1.8t petrol engine is the best all rounder. its fun and responsive in all gears and has a nice low pressure turbo woft of power on the motorway in 5th gear too. its also not too bad on economy. its also got all of the kit your current car has except cruise control and heated seats. i always felt the diesel lacked grunt which is why i opted for the petrol.

good luck in finding a car.

L

**kodkod.84** · 15-05-2009,01:24 PM

Don't worry yourself if you get a car without cruise control as this is easily fitted as a retrofit.

For £10k you should be looking at very good examples of the B6, possibly the late S-Line trim which I think had leather seats and other extras.
I have seen some B7s for under 10k as well but these will have higher mileages for their age.

**spartacus 68** · 16-05-2009,11:13 AM

The B6 Audis are a nice shape, and there should be plenty on the market, even from main-dealers to fit within your budget.

Quattro models are going to eat into fuel consumption, but the reassuring grip and traction through the gears from a a standing start - you simply can't beat them.

Sport models offer stiffer suspension - so no awards in terms of long-term comfort, but you can drive through corners as if it were on rails (especially in Quattro guise).

Engine wise, you simply can't beat the 1.9 litre (130PS) model. Plenty low-end torque, and relatively frugal if driven with a little respect. You should see around 48mpg even with Quattro.

The 2.5 TDi V6 (180PS) is silky smooth, shed-loads of torque and will pull until you say stop. Emissions are higher, as is fuel consumption. If driven well you could get 40-45mpg, but drinks like a fish in stop-start traffic and around town.

You should consider an Audi main dealer. You get a full year's warranty on most mechanical items (worth it's weight in gold), and the peace of mind it's been checked for outstanding HP, dealer history, etc.

Found this nice example in Inverness. Been on the market for 3-4 months, so I'd be looking for a decent discount.

http://usedcars.audi.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=600373744