Advice on buying used A4 Cabriolet

[smallzoo]

We are looking around for a used A4 cabriolet. All we have decided is that it must be in silver or grey (probably !) and be from 2002 onwards. Our budget only runs to about £11k.

We have seen some on autotrader and a few others on other websites.

A few questions:-

1. Anyone for or against 1.8T versus 2.5TDi ? ( FSi is probably beyond budget )

2. Is there anything we should put on our 'must have' list

3. Any recommended sources/website etc

Thanks

Peter

[fourringsrus]

Peter I have just finished putting an advert for my 2002 2.4 v6 petrol on the pistonheads site, check out my profile album.
But to your questions, before I settled for mine I test drove two 1.8t models and two 2.4 v6 models.
The 1.8 is woefully underpowered and the 2.4 only slightly better in the performance field,now I know that I had been used to a 3.0 quattro up to that point but though I was not looking for a racing car I was surprised by their lack of go.
The 2.5 tdi v6 is known for its smoothness and of coarse its fuel economy but some say that the sound of a diesel with the roof down just isn't what you are seeking,but I believe that all the engines are smooth and quiet so that's just down to personal choice.
The 3.0 litre petrol will be juicy as these are quite heavy cars
I would say that in my opinion avoid the autos as some can be costly ie the earlier mulitronic/cvt pre approx 2005 were greatly discussed on the forum.
If you go quattro and auto you will get the better tiptronic.
So a 1.8t quattro multi tronic auto will be gutless and juicy and potentially could give a
nasty transmission repair bill
A 2.4 is smooth , refined reasonable on economy and performance
A 3.0 ,smooth puncy and juicy
At the end of the day there is a model for everyone including the super smooth v6 diesels.
6 speed manual boxes will help of coarse with the mpg

Must haves;
Full service records ie proof of cambelt changes and service details etc
Leather interiors are lovely,my preference would be heated alcantara/leather
Alloys,17" look nice and still afford a decent ride quality some of the larger rims can compromise the ride.
All the electric toys ie seats ,x4 windows ,a decent stereo.
Mine also has the windbraker,only really any good when 2 people are in the car as it renders the rear unusable when fitted.
As said it all comes down to what you want from the car,study the forum archives and you decide ,you won't be sorry, mine is just lovely to be in or to just look at or polish.
Sites; Autotrader
Pistonheads
E-bay
Car and classic and many more
Good luck and enjoy

Stuart

[smallzoo]

many thanks stuart for all your advice, it was certainly comprehensive.

I did want to travel too far for a car as in the past we have always ended up having a wasted day.

I have just looked at the autotrader and notice this

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p

As you can see it has 110k miles. We have an audi A3 1.9tdi with 124k which is a brilliant car but is at this mileage 'noisy'.. what about the 2.5tdi, is 110k a lot ?

Also I noticed that you said the consumption is reasonable on the 2.4. On autotrader it says around 20mpg around town which seems quite low

As you can see below it also has a 61k 2.4 but a 2002 model

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p

[fourringsrus]

I think the diesel cars' price reflects the mileage fairly well ,if not a bit plain looking with all the right history she could be a winner
In respect of the 2.4 v6 petrol, my "52 plate" (which has just gone onto Pistonheads) is easily giving us the low 30's on uninterupted running; ie not town work,in fact the 3.0 was tip tronic and though thirsty when gunned it wasn't really unbearable.
Maybe we have got used to bigger engines and drive them accordingly,my daily runner to and from work is a 2.6 v6 80 coupe and she rumbles along so sweetly and still hits the early and mid 30's.
I am sure which ever one you decide on will be a lovely driver ,be it fast and thirsty or less spritely but sedate, and remember the diesels can obviously offer a bit of both worlds
Enjoy.

Stuart

[mexico5lro]

Hello Peter,

I have myself just bought a 2.5 diesel version in light metallic blue with Black leather and cannot describe how pleased I am with the car.
It is just so smooth it belies belief and seems to be reasonable on fuel too. They handle like a dream on the 17inch boots and it is a very good convertible car, none of the usual scuttle shake more common with lesser brands. I echo Stuarts comments regarding the service history. Mine is an 03 and in near mint condition, just a few stone chips, perfect hood and apart from a few scuffs from a previous hand fisted owner the interior is in excellent condition indeed. The leather seats are comfortable and I have never ever driven such a smooth auto in my life, and I have had a few.

Very pleased with what is a delightful car to drive.

Mine cost me £9k with 90k on the clock with full history and really gives ine a feeling of opulence when driving around - you do need to get used to folk looking at you too LOL.

Enjoy and good luck with the hunt.

Chris

[fourringsrus]

Hi Peter, did you find one that you really fancy yet?

Stuart

[purple-monster]

hi i have just bought a 2003 2owners
23000miles full service history and every mot
perfect condition in everyway
18s and unmarked interior and exterior

11k

just as a guide for you