Audi A4 Tdi Estate question

I've got a 2002 A4 estate as well, with 293kms on it
The load space is good, but not as good as a Passat.

The length of the boot space from the farthest back the front seats will go when the rear seatback is down is about 5'7" or so - I can't lie down in the back without going at an angle whereas I can easily in the Passat. Another thing worth noting is that the rear seat backs do not go down level at all, they rest at an angle on the rear seat squabs. The seat squabs do not flip up forwards like they do in the passat. This means that there's a crease in the 'floor' when the seats are down, and it can be difficult to lift a heavy object in and slide it forwards as it will need to be lifted when halfway in.

The recommendation I would give would be to get the 130bhp quattro tdi. Most useful configuration, generally good on fuel (2-3mpg less than the fwd 130), great traction on takeoff and great overtaking when needed. The 1.8T is a good engine, similar torque to the TDI if a tad more thirsty for the same driving.

Reliability wise, there are a few things that are beginning to be seen on the TDI A4.

• Engine injector wiring - as the injector control cables are immersed in the engine oil, the insulation is tending to break and cause mechanical damage to the cables themselves, causing a 'misfire' (failure to start the injection, feels identical to a misfire). Maybe 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 cars will exhibit this.
• Clutch/dmf flywheel: Like almost all of the VAG diesels, there's a possibility that the DMF can stop working properly between 100,000 and 300,000 miles. Generally if you get to 200,000 miles without needing to change, you've done well. This is more likely to happen with a remapped car as well. Budget for this between 100k and 200k miles, and change for an uprates clutch if you are thinking of a remap - the change of clutch will allow c. 170 bhp to be reached without clutch problems, and the correct clutch will allow up to 220 bhp with a change of turbo as well!

Pretty much everything else is bombproof as far as I've seen. Check the area around the battery for water, sometimes the drains can block with leaves and a deep puddle forms that can overflow in through the cabin air filter causing problems with the Central Convenience Module under the front floor carpets that controls the windows, interior light and the alarm sensing.
You'll also have to use oil to the vw505.00 (I think) standard or higher, your ordinary cheap synthetic won't cut it - because the injectors are drive from the cam, there's a very high pressure there that is outside most oils capability to lubricate.

An A4 will be great overall for the job that you're thinking of, compared to the other options.