Buyinag an Audi A4....questions

noname007

Hi everyone, first time poster.:D

Anyway I was thinking of buying an audi a4, Im not looking for anything fancy year wise im just looking to change from my current car (01 Laguna.......I know:mad:) Anyway I was advised to go for a 1.9 diesel however the ones Im looking at seem to have very high milage. I am looking at 01/02 between 8 - 11k. I saw a 01 with 94000 miles for €9500:eek: Like is this a good deal because i dont know all that much about cars! It has alloys, 130bhp etc.

If I was to go for one of these cars what should I be looking out for?? How are they run.........considering the amount of problems I had with the laguna I want something alot more reliable!!

Also I do need a diesel as I will be doing alot of miles.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

mickdw

At 7 - 8 years old, any less than 90,000 would be lies so no worries there really.
Get one that looks spot on bodywise cause from what Ive seen of these cars, if they look anyway tired from outside, they have either been around the clock afew times or done alot of towing.Get one with lots of receipts etc. Go for the 130 bhp too.

spartacus93

Go for the 130 bhp model, a good bit nippier and more economical. There's plenty of these cars around so take your time and go through all your options. Buyers market and all that.

The father has a 03 one and he reckons he gets 700 miles to a tank. Lovely cars to look at and to drive. Not much room in the back tho really. He hasn't had any major problems with his, and i'm not sure of what to look out for in that model.

noname007

Cheers for the info guys! Overall than they would be a fairly good relaible car than?? So the one I'm looking at would be ok so??? I could give you the web address but dont know if I am allowed too If I am I will!

Eoin

noname007 wrote: »

Anyway I was advised to go for a 1.9 diesel however the ones Im looking at seem to have very high milage. I am looking at 01/02 between 8 - 11k. I saw a 01 with 94000 miles for €9500:eek: Like is this a good deal because i dont know all that much about cars! It has alloys, 130bhp etc.

That sounds like insane money for a 2001 A4 - but maybe they are commanding a big premium these days.

Here is a 2004 A4 for 11K
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/Tdi-130b/200908191862479/advert

Another one here:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/TDI-130H/200908191917156/advert

Another similar option is a BMW 320d, and you'd easily get a 02 or newer model for 10K.

noname007

Heres the one I was looking at:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/1.9-TDI-/200840190264078/advert

_Kaiser_

noname007 wrote: »

Heres the one I was looking at:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/1.9-TDI-/200840190264078/advert

Looks alright to me, and it's a UK import which should get you a better spec level (however I'm sure others here will be able to tell you if you should also offer less as a result). I'd also want the timing belt done as part of the deal.

You might also want to consider an equivalent Passat of that vintage? More car for your money IMO and you'll also get the same 1.9 TDI 130 BHP without having to search too hard.. just make sure you look for a Comfortline or above (ie: Highline) trim level.

(EDIT: Quick search on Carzone shows a lot of 05 Passats for less money too. You might even be lucky and get a B6 (latest shape) model which is bigger and better again - I've owned both! )

noname007

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

Looks alright to me, and it's a UK import which should get you a better spec level (however I'm sure others here will be able to tell you if you should also offer less as a result). I'd also want the timing belt done as part of the deal.

You might also want to consider an equivalent Passat of that vintage? More car for your money IMO and you'll also get the same 1.9 TDI 130 BHP without having to search too hard.. just make sure you look for a Comfortline or above (ie: Highline) trim level.

Cheers thanks for info!! Great information and suggestions here so far.....keep it coming

Dave147

That asking price is absolutely ridiculous. They're going on the UK market anywhere from 3k sterling to max 5k sterling, note that the 01 A4's at 5k would either have a kit, be quattro, or full leather interior with mint spec. Keep looking, spend 10k and you'll have a 04 130bhp no problem.

mumblin deaf ro

I'm planning my car future and was wondering about the A4 Avant - anyone have experience of that?

PS: sorry for highjacking thread.

bazz26

That 2001 is a rip off.

Look here:

http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=9289

2004 A4 1.9 TDi SE - GB£6,000 = €6800 + €3000 (VRT) + €600 (travel & full HPI inspection)= €10,400.

Eoin

You will also get a car over here for that cash if you see my post.

Moanin

noname007 wrote: »

Hi everyone, first time poster.:D

Anyway I was thinking of buying an audi a4, Im not looking for anything fancy year wise im just looking to change from my current car (01 Laguna.......I know:mad:) Anyway I was advised to go for a 1.9 diesel however the ones Im looking at seem to have very high milage. I am looking at 01/02 between 8 - 11k. I saw a 01 with 94000 miles for €9500:eek: Like is this a good deal because i dont know all that much about cars! It has alloys, 130bhp etc.

If I was to go for one of these cars what should I be looking out for?? How are they run.........considering the amount of problems I had with the laguna I want something alot more reliable!!

Also I do need a diesel as I will be doing alot of miles.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

I'd be going to the UK if I were you and get a fully documented clean car for less money

Biro

That car has had "one lady owner" yet it has had 2 owners? Interesting! Doubt the 74k miles are genuine. There are more clocked A4's and Passats coming out of the UK than unclocked ones!
If I were you I'd look at the Honda Accord. More reliable, better engine, more spacious inside and better to drive.

smash

noname007 wrote: »

I am looking at 01/02 between 8 - 11k.

Why are you looking for a low year for that much money... go to the UK -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/907565.htm



even cheaper, but high mileage http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/911181.htm

GB15

Biro wrote: »

That car has had "one lady owner" yet it has had 2 owners? Interesting! Doubt the 74k miles are genuine. There are more clocked A4's and Passats coming out of the UK than unclocked ones!
If I were you I'd look at the Honda Accord. More reliable, better engine, more spacious inside and better to drive.

I haven't looked at the ad but maybe they meant that one of the 2 owners was a lady. Either way its not phrased well.

PauloMN

noname007 wrote: »

Hi everyone, first time poster.:D

Anyway I was thinking of buying an audi a4, Im not looking for anything fancy year wise im just looking to change from my current car (01 Laguna.......I know:mad:) Anyway I was advised to go for a 1.9 diesel however the ones Im looking at seem to have very high milage. I am looking at 01/02 between 8 - 11k. I saw a 01 with 94000 miles for €9500:eek: Like is this a good deal because i dont know all that much about cars! It has alloys, 130bhp etc.

If I was to go for one of these cars what should I be looking out for?? How are they run.........considering the amount of problems I had with the laguna I want something alot more reliable!!

Also I do need a diesel as I will be doing alot of miles.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

Take a look at the petrols as well if you do low mileage. Edit: sorry, reread the original post. I have a 1.8T for two years now and I'm delighted with it, plenty of power for my needs, and you'll probably find lower mileage cars in the petrol variants. Avoid the 1.6 litre petrol though, and only go for the old 2 litre if cheap.

Lot of these are abused company cars. These are a clockers favourite by the way so do your homework wrt HPI checks for ex-UK cars, and Cartell etc. checks for the Irish ones. I almost got stung with a TDi that had 30k more on it than the clock showed.

Got for a fully documented car, preferably one owner. If you are buying a UK car, be extra careful. Make sure you get two keys with it, and the wheel changing gear in the boot.

They're a lovely car imo, but hard to find a good one. I spent about 2 months looking before I found a perfect one.

yop

I have an A4 130bhp now for about 3 years and cant have any complaints, maybe bar the bulbs But thats a common problem in Audis and easy to change.

Them prices seem high for that 01, I have an 02 with nearly every extra u can think of and If I was to get over 9k I would be doing well I would say.

Good luck with it

noname007

Cheers guys for the replies!! They have been a great help!!:) As much as I would love to go to the north/uk I have to sell my own car first to get get the cash.............and there lies the problem!!!:mad: Is asking €2000 for my own car to much or too little??? Like I said at the start its a 2001 Laguna supersport 1.6 51000 miles. I'm getting it NCT'd this evening so that could be another problem if it fails which it probaly will..........I just want to get rid of it asap!!

PauloMN

Is this yours?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Renault/Laguna/Sport/200906191732237/advert

It will be next to impossible to shift with work needing done to it, even at that price as there's way too many to choose from. The "needs new key" bit would make me run a mile, especially as I seem to remember those being card keys.

If it's not your car, and yours is not in need of immediate work, then €2000 is a fair price. Clean it up well, take loads of pictures and stick it up on Carzone for €1995.

Be prepared to wait a while to sell though unfortunately. They really are a hard car to sell.

yop

The window regulators are about 100 euro from a scrappage yard, I got one today for my wife car.
Of course if that is your car lol

noname007

PauloMN wrote: »

Is this yours?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Renault/Laguna/Sport/200906191732237/advert

It will be next to impossible to shift with work needing done to it, even at that price as there's way too many to choose from. The "needs new key" bit would make me run a mile, especially as I seem to remember those being card keys.

If it's not your car, and yours is not in need of immediate work, then €2000 is a fair price. Clean it up well, take loads of pictures and stick it up on Carzone for €1995.

Be prepared to wait a while to sell though unfortunately. They really are a hard car to sell.

No its not my car. My one is the next model up, the one with the 17" alloys there are only the 16". Mine has 1/2 leather seats in it too! I'll find out tonight whats wrong with it when I get it NCT'd!

I got all those things done with my one anyway including new key card at a cost of €280!! It has new starter motor, bushels, altenator, window regulator and all form renault so needless to say it cot me a fortune!

PauloMN

noname007 wrote: »

No its not my car. My one is the next model up, the one with the 17" alloys there are only the 16". Mine has 1/2 leather seats in it too! I'll find out tonight whats wrong with it when I get it NCT'd!

I got all those things done with my one anyway including new key card at a cost of €280!! It has new starter motor, bushels, altenator, window regulator and all form renault so needless to say it cot me a fortune!

If all that stuff has been done, include that in the text of the ad. If people know that items which commonly break on the Laguna have been addressed by you, they'll be more likely to buy.

Incredible all that stuff had to be done on a car with 50k miles on it though. :eek: Are they making them out of cheese or something?

Oh and if you have the timing belt done, mention that also.

Good luck with it, let us know how it goes!

groupb

noname007 wrote: »

Hi everyone, first time poster.:D

Anyway I was thinking of buying an audi a4, Im not looking for anything fancy year wise im just looking to change from my current car (01 Laguna.......I know:mad:) Anyway I was advised to go for a 1.9 diesel however the ones Im looking at seem to have very high milage. I am looking at 01/02 between 8 - 11k. I saw a 01 with 94000 miles for €9500:eek: Like is this a good deal because i dont know all that much about cars! It has alloys, 130bhp etc.

If I was to go for one of these cars what should I be looking out for?? How are they run.........considering the amount of problems I had with the laguna I want something alot more reliable!!

Also I do need a diesel as I will be doing alot of miles.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

Like Biro said , try the accord , or a mondeo. Both are at least as reliable as an A4 and are way better to drive. They are also much better value.

mickdw

steve06 wrote: »

Why are you looking for a low year for that much money... go to the UK -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/907565.htm



even cheaper, but high mileage http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/911181.htm

This is all wrong. Where are you getting the emissions from? There were no A4s getting anywhere near 16% back then. Its only the very latest diesels that get into 16%

noname007

PauloMN wrote: »

If all that stuff has been done, include that in the text of the ad. If people know that items which commonly break on the Laguna have been addressed by you, they'll be more likely to buy.

Incredible all that stuff had to be done on a car with 50k miles on it though. :eek: Are they making them out of cheese or something?

Oh and if you have the timing belt done, mention that also.

Good luck with it, let us know how it goes!

They are definitely making them out of "something" alright..........whatever it is no-one knows!! Ye got the t/belt and water pump done about 39000 miles so that should be ok too!

I'll let ya know later on what it fails on and I'll go from there!!:rolleyes:

noname007

groupb wrote: »

Like Biro said , try the accord , or a mondeo. Both are at least as reliable as an A4 and are way better to drive. They are also much better value.

Ye was looking at a mondeo too, drove one recently a 03 zetec I think...pretty alright car too but something just draws me to the A4.

I'll just have to make a pros/cons list for both and take it from there!

audismelly

noname007 wrote: »

Ye was looking at a mondeo too, drove one recently a 03 zetec I think...pretty alright car too but something just draws me to the A4.

I'll just have to make a pros/cons list for both and take it from there!

Go with the A4 . Have the 130 bhp 6 speed 3 years,absolute diamond to drive .

leeroybrown

Check the car for water ingress. VAG make some very nice cars but they also have some real skills when it comes to engineering novel ways for water to get in. If the car has had issues in the past you might notice on one side or the other that the rear seat carpet underlay is flattened or that there is some unexpected rust on the set rails. It's almost always due to 'trivial' issues but it's worth looking for signs of it none the less.

I had a B5 A4 Avant and ended up spending an awful lot of time looking for the source of this problem. I think the B6 had similar issues too.

noname007

Well heres an update..........

Got the laguna NCT'd last night and it failed (suprise, suprise). It failed on a tie rod and a ball joint which he said was very dangerous and that the car should really not be driving! Went to a mechanic this morning and he said I would expect to pay €450 between parts and labour----good or bad price??

Anyway back on topic...

audismelly wrote: »

Go with the A4 . Have the 130 bhp 6 speed 3 years,absolute diamond to drive .

Ye that was the one I was looking at alright!:)

leeroybrown wrote: »

Check the car for water ingress. VAG make some very nice cars but they also have some real skills when it comes to engineering novel ways for water to get in. If the car has had issues in the past you might notice on one side or the other that the rear seat carpet underlay is flattened or that there is some unexpected rust on the set rails. It's almost always due to 'trivial' issues but it's worth looking for signs of it none the less.

I had a B5 A4 Avant and ended up spending an awful lot of time looking for the source of this problem. I think the B6 had similar issues too.

First I heard of this, is it a problem for every A4 or just a certain model?? And if so is expensive to fix?

leeroybrown

noname007 wrote: »

First I heard of this, is it a problem for every A4 or just a certain model?? And if so is expensive to fix?

It's generally doesn't cost anything to fix. It's just that there a list of small things that can cause water ingress if they go wrong. I just said I'd mentioned it as if it's happened regularly the carpet underlay will have flattened, there might be a lot of mold under the carpet and I believe there is a pricey 'comfort module' under one side of the floor that can fail due to this. My car also managed a sheet of ice in the rear passenger foot well during a particularly cold spell.

The main issue is the battery plenum (or the 'swimming pool' as A4 affected owners tend to call it). It has two drain holes with rubber seals that tend to block with leaves, etc. The plenum then fills with rain water and sloshes into the aircon intake when driving. The water will end up in the drivers side footwell. The second issue is the sunroof drains which tend to block resulting in water dripping down. There are also lesser issues with seals failing around the aircon intake, ECU box and bonnet cable. My car was a more obscure problem that required me to take a door apart to investigate properly.

I believe the main issue affects the B5 ('95 - '02) and the B6 ('02 - '05). The others are probably also present in both too.

BTW, I'm not trying to put you off. My A4 1.8T Quattro Sport was definitely the best car I've owned in every way, apart from this.

noname007

leeroybrown wrote: »

It's generally doesn't cost anything to fix. It's just that there a list of small things that can cause water ingress if they go wrong. I just said I'd mentioned it as if it's happened regularly the carpet underlay will have flattened, there might be a lot of mold under the carpet and I believe there is a pricey 'comfort module' under one side of the floor that can fail due to this. My car also managed a sheet of ice in the rear passenger foot well during a particularly cold spell.

The main issue is the battery plenum (or the 'swimming pool' as A4 affected owners tend to call it). It has two drain holes with rubber seals that tend to block with leaves, etc. The plenum then fills with rain water and sloshes into the aircon intake when driving. The water will end up in the drivers side footwell. The second issue is the sunroof drains which tend to block resulting in water dripping down. There are also lesser issues with seals failing around the aircon intake, ECU box and bonnet cable. My car was a more obscure problem that required me to take a door apart to investigate properly.

I believe the main issue affects the B5 ('95 - '02) and the B6 ('02 - '05). The others are probably also present in both too.

BTW, I'm not trying to put you off. My A4 Quattro 1.8T Sport was definitely the best car I've owned in every way, apart from this.

Excellent info thanks!!:) Really something to look out for then!!

chrism2007

although ive heard of that battery water problem i know 3 people including myself with a4s and not one had this problem. generally there a solid car

its leaves etc that cause the problem so maybe its not a city problem and would affect the countryside drivers a lot more id imagine

my advice would be to check the cvboots. i went through 4 front cvboots in 10,000 miles. i believe its because i have to do a 3 point turn every single morning to pull out of my drive. its a very heavy car

PauloMN

Never heard of the water ingress issue myself I have to say.

Here's a road test of the A4 B6 around launch time:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=17

and the good/bad verdict on the B6:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=20

Bad luck on the Laguna, shop around as regards the price. Ring a Renault dealer (for the craic) and then a few independents to compare prices. Much as I know you don't want to spend anything else on it, I'd definitely get that sorted and back through the NCT before you try and sell.

leeroybrown

The water issue probably isn't the most common but if you look VWAudi Forum or similar sites you'll find people who've had it with cars based on the platform. I know someone who had the same problem with the equivalent Passat. The Quattro Sport interior was all black fabrics and leather so it didn't cause any noticeable damage apart from the sagging carpet/underlay (and probably a bit more road noise) but if you had a light interior it could make a real mess.

Biro

chrism2007 wrote: »

although ive heard of that battery water problem i know 3 people including myself with a4s and not one had this problem. generally there a solid car

its leaves etc that cause the problem so maybe its not a city problem and would affect the countryside drivers a lot more id imagine

my advice would be to check the cvboots. i went through 4 front cvboots in 10,000 miles. i believe its because i have to do a 3 point turn every single morning to pull out of my drive. its a very heavy car

The A4 isn't that heavy. No more than anything else in its class. 4 in 10,000 miles is far too many.