Audi A4 ... a decent purchase?

antiskeptic

Hi there,

I'm a life-long motorcyclist who was given his first car (a '96 Ford Escort 1.4) by his sister .. for nothing. And I got to see the sense in car driving. You can carry stuff, wear decent clothes, relax after a long days work, talk to passengers .. and the like. Because no car can perform like a 1 litre motorcycle (I found my mates 911 underwhelming in the oomph dept) I've no problem tootling along in the slow lane at 60. That said, I wouldn't mind something with a bit more by way of poke than the slug that is the Escort.

I've found myself admiring the 2005-on Audi A4 for a while now (although finding the earlier version even nicer but that's getting a bit long in the tooth now). What do the folk here reckon on them? My budget would only stretch to a 2005-6 unit - although it'd be lowest mileage I'd be after.

Are they reliable enough? Is there a world of difference between a 1.6 petrol vs. 1.9 diesel (20,000 miles a year) and which is best? How long are they good for (I'm an ex-mechanic so would envisage looking after it well).

I know the Passat is the same car and I've been tempted by the reliability of the Octavia (of which I've only heard great reports). But seeing as this would be my first actual paid for car, I'd prefer to get what I like.


All info welcome for a car-buying newbie.

Cheers..

Mr Benevolent

What's your budget? Diesel is best if you're doing 20k and mileage isn't really a factor with a diesel. I'd recommend anything over the A4. Hard ride, heavy and not amazingly put together for an 'executive' car. Instead I'd consider the following (in order of reliability):

Accord
Superb
Mondeo
407
Passat


Look for a high spec model, whatever you do.

GTE

You shouldnt have any major problems with the 1.9 diesels (VW, Audi, Skoda) unless the previous owner didnt maintain it properly.

Bodhan

+1 for Confab that list is bang on. The A4 is a decent car, but as Confab says, the ride is hard, and parts are hard on the pocket.
The Honda Accord is a lovely car, with all the stuff you need and some you don't need but want anyway.
Keep an open mind and test loads of cars, better still take a test in two different dealers. One will take your fancy in the end.

CaraFawn

A BMW will be easier and cheaper to maintain that an Audi generally speaking.
I am just saying...no rant or ballistic attack please

GTE

CaraFawn wrote: »

A BMW will be easier and cheaper to maintain that an Audi generally speaking.
I am just saying...no rant or ballistic attack please

Oh you goin down biatchhh!! :P

Berty

Having had a 2006 Audi A4 1.9TDi I would say they are a good purchase but I wouldn't compare it to a Passat. The Audi is much quieter than the Passat of the B5 model.

For 20k mils I would probably aim at a Diesel.

They are nice cars. I particularly like the Avant version of it and if at all possible buy an S-Line model.

Maybe even take a trip to the UK to buy it.

gleep

Had a look at a Diesel Accord, underwhelmed tbh. It's not the nicest place to be, leather seats are a bit cheap and so is the whole interior. Decent engine though.

I know I'll prob get angry-mobbed for this but, mechanically, they are flawed!
They, like most diesels these days, have a Dual Mass Flywheel. Major failure rates on these-and when they go wrong they go horribly wrong. Talking €2k+ to put right. Wouldn't take the chance.

Wanna know one diesel that doesnt have the DMF? BMW - Ohhh Yeaaaah!!:D

Oh and before you buy an 05/06 A4, check how much a brand new Seat Exeo will cost you. They are the EXACT same car with a different badge and price tag!

exaisle

Ive owned 2 audi A4's and two Passats. The B5.5 Passat (>2005) is a roomier and more comfortable car and easier on the pocket in terms of spares etc. It's also a smoother ride than the A4 which is, as has been said, quite hard on the road.

If you want something with decent specs and low genuine mileage, Id suggest having a look in the UK if its in the budget at all. The roads there are still better than here and there tends to be less wear and tear on the running gear.

exaisle

CaraFawn wrote: »

A BMW will be easier and cheaper to maintain that an Audi generally speaking.

I wouldnt argue with that, but if youre talking a 3-series, then you have significantly less space than the likes of an A4 or Passat/Octavia.

Id suggest steering (no pun intended) clear of the more recent B6 Passats which have garnered a reputation for being troublesome.

+ To the previous poster who recommended looking in the UK.

Autot***er is your friend!

antiskeptic

Confab wrote: »

What's your budget? Diesel is best if you're doing 20k and mileage isn't really a factor with a diesel. I'd recommend anything over the A4. Hard ride, heavy and not amazingly put together for an 'executive' car. Instead I'd consider the following (in order of reliability):

Accord
Superb
Mondeo
407
Passat


Look for a high spec model, whatever you do.

I've 10-12k. The main thing I'm looking for is reliability. I'm used to paying next to nothing in maintenance: motorcycles cost buttons to keep and the Escort cost virtually nothing from the 70k miles I got it at to the 100k miles up on it now. It even threw a cam belt 5k after I got it (oil weep corroded the belt prematurely) and cost me just 120 quid in parts + a few hours to fix the damage. Modern cars seem to involve hundreds and hundreds is they even so much as hiccup.

If not an A4 I've no problem down sizing a little (as I just like the look of the A4). The Octavia seems to get the reliability nod at that lower level - but it has a bit of an "oul fellas" look about it to be honest - even 2005-onwards mode.

Perhaps an Accord: they're not to heavy looking (which the Passat and the Mondeo seem to be)

antiskeptic

Bodhan wrote: »

+1 for Confab that list is bang on. The A4 is a decent car, but as Confab says, the ride is hard, and parts are hard on the pocket.
The Honda Accord is a lovely car, with all the stuff you need and some you don't need but want anyway.
Keep an open mind and test loads of cars, better still take a test in two different dealers. One will take your fancy in the end.

How's that work (you never get test rides on motorcycles). If I turn up and a shabby Escort looking for a test drive in a 10 grand car they'll give it to me?

Do they come with you chatting away the whole time. Or are you left to own devices?

antiskeptic

CaraFawn wrote: »

A BMW will be easier and cheaper to maintain that an Audi generally speaking.
I am just saying...no rant or ballistic attack please

S'cuse the ignorance but is it the 3 or 5 series that competes with the A4?

antiskeptic

exaisle wrote: »

Ive owned 2 audi A4's and two Passats. The B5.5 Passat (>2005) is a roomier and more comfortable car and easier on the pocket in terms of spares etc. It's also a smoother ride than the A4 which is, as has been said, quite hard on the road.

If you want something with decent specs and low genuine mileage, Id suggest having a look in the UK if its in the budget at all. The roads there are still better than here and there tends to be less wear and tear on the running gear.

Would the North be a good compromise?

I'm a bit confused on parts price difference: I thought the A4 and Passat where basically the same car under the skin.

I'm in the enviable position of having riden 250,000 miles on a motorcycle. Riding in a car with no tyres on it is probably going to feel silk smooth to me. Perhaps the finer-detail downsides of an A4 won't matter much to someone who wouldn't know better.

It's the overall reliability that concerns me most probably. And the ability to rack up some miles relatively trouble free.

Javelin77

Join the audi clan it's a classy looking car. I have 2002 A6 quattro 2.8.


I Converted from 1998 c class merceds to audi not because audi is better it's just cos everybody have mercedes here they don't like audi it's expensive to maintaine . like the gear box if it breaks it will cost me $4500 to replace it, that if its available .

Tea 1000

The 3-series and C-class and Lexus IS are the direct competitors to the A4.
I'm not a fan of the A4, the 1.9 engine is crude in noise and in power-delivery, but it is reliable alright.
At the end of the day though it's your money. If you like the A4 then get one. Don't bother with the 1.6, it's dismal. The 1.9 isn't spectacular, but it's your best bet for that money.

exaisle

The 3-series BMW is smaller inside than the A4 which is a tad smaller inside than the Passat 5.5b. It's also rear-wheel drive.

If youre hell-bent on an A4 then you're likely to end up fairly far down the years, whereas choosing a Passat/Octavia variant will get you something more recent with far lower mileage.

I've bought my last couple of cars in the UK and I feel the added effort was well worth it. Feel free to PM me for details.

E.

antiskeptic

exaisle wrote: »

I've bought my last couple of cars in the UK and I feel the added effort was well worth it. Feel free to PM me for details.

E.

PM sent.

Whilst I'm at it - and before I get steered sensibly towards an Octavia ... what about a A4 1.8T

Anyone?


Anyone?

nice_guy80

Audi A4s are generally very good from 2005-2008. go for the SE model. softer ride, good spec
get a 1.9 as they are more reliable than the 2.0, cheaper road tax, better mpg.

Mr. Manager

I bought an A4 1.9 TDi less than 2 weeks ago and can find no flaws with it so far (touch wood). I don't get where people are coming from saying the ride is harsh. Find it a very comfortable and quiet drive.

. . . my 2 cents

sean1141

if your looking at the 1.8t think about the vrs octavia. you should be able to get the 2.0t petrol or diesel in your bugdet

sean1141

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/2.0-VRS-/201018197912778/advert?channel=CARS

uk should have cheaper ones

-Chris-

nice_guy80 wrote: »

Audi A4s are generally very good from 2005-2008. go for the SE model. softer ride, good spec
get a 1.9 as they are more reliable than the 2.0, cheaper road tax, better mpg.

If it's an Irish car, then the suspension and wheels are the same between the SE & Sport (can't remember if the base was on hubcaps at any point in that period). They should ride the same.

groupb

Confab wrote: »

What's your budget? Diesel is best if you're doing 20k and mileage isn't really a factor with a diesel. I'd recommend anything over the A4. Hard ride, heavy and not amazingly put together for an 'executive' car. Instead I'd consider the following (in order of reliability):

Accord
Superb
Mondeo
407
Passat


Look for a high spec model, whatever you do.

+1 for that list. Although I'm biased towards the mondeo because nothing front wheel drive touches them when it comes to handling.

bazz26

I would tend to go for a UK import A4 to be honest. Not because they are significantly cheaper to buy but because they are better equipped than the Irish spec models. Things like rear electric windows, multi-function steering wheel or leather seats are almost non existant on Irish spec A4s.

Dohnny Jepp

I don't understand some of the ill feelings towards the A4 in this thread. I have an A4 s-line that i got from the UK. Its an amzing car. I've never had one issue with it. Its the 2.0ltr diesel and it's easily quick enough. I'd reccomend one to anyone!

Plus its better looking than a 3 series xD

MagicMarker

Javelin77 wrote: »

Join the audi clan it's a classy looking car. I have 2002 A6 quattro 2.8.


I Converted from 1998 c class merceds to audi not because audi is better it's just cos everybody have mercedes here they don't like audi it's expensive to maintaine . like the gear box if it breaks it will cost me $4500 to replace it, that if its available .

Eh? Audi's are feckin' everywhere!!

exaisle

bazz26 wrote: »

I would tend to go for a UK import A4 to be honest. Not because they are significantly cheaper to buy but because they are better equipped than the Irish spec models. Things like rear electric windows, multi-function steering wheel or leather seats are almost non existant on Irish spec A4s.

+1

Spot on. Thats why I've bought my last two cars in the UK.

Fishtits

I don't understand this Audi's are expensive to maintain thing.

Parts are shared with VW and Skoda and probably have the best availability through motor factors of any brand.

The A4 is a popular car, there must be something good about it?

I'm not an expert but it would seem that the diesel version would be the one to go for.

exaisle

If youre doing 20k per annum then it would seem sensible to go for diesel.

The 1.9TDI VAG unit is a proven and reliable engine.

I've owned two A4 TDIs....followed by two TDI Passats. The reasons I changed to the VW was that they were far cheaper to buy and seemed better value for my €. The issue of repair costs was not a consideration. Many parts are common to both cars....

E