I want to buy a new Audi A4. Should I?

Niall F

I'd like to get some opinions on this please. I currently have an 05 VW Passat 1.9TDI 130bhp. Lovely car but I've put a lot of mileage on it. Just over 100k on the clock. Nothing wrong with it and it has a good few extras, but fancy a change.
I'd like to buy a new Audi A4 Saloon 2.0Tdi e 136bhp. On paper, they're very economical. They're also very expensive. I'll be keeping it for a good few years. I'd be doing a fair bit of motorway driving. Minimum, 350 miles per week.
How much should I expect a garage to give off a trade-in, or is mine worth anything because of the mileage? Apparently, I'd get a bit more if I sold privately and then went to the garage. Don't want that hassle though.
Should I keep what I have and not bother with another car for the moment? I'm just wary of high mileage. It seems to work against you when selling a car.
Any advice would be appreciated.

-Corkie-

So your passat is the last of the b5.5 model. A great car actually. There is a lot of them for sale at the moment. The mileage isnt colossul providing the car has a fsh. I dont think the A4 is worth the money op. There is a new model passat available from november so remember that.

homer90

-Corkie- wrote: »

I dont think the A4 is worth the money op. There is a new model passat available from november so remember that.

Lets hope it doesn't carry the passat B6 issues over !!

Why not have a look at the Passat CC - could possibly be got for A4 monies!!

-Corkie-

homer90 wrote: »

Lets hope it doesn't carry the passat B6 issues over !!

In fairness anything 07 upwards is fine but the 05-06 had serious issues. The A4 is way overpriced and you pay big bucks for a decent spec.

opinion guy

Sell your own car privately and buy up North. You'll get better value for money and an extra year of warranty.

-Corkie-

opinion guy wrote: »

Sell your own car privately and buy up North. You'll get better value for money and an extra year of warranty.

Will the extra year stand down here though.I suppose its different if your living north of the pale.

Niall F

Would rather go to a garage and get a trade-in. Don't want the hassle of selling it privately. I know you save more but don't think it'd be worth it.
Hadn't considered Passat CC. Seems nice alright but if I'm going to stretch myself financially, I don't see the point of getting a newer version of what I have.

bazz26

homer90 wrote: »

Lets hope it doesn't carry the passat B6 issues over !!

Why not have a look at the Passat CC - could possibly be got for A4 monies!!

It's not an all new Passat though, it's just a heavily facelifted version of the current Passat but VW want their customers to think it's all new. Engines, chassis, gearbox, etc are all carried over from the existing Passat.

OP, did you look at the new Honda Accord, great car and entry level 150bhp 2.2 I-DTEC starts at less than the A4 136bhp E?

Niall F

Niall F wrote: »

but if I'm going to stretch myself financially, I don't see the point of getting a newer version of what I have.

An A4 is essentially a newer version of what you have I wouldn't recommed anyone to stretch themselves financially for a car btw.

opinion guy

What about a high spec A3 ? Handles better than an A4

bazz26

A3 is long in the tooth now being around since 2003 and having more facelifts than Cher.

maddness

opinion guy wrote: »

What about a high spec A3 ? Handles better than an A4

Everything handles better than an A4.:D

Niall F

No, wouldn't go for an A3. I want a saloon car.
Checked out the Honda. Hadn't thought of it but fuel economy doesn't look great on it.
If the A4 is just a newer version of what I have, then I certainly won't be stretching myself financially so. If I'm just paying for the name, I'll leave the Audi so. Not one person I've asked has thought it'd be a good buy anyway.
Many thanks for the advice though. It is appreciated.
So can I get some thoughts on getting a new car? Would still like to get one.
Extras I have include integrated SatNav, 6CD changer, Bluetooth radio kit, leather seats, front ones heated, climate control, sunroof
Must be saloon, diesel, economical. Or do I just stick with what I have because it is grand. I just fancy a change to a new car.

-Corkie-

Niall F wrote: »

No, wouldn't go for an A3. I want a saloon car.
Checked out the Honda. Hadn't thought of it but fuel economy doesn't look great on it.
If the A4 is just a newer version of what I have, then I certainly won't be stretching myself financially so. If I'm just paying for the name, I'll leave the Audi so. Not one person I've asked has thought it'd be a good buy anyway.
Many thanks for the advice though. It is appreciated.
So can I get some thoughts on getting a new car? Would still like to get one.
Extras I have include integrated SatNav, 6CD changer, Bluetooth radio kit, leather seats, front ones heated, climate control, sunroof
Must be saloon, diesel, economical. Or do I just stick with what I have because it is grand. I just fancy a change to a new car.

I think what you have is fine but I know a change is nice. I had a 01 passat that I held until 180k miles with no problems at all. Sat nav and sunroof are going to cost you as extras. If you want these in a A4 you will be going for a s line spec. The s/r is a 1100 euro option. I think you should hold tough for the newer passat at the end of this year..

520 ?

-Corkie-

RoverJames wrote: »

520 ?

New??. They are big dosh. I would never spend huge money on a big car again. The depreciation is heartbreaking.

opinion guy

Niall F wrote: »

No, wouldn't go for an A3. I want a saloon car.
Checked out the Honda. Hadn't thought of it but fuel economy doesn't look great on it.
If the A4 is just a newer version of what I have, then I certainly won't be stretching myself financially so. If I'm just paying for the name, I'll leave the Audi so. Not one person I've asked has thought it'd be a good buy anyway.
Many thanks for the advice though. It is appreciated.
So can I get some thoughts on getting a new car? Would still like to get one.
Extras I have include integrated SatNav, 6CD changer, Bluetooth radio kit, leather seats, front ones heated, climate control, sunroof
Must be saloon, diesel, economical. Or do I just stick with what I have because it is grand. I just fancy a change to a new car.

If I were you, what I would do is import a 1 year old high spec a4 quattro sline or even an S4 if they in anyway reasonable 9ok probably not). I know you'd have to sell your own and its extra hassle, but I'd choose that over buying a new A4 in the South.

IF you want fuel efficieny the new model a3 1.6 diesel with stop start tech. Supposeduly greater than 70mpg. Not a saloon but take a look at one - huuuuuuge boot space

Niall F

Don't like BMW. Never have and don't know why really. I've driven a 535d and a 735 but I've never owned one. They are both lovely to drive but most other ones I've driven e.g. 316, 320d, 318M (don't know what M means though), they didn't win me over I'm afraid.
Just checking out Mazda6 there. Website doesn't seem to be the best but fuel economy wise, they seem to be very good (once you're out of the city, that is). I've always liked Mazda but have been told they're heavy on juice. Are they? My sister has a Mazda 3 and she thinks its a great car.
Holding out for the Passat mightn't be a bad idea though.

_Kaiser_

I'm in sorta the same boat OP..

Have a 06 Passat that I love but the last while I've been thinking of trading it while I might get a respectable (ish) amount for it.

I looked at the A4 when I bought it (it was a 06 model too admittedly) and I didn't take to it at all. Yea I like the front end of that generation Audi, but the interior reminded me of my previous 02 Passat (same generation as your current one) and there was nearly no rear legroom in it - so I went for the Passat and got more car for the same money

That said though, I WOULD like a 05-era A6 for in and around the 10-12k mark (big ask I know!). I'd be open to other ideas but essentials are:

- Automatic (I haven't driven a manual in years and the DSG box I have now is great!)
- Diesel (I do a lot of miles )
- Cruise Control (I do most of my driving on motorways these days)
- Saloon (I like a decent size car)

Like you OP I'm not convinced about the 5 series - the last model I just don't like, and the new one is just out so I'd let it "bed in" a while myself while they work out the bugs.

I'm not sold on the upcoming new Passat either - I would rather the CC if I had to pick between them.

EPM

-Corkie- wrote: »

New??. They are big dosh. I would never spend huge money on a big car again. The depreciation is heartbreaking.

very low 40's...including leather and bluetooth. tbh they are about the same price as an equivalently specced and powered a4...and you dont need one leg shorter than the other to drive one comfortably

oldyouth

Passat generally has the same engine as the A4 but is a more comfortable, spacious car. Depends on what you need I suppose

VolvoMan

If you want to look outside the VAG stable the new S60 would be worth considering:



The engine you'd be looking at is the 5 cylinder D3 with 163bhp.

R.O.R

While I've been a bit down on the pricing of the S60 in the past, it seems like it's going to be more reasonable against the competition based on recent information from both Volvo & Audi.

It's 95% that Audi will be cutting their available discount, and there is a lot more available on the Volvo than first expected.

New S60 is in the showrooms, and test drives should be available from Wednesday. Will have vehicles available for delivery in January too.

5 Cylinder diesel is fairly economic, not as good as the Audi, but not too far off, and at 163bhp gives more bang for your buck. Looking forward to seeing what it's like to drive on Tuesday.

-Corkie-

-Corkie- wrote: »

New??. They are big dosh. I would never spend huge money on a big car again. The depreciation is heartbreaking.

I agree but the chap is on about trading a modern (in my terms) Passat against a new A4, given that I don't see the 520 suggestion being out of bounds. An A4 is dirt compared to a 520D. Personally the most I've ever bought a car for was €4200, depreciation was never something that appealed to me. I'd sooner drive what knobs refer to as bangers, heaps of sh1t etc

Niall F

I think the Passat CC is winning out. Checked inside the back seats of the Audi A4 and there is less room than in my car. I was stunned. That was an 09 model my neighbour has but I don't think it's changed in a few years. I expected the Audi to be bigger in every way.

-Corkie-

Niall F wrote: »

I think the Passat CC is winning out. Checked inside the back seats of the Audi A4 and there is less room than in my car. I was stunned. That was an 09 model my neighbour has but I don't think it's changed in a few years. I expected the Audi to be bigger in every way.

Well if it was a 09 thats the current model,and thats bigger than the previous model. The Volvo ror mentioned is worth looking at. I think the passat cc is a bit girly compared to the normal passat.

bazz26

Passat CC is a nice looking car (in VW terms) and alot more adventureous than the regular Passat. Just remember that the Passat CC has a lower roofline than the regular saloon being a 4 door coupe and also it has just been revised with the rear seat not designed to hold 3 people as opposed to previously only holding 2.

OP, another one to consider is the Opel Insignia, they are a great car and the top of the range 2.0 (160bhp) SE or Elite Ecoflex models look the business. €156 to tax too.

Zonda999

Niall F wrote: »

I think the Passat CC is winning out. Checked inside the back seats of the Audi A4 and there is less room than in my car. I was stunned. That was an 09 model my neighbour has but I don't think it's changed in a few years. I expected the Audi to be bigger in every way.

Not a surprise really, your passat was very similiar to the A6 of the early 00's, if you wanted a new audi of similar size and space to your passat, you'd need an A6

Yep, those high spec 160bhp diesel insignia's are very nice cars indeed, and a better car than the current passat probably, IMO anyway, its as good a car opel have produced in a very long time tbh..

Oh ya, forgot to mention a Skoda Superb!
If you like the looks, they're as good if not better a car than the passat, and you wont have a shortage of room in it!

Drummerboy08

bazz26 wrote: »

Passat CC is a nice looking car (in VW terms) and alot more adventureous than the regular Passat. Just remember that the Passat CC has a lower roofline than the regular saloon being a 4 door coupe and also it has just been revised with the rear seat not designed to hold 3 people as opposed to previously only holding 2.

There's an option now for 3 rear seats in the Passat CC iirc.

OP, another one to consider is the Opel Insignia, they are a great car and the top of the range 2.0 (160bhp) SE or Elite Ecoflex models look the business. €156 to tax too.

Aye, I'd have one over a Passat any day of the week. I'm due a few nice ones in during the week, looking forward to them!

Eric Cartman

what about an octavia VRS , surprised somebody hasnt been along to say it yet

Niall F

Not pushed about the Volvo at all. Initially, I just assumed the only difference between Passat and CC was specs. Didn't realise they were completely different cars. Will have to check out both in more detail I suppose.
Opel Insignia is nice but fuel consumption looks very poor, so no. If I didn't already have a VW, would definitely consider Skoda.

Drummerboy08

Niall F wrote: »

Not pushed about the Volvo at all. Initially, I just assumed the only difference between Passat and CC was specs. Didn't realise they were completely different cars. Will have to check out both in more detail I suppose.
Opel Insignia is nice but fuel consumption looks very poor, so no. If I didn't already have a VW, would definitely consider Skoda.

I think your getting too hung up on the Manufacturers fuel consumption figures. These are often very different in the real world.

We have a few Insignia's as demos at the minute, and we're regularly getting over 1000km out of a full tank. Thats a mix of city and motorway driving.

My advice would be to get one over night and see what its like. Then take some other cars and do the same. Base the fuel consumption on your experience and not what Opel/VW say.

VolvoMan

Niall F wrote: »

If I didn't already have a VW, would definitely consider Skoda.

What do you mean in saying that?

Niall F

I suppose what I mean is that Skoda (as far as I know but could be wrong) is more or less a VW under the hood. My perception is Skoda -> VW -> Audi. Not saying that's the way it is, but that's the way I see it.

PaulKK

What about something like this OP:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Jaguar/XF/2.7-D-LU/201030199017192/advert?channel=CARS

VolvoMan

Niall F wrote: »

I suppose what I mean is that Skoda (as far as I know but could be wrong) is more or less a VW under the hood. My perception is Skoda -> VW -> Audi. Not saying that's the way it is, but that's the way I see it.

But Audi basically are basically the same to Skoda as VW are.

Seriously though, I wouldn't discount the likes of a Superb. I'm not saying it's the definitive car to buy, but certainly good value compared to an A4.

opinion guy

VolvoMan wrote: »

But Audi basically are basically the same to Skoda as VW are.

See thats not true thou. They have some of the same components - chasis etc. But the overall product is different. The finish on an audi is far superior to a golf or a skoda and most other cars if you as me.

Drummerboy08

opinion guy wrote: »

See thats not true thou. They have some of the same components - chasis etc. But the overall product is different. The finish on an audi is far superior to a golf or a skoda and most other cars if you as me.

Na, thats your perception of the Audi because it has the "Premium" name. I've driven a 2.0TDi 170 DSG Elegance Superb and I can tell you the build quality is no worse than an Audi.

If you were to blindfold someone who has never been inside a current model A4 and Superb they couldnt tell the difference between the two.

galwaytt

Niall F wrote: »

Not pushed about the Volvo at all. Initially, I just assumed the only difference between Passat and CC was specs. Didn't realise they were completely different cars. Will have to check out both in more detail I suppose.
Opel Insignia is nice but fuel consumption looks very poor, so no. If I didn't already have a VW, would definitely consider Skoda.

Tbh, the fuel consumption figures are the last thing you should be going on, to buy your new car, given the %'s are small. In all likelihood, over the long-term, the newer car's will cost more, per mile, to run, than your existing, so that makes all of them less economical.

VolvoMan wrote: »

What do you mean in saying that?

..I don't get it, either......

opinion guy wrote: »

See thats not true thou. They have some of the same components - chasis etc. But the overall product is different. The finish on an audi is far superior to a golf or a skoda and most other cars if you as me.

I dunno - Audi vs Skoda, maybe, but Skoda is ahead of the VW. Sat in a 10 reg Superb for the first time last week - I was very impressed with all aspects of it. Plus, it's frickin' enormous inside. It may have had the old 1.9 engine, but based on my experience of the 2.0Tdi's, it's all the better for it.

opinion guy

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Na, thats your perception of the Audi because it has the "Premium" name. I've driven a 2.0TDi 170 DSG Elegance Superb and I can tell you the build quality is no worse than an Audi.

If you were to blindfold someone who has never been inside a current model A4 and Superb they couldnt tell the difference between the two.

I can't speak for the skoda, but comparing the interiors of audis to golfs the audis are far superior. Just a lot more solid, better put together, better styling. Perception has notihng to do with it - its just better, visibly, palpably, audibly better

Drummerboy08

opinion guy wrote: »

I can't speak for the skoda, but comparing the interiors of audis to golfs the audis are far superior. Just a lot more solid, better put together, better styling. Perception has notihng to do with it - its just better, visibly, palpably, audibly better

But there is no comparable car in the Audi range to the Golf... The A3 isnt in the same class as the Golf so it isnt reall fair to use the Golf's interior.

copacetic

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

If you were to blindfold someone who has never been inside a current model A4 and Superb they couldnt tell the difference between the two.

of course you would have to blindfold someone to get them into the monstrosity that is the Superb!

opinion guy

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

But there is no comparable car in the Audi range to the Golf... The A3 isnt in the same class as the Golf so it isnt reall fair to use the Golf's interior.

How do you reckon the A3 and the golf aren't in the same class ?!!? I mean wasn't your point not that audi's/golfs/skodas are the same cars. A3 shares same chassis and engines as golf and probably more, both are hatches or 'hot hatches' if you will.

Of course they are the same class

galwaytt

opinion guy wrote: »

I can't speak for the skoda, but comparing the interiors of audis to golfs the audis are far superior. Just a lot more solid, better put together, better styling. Perception has notihng to do with it - its just better, visibly, palpably, audibly better

I don't agree - especially when it's the same cars, made by the same people. The Audi's recent climb to top of the quality pole came from the Mk1 TT, and facet's of that design and style have been carried forward into every Audi......(and every other car on the planet, since..........). The TT's to this day, and some models of A3, are built in Gyor, Hungary - not Germany. To infer then there is a difference between German and Czech build quality, using, say Hungarian-built cars, is, well.........misguided.........

copacetic wrote: »

of course you would have to blindfold someone to get them into the monstrosity that is the Superb!

True! there again, you can't see the outside, from the inside!

opinion guy

galwaytt wrote: »

I don't agree - especially when it's the same cars, made by the same people. The Audi's recent climb to top of the quality pole came from the Mk1 TT, and facet's of that design and style have been carried forward into every Audi......(and every other car on the planet, since..........). The TT's to this day, and some models of A3, are built in Gyor, Hungary - not Germany. To infer then there is a difference between Germand an and Czech build quality is, using, say Hungarian-built cars, is, well.........misguided.........

To assume that build quality is dependent on geography is ......well.....misguided. You can use different parts and production standards for different products in the same factory and thus produce two different quality of product.

galwaytt

opinion guy wrote: »

To assume that build quality is dependent on geography is ......well.....misguided. You can use different parts and production standards for different products in the same factory and thus produce two different quality of product.

...you're right: geography is daft too: but the reason the Skoda and Hungarian cars are well built at all, is they don't have any build quality legacy to avoid: they started with a clean sheet, at the top. In other words, they started where Audi would like to start again, in Germany, given a blank sheet to do so. This is why the technology and quality in the 'satellite' plants is so high in the first place - it's because they're the new plants, in new places........

Rockery Woman

I have a Golf, brother in law has an A4. I used to have a Passat. Both Audi and Volkswagen are great cars. But if you were to buy the Skoda, you would probably regret it as the A4 seems to be your favoured choice. I suggest you get an A4, for the following reasons:

1. The Skoda just doesn't have the same interior quality as the Audi

2. If you get another Volkswagen Passat, you are just upgrading your current car, and you wont really notice much difference

3. The A4 is just a little more luxurious, lets face it, you are doing very high mileage - you might as well drive something you love!

4. If you go for one of the TDI models, yes they are very expensive, but people who splash out on the diesel one, with extras, are going to keep them for a good few years. If you buy a new one you will know it hasn't been abused in any way.

5. You only live once. Get the A4. If not, you will always wonder.... what if I did get one.... you will buy something else like a Skoda for example, and drool like a maniac everytime you see those shiny circles that symbolise the car you so crave!!!

good luck whatever you decide