Audi A4 2010 2.0 120

bs2014

Hey, thinking of buying one of these. Can motor heads out their advice me on the following?
-Is the 120 a total dog of an engine compared to the 136/143 models?
-What fuel economy does the 120 "actually" get under normal driving?
-Car I'm looking is a 2010 and has 110000km on it with an Audi service. What should I look out for. ie what potential problems could occur.eg electric handbrake. I've a seat leon tdi 90hp currently and never gave me a days trouble so want the same:)
-The model I'm looking at is pretty basic, no steering controls or cruise control. Is it straight forward to get cruise control retrofitted and what approx cost. I note that the higher spec models have a stalk for the cruise control so just wonder what way that would work.
Any other recommendations please shout!
Cheers

MuppetCheck

There isn't a great shortage of them, find one in the spec you want. Cruise control can be fitted, it starts getting more expensive for a multifunction wheel. They engines are pretty solid.

Coming from a 90bhp tdi you'll notice a little more go but not much, and there will be little difference in the economy.

Personally I don't see the point in spending the money for what is seen as a premium brand and getting the lowest powered and specced version. If you like the car then go ahead and enjoy it but you might get something with a more mainstream badge that's better for the same money. Just because there's 4 rings on the front doesn't mean it's better. What's your budget and usage?

bazz26

I wouldn't bother with an entry level model as I just don't see the point in them other than just for the sake of having the badge. Either drop back a year and get a higher spec model or look for something that is better value.

bs2014

Thanks Muppetcheck. To be honest, the power isn't the most important thing. Id rather a clean straight car with less power than a higher spec rougher car. I'm not so much pushed about the steering controls, there a nice to have but could live without them. I do good bit of motorway driving (25-30k a year) so cruise control would be useful. Going to look at the car tomorrow, think its just after a service. Can you recommend anywhere legit to retrofit cruise control? BTW I agree about the 4 rings bit but I guess thats the powerful impact of marketing and branding!

George Dalton

Cruise can be retrofitted, costs €350.

That shape A4 is generally a good car, the only big bill they tend to hit people with is the dual mass flywheel, which is an expensive enough job on them.

bazz26

It's laughable that a "premium" car costing over €30k when new didn't have cruise control. Paying more for less.

OP, are you set on an A4? You would get a decent spec Passat CC for similar money:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat-CC/DIESEL-CC/94114138444964800/

MuppetCheck

bs2014 wrote: »

Thanks Muppetcheck. To be honest, the power isn't the most important thing. Id rather a clean straight car with less power than a higher spec rougher car. I'm not so much pushed about the steering controls, there a nice to have but could live without them. I do good bit of motorway driving (25-30k a year) so cruise control would be useful. Going to look at the car tomorrow, think its just after a service. Can you recommend anywhere legit to retrofit cruise control? BTW I agree about the 4 rings bit but I guess thats the powerful impact of marketing and branding!

In this country getting a straight car can take some looking, are you open to other makes?

A 2 litre superb would be as good a car imo, mainly due to having a better spec. The B8 A4 can be a nice car but only with the right spec and when they pop up it means big money. Otherwise isn't nothing at all special considering the price. It might not matter to all but having looked at them in the past I couldn't get properly comfortable in one, the seat and pedals aren't properly aligned and if you're behind the wheel a lot it might make a difference.

Moanin

I have a 2010 136bhp one and it's not that pokey (Compared to my old 140 PD Passat) so I wouldn't even bother with the 120.

Comhrá

Two years ago I was very keen to get a new (pre-reg) Audi A4 TDI 120 hp - until I drove it.

My first time driving an A4 and I was very underwhelmed.

The car was very sluggish and heavy and I found the off-set pedals pretty uncomfortable too. I ended up getting an Audi A3 Saloon 1.4 TFSI petrol (140hp) and am very happy with it. A4 seats were very nice but that's about all I liked about that car.

trabpc

Hi folks. How do ye find the seats in the A4 for comfort. Same for cc are they comfortable?

Have an accord and requires 2 cushions to fill the deep rear on the seat. Those with bad backs will understand.

bazz26

The leather heated sports seats in the CC are very comfortable, they have electric lumber support too.

9935452

bs2014 wrote: »

Hey, thinking of buying one of these. Can motor heads out their advice me on the following?
-Is the 120 a total dog of an engine compared to the 136/143 models?
-What fuel economy does the 120 "actually" get under normal driving?
-Car I'm looking is a 2010 and has 110000km on it with an Audi service. What should I look out for. ie what potential problems could occur.eg electric handbrake. I've a seat leon tdi 90hp currently and never gave me a days trouble so want the same:)
-The model I'm looking at is pretty basic, no steering controls or cruise control. Is it straight forward to get cruise control retrofitted and what approx cost. I note that the higher spec models have a stalk for the cruise control so just wonder what way that would work.
Any other recommendations please shout!
Cheers

I have a 09 120. Ive been told you notice little difference between a 120 and 143. 0 to 60 is only a second faster 10.5s v 9.5s. Car can be remapped to 150/160 for 400
Car is realistically only doing 40/45 mpg. Half my mileage is short trips.
Drive quickly and this drops.
Car has 208000 kms, i know it from new and it has caused very little bother.
But dont expect them to be trouble free, clutch and DMF, DPF, injectors, electric handbrake will all cost to be fixed at some stage.

bs2014

Yea I seen the stats have very little in, but nevertheless it can make a difference on driving on the whole. The car is red so I'm not sure if it is my taste, rather silver or black, a bit less noticeable. Main selling point is the audi service history and it seems to be mint condition with average miles. Nonetheless there are a good few red a4s on the road still. Going to look at her tomorrow so will keep yous posted. Thanks for the posts!

bs2014

Incidentally, I priced getting parking sensors and cruise control fitted through a reputable outlet who specialise in that sorta thing and the two are almost a €1000 RRP, a little steep I thought.