Right then, time has come for a new car as i'm doin a 70 mile dailly commute for my new job! Really interested in the previous shape A4 but really dont know too much about them. Prefer a 51 plate upto an 02 but anything after that i prob wont be able to afford. I dont mind a high mileage, around 75-90k. So whats the crack with these cars, some have 5 speed, some 6 and what realistic MPG can i expect? Seen a few SE specs about but wouldnt mind a Sport version, whats the ride like is the sport, Heard Audi's suspension can be pretty harsh... Just need some help really, anythin would be appreciated!
Cheers.
Ps. Its got to be the 130BHP!
Pps. I've considered all the other cars like a mondeo (i know someone will plug it!) and the cheaper version like the passat so.....
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Sunny22,
I have an 04 130BHP A4. Some houghts on my experience so far:
+'s
-Beautiful quality interior and the supportive seats take the pain out of long journies
-Punchy acceleration when over-taking
-Unbelievable fuel economy - can get almost 700 miles from a tank on long runs
-Seem to hold their value well
-Very comfortable ride over potholes, speed bumps, etc. (standard suspension and 15" wheels)
-'s
-Power band is very narrow. As many, many others have said it is either "off" or "on" and you realy need to make sure you are in the correct gear. This is my first diesel and in the first few days of owning the car I found myself over-revving it when accelerating and going nowhere. It pulls well from 1500-2000 RPM ... but by the time it hits 3000RPM it's all over
-Car needed new clutch after 18 months (under warranty)
-Have been a few electrical glitches (again, sorted under warranty)
-I'm sorry I didn't test drive the multitronic - I have not driven one but think the CVT would complement the engine and take some of the pain out of the narrow power band.
-On standard suspension and 15" wheels it can wallow a little - definitely not a sporty or sharp handling car
Overall, I am delighted with it and will probably change for another A4 next year. But I definitely will test drive a multitronic and see what the ride is like sport suspension and / or bigger wheels.
DF
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-Power band is very narrow. As many, many others have said it is either "off" or "on" and you realy need to make sure you are in the correct gear. This is my first diesel and in the first few days of owning the car I found myself over-revving it when accelerating and going nowhere. It pulls well from 1500-2000 RPM ... but by the time it hits 3000RPM it's all over
What engine is this? I have the 1.9 TDI 110hp in my Toledo, and there is no way I could accuse it of having a narrow power band - it's more flexible and rev happy than my previous HDi engined Peugeot! It will spin right the way round to the redline with no problem.
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I had a 52 plate Audi tdi 130 SE last year with about 100k miles on it that I drove for 10k miles. Its a very comfortable car that'd definately a step up in quality form the average repmobile. It definately felt like it would go on forever.
Downsides are that servicing costs are high, though if its on the variavble servicing plan then they aren't that frequent and if you've got a skoda dealer nearby then you could get them to do it cheaper.
Rear legroom is limited but as I only ever sat in the drivers seat and didn't often carry passangers then it wasn't an issue for me.
I'd be reluctant to go with the sports suspension, the handling is good enough without this bone jarring option.
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I read often, only post occasionally
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I just want to check you considered the Jaguar X-Type. I only say this because it handles (slightly) better than A4 Sports, has a far superior ride, and probably more equipment. It'll also be cheaper to buy - you'll get a newer, lower mileage model for your £££. But the interior won't be as nice, and I think the Jag only has a 5-speed to go with the 130bhp diesel...
If the A4 is what you want though, it still is a good car, but I'd pick the SE over the Sport, because the ride of a Sport Avant I was in once was simply shocking over potholes - it honestly felt like there was no suspension.
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Oh and the Jag/Mondeo engine has a more useable power band - there's enough oomph from 1800rpm through to about 4200rpm (or at least this si the case in our 6-speed Mondeo) to overtake and accelerate with - though I must say it begins to run out extremely quickly at 4000. We test drove a 140bhp Octavia and 130bhp Superb, and both these engines seemed to be more powerful, but for far less long. I assume this is PD technology at work?
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If you buy a six-speed car, check very carefully for clutch judder, and any sign of it, walk away.
My brother in law has a (mechanically identical) 52 plate Passat TDI 130 which developed a slight clutch judder at about 40,000 miles. This got progressively worse over the next couple of months with the clutch starting to become very snatchy in action. He booked it into the local VW dealer, and when the technician came through to pick up the job sheet, his first words were "Oh what, another one?". My brother in law asked him for more information and was told it was becoming quite a common occurence on the 130PS TDI Passats and A4's with the six-speed box. 5 speed ones use a different clutch which isn't affected.
There was a four week wait for the parts (none in stock anywhere in the UK)
£1,100 later for a new clutch and flywheel (some exotic dual mass thing) and the labour to fit, and the car is perfect again.
The moral of this tale is don't assume a clutch swap on a 6 speed Passat / A4 is the £200-£300 job it is on most cars. According to the invoice, the parts alone were the best part of £800.
Cheers
DP
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You'll be a car that's 4+ years old. Take note that they have a fairly complicated front suspension that suffers wear at higher mileages (listen for knocks/creaks) and lots of the fastners sieze so can be unpleasant to repair.
Climate control units have a habit of packing up (not cheap).
Watch out for problems with the dual mass flywheel/clutch assy. Costs and arm and a leg if it plays up. Listen for knock/squeak when starting up and shutting down the engine.
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Take note that they have a fairly complicated front suspension
What setup is it and how does it differ from a 'normal' car?
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>What setup is it and how does it differ from a 'normal' car?
If it's the same as the 95-01 model, then the hub is held on by 2 lower wishnobes and 2 upper ones, each with a bush at the inboard and ball joint at outboard end.
They're a bit expensive and nasty to fit, and rumours are that pattern replacements only last a year before they start knocking again.
It really is the worst aspect of my N reg one, which has 193k miles.
Mind you there was a warrnty recall for this problem on the 95-01 model, so would really hope Audi have improved it in the model you're after.
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Cheers for your respones guys, much appreciated. Other than the suspension in the sport, what do i or dont i get with SE? Thinkin about getting the sport with 17" wheels or is that just a killer?? My budget by the way is around £6500 give or take... Would an ex fleet one be worth considering from an auction?
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There has been a recall for Passats having the dual mass fly wheel. I'll find you a German link in a couple of minutes.
BIG
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Here we go:
www.rhein-main.net/sixcms/list.php?page=fnp2_news_...1
Recall on Passats built between April and May 2005 for a check on the dual mass flywheel. The problem is noticeable by a noise and can immobilise the car. VW has already had the same problem with a few other models. Worldwide, 34 000 cars affected.
BIG
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Father has a 2003 sport - would suggest getting the SE, if only for the 16" wheels! The ride on the 17s + sport suspension is incredibly hard, especially for people in the rear!
Other than that not a bad car. I'd still go for the Passat or the A6.... :-))
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Drive Your Way - If anything can, TerraCan
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Hi
About 10 years ago, sold my Audi 80E. One of the best cars I've ownned.
Bought an E class after that, then C class and today an A class, as I'm a badge snob.
My son has the 2:5 TDI sport, convertable bought last year.
My Adui was the best build wuality i'd seen and mpg was brill and well as mid range and bullet proof relaibility. The same goes for my sons car.
Aduis retain better price.
The reason I drive a MB is, becuase I'm now a sad badge snob :(
Btw - any car with low profile tyres = harsher ride when compared to the higher profile.
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Don't worry, no one will think you're a badge snob driving an A-Class ;-)
Agree that the A80 was a great car - it was a favourite of mine - straightforward to work on and very reliable. Audi's in general are indeed very well built and preferable in many ways to BMW, unfortunately (like many post '95 German cars) they started to get a bit too complex for their own good. One of the attractions of the previous generation of German cars was that they were basically simple designs but extremely well executed. I am very wary of the 'innovative' transmissions that they've been using lately.
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Right been looking around, just wondering whats difference with the SE and Sport. All i can notice is the steering wheels different, and obviously the suspension. I expect you get more kit on the sport as in better alloys, but that cant be it. Sorry if i sound stupid,been a long week!
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I have a 2004 A4 TDI SE 130 estate, which I've had for 18 months now and covered 35,000 miles.
As yet no problems at all.
Fuel economy can be 50+ MPG. Very high build quality inside and out. Suspension realy neither Sporty or Soft, but generally very good on the motorway.
Residual value very good it seems.
The only downsides are the conservative if not bland styling. No provision for MP3 playback and retro-fitting an autochanger prohibitively expensive so an MP3 compatible OEM head unit was installed.
Variable service interval seems to yeald about 20,500 between services which is good, although Audi servicing is expensive.
Engine has got a fierce power band compared to some of the newer common rail diesels, but I dont see this as much of an issue once you get used to it.
Engine is slightly noisier externally than some of the latest diesels, but interior soundproofing is very good if not better than some of these more state of the art diesels, so motorway cruising is respectably quiet.
In summary I would recommend these as a sound buy both new and used.
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How much would ya say a 2002 Tdi SE with around 75k on is worth?
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No expert on this, but gut feeling is probably around £8K dealer, £6-7K ex fleet.
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Drive Your Way - If anything can, TerraCan
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Wife has a '03 1.9TDi SE. Personal opinion - not worth the money. DOes nothing badly, conversely nothing brilliantly. There are many, many vehicles out there costing far less (or FAR newer given your budget) that do the job just as well and in many cases better. It's cramped so rear passengers especially won't thank you, and feels as though it wants to stamp every bump in the road flat. OVerall in our opinion not worth it. Our choice - 156, Accord, Mazda 6, Mondeo, Primera (I have one and it's roomier and comfier). Avoid the Passat as quite simply it's crap - handles like Bambi drunk on a skateboard.
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I've had a 2004 130bhp tdi Sport Avant from new. Very pleased with it. I've still got the original brochure so will look up SE > Sport differences when I can find the book. There was more than enough to make me choose it over the SE not least the car, imho, looks better on 17" wheels.
Mine needed a new connector under the drivers seat to correct an airbag warning light. This is a common problem apparently. The DIS reports 50+ mpg but I've never checked it manually to verify if it tells the truth as I only go to the filling station once a month.
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That would be great if ya could do that. Cant get hold of a brouchure anywhere. I admit the car looks better on 17" wheels, but the sports suspension doesnt appeal,but the rest of the kit ya get does ;)
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