I'm considering buying one of these in 2003-04 vintage, are there any current or previous owners out there who can offer advice/ pros and cons, etc.? The CBCB does not have much info on this engine option.
I currently have an A4 1.9 tdi 130 which I like a lot but fancy something a bit more interesting to drive.
What are they like to drive compared with a tdi? Presumably a bit flat at low revs but a lot more at the top end? What about reliability (I note CBCB mentions cracked engine blocks)? Real-world fuel consumption, compared with official figures? Is the ride harder than on a 1.9 tdi?
I need to go and test drive one but thought I'd canvas some opinions first.
Any advice appreciated..
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What are they like to drive compared with a tdi?
I would have thought it depends on what models you're looking at. e.g. does it have sport suspension. Also won't the 3.0 petrols all be Quattro AWD compared to the FWD you currently have?
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All things being relative, you're in exactly the same position as me when I traded a 2.0d Jag X type Estate in for a 3.0 petrol V6. Petrol consumption is obviously more, but hardly eye-watering for the mileage I do (8000 a year). The pros are:
1. You don't sound like a canal barge
2. The 3.0 V6 is creamy smooth -- the Audi units too will be the same I imagine
3. I get the benefit of all wheel drive - so will you I think, as I think the majority, if not all of the 3.0 A4 petrols are Quattro.
I haven't regretted it one bit, if you decide to go for it, I think you'll be smiling. Pick well, and haggle. The market for 3.0 V6 cars is not exactly buoyant at the moment, so I think you'll have dealers biting your hand off if you show even remote interest in any for sale.
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Advice about buying a 3.0 Audi A4? Don't! Buy a 3.0 Subaru Legacy instead. A far superior car in every respect and probably a lot cheaper and more comfortable.
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RTJ - yes it will be quattro replacing 2wd so there will be differences there, I was thinking mainly in terms of different power delivery between 1.9 tdi/ 3.0 petrol. As you say, suspension-wise it will depend on whether I get hold of a Sport or SE model..?
Cheeky - I like what you're saying. The thought of creamy V6 with more poke is one of the main attractions. If this coming winter is the same as last one (we got a lot of snow round our way) AWD will be a hoot! (Runs and hides from onslaught of "you dont need 4wd" posts!) :oP
Espada - Hmm strange, I'd not thought of a Legacy. I've always had an eye on Subarus in the past but used to consider them too thirsty. The thing is I dont want to spend more than about £8k at the moment, I want to wait for business to pick up before spending more. They may be a bit out of my price range for a 3.0, but I will investigate.
Cheers all..
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I recently changed from 5 pot diesel to V6 petrol and I'm not regretting it one bit.
Fuel costs much the same with the small number of miles I do, but I now get a lot more smiles per gallon! :)
6 cylinder + engines are likely to be a disappearing breed soon, especially petrol powered ones. Get one and enjoy it whilst you still can!
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get one
petrol bills are not too bad- as long as you only thrash it on the odd occasion-
Truro to Norwich in 6 hours.
comfortable quiet smooth
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Been driven in one, couple of hours. Silky smooth engine, manual gearbox, easy overtaking and nice exhoust note. On open road around 9-10L/100km normal, 11-13L more spirited driving.
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Hi, thought I would give some advice as I have just bought a 54 plate Audi A4 3.0 quattro sport.
I can't assist with a comparison with a diesel model as I haven't driven one. I traded my BMW 328ci for the Audi. I got rid of BMW recently when the snow was here as I just couldn't use the car, it would not set off in snow / ice. The Audi was fantastic in the snow, like it wasn't there!!
However, I do find it heavy on fuel but you know that when you buy it I suppose. I got the dealer to change the timing belt changed before I bought it and the engine management light comes on at times. He has diagnosed it as a breather valve and they are replacing it under warranty so all should be good.
I will also say that the reason I bought the Audi was because it seemed different to any other Audi I could find on Autotrader. I could upload some images if I knew how but it has twin tone leather and I haven't seen any others like it. It was also in a rare kingfisher blue that you don't see much of.
Phil
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