B8 3.2 Avant, would you?

[Clayman63]

I have been through the what car this time process and have settled on a B8 A4 Avant Auto and have test driven a 3.2 and have to say I was smitten ;). They seem about as rare as hens teeth so hope the wait is not too long. I have looked but don't seem to be able to find any 2.0T FSI cars (2009 onwards) that are not CVT and also they seen to be V expensive. (My budget is up to £20k).
Does anyone have knowledge of living with a 3.2? I am not to concerned about fuel consumption as I am coming from <20MPG average.

[dts439]

If you don't mind the fuel bills (and higher road tax) then why not?

Also at £20k you are very nearly into S4 Avants (http://www.audi.co.uk/used-cars/used-car-locator/vehicle.aspx?wflw=se_na_ve_vi&ctr=1796678&vhl=602734541)

I'd also not discount a 3.0 TDIQ, which is devastatingly quick when needed. S4/3.2 would be more fun though.

Regards

[Crazyfool]

Agreed. It would be nice to have the 3.2, but at that level fuel economy and tax start to play more of a key part in my decision making which would lead me to buy the 3.0TDI.

[Clayman63]

I would have thought about a 3.0 TDI but I only do about 7k miles a year which takes diesel out of the equation. I have agreed to buy the one I test drove so will be joining the Audi fold again soon. :D

[dts439]

Great, so spec/details required...

[Clayman63]

58 reg A4 3.2 Avant Quattro S Line Tiptronic in ice silver with black leather, leather, sat nav and B&O

[dts439]

Excellent, nice colour combo & as you said rare car. And if I'm not mistaken 19" wheels as well :D

[Clayman63]

Yes I am loving the 19" wheels they look great

[MLI33D]

Agreed. It would be nice to have the 3.2, but at that level fuel economy and tax start to play more of a key part in my decision making which would lead me to buy the 3.0TDI.

Same here and that's what I actually did - not only tax but for me the cost of a residents parking permit for the 3.0TDi was a lot less than my 2.0 petrol Focus!

I only do 5k/year so far from a typical Diesel driver - but from what I see recently the A4 3.2 has been "squeezed" out by Audi due to the S4 and 3.0TDi?

[dts439]

- but from what I see recently the A4 3.2 has been "squeezed" out by Audi due to the S4 and 3.0TDi?

Yes, 3.2 was removed autumn last year. I'm guessing C02 factor and availability of 2.0TFSI.

[MLI33D]

Yes, 3.2 was removed autumn last year. I'm guessing C02 factor and availability of 2.0TFSI.

So that would mean that fastest "vanilla" B8 A4 you can buy is a diesel!! :boggled:

[dts439]

On paper the 3.0 TDI has been faster than the 3.2 throughout by a massive 0.1-0.2 seconds to 60 ;). However not sure if in reality it would feel that way - over to Clayman...

As an aside I found our own B8 seemed slower than our old B7 until one day I floored it (by mistake) from a standstill.

[MLI33D]

Yes agreed - bragging rights if nothing else!

I've also floored the car by mistake (albeit it seems to be recurring :naughty:) - and the lag on it does give the impression is one of even greater performance........

But I never ended up testing the 3.2 - so the opinions of anyone who has test driven both would be interesting

[Crazyfool]

58 reg A4 3.2 Avant Quattro S Line Tiptronic in ice silver with black leather, leather, sat nav and B&O

pics? :drive:

[Clayman63]

pics? :drive:

186111861218613

Only one sleep to go, collect tomorrow........ :D

[s7gpt]

3.2, nice 6 pot, enjoy :)

[theskyfox]

Yes, 3.0TDi is quick 0-60. I have many times left people in a cloud of dust when pulling away. The lag is avoidable if you change gear at the right time and let yourself rev high enough to maintain exhaust pressure. The biggest "delay" is changing gears (in the manual), where you find yourself doing a "stoccato" gear change in rapid succession! I am confident that the DSG gearbox could almost entirely eliminate this problem...

-Andrew

[dts439]

DSG gear changes are seamless (relentless?) and 7 gears means it stays in the diesel sweet spot better than our old B7.

One day I will give it the full beans to see what it can do :D