Need a medium term cheap ride

[Alex jb]

So my issue right now is that my job sucks and I have a chance to do something else with half the commute and fun.
Problem is the pay. If I take it the A6 will have to go to reduce monthly outgoings.
I'm going to have about 2 grand cash to buy something with 5 doors better than 30mpg average and I'd like to stay in the VAG family if possible, other stuff considered.
I'd like a waggon for kid stuff practicality, but not absolutely necessary.

What do you folks think is going to be fairly cheap to run and as reliable as can be expected given my tight budget?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zollaf]

an old audi a4 b5. plenty about right now for around the grand, that leaves another grand to keep it going for a few years. a win win situation.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-Audi-...YAAOSwTM5Y75gq

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A4-Av...sAAOSwzqFY82cw

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-AUDI-...0AAOSwuspY-jys

[Alex jb]

Thinking the 2.8 petrol might be a bit thirsty?
Is there a reason for the B5 not later, or just the price leaving cash for spares?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alex jb]

Sorry Gazwould, I double posted, so putting it here,
Currently have a C7 saloon 3.0tdi CVT, been offered basically the amount I owe the finance for it, so would be a long way off a C6 avant with my 2k to spend

I'd love to keep the C7, but enjoying the job is higher priority

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zollaf]

Thinking the 2.8 petrol might be a bit thirsty?
Is there a reason for the B5 not later, or just the price leaving cash for spares?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

just really that a b5 is a lot more car for the money. the b6's are still holding value and sub 2k will get you into one but not such a good one. the b6 is also a lot more complicated . b5 is pure simplicity , especially if you get a 110 bhp one with an afn in it. rotary pump, not a pd engine, they just dont go wrong. same as my old 80 really, 358k and counting.

[zollaf]

oh and the 2.8 v6 isnt bad on fuel, loads of low down grunt so they dont need to be revved so apparently over 30 is easy to get but the 1.9 will do 50 all day long.

[Alex jb]

What do you think of the 2.5tdi? I know the allroad gets a bad rep with the air suspension, but seen a couple of 2.5tdi Quattro avants in good condition


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gazwould]

Isn't there something in the fuel pump that fails on those ?

I assume you are talking C5 .

[Col]

I'd forget the 2.5tdi if you want relatively risk free cheap motoring. The ECU attached to the fuel pump can fail at any time and is very expensive to fix. The 2.5 can also suffer from cam problems which again is a very expensive fix. A real shame as the 2.5 V6 TDI is a brilliant engine except at their age now they are likely to let you down at the drop of a hat and present very big bills.

I'd go for anything with the 1.9 PD TDI engine in it and there is a lot of choice! Personally I'd go for a B5.5 Passat (2001-2005) as there are more to choose from so the chance of finding a good one is higher. They identical to the A4 (B6) and A6 (C5) mechanically of the same era. The further fefine the choice you have the AVF engine with a six speed box and the AWX engine with a five speed box. If you want reliability go for an AWX engined car with the five speed as the six speed boxes can often suffer with differential bearing failure which you've guess it equals a big bill.

Avoid anything from about 2004 on with the 2.0 TDI engine.

[Gazwould]

Colin is spot on of course .

Or if you can live with another badge drop , the Skoda Superb Mk1 ( a Passat B5.5 ) but with extra wheel base , thus room in the back .