B8 - 3.2V6 or 2.0Tfsi - both Quattro

[Zeddicus]

Hi all,

Hoping you can help me with a dilemma here.

I've currently got a leased Merc C350e, but I'm about to change my job so want to hand back the Merc and am thinking of something fun mainly for weekends, but also that I don't mind being parked at the station car park most of the week. I have kids, so I need to be able to get them in the back at the weekends for hobbies etc. When I started, my budget was up to around £5k. Having had new/leased cars for a few years, I don't want anything unreliable as the new job means I won't have much time to get issues sorted out.

I've always like the A4, especially in B8 guise, and I have found a couple of options. First is a 3.2V6 quattro, 2008, 92k miles. Could probably just squeeze that within budget, but its been serviced by independents for the last few years and was last seen by Audi in 2012 at 40k miles. Its due a service and needs rear brake pads, but has a full MOT.

Second option is a B8.5, 2012 Black edition 2.0tfsi. Also with 92k miles, its got the uprated 2.0tfsi that doesn't suffer with the oil consumption of the earlier engine. Also a quattro, and has been with Audi for servicing until 80k miles, when the current owner took on doing the work himself. This one is a complete budget-buster at almost double the V6.

My only hesitation with going for the V6 is the cam chain issue. I haven't seen either car yet, and I would get whichever one professionally inspected before buying. So if there was even the slightest hint of chain rattle with the V6, I would walk away.

However, I have also heard that, properly maintained, there should be no issues with the V6 for years. I would probably do around 5-6k per year, mainly shorter journeys with longer ones at the weekend. If I got the V6, I would immediately get it into Audi for a full (major) service and the pads, and then use an independent who I trust and have used for several years. With the 2.0, I'd get a minor service done with Audi and then again go independent.

I'm not interested in modding either car, so the fact the 2.0 can have so much extra power squeezed out of it is not a selling point for me. I just want to have fun at the weekends and enjoy driving them. The car I most enjoyed driving was a Subaru Legacy R Spec B which I owned from new for 11 years, and I'm looking for something that will put the same grin on my face (most R Spec B manuals are estates, and I want a saloon, they're also ruinously expensive to maintain when they get above 10/11 years old).

Just waiting on confirmation of my Merc going back, so hoping to get a few views from owners of either or both cars before deciding!

Thanks

Z

[b206]

I had a 3.2 B8 (part ex'd for a 3.0 BiTDI 6 months ago). It was a superb engine and I really miss it. Loads of power and sounded great. You can't compare it to the 2.0 - I think that engine lacks in so many areas.
Don't bother taking it to Audi unless you have money to burn - get a local VW specialist to do brakes and give it the once over. I do my own servicing - if anything I prefer to see home servicing as you know the previous owner was an enthusiast and will have taken his/her time....unlike Audi who want it out the door as quickly as possible.

Re chain rattle - they can rattle for a couple seconds after startup if sat for a while. Mine did this - perfectly normal. When it continues that's when you worry!

[Clayman63]

Another thumbs up for the 3.2 B8. I have had one for 7 years and it has been great. I think about getting a new car from time to time but cannot think of a better car with the same blend of pace, smooth running and practicality. They do like a drink from the unleaded pump in traffic but on a run are not too bad at all.