A4 2.0tdi or 3.0tdi ???

[robotplant]

Hi,

I'm looking to change my old faithful 1999 a4 tdi 110 for a newer a4 diesel quattro. My old a4 has 190,000 miles on her and has been faultless I would hope the newer b7 will be as reliable but I'm not sure.

Which engine option for reliability should I go for, I don't mind paying for extra fuel if the 3.0tdi is a more stronger reliable unit. Which diesel b7 a4 quattro has the best reputation for reliability overall ?

Any help and advice will be appreciated.

[s-express]

depends if you're wanting an auto or not. i got a 3.0 auto because the auto on the lower engine models is proven to be unreliable. oh and the torque is addictive.

[robotplant]

depends if you're wanting an auto or not. i got a 3.0 auto because the auto on the lower engine models is proven to be unreliable. oh and the torque is addictive.

Don't fancy an auto.

[s-express]

i used to be an auto hater - i have a track car and a vx220 as a daily driver, so I enjoy driving, mainly spirited! BUT I would not have a 3.0 tdi any other way - the engine really suits an auto, a manual is a total waste of time in one. trust me.....

[Guest 2]

The wife didn't like the idea of an auto either when I was changing, but I went ahead anyway and bought the car.

First day she drove it, she took to the 'box like a duck to water! Now I can't get her out of it and she hasn't drove a manual car in 2 years.

Auto + 3.0tdi = excellent combination! :)

[jdp1962]

Don't fancy an auto.

Try a 3.0TDi Quattro with the auto box, and you will buy it; trust me on this. The engine and gearbox are just a perfect combination; they complement each other beautifully. If you really want to make manual changes, then that is what the Tiptronic mode is for.

But give your left foot a break. Stamping up and down on a clutch pedal thousands of times a day is the most pointless action in the driving world.

[Two_Stripes]

Got to agree with the auto comments

I used to HATE autos, but went for it with my 3L quattro. It's fantastic, paddles a waste of time though, even though I though I would use them all the time

Get 3 litre

[Road Rocket]

Try a 3.0TDi Quattro with the auto box, and you will buy it; trust me on this. The engine and gearbox are just a perfect combination; they complement each other beautifully. If you really want to make manual changes, then that is what the Tiptronic mode is for.

But give your left foot a break. Stamping up and down on a clutch pedal thousands of times a day is the most pointless action in the driving world.

Absolutely agree. I used to think manual was quickest until I got the 3.0TDI auto with its wonderfully smooth V6 engine and masses of torque which will see off any manual of similar guise. There's just no point in having manual for this car. While you're still messing about with gear changing, especially at traffic lights and roundabouts, the guys in this auto have gone!

[Mr-Rob]

What's the difference in fuel consumption though ??

Is the Auto REALLY worth it ???

I would also question the handling properties over the 4 cylinder.

[Road Rocket]

What's the difference in fuel consumption though ??

Is the Auto REALLY worth it ???

I would also question the handling properties over the 4 cylinder.

Manual 35mpg. Auto 33mpg.

Is the auto worth it? Depends on how you feel and whether you like exercising your left foot and arm and messing about with clutch and stick in traffic crawls. Personally after a lifetime of manuals I wouldn't even consider another one after my 3.0TDI Auto.

Can't really answer about the handling properties difference over the 4 cylinder as I haven't driven one - never had one overtake me either. However, My 3.0TDI (with its RS4 anti-roll-bar and V6 remapped ultra-smooth engine giving around 530Nm torque) will keep up and exceed most cars on any zig zag country lane. I just love the car and I'm sure other 3.0TDI owners will agree.

[jdp1962]

What's the difference in fuel consumption though ??

Is the Auto REALLY worth it ???

I would also question the handling properties over the 4 cylinder.

All A4s are nose-heavy and cumbersome, it's just a matter of degree. After all, no one buys an A4 because it handles well.

[jdp1962]

Manual 35mpg. Auto 33mpg.

Is the auto worth it? Depends on how you feel and whether you like exercising your left foot and arm and messing about with clutch and stick in traffic crawls. Personally after a lifetime of manuals I wouldn't even consider another one after my 3.0TDI Auto.

Can't really answer about the handling properties difference over the 4 cylinder as I haven't driven one - never had one overtake me either. However, My 3.0TDI (with its RS4 anti-roll-bar and V6 remapped ultra-smooth engine giving around 530Nm torque) will keep up and exceed most cars on any zig zag country lane. I just love the car and I'm sure other 3.0TDI owners will agree.

Yup, I love mine too. The performance is effortless, and relentless.

[Mr-Rob]

All A4s are nose-heavy and cumbersome, it's just a matter of degree. After all, no one buys an A4 because it handles well.

Really,

Well mine with the full S line package handles as well as my previous Impreza!

[Bobcat]

I get 40+ mpg on a run from my 2007 A4 3.0Tdi Auto Quattro! I get 26 mpg when towing nearly 1400 kgs of caravan. I agree with the positive comments, in auto form it really is an ideal car. It replaced a similar spec 2004 2.5 Tdi written off (by an amourous X5 - doggy fashion) that I loved, but this ones better, much better!. Consider a mild remap by Performance Torque.
:biglaugh:

[theskyfox]

Would just like to add two points.

-3.0tdi is awesome power, but not as economical as the 2.0. If you want the power and fun/torque..stick with 3.0. If your gonna be watching the fuel gauge a lot...2.0tdi. But for its size, the 3.0 is very economical.

-I'd disagree that manual is a waste of time. Its a personal preference. I just bought a new one, and didn't like the auto gearbox so got the manual. No regrets...6 speed gearbox is nice and solid.

-Andrew

[allanmb]

3.0TDI manual 0-100k in 6.8s
3.0TDI auto 0-100k in 7.5s

So, if it were me, I would be getting the manual regardless of how well the auto matches the engine. Thats effectively 10% reduction in acceleration (plus about 10% lower economy...)

http://carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=137258
http://carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=137346

[jdp1962]

3.0TDI manual 0-100k in 6.8s
3.0TDI auto 0-100k in 7.5s

So, if it were me, I would be getting the manual regardless of how well the auto matches the engine. Thats effectively 10% reduction in acceleration (plus about 10% lower economy...)

http://carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=137258
http://carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=137346

Road test standing start acceleration times are meaningless in real life driving conditions.

[allanmb]

Road test standing start acceleration times are meaningless in real life driving conditions.

I disagree, but one thing I do know is that an automatic is never as quick as a manual if you drive a manual properly. I used to own a big engine auto, so have experience with both...

[jdp1962]

I disagree, but one thing I do know is that an automatic is never as quick as a manual if you drive a manual properly. I used to own a big engine auto, so have experience with both...

I don't dispute that for a moment. The point I was making was about the relevance of road test results to every day driving conditions, and if you think about it, it supports your own point about driving a manual properly.

Don't forget that the manual's 6.8 sec time was the best time; the one moment when the tester got everything spot on, with just the right amount of revs, and a perfectly timed clutch release so that the car rocketed off the line without getting bogged down. I wonder how many times even an experienced tester got it wrong, and recorded something close to eight seconds. Chances are that when they tested the auto, they only needed to do one run to post that 7.5 sec time.

We obviously come to this debate with different views, and in that sense, we're both right, because like you said, it's about preference. For the record, I do still like changing manually in certain conditions, but I loathe and detest using a clutch pedal.

[Blackrat]

Love my 3.0l Tdi. Don't worry to much about cost!! Only note of caution would be, what miles do you do? Short trips kill the DPF, you have to keep the car warm!!
Go for it,

A4 3.0L Q S-line Avant...

[Mike2.0TQ]

I longed for a 3.0TDI but as we only so 8K per year and reading they don't like shorter journeys went for the 2.0TFSI (Quatrro - Manual). Love it so far, torque is good (we had an E90 320D) and I don't miss the intial pull too much.

Not sure what the performance difference is in real terms to a 3.0TDI but it is a quick car for an estate and the MPG is not too bad unless you drive with a lead foot all the time (then it is awful).

Mike.

[B7Vic]

if it's the performance factor you're after, go for 3.0tdi. I've got one in S-line trim and with manual gearbox. it looks stunning and handles pretty well. However the ride can get a bit bumpy on s**t roads. But it's the motorways and country roads where this car really comes to life. and it's OK in town too, but hard to get more than 25mpg. Altough you can get more than 35mpg once you get out of town, easily. I've heard the engine suppose to be bulletproof, as long as you mainain it properly. It's got cam chain instead of belt as far as I know. I've got to say tho, the clutch started to sound a bit dodgy some time ago. It sounds a bit like if two metal plates were grinding against each other in equal intervals. I don't know, maybe it's clutch plates... hopefully it's nothing serious, at least it doesn't seem like it at the moment. time will show...
go for 3.0tdi mate. you wont regret it!