Choosing my first A4

[soulstyler]

I have had my Passat B5 a while and have decided to trade in and invest in a coveted A4 estate. Ive seen various different models on autotrader but am unsure what are the engines worth looking for (or avoiding) and worthwhile specs. I have between £4000 and £6000 to spend and could be pushed to more if worth it. Oh, idealy a TDI thats ot too thirsty and insurance insurance friendly. Any advice would be fantastic. G

[mikeybutch]

That should buy you a good one but you got to do some thinking about which will suit you.Best economy would be the 1.9 but think about a Quattro.The 2.5 is for those that like a V6 power and torque but it costs.There are 2.0 s in B7s and I am told theyare good

[spartacus 68]

If you're looking for a B6 (2001-2004) Audi A4 avant (130 PS) 1.9 quattro... then prepare to join the quest for the Holy Grail! They're probably one of the best Audis out there, but be warned... they're rare. I came across a 2004 example with 50k on the clock, mint, and it was still commanding a £9k price-tag!

There are plenty B6 2.5 TDIs (180 PS) out there are reasonable prices. Of course fuel consumption won't be as good, but it's all relative. If your journey is on A-class roads, or motorways and you can avoid urban nose-to-tail crawls, then it should still return 40mpg as long as you don't have a heavy right foot. Road tax will be more expensive, and the timing belt, water-pump and thermostat need to be done every 80k or 4 years. Allow £400 at least. 4-cylinder diesels are every 60k or 4 years.

Only other differences are weight. The V6 in 2.5 guise will add a few more kgs, which over time takes its toll on suspension, tyres, etc.

Don't know much about the B7 2.0 TDIs, other than it was the start of PD diesel injection technology. One to avoid was the 2005 model which was prone to oil pump failure. However I think these models will be out-with your current price range.

Not really much to avoid with these cars - they're bullet-proof. If you can get one with leather, integrated Sat-nav, cruise, then you're laughing. Some even had factory-fit sunroofs in addition to climate-control.

Main thing is history. Don't let your heart rule your head just because it's in Kingfisher Blue with RS4 alloys! I'd be looking for more receipts than your average Tory MP at the end of the tax-year, and ensure oil changes have been maintained rigorously and changed annually at 10-12k. Long-life servicing is best avoided.

Only other thing - is transmission. I don't know anything about auto-boxes, or multi-tronic. What I do know is that if it goes wrong, then we're talking thousands to fix. Stick to manual shift given your budget.

Good luck. http://serve.mysmiley.net/happy/happy0034.gif (http://www.blueislandsdiving.com)