Tell me about A4s please - A4 Cab or TT Cab??

[LisaDJ]

Hi, have posted in the newbie forum but I will post in here too.
I'm a prospective Audi owner, currently driving 98 Ford Puma, looking to get either a TT Roadster or A4 Cabriolet - hopefully 03 or newer.

Honest opinions and information about either car would be very much appreciated. Thanks! :D

[RickT]

I would go for an A4 to be honest rather than the TT...

Best way is to look at your budget and which engine you want..

You will get more car with an A4, but the TT can be more fun to drive..

The 03 TT had "ironed" out most of the issues later on in its life and there are some deals to be had..

Rick

[LisaDJ]

Budget is £13K at a push, really hoping to get one for about £10K but that might be asking too much.

Engine - not sure. Puma has 1.7 Zetec engine (16v). I do love the Puma but its too old for me now, it handles brilliantly and is fast enough for me. I am veering towards the A4 more, especially as my husband says I can't have a TT cos the roadster only has 2 seats and I definitely want a soft-top! :D

Are there any flaws/faults I should be aware of? :confused: There are quite a few common ones with the Puma but they are only really little niggly things.

[RickT]

Both Cars dint have many issues really... (TT had issues in its early days with the clusters, (Speedo, rev counter, etc)

The A4 has been around a while and they are very reliable with no major issues..

Things to think about is that the cam belt and water pump is due at around 60k miles... this will cost around £500 from an Audi garage.. cheaper else were of course.

A good engine in the A4 cab is the 1.8T.. or you could even go down the diesel route..

TT - The 1.8T 180bhp is ok... the 225bhp is better...

I personally think the TT is becoming to show its age a little now with the new TT which is out.. (thee TT came out in 1998-1999 where the A4 still looks modern...


Rick

[LisaDJ]

Thanks for that Rick, very useful information :D My Dad runs a small garage so he comes in useful :biglaugh:

I think I would be looking at the petrol version, do you know what the fuel consumption is like?

This one (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/advert+search/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-25-57-62-144-170/advert.action?R=200809304598206&distance=22&postcode=WV1+2JR&channel=CARS&make=&model=&min_pr=5000&max_pr=13000&max_mileage=) is quite close to me but its done the same number of miles as my 10 year old Puma...

[RickT]

Thanks for that Rick, very useful information :D My Dad runs a small garage so he comes in useful :biglaugh:

I think I would be looking at the petrol version, do you know what the fuel consumption is like?

This one (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/advert+search/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-25-57-62-144-170/advert.action?R=200809304598206&distance=22&postcode=WV1+2JR&channel=CARS&make=&model=&min_pr=5000&max_pr=13000&max_mileage=) is quite close to me but its done the same number of miles as my 10 year old Puma...


Hi..

In the 1.8T you will be getting around 28-32MPG i would say..

See here for more info..

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=24397


72K is not a massive amount of miles on the Audi engines, If your farther is in the car trade sound like you have someone to go and inspect before purchase which is always good..

The car on the link looks OK for the money... I always do a quick search on the trader for national to get an average for the price of the car to ensure its a fair price...

(im looking for a new car my self!)

Rick

[The Hedge]

An A4 cabriolet is so much more sophisticated than a TT and hopefully should hold its price better since they are less common.

Just my opinion as an old guy who still turns his head at a decent motor...........

[zeratul]

Hi Lisa. I was going to go for the TT but eventually went for the A4 1.8T Sport Cab and don't regret it one bit.

I drive reasonably hard and am averaging 31mph (since I've had it 2 months) - the same average is reading from the total milage of the car too! But if you go fo the TT don't get the 180 (one exhaust) get the 225bhp (twin exhaust).

The car on the link is nice and black always looks good. Although I don't think those are Original Audi wheels! I would hold out for one with a bit more toys... the multifunction steering wheel is a nice option but heated seats, Symphony stereo (6cd), Cruise control are something that you may find you desire once your own :)

z

[RickT]

The wheels on the link above dont look like OEM wheels... well they are not the RS4 ones anyway..

Keep looking and view a view before buying...

May be worth a trip to the Audi garage and view the used cars to get an idea of what "toys" you can get on them..

ps... I have added to the title to gain more intrest.. "A4 Cab or TT Cab?? "

Rick

[zeratul]

With regards to the flaws of the A4 cabs... I wouldn't get a Auto as its been said, it not the case if the Multitronic gearbox goes wrong, its a case of when it goes wrong! If its been serviced by Audi religiously then it should be fine but the pricey thought of it going wrong would continuously be hanging over my mind! Have a search for multitronic gearbox on here.

If you not obsessed about speed then the 1.8 engine will be more than fast enough (lots quicker than the Puma anyway) but the 3.0 is much smoother and quicker, tho I believe it to handle a bit heavier.

There seemed to be a lot more 2.4's to choose from than the 1.8 or 3.0 when I was looking- but in my opinion, theres no real reason to go for the 2.4 as its slower off the mark, more insurance, less economical but is still a smoother V6 drive.

If I was looking all over again (with the knowledge I have now from the forums!) I would try to get an S Line 1.8T with the extra bhp at 190 not 163 as standard.

All the best.

[paul b]

With regards to those wheels... I think they are genuine... though I've never seen them on an A4. I've seen those wheels before on an Allroad and an A6 down the road from me.

Paul

[LisaDJ]

Rick > thanks for your replies, I didn't think the mileage was too bad :) Thanks for changing the title too B)

The Hedge > I think the more sensible option will be an A4, for carrying passengers etc. :)

zeratul > thanks for the input, I think I may have to wait until September anyway as that is when my payrise is due. It will give me more time to save more for my deposit too. I would be looking at a manual - have never driven one before and imho it would take the fun out of it a bit.

I'm not too bothered about speed. I would worry about insuring the car if I went for a massive engine, as well as fuel economy. Again, wheels don't bother me that much as long as they work and look ok! Colour is more important to me (I'm such a girl!)

My friend thinks that I'd be making a mistake going for the soft top version, does anyone agree? He says its not as safe, worse handling, less secure... I think they look nicer.

I can't decide between the 2 cars, I think I might have to test drive them both :confused: :D

[RickT]

My friend thinks that I'd be making a mistake going for the soft top version, does anyone agree? He says its not as safe, worse handling, less secure... I think they look nicer.

I can't decide between the 2 cars, I think I might have to test drive them both :confused: :D


Hi,

First of all...

Your friend states the soft top is not as safe...

Are you referring to the A4 or TT...??

Both cars are pretty safe hard top or soft top..

Audi A4 - Cab Crash Test.. 30mph or 40mph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjDKzHYri20

A4 Saloon..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIRDUVXLJBs

As you can see from the damage... very much the same..

The cabin on both cars is not affected..



Worse handling, - A4 ?
There is not much in it on a track, the saloon will be a little sharper..

But from the type of driving you will be doing its not going to make any difference..

Less secure - A4 ?

They are the same...

The common thief does not bother trying to get into a soft top via the roof...

A smashed window is the more preferred route i would guess!

In regards to the security on the car... they are the same... either one is as good..

Cheers

Rick

[zeratul]

zeratul > thanks for the input, I think I may have to wait until September anyway as that is when my payrise is due. It will give me more time to save more for my deposit too. I would be looking at a manual - have never driven one before and imho it would take the fun out of it a bit.

I'm not too bothered about speed. I would worry about insuring the car if I went for a massive engine, as well as fuel economy. Again, wheels don't bother me that much as long as they work and look ok! Colour is more important to me (I'm such a girl!)

My friend thinks that I'd be making a mistake going for the soft top version, does anyone agree? He says its not as safe, worse handling, less secure... I think they look nicer.

I can't decide between the 2 cars, I think I might have to test drive them both :confused: :D
September :) Thats a good thing... it will give you a chance to keep an eye on the prices and specs that are around. It took me 6 months to find the exact spec in the car that I wanted, at the right price anyway.

The A4 Cab has to be reinforced structurally to accommodate the roof part being removed - so I would say that it would be more solid in a colision compaired to a saloon. 3 weeks ago I was just unfortunate to have a peugeot 106 run into the back of me whilst I was waiting in traffic... the 106 was written off by his insurance, as the front was damaged so much - the rear bumper just had some grazes on it and a bit of trim popped out, with a slight dent in the spare housing underneath.

Some cabriolets are prone to steering column shake and rattles but the A4 has proven to be one of the better build quality compaired to general family cabriolets or even BMWs or a Merc.

[dansansome]

i would take time to find out about the options available and the trim levels of the cabs. im in the market for one and have realised that there really are loads of models out there that are so different due to the myriad of options.

finding the correct model in the correct colour combinations with the right toys has proved a very time consuming hobby. (and my GF is fed up with me showing her pictures of a4 cabs lol)

..oh, another point, i dont believe that a4 cab you linked is actually a sport model. i think its a base model. the seats are not the sport versions, and my understanding it that the 4 spoke steering wheel only comes on the base model. the sport and s-line have the 3 spoke.

however, it could have been special order i guess....

[audipersempre]

Had both, bought for my other half. 2001 TT180 Roadster first followed by a 2002 A4 3Ltr Cabriolet.

Like chalk and cheese as you would expect. TT great fun round the corners, 180 engine is plenty fast enough. Faults - instrument pod has been mentioned. Haldex four wheel drive system isn't too robust.

A4 much more relaxed. This is the one we still have now. Bought mainly because two seats is inconvenient despite having two cars in the family. Best looking four seater cabriolet in my opinion and have had no problems at all with it. A lot heavier though and not really made for blasting along the A roads

Maybe you should have both :D get one of them for 2 or 3 years then try the other.

[k9max]

As regards the mileage - should you go for the a4 cab - 72k is nothing! When I bought my 1.8T A it had 130k on it, but I was happy with the paperwork, the car drives like new and remember...it's an Audi ;)

[LisaDJ]

Hi,

First of all...

Your friend states the soft top is not as safe...

Are you referring to the A4 or TT...??





I think he is referring to soft tops in general. He used to have an S4 and he loved it (and misses it) but I think his top-down experience is based on a 206cc - and I know Pugs are pretty ****. My cousin had all sorts of problems with hers. I thought they were pretty at first but I had a 306 for 4 years and had quite a few problems.

Thanks for the evidence though, good to know :)

[LisaDJ]

Thanks to everyone else for the replies :D Its all useful info & I appreciate the input.

[LisaDJ]

Oh and I really want one now! How am I supposed to wait until September? :aargh4:

Do you think going for a test drive will calm me down or make me more excited? :confused::p

[turbocharged]

Oh and I really want one now! How am I supposed to wait until September? :aargh4:

Do you think going for a test drive will calm me down or make me more excited? :confused::p


Hi,

I think it'll make you want to own one even more!!

I recently bought the A4 1.8t cab... it's smooth to drive, and classy!;)

[LisaDJ]

Grrrr...

There's a 2005 model on Auto trader for £6K! It's 200 miles away but I think there's got to be something wrong with it!

*be patient Lisa*

[dansansome]

scam scam scam scam scam

beware of these!!!!!

please have a read of this thread:

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=29317&highlight=autotrader+scam



driving one didnt calm me down at all, it just made me realise what im missing out on.

[turbocharged]

scam scam scam scam scam

beware of these!!!!!

please have a read of this thread:

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=29317&highlight=autotrader+scam



driving one didnt calm me down at all, it just made me realise what im missing out on.


Too right! You'll never find one for that price unless it's been totalled! Beware as dansansome has said!

[jonbaker]

I had a puma before my Audi A4 same engine as yours, it was 2001 1.7 thunder. Very nippy car eh? You will find that the a4 1.8t quattro sports which i've got wont be as quick off the mark as the puma (so it seems imo, could be wrong) but once into late 2nd & 3rd alot faster. Fuel consumption is pants compared to the Puma so bare that in mind. I get about 28 mpg (no motorway).

Best of luck. Oh and i would agree with the others about finding one with the right toys/trim. Before i bought mine i test drove a standard 2.0, it was pants. Then i saw mine and fell in love with it, i didn't realise just how well spec'd it was, cruise control, arm rest, full leather, chrome window trim (although look out for trim that has permenant water type staining) symphony system, reclining rear seats, rear electric windows, DIS, 6 cd changer (12 in total) i could go on!:approve:

[LisaDJ]

scam scam scam scam scam

beware of these!!!!!

please have a read of this thread:

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=29317&highlight=autotrader+scam



driving one didnt calm me down at all, it just made me realise what im missing out on.


Wow thanks for that! I knew there had to be something wrong with it but I'll look out for those kind of things now! I think I will definitely go to a dealer rather than buying one from a private seller.

[LisaDJ]

:p
I had a puma before my Audi A4 same engine as yours, it was 2001 1.7 thunder. Very nippy car eh? You will find that the a4 1.8t quattro sports which i've got wont be as quick off the mark as the puma (so it seems imo, could be wrong) but once into late 2nd & 3rd alot faster. Fuel consumption is pants compared to the Puma so bare that in mind. I get about 28 mpg (no motorway).

Best of luck. Oh and i would agree with the others about finding one with the right toys/trim. Before i bought mine i test drove a standard 2.0, it was pants. Then i saw mine and fell in love with it, i didn't realise just how well spec'd it was, cruise control, arm rest, full leather, chrome window trim (although look out for trim that has permenant water type staining) symphony system, reclining rear seats, rear electric windows, DIS, 6 cd changer (12 in total) i could go on!:approve:


So even though its not as nippy, or good with fuel as the Puma - would you recommend it? I'm quite active on Pumapeople and some people I know on there are trying to put me off selling, but my car is a 98 model so its getting too old for me now. I've had it 3 years so I think we might have to go our separate ways soon, I get bored. :p

I'm wondering if I'm too much of a cheapskate - petrol is too f---ing expensive as it is! :mad:

Also I'm hoping my budget won't limit me much, otherwise it might be better for me to wait until NEXT summer when I could afford a bit more. :confused:

[k9max]

:p




Also I'm hoping my budget won't limit me much, otherwise it might be better for me to wait until NEXT summer when I could afford a bit more. :confused:

Nah, go for it now, you know you want to......:D

[jonbaker]

:p


So even though its not as nippy, or good with fuel as the Puma - would you recommend it? I'm quite active on Pumapeople and some people I know on there are trying to put me off selling, but my car is a 98 model so its getting too old for me now. I've had it 3 years so I think we might have to go our separate ways soon, I get bored. :p

I'm wondering if I'm too much of a cheapskate - petrol is too f---ing expensive as it is! :mad:

Also I'm hoping my budget won't limit me much, otherwise it might be better for me to wait until NEXT summer when I could afford a bit more. :confused:

Ha, pumapeople, i used to post on there, great site, but lets be honest, the puma (as great as it is) has had its day.

Yes i would recommend the Audi, i will never own a different brand again, i love 'em. Got to have the toys imo though, full leather etc but thats just me. Petrol is a pain i must admit, but worth it ;). Bare in my mind repairs are expensive too, the puma's (one was stolen) i owned were always so reliable, not 1 thing went wrong. My mate has had a v reg puma since new and he says the same thing. I've spent alot putting a few things right on mine but mainly just wear and tear stuff like clutch and tyres and the odd sensor.

There comes atime when you have to move on, yours is now :biglaugh: btw, my mrs loves it too (she does moan about running costs,, though) and i'm sure she would have preffered a cab' but not for me, not in this country!

Dont forget tax will be sharp too with the new bandings, check out the parkers site for any car you are interested in to see how much tax will be for the coming years. I escape the new tax bandings by a few months so mine still goes on engine size and not emmisions (spelling?!)

[LisaDJ]

ahhh knickers, forgot about tax as well! Will have to factor that in as well as insurance :) Would that be much different?

My Dad runs a small garage so I'm lucky that he does my MOTs, repairs & services for me. I've just had the clutch on my Puma done and only paid for parts. My brother spent all day fitting it and I was going to pay him labour, but my Dad said he's getting paid for working on other cars not just fannying about all day with mine. :p

I will do a bit more research I think...

[jonbaker]

ahhh knickers, forgot about tax as well! Will have to factor that in as well as insurance :) Would that be much different?

My Dad runs a small garage so I'm lucky that he does my MOTs, repairs & services for me. I've just had the clutch on my Puma done and only paid for parts. My brother spent all day fitting it and I was going to pay him labour, but my Dad said he's getting paid for working on other cars not just fannying about all day with mine. :p

I will do a bit more research I think...

Insurance wasn't much more for me. I found 'more than' was cheapest for me. there is also chris knott insurance who do a deal through this site i think, worth checking out. Your dad owns a garage, i wouldn't worry then, what a touch.:approve:

[LisaDJ]

Cool thanks :)

[dansansome]

on the subject of tax, the a4 cabs will be charged as follows: (can you tell i've researched this lol)

(hopefully you can follow this, the spacing i used when making the post has disappeared when it gets posted)

engine . current . march '09 . march '10

1.8t . 210 . 300 . 310

2.5tdi . 210 . 260 . 270


1.8tQ . 210 . 415 . 430
2.4
3.0
3.0q

[jonbaker]

on the subject of tax, the a4 cabs will be charged as follows: (can you tell i've researched this lol)

(hopefully you can follow this, the spacing i used when making the post has disappeared when it gets posted)

engine . current . march '09 . march '10

1.8t . 210 . 300 . 310

2.5tdi . 210 . 260 . 270


1.8tQ . 210 . 415 . 430
2.4
3.0
3.0q

OMG!, £215 increase fro the 1.8t quattro! I'm so glad i escaped this, i think i'm right in saying that for cars built before march 2001 they still go on engine size as opposed to the new emissions. Mine is Jan 2001 :approve:

Does the quattro really knock at that much more emissions then?

[dansansome]

the 1.8t is 208 g/km and the 1.8 tq is 228 (according to parkers)

the tax brackets make the divide at 226, so it only just creeps in.

edit: just seen the 3.0Q is actually 210.440.455 :eek:

please bear in mind these are for the cabriolet. i think the saloons work out cheaper.

[jonbaker]

the 1.8t is 208 g/km and the 1.8 tq is 228 (according to parkers)

the tax brackets make the divide at 226, so it only just creeps in.

edit: just seen the 3.0Q is actually 210.440.455 :eek:

please bear in mind these are for the cabriolet. i think the saloons work out cheaper.

Why would it being a cab' effect the tax? If it's all done on emissions what has the roof got to do with it?

[dansansome]

i can only guess its because it weighs more. not quite sure how they test this when the car is stationary though???

the 1.8T sport saloon (163 - same engine as the cab) only goes up to £270 as it is quoted as 199g/km

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/road-tax/?deriv=20564

the 3.0Q saloon goes right up tho

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/road-tax/?deriv=20573


bonkers.

[LisaDJ]

Ok so I want a smaller engine or a diesel...

Do they not make hybrids or LPG versions? :confused:

[bez101]

i dont get the moaning about the tax you want to drive the car u have then pay the tax i drive a 30q and a 18t sport quatt avant but im not moaning about the tax

[ryanant]

Hi Lisa i would definitely go for the 225bhp TT Roadster. the cab is excellent and the car sticks to the road like glue and is still a head turner especially in Misano red with RS4 alloys;)

you will achieve approx 30mls to the gallon in the city.

you will not enjoy going from a nippy Puma to a large sluggish A4:(

[LisaDJ]

i dont get the moaning about the tax you want to drive the car u have then pay the tax i drive a 30q and a 18t sport quatt avant but im not moaning about the tax


I'm not actually *moaning* about the tax. This is why I was saying maybe wait another 12 months.

By my calculations I can afford the loan repayments, but I need to factor other things in like tax & insurance before I can say for definite. This is me being sensible for once.

Ryanant > I think I prefer to the TT but I couldn't have one because I need more seats. I will have to calm down my girlracer ways. :p

[bez101]

lisa i didnt mean you with the tax i ment the ones goin on about it

[bez101]

to be honest if u want a TT go for it all audis have there own probs non more that the other so i say if u want TT get 1 just try to get 1 with fsh

[LisaDJ]

D'oh - ok then :)

[LisaDJ]

to be honest if u want a TT go for it all audis have there own probs non more that the other so i say if u want TT get 1 just try to get 1 with fsh

yeah but its not got enough seats. I think I'm convincing myself to get an A4, they are still lovely looking cars :) I guess only a test drive will help me decide. :)

I'm not going to go for one yet though..

[bez101]

pity your not around sheff i have a few audis could have let ya have a drive in a couple i have avant 18t q and a4 30q my other half has a dsg TT

[LisaDJ]

So you like Audis then? :p

[bez101]

yeah love em thats all i have they look good and drive wicked

[paul b]

I can testify for everyday use diesels are just as good (if not better than petrol). I used to be against oil burners 25 years ago but now I simply am not.

A re-mapped 2.0 TDI would be better than a stock 2.5 TDI. Just my pennies worth.

Paul

[jonbaker]

i dont get the moaning about the tax you want to drive the car u have then pay the tax i drive a 30q and a 18t sport quatt avant but im not moaning about the tax

If they put the tax up to a grand i'd still pay it, i'm not letting the government force me out of what i want to drive because of tax cost but at the same time, how can you not moan about the insane tax increases? you expect things to go up but those new tax bandings are taking the michael:mad:

[dansansome]

...and we werent moaning. we were helping out someone who asked for advice. making sure they were aware of what they are likely to face.

[LisaDJ]

If they put the tax up to a grand i'd still pay it, i'm not letting the government force me out of what i want to drive because of tax cost but at the same time, how can you not moan about the insane tax increases? you expect things to go up but those new tax bandings are taking the michael:mad:

I agree, you're not moaning about the car anyway, you're moaning about the government.

Its not fair to have the tax cost so much because some people might have a big engined car but only use it a bit, but they still have to pay the same amount as someone who has a smaller car but uses it loads so might cause more pollution.

[tristanod]

Hi Lisa,

I was having similar thoughts to you a while back, A4 cab or TT hardtop?

I knew I wanted a 4 seater and it's only when I took a TT for a test drive that I realised what a con the back seats are! They're for kids or midgets only!

The other option was a Mazda RX8, but I took one for a drive and didn't like it either.

I ended up buying an A4 Cab last week from an independent dealer in Redditch. A metallic black 1.8T Sport with 73k miles, gorgeous RS4 wheels, all for just under £12k.

I've had a huge grin across my face for the last week now! It drives beautifully, looks damn cool and is so comfortable inside. With the top up it feels just like a nice hard top. With the top down it's lots of fun.

The only downside I've found so far is the sun burnt head from taking it out all day yesterday!

I highly recommend one!

[LisaDJ]

Fantastic, I think I've decided on the A4 anyway. That's what I wanted to hear, thanks for your reply :D

[tristanod]

Actually I just tried following the link to the autotrader car you saw and it's a dead link. I see you're based in the West Midlands. I wonder if the car I bought is the one you saw?

Was it from a place called Grant Specialist Cars?

[LisaDJ]

Could've been, it sounds familiar :D