Buying '06 A4 Avant 2.0 TDi

[PauloA4]

Hi folks,

I'm looking to buy a 2006 A4 Avant 2.0 TDi for my better half and plan to look at a few in NI this week (I'm based in Dublin myself). I have an '03 A4 1.8T myself so I'm familiar with the A4 but not with the diesel.

My question is is there anything specific I should look out for on the diesel? Do the same rules apply to the oil cap checks as for the petrol i.e. look out for sludge for a poorly maintained engine, or white goo for a head gasket etc.? Anything else to look out for on the diesel?

Also do all SE models of that year come with parking sensors fitted? Any I've seen online seem to have them as standard. Important as I'll be liable for more VRT (tax) when I import the car if they are not fitted as standard. Actually, on that question, is there a spec list for old models online anywhere so I can see what's standard spec?

Thanks,
Paul.

[dorosth]

from what i know, parking sensors are not standard but might have been added retrofit as its a good option to have on the avant. aso JUly 06 onwards models of 06 have bose surround sound as standard which is a plus (check www.honestjohn.co.uk (http://www.honestjohn.co.uk) for detials of these info)
othewise check the brochure of the B7 A4 i am sure i saw a thread that gave a ink to the .pdf version.

[dorosth]

also have in mind, a diesel is not as smooth a drive as your 18T,

[PauloA4]

Thanks for the replies dorosth. Will search for the B7 brochure.

[MeAudi]

I had the 1.8T (B6) and moved to the 2.0TFSi B7. I was surprised at how much better the B7 is than the B6 in terms of handling, ride (still hard but doesn't crash so much even though I've gone from 16" to 18"s) and refinement. Some of this would be down to the age and mileage on the 1.8T which was getting tired.

As for the diesel, I know that most people seem to be fans but I think the 2.0TDI is just too harsh and crude on that type of car. The 2.7 and 3.0 are so much better.

I therefore debated 1.8T and 2.0TFSi and went the later in the end. If strapped for cash then a 1.8T with a remap will be very similar to the 2.0T.

I have A4 brochures in pdf format for Dec 05, May 06 and Sept 06 so let me know if you want a copy of any of these.

[dorosth]

compeltely agree with MeAudi i currently have a 20TDI avant b7 and i am changing it to a 20TFSI avant B7 as i just dont enjoy the ride. the petrol is like its a different car altogether

[PauloA4]

Thanks MeAudi, a copy of the brochures would be great, can you send them via PM on this, or do you want me to PM my email address to you?

As regards the bigger engines, it's just not a runner here in Ireland I'm afraid. The road tax is already crippling as it stands on the 2.0 TDi (and my 1.8) - the 2.7 and 3.0 would just be out of the question. I pay €551 on the 1.8 and will pay €614 on the 2.0 TDi. Just check the rates for the bigger engines:
http://www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/MotorTax/MotorTaxRates/MotorTaxRatesBasedonEngineSize/

:aargh4:

The 2.0 TDi will be fine for our needs. I've driven a few 1.9s so I can imagine it will be better than those.

[MeAudi]

That's a lot and even worse for the 2.7 and 3.0. Will there be a 1.4TFSi for your market?

PM me your e-mail address when you can and do you want all three versions of the pdf?

[PauloA4]

Not sure on the 1.4T for the A4, but I've seen it in newer A3s here, and also in newer Passats. Been in the Golf GT here for a while.

[PauloA4]

Will PM you my address (now that I have 5 posts!!) :D

[windyj]

I Have a 2.0 TFSI Avant and it is superb!! The engine just pulls and pulls from about 1800 rpm then as you pass 4000 rpm it gets even stronger. Fuel economy is good I get about 35 mpg on a long run. I think it would be more enjoyable to drive compared to the diesel. I have an SE it rides and handles well. I've heard the S Line handles slightly better but rides harder.

[PauloA4]

Well I got one yesterday near Belfast, '06 2.0 TDi SE in metallic blue, 42k miles, FSH and mint. Delighted with it.

Picking it up on Saturday.

Now comes the bit I don't like..... shelling out nearly €5k in import tax. :zx11::aargh4::mad: Still, worth it for the saving compared to the ROI price of a similar car.

[MeAudi]

I think the SE will ride better than the S-Line I have but I like the better handling. I’ve got Mauritius blue and am very happy with the colour.

It’s interesting to hear of the differences in costs and the import tax you have to pay. We always think we are badly off in the UK but in reality, it's nothing like as expensive as you guys have.

Good luck for Saturday.

[PauloA4]

Is the Mauritius Blue like this one:
http://images.carzone.ie/images/crunchcars1360668AETV90250180_1.jpg

That car is same as mine, same colour and wheels.

As regards the taxes, yes car ownership in Ireland is not cheap. Along with the normal VAT we pay, every car - new or used - registered in Ireland is liable for VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) at between 16% and 36% based on the CO2 emissions. Annual motor tax on pre-2008 cars is based purely on engine cc, hence I couldn't bring in a large engined diesel like the 2.7 or 3.0. For post-2008 cars, the annual motor tax is based also on CO2, so the newer diesels do well for that.

Complicated and expensive tax system, but any similar '06 Avants I saw here in the Republic were retailing at around €19k upwards (and more again from Audi dealers). I reckon with exchange rate and VRT fully paid, I'll have this one in for a shade under €17k, so a couple of grand minimum saved. Also because of taxes, a lot of the new cars coming into Ireland are what we call "poverty spec" ;) - basic trim models. Most Irish Avants have manual windows in the back, no cruise etc.. Most are also 1.9TDi. My own 1.8T A4 was a new Irish car (not UK import) and has wind-up windows in the back etc.. Every extra, every higher trim level attracts more taxes.

I don't think you can even get a 1.6 litre in the likes of the Vectra or Avensis in the UK.... you can in Ireland. Literally to bring the prices down.

As regards handling, I think you are right - S-Line would be better (isn't it 2cm lower?) but for my better half who will be driving the new on mostly, the better ride will probably lead to less complaints!!!! I had an Astra coupé a few years ago and the ride was as hard as a rock (along with the seats) - she HATED it!!!