Finding the correct model to buy

You are right about diesels 'loosening up' after a few thousand miles - but that means they go from good to very good!

It sounds to me as though you have a problem with the management system here - maybe the management of your service dept or the management of the engine - whatever, I am sure you can get this sorted satisfactorily.

Unlike Prolfe, who has given me loads of constructive advice, I have never owned a diesel so I'm only quoting what I've discovered over the last few months. I tested the 140 and the 170 this week - the 140 with DSG and the 170 manual with quattro. I am buying the 140 (second-hand) as a short term solution to my situation, then it will be passed to my son whilst I indulge in a 170 for myself - once I know that diesel is my future.

Anyway - good luck to djunderwood and to GezT.

no problem

love talking about cars, especially me own

Thanks all, your support really appreciated.

One long journey planned this weekend; if it doesn't 'loosen up' after that I'll take it back to the dealer (although I have precious little hope they will show any interest). All I want is the cracking car I test drove!!!

At the back of my mind I have a completely unfounded suspicion that this problem might arise from the transfer of build of Sportbacks to Belgium not that long ago (which was the cause of our delay in delivery - not the 'lack of radios' the dealer initially told us!). Hence my mentioning '2008 spec' since they moved forward to the 2008 spec with the plant move (although my dealer couldn't tell me any differences between 2007 and 2008 - let's hope it wasn't performance!) I'd presume the engines are still build in the same plant however.

Thanks again, Gez

I chose a Sport over the S-Line as the ride was too harsh on the S-line 18in rims.

I have the factory ipod connection... it not very impressive as it only plays your first 6 play lists (it displays them as CD1-6) and doesn't show track names & artists. Sound wise its good.

I have factory GSM/bluetooth phone kit, its much more impressive thank the ipod option. You can make calls using the voice activation and can hear, and be heard, whilst driving at motorway speeds (unlike my previous car).

Rear parking sensors are essential as the rear window visibility is poor for reversing.

I also selected auto wipers/lights (good), heated seats (not tested yet), arm rest (gets in way of handbrake but hides the phone kit), cruise control (excellent), tyre pressure monitor (filled a switch blank) and a black headlining (has no fuction but reminds me of my MK1 Golf GTI).

Hope this helps.

PS – I have a Quattro, better traction especially in the wet when you are shifting along but 2-3mpg worse than a 2WD.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by engineermk

I chose a Sport over the S-Line as the ride was too harsh on the S-line 18in rims.

I have the factory ipod connection... it not very impressive as it only plays your first 6 play lists (it displays them as CD1-6) and doesn't show track names & artists. Sound wise its good.

I have factory GSM/bluetooth phone kit, its much more impressive thank the ipod option. You can make calls using the voice activation and can hear, and be heard, whilst driving at motorway speeds (unlike my previous car).

Rear parking sensors are essential as the rear window visibility is poor for reversing.

I also selected auto wipers/lights (good), heated seats (not tested yet), arm rest (gets in way of handbrake but hides the phone kit), cruise control (excellent), tyre pressure monitor (filled a switch blank) and a black headlining (has no fuction but reminds me of my MK1 Golf GTI).

Hope this helps.

PS – I have a Quattro, better traction especially in the wet when you are shifting along but 2-3mpg worse than a 2WD.

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for a second I thought I was reading my own post, even though it had someone else's name on it.

I too chose the sport over the s-line for the same reason. I decided not to get Audi to fit the iPod connector as they wanted £175 and to do it yourself is about an hour and £100.

The rear parking i found fine, the rear screen is pretty much the back of the car so i have not had any probs there.

The Quattro I drove was like a rocket off the line and a blast around slippery roundabouts, but cost meant I did not choose it, if i had the cash , then i would of had it.