A4 Cabriolet

[TManz]

Hi all,

We are looking to reward a very hard working Mum with a 4 seater convertable. Lots of 'research' and discussion have narrowed it down to either a SAAB (low on list because of the GM quality) A4 (high on list because of the looks) and the BMW 3 series (my favourite as I have had a few 325s in my time and loved them).

The budget is about 10k with some in reserve to secure an exceptional car.

Since she has had a lease car for the past decade, there is no NCB so we have to keep the insurance group low and sadly (for me) that rules out the big engines. She does not like powerful cars anyway, so no great loss.

I'm not looking for ammo to fuel my obvious bias, but genuine advice on the merits of the 1.8t, 2.0t and 2.4L powered A4 facelift models.

Your views on reliability, cost of maintenance and parts as well as open overall opinion compared to the other 2 manufacturers would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

Tony

[TManz]

Some more questions:

How many miles before the big service bills are due?, i.e. cambelt and clutch?

How much to retro-fit heated seats? (this is an important feature as she suffers badly from back pain and she married me for the heated seats in my Volvo?

Where is a good place to look for a quality A4 Cabriolet?

Cheers

[mini-mad-matt]

Hi. Can't answer all your questions unfortunately, but what I would say is this.
When my mum wanted a 4 seater cab, she initially went for a Saab 9-3. She had it about six week, hated it, and went and got a 2.4 A4 cab. She had it for 4 years, then swapped it for a 1.8T A4 Cab. She loves it. She's already decided that next time she changes it (in a few years) she wants an A5 cab.
With regard to engines, the 1.8T is every bit as pokey as the 2.4, but much better on the old motion lotion, averaging about 33mpg.
Cannot comment on the BMW option unfortunately as I know nothing about them.
I'm surprised that your good lady can't get any NCB from having a lease car. I had a lease car for two years once, and their insurance company sent me the NCB letter on request.

Hope that helps a little,

MMM