Decided on B6 A4 Whats best one?

[paulstevo]

Posted previous about what a4 to buy..
Looks like my budget is going to get me (i hope a decent A4)
Tried to read up on A4s but still very confused on specs.
Im after a diesel..firtsly.
Car needs to be colour matched all round.(ive seem some a4s that arnt and dont really like look of them).
What kind of miles are acceptable.
And what do i need to look out for basics
Budget of 12K.
Heres a link of what to me is what im really looking for .
Again not knowing much about Audi dont know if its good bad or what..
Any help to push me in the right direction for the best a4 for me..
Dont wanna go for wrong one been savin for ages...

[mr.brown]

Hey Paul

Like you I spent ages reading up on A4s before I bought my first B6 last week. I was quite open to models and wasn't fussed about spec or engine size so looked at around 15 different cars - from 02 to 53 plates. My budget was slightly less (11k) and I was limited to traders as I couldn't shift my V70 privately.

Regarding specs, fully colour coded bodies seem to have come in for the 2004 model year on most of the models so there are some 53 reg cars with them on.

Whatever engine you choose I would advise taking both Sport and SE versions for a test drive as the suspension is very different - I find my SE (and the others I drove) a bit wallowy but the Sports were way to firm for what is going to double as a family car.

Also, bear in mind that virtually everything on an Audi is an option - mine doesn't have folding rear seats or even hooks for a luggage net in the boot. (Even the most basic Passat has these!).

Sometime in 04 the S-Line version came in (instead of the Sport??) - the main difference that I could see was the front and rear lower spoilers and the "sticky outy" lower door trims. Some badges and silver interior trim too.

I think the two main diesel engines are the 1.9 and the 2.5. I've had both (in a Passat and an A6 respectively) and would heartily recommend the 130 bhp 1.9 engine - if you do get a thirst for performance later on you can get it remapped or get a tuning box which will bump up the power and maintain mpg.

My 2.5V6 engine disintegrated so I'm not sure if I should recommend it (was nice and powerful though - while it lasted).

Check the service history carefully - especially on a car with variable servicing. You might be surprised to find a 50k car that has only had one oil change - and never had the pollen filter, brake fluid or coolant changed. Or even an aircon service. Ring up the dealer and ask for details of everything that's been done.

Lastly, make sure you drive both 2WD and Quattro models. If you're a "normal" driver (dons flame suit) I would say stick to 2WD. If, however, you enjoy "spirited" driving then you really can't beat 4WD

[paulstevo]

Thanks for taking time to explain all that..
The suspension may be an issue never thought of that(ie being harder on sports model ,tho should of realised that doh) as my missus will be in it 80 % of the time..
Had look today seen SE but was on FSI on 53 plate (48k on clock) dealer wanted 12k ish...was fully kitted in RED and looked nice..
Still searchin