Audi a4's

random hero · Jan 4, 2007

Im looking at buying an audi a4 avant (97-99)as an everyday car but have had no experience with them. what i need to know is are there any problems that they are notorious for and what the engines are like as i have found 2 that im interested in one is a 1.8 se petrol and the other is a 1.9 se tdi diesel both simillar price but the petrol car is a bit newer so im a bit unsure which to go for fuel economy aside !!!

carlmthompson · Jan 4, 2007

I had a 1.8 saloon a while back. I sold it at with 126k on the clock which tells you something about the engines.

They don't rust, the interiors are hard wearing and the electrics are spot on. The only things to look for are:-

1) Knocking from the front end points at worn bushes in the very complicated multi link set up. Think £300 to fix plus a full alignment.
2)Tappety top ends on petrols (hydraulic lifters)

I don't know much about the Diesels other than they've got a good rep. Petrols and Diesels both use cambelts.

Other than that, my choice would be the Diesel depending on the miles you do. I averaged 32.5 MPG with the 1.8 petrol - half motorway, half knocking about. I understand the Diesels will get nearer 50 in the same conditions.

random hero · Jan 4, 2007

I do about 130 miles a week to and from work in traffic so the fuel; econemy goes out of the window.the owner of the diesel doesnt know when the cambelt was changed last so its going to have to be replaced ,the petrol has just had a service but has high miles. I am leaning towards the tdi as i think it will be easier to sell on when i want rid. Does anyone know if porsche wheels will fit on an A4 ??

Rotorhead · Jan 4, 2007

We had a '97 A4 Avant Tdi 110 (auto) from 97 to 02, as a daily run around. Sold it to a friend who still owns it.

IMO it was tough, well built, reliable, nice design touches, economical (35-45mpg), safe and comfortable.

As with most Audis it wasn't a great driver's car - bit dull with uninspiring steering and handling, and over-servoed brakes. But the Tdi engne was smooth and quiet with good torque and sufficient performance.

We had no problems and the current owner has just had the usual wear and tear items..

Fen · Jan 4, 2007

A mate of mine swears by the TDi versions and has done since the 80 range. I haven't driven any of his A4's, but I found the 80 had a weird driving position that tok some getting used to, but eventually my body moulded to it.

I honestly don't think you do enough miles to justify a diesel, though they will hold their value much better than petrol ones (as do the estates over the saloons). I'd be tempted by a 2.8 quattro personally if I did you mileage. Having said that I'd buy a BMW over an Audi all day long having finally tried one, possibly a 540i touring, but petrol BMs of that age need history to show the Nikasil problem has been repaired.

Andy97 · Jan 5, 2007

My '99 A4 Tdi is rock solid and will eat the miles. Its very reliable and there are no known issues that I am aware of and it will average 47 mpg on a run at a stready 85! Should do 250K miles without any problem, as long as its serviced regularly obviously!

It also tows OK.

I wish I had bought the Avant, though - more flexible and they hold their value slightly better.

Not much leg room in the back of any A4, though.

random hero · Jan 5, 2007

Most people seem to recomend the tdi so im going to look at it again tomorrow. fen i went to look at a nice 3 series touring tds but my fiance didnt like the way it drove and to be honest i did'nt want to let her near a rwd car anyway !!!!

sawood12 · Jan 5, 2007

They reckon it takes about 40k miles to get your money back through better fuel economy against an equivalent petrol engined model due to the premium you pay up on the cars sticker price, so if you are going to clock up more than 40k miles then the diesel should pay out for you.

burrow01 · Jan 5, 2007

I think diesels also have better residuals at the moment, so that is something else to add to the mix

My wife had an A4 saloon as a company car for a while, and I thought it was a good car for what it was - had a good low range punch, nice interior and averaged nearly 50 mpg.

It is a better car than the ostensibly similar VW Passat that she replaced it with - The turbo on the Audi seemed to kick in lower in the rev range, and felt much more effective than that of the VW (although the VW is an automatic estate, so maybe that is also blunting it)

my 2p

Pete

carlmthompson · Jan 6, 2007

ORIGINAL: sawood12

They reckon it takes about 40k miles to get your money back through better fuel economy against an equivalent petrol engined model due to the premium you pay up on the cars sticker price, so if you are going to clock up more than 40k miles then the diesel should pay out for you.

I think that's on new cars Scott - the premium you pay second hand is mostly recouped come selling time.

As an example, a 97R Audi A4 Avant TDi110 SE with 80k on is worth £2880. Two years later with 100k on, it's worth £550 less. The equivalant Petrol (1.8SE) is worth £2490 when bought, and worth £520 less in the same time. That means there's only a £30 extra loss on the Diesel, and it'll be easier to sell.

Based on the combined average consumptions, taking into account the 5p extra we get ripped off on Diesel, you would still have saved £850 in fuel, so you can see where it makes sense!

Fen · Jan 6, 2007

ORIGINAL: carlmthompson

As an example, a 97R Audi A4 Avant TDi110 SE with 80k on is worth £2880. Two years later with 100k on, it's worth £550 less.

I'd have to leave it parked and drive something else for the last 15 months of the 2 years to make that work for me [

].

I do agree with that logic, but if I only did 10k miles a year I'd just drive whatever I wanted to and hang the economy. As it is I actually really like my diesel, but then it's a low 30's mpg diesel rather than a high 50's mpg one. Having owned a SEAT with the PD130 engine and having had a Mundano hire car with the TDCI 135 engine recently I generally don't like modern 4 cylinder diesels as they are incredibly peaky with a power band slightly narrower than the edge of a razor blade.

random hero · Jan 6, 2007

If i can agree on a price im going to buy the tdi, as said the diesel is more economical but i dont do enough miles for it to make any effect but i think the tdi will be easier to sell in the future + its got an S4 boots spoiler on it !! .All in need to do now is find a buyer for the megane coupe now .