Need a new car tell me about Audi A4 3.0

Nick1881

Nick1881

Nick1881

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Joined
4 Feb 2007
Posts
9,899
Location
Nuneaton, UK
So my Saab has died again and I'm going to need another car.

I have been hunting for a replacement.

Ideally I want to spend £5-6k and I need the following.

Similar power and economy to the Saab with about the same spec.

0-60 around 6 seconds, 30mpg combined with potential for close to 40 on a run.

Already had a BMW and I won't be looking for another any time soon.

I was looking at the Audi A4 3.0 V6 Quattro, seems to fit my requirements but what are they like? They seem to be quite rare, the closest ones to me are 60+ miles away.

Example http://www.pioneerautomotive.co.uk/vehicle-details.asp?RSpage=7&ID=1362175

Or I might end up with another Saab but I really would like a change.
 
They do 0-60 in 6secs?!
From what people here say, buy the BMW over the Audi, not had one myself thoug so no idea just how bad they compare.
The a4s do look nice with sport kit on :)
 
According to Autotrader 6.9.

Thing is the E46 doesn't have all the luxuries I'm used to, no dual zone climate and even if I went for an E39, what engine? The 530i is likely to use oil and have VANOS seal issues.

If Audi are going to be worse I'll give them a miss.
 
DiamondMark said:
Get another Saab, you will get a belter for 6k.
Click to expand...

It's true that you get a lot for your money with Saab, there is one local for £5k on a 55 plate in pretty good condition, the only thing that lets them down is the engine sound, they aren't a very refined engine even for a 4 pot.

I just don't know.
Part of me thinks I should get something much more economical and save some money for a while, but then it won't have the comfort and gadgets I'm used to.

Another thing not helping me is my Dad has just got a 2005 Lexus GS430 and I want it so bad. :p
 
Nick1881 said:
It's true that you get a lot for your money with Saab, there is one local for £5k on a 55 plate in pretty good condition, the only thing that lets them down is the engine sound, they aren't a very refined engine even for a 4 pot.

I just don't know.
Part of me thinks I should get something much more economical and save some money for a while, but then it won't have the comfort and gadgets I'm used to.

Another thing not helping me is my Dad has just got a 2005 Lexus GS430 and I want it so bad. :p
Click to expand...

Have a look round for a V6 9-5 if you want a better noise :)

Or see what sort of Lexus 6k gets you if you like them :) Looks like an 03 ish GS for that money, lot of car again for the money.
 
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Driven several A4's of this era including the 3.0 V6.

They are nice cars but nice in the same way that tea and crumpets with the vicar is nice. Absolutely no want one factor at all. Interior is nicely screwed together but thats probably about it. Lifeless steering, nothing to put a smile on your face handling wise and the 3.0 V6 didn't even feel that quick. Neither is particularly economical - certainly not 40mpg on a run thats for sure.

The E46 is the better car and the specification between the two is virtually the same. The notable omission on the E46 is the dual zone climate control, but not having this certainly isn't worth moving to an Audi for!

What about a Lexus IS300? They are rare but they DO exist - sadly automatic only, but it might be an interesting choice if you want this sort of car and don't want a BMW. If you are prepared to take a step down in terms of build quality, the Subaru Legacy is fantastic value.
 
IS300 is ok, not overly keen on the styling but I have been in one and they have a nice feel. I was worried at Autotrader says tax band M but parkers says it's K. I'd rather avoid £400+ a year in tax, £245 is ok though. The GS is a bit worse on fuel as its pretty much the same engine with more weight to pull.

Found a couple of IS300's not too far away.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1872859.htm
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...postcode/cv107ly/page/2/radius/1500?logcode=p

There is another in Sheffield but that's quite far to go.
 
I was looking at the is300 recently, there's a tread somewhere with some info on them from clarkey and a few others somewhere on here.
Still tempted by one or a 200!
 
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Just to update this, I did get an IS300 as of last weekend. I looked at 3 and decided it was the best, my dad also fully checked it over.

Since last week I have done the following.

4 x brand new Goodyear Eagle F1 Assy (It had budget tyres all round which were noisy and crap :( )
White LED sidelights
PIAA silicone wiper blades
Full detail inside and out
Removed the useless Nokia hands free kit.

Ok so I'm still working on the detailing, I'll post pics after the polish and wax today.

Pretty happy with it so far, probably the most refined IL6 I have ever heard.
 
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