Baby mobile needed budget 16k

tweedbean

tweedbean

tweedbean

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Joined
12 Apr 2010
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364
Location
Balsall Common
Hi all, im looking at buying a 2.0t FSI 2008-2010 B8 Audi A4 at the moment.

I currently drive a 2009 MINI John Cooper Works with all the gadgets such as sat nav, parking sensors etc however my partner is pregnant with our first child which for most would mean goodbye to a MINI. I was planning to keep mine as Emma was going to have the sensible family car, however due to health issues Emma cant drive for another year so the MINI is going. Not a big shock for me as im starting to think of a car as just a car now, I will have a family to think about and cant wait :)

I decided on an Audi A4, as they are big, safe, plenty of room in the cabin and boot, 5 doors, decent selection of engines. Looking for an 2009 or new model as I dont want to go older that what I have now. Definately an S Line as I like the seats and xenons. Im even considering an Avant as they look good for an estate.

Has anyone owned/driven one? Wondered what they are like to live with?

Happy if people want to recommend other cars, however im not looking for a power monster, I dont want anything older than 2008, even that is at a push, big boot, minimum 4 doors, looking for luxuries such as sport seats, sat nav, ipod connection, full leather. No boy racer cars, I want to get away from modified cars so not bothered about modding potential, so that rules out Subaru's etc. Power isnt high on the list of priorities, but a 0-60 time above 10 secs is bad. I had a look at the 3 series but found them really boring inside compared to the A4.

I am a bit of a badge snob after driving a MINI, so not really keen on the Focus/Mondeo/Octavia etc

Budget 16k maximum, im 27 so insurance shouldnt be too much of a problem. My daily commute is a 10 minute drive at most so diesel is out of the questions as im guessing I will kill the engine with such a short drive. I want a car thats comfy, safe, has gadgets and has enough room for the baby and all the stuff it needs.
 
Not very exciting to drive and dull steering feedback but to be honest other than this it's a decent car - if these typically Audi traits don't bother you then the A4 offers a lot of decent looking, premium car for your £16k and the 2.0TFSI is a great alternative to the tedius thrum of a 2 litre diesel.
 
Thats it I love the look of the A4, but I havent test driven one yet, so far the feedback on other forums is great car but dull to drive. I really need to book a test drive this week in one to get a proper idea.
 
You should be able to get a Mercedes W204 Sport Estate for that amount. Suspension is a little more forgiving that the s-line Audi which might be a benefit with the little one. Leather seats and Sat Nav were an option but if you get 'Audio 50' you should get the iPod connector as well.
 
Minor point but are you looking at an Avant? The A4 is a 4 door saloon otherwise (I could be being thick here, it's not exactly an unusual occurence).
 
I know your a badge snob but check the Octavia and Superb estate storage sizes compared to the Audi equivalent. The Octavia estate is huge inside, plenty of space is win for children, you don't want to spend hours workIng out how to make stuff fit in.

Octavia vrs 2.0 fsi in nearly new guise with good kit is available for your budget.
 
Conanius said:
I know your a badge snob but check the Octavia and Superb estate storage sizes compared to the Audi equivalent. The Octavia estate is huge inside, plenty of space is win for children, you don't want to spend hours workIng out how to make stuff fit in.

Octavia vrs 2.0 fsi in nearly new guise with good kit is available for your budget.
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This.
 
A4 vote from me. I've only driven the two models prior to the one your looking at but both of them have been great drives for me. I want an A5 but budget and the fact I prefer the coupe version with two kids under 2 years old is a big no no :(
 
just out of interest was it an idrive fitted E90 you tested? If so, then ignore me: If not, test one with idrive as it transforms the interior IMO
 
Conanius said:
I know your a badge snob but check the Octavia and Superb estate storage sizes compared to the Audi equivalent. The Octavia estate is huge inside, plenty of space is win for children, you don't want to spend hours workIng out how to make stuff fit in.

Octavia vrs 2.0 fsi in nearly new guise with good kit is available for your budget.
Click to expand...

This - my folks have an 07 plate A4 Avant - the boot space really isn't that great, neither is the back doors/seat. I compared it with my Mondeo (doing an airport run with 2 child seats), and my Mondeo had much more space. A larger payload area as well.

I can always provide pictures/comparisons if its any help :)
 
I still dont understand why a baby = having to cut your balls off and chop in whatever car you are driving for some gay trundle mobile or estate, or even worse, people carrier.

I used to manage 3 adults, a baby, a full silver cross pram and **** that went with it in an astra belmont FFS.

Isnt the mini bigger than the original Golf?

Just cram it all in.
 
I'd definitey get the avant over the saloon. I have an E90 saloon and, whilst all the baby stuff fits in the boot, the extra space would be useful. Also I think the avant looks just as good as the saloon so why not?
 
blun said:
I'd definitey get the avant over the saloon. I have an E90 saloon and, whilst all the baby stuff fits in the boot, the extra space would be useful. Also I think the avant looks just as good as the saloon so why not?
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Heavier (Slower and more thirsty), less refined, more noisy, more prone to rattles.

Most people wouldnt care but you did ask 'why not' :)
 
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