How much to pay? Audi A4 1.8T

Gixer

Gixer

Gixer

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Joined
28 May 2004
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Southampton
I've been toying with a new car on and off for several years. I very nearly purchased a Skyline R34 GTT but on viewing it didn't think it was worth what the seller was asking for. I now realise as much as I would have loved all that power it would have probably crippled me in running costs.

My current Peugeot 306 gti-6 has seen better days. It's French and old and I've grown out of it, just turned 35. It has been a fun car, I've spent far too much on it modding it. Eibach springs, Bilstein B6 shocks(I think, shortened ones), Kent PT41 cams, light weight flywheel, Blueflame exhaust and decat, remap.....etc. In short it is a rather loud and now rattly / falling apart, nippy hot hatch. I'd like a bit more refinement but to still have a car with a half decent acceleration.

A good friend of mine is thinking of selling is Audi A4 B6 S-line 1.8T (190) non quattro. It is a really nice car, I've always liked the look of it and it has been well looked after. I obviously would like to get the best price possible for the car but am wondering whether I'm right in thinking around the 4.5k - 4.8k mark? Here is the info I have on the car:

Audi A4 B6 (2004) S-line 1.8t (190) non Quattro
60k miles
Camblet, water pump, idlers & tensioner very recently done
Tyres are apparently all in good shape and have decent amount of tread left
3 previous owners
Unsure on extras but doesnt have Bose speakers
Unsure on Tax and MOT left but I'd use these as bargaining points so base it on having a fair bit left
Car is completely standard

I know the car will not be as quick as my peugeot standard but I will more than likely get a remap to up power to around the 220hp mark eventually. That will be enough for me, more after the mid range power / torque increase for in gear acceleration. I'm aware it's an Audi and the drive will not be as involving as my Peugeot but that is also not a big concern as I don't hammer around destroying tyres like there is no tomorrow anymore.

Do you think the price in my head is a little low for this particular car?

I have also been looking at the likes of Mazda 6 MPS but the potential VVT tensioner issues concern me a little.
 
Doesn't sound unreasonable in my (no clue) opinion :p

In Golf form you could pick up that engine in early MkV form for probably a grand or two less. You don't pay that much for a badge and a (slightly) larger car.
 
As someone that went from a tired but stock GTI-6 into a Leon Cupra 180 you will HATE that car with a passion. it'll feel soft and remote and uninvolving. My car does and it's supposed to be the sporty model. It's improved since I got new front tyres (Good Year Eagle F1 Assymetric) but still doesn't inspire confidence or feel as involving as my old GTI-6.
 
I know MissChief. The Audi has electronic power steering I think? Thus the great feedback the pug provides will be gone. As said I'm not that fussed about that side of it. I don't plan on going on track in this one like I did the pug. My friend is willing to let me have a drive of the car so I will be doing that before making any final decisions. Whilst I appreciate what the gti-6 is I am hoping I'll appreciate what this car is and it isn't aimed at being as focused as something like the gti-6. I have a liking for Bridgestone Potenza tyres as they have a rather stiff sidewall and give a nice solid turn in. I was gutted when they stopped selling them for the gti-6. I have read that the throttle may well feel a bit mushy on the 1.8T (190) but that can be sorted with a remap I'm sure?

The Audi is a totally different sort of car. I'm used to a 2ltr NA that likes to be revved so it'll take a little getting used to the change driving style wise. At the moment I just want to know I'm not going to take the pee offering what I think is a reasonable price and then decision time will be after the test drive!
 
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