Audi A4...which engine?

[SpeedFreak]

I'm just looking at 04/05 A4s at the minute and am trying to get an idea of the best all round engine. It will be an avant and purchase date of June-July next year, but am doing the research now.

I was thinking maybe the 2.5tdi, but it seems a bit of a pointless engine. Not very economical for a diesel and not very quick either. Is the 1.8T better or is there an alternative diesel or petrol engine to go for.

Road tax is not a problem, fuel economy would be nice but I'm not part of the OMG it must be a diesel brigade and do the diesels handle significantly worse than the petrol.

Also Quattro.... yes or no?


edit.... or as an alternative

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/761505.htm

but why are all 3 Series estade 320ds?

 

[SpeedFreak]

TBH the budget will be around the 10-12k mark. The BMW was just an example of the 320d but the new shape will be around our budget for nex summer I'd imagine, although I would prefer a 330d so will wait and see on the market.

So, as for the 1.8T vs 2.0T in the audi.... what are the advantages disadvantages in terms of long term reliability, overall cost of ownership etc...

I will have a look at the 3.0 as well but it may be overkill for what we need. Ideally a family sized car that can carry my mountain bikes and other bits and bobs, sports gear etc...

Thanks again for all your help, I'll pop onto the audi forums too.

 

[SpeedFreak]

Wow, beats my current car which gets less than 30 lol. I will look into the 2005 2.0T and the 3.0 tdi as well. Thanks again for all your help.