What should i look for when buying an A4?

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:19

I've decided i want an A4 and the one i have an eye on is an A4 1.8T Sport. 51 plate 80k on the clock for £7k.

Is there anything i should be aware about with this car?

[TW]Fox · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:20

Yea, make sure it's the full-fat version and NOT the weedy 150bhp version.

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:25

why?

How do i know what version it is? The A4 im looking at has two exhausts.

Third Opinion · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:36

Gadge said:
I've decided i want an A4 and the one i have an eye on is an A4 1.8T Sport. 51 plate 80k on the clock for £7k.

Is there anything i should be aware about with this car?

Cam belt change is a must. The 1.8T has a reputation for snapping it's belt and lunching the engine at this mileage. Nine times out of ten it's a new engine.

Honest john report

[TW]Fox · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:37

Gadge said:
why?

Becuase the 150 version is pedestrian at best. It's underpowered. This car needs power to backup the Sport tag.

How do i know what version it is? The A4 im looking at has two exhausts.

They've all got 2 exhuasts.

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:39

How is the engine different between the 150 and 160 bhp?

Couldnt i just chip the engine?

tbh im not too fussed if it is the 160 version or not.

[TW]Fox · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:41

The decent one is 190, not 160.

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:43

ok, but besides the engine power. Any other advice?

Eddie182 · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:45

TBH, I wouldn't bother with any less than a 2.0 A4. And go for an SE if possible, much better kitted out.

Looking at getting a 2.5 Quattro later in the year is all goes well, you can pick up a good 5-6 year old model for under 10K.

Scuzi · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:45

Gadge said:
why?

How do i know what version it is? The A4 im looking at has two exhausts.

Because the 150bhp version is crap compared to the 180bhp (or is it 190) version. 30 (or 40)bhp might not sound like much difference but in the real world it makes a BIG difference, especially in a car as heavy as the A4.

Eddie182 said:
TBH, I wouldn't bother with any less than a 2.0 A4. And go for an SE if possible, much better kitted out.

The 1.8T in either guise is a much better and more powerful engine than the 2.0.

[TW]Fox · 17 Apr 2007 at 22:58

Eddie182 said:
TBH, I wouldn't bother with any less than a 2.0 A4. And go for an SE if possible, much better kitted out.

As Scuzi said, 1.8T > 2.0.

Looking at getting a 2.5 Quattro later in the year is all goes well, you can pick up a good 5-6 year old model for under 10K.

They don't do a 2.5 petrol - it's a diesel. And you wont be getting a good 02 plate 2.5 TDi Quattro for under £10k I wouldnt think.

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:03

So the SE spec is better than the Sport spec?

Eddie182 · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:05

[TW]Fox said:
They don't do a 2.5 petrol - it's a diesel. And you wont be getting a good 02 plate 2.5 TDi Quattro for under £10k I wouldnt think.

Yeah I know, diesel is what I'm after, should've mentioned that I suppose

. I've seen a fair few 2001 A4's on autotrader for sub 10K. Even found a well looked after P plate 2.5TDi for £2995, 130k miles but that's not much for a properly serviced audi diesel.

As for the 1.8T>2.0 I have to confess I've not had any experience with the A4 petrols, every bugger I know has a diesel.

[TW]Fox · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:05

Gadge said:
So the SE spec is better than the Sport spec?

No. Get a Sport. The 1.8T I test drove was an SE and it left me very overwhelmed - I left the car thinking it was nice but having absolutely no desire to own one at all. I've not driven a Sport, but i'd hope it was better than the SE.

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:13

Here is what im looking at:

Car one
Car two

[TW]Fox · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:16

Hmmm the Sport looks no different to the SE - very bland - can you not find one with the rather excellent looking Quattro GMBh bodykit on it? Really makes the car look good.

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:24

[TW]Fox said:
Hmmm the Sport looks no different to the SE - very bland - can you not find one with the rather excellent looking Quattro GMBh bodykit on it? Really makes the car look good.

i'd love to but i suppose the cost gets higher and higher. I could always add that later on i suppose.

paradigm · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:27

[TW]Fox said:
Hmmm the Sport looks no different to the SE - very bland - can you not find one with the rather excellent looking Quattro GMBh bodykit on it? Really makes the car look good.

I agree, really transforms the look!

Shame this one is sold, it seems to fit the bill perfectly:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/145880.htm

Gadge · 17 Apr 2007 at 23:32

yeah it is nice. I need to go a dealer so i can part ex my 306 hdi too. Another reason why im not too fussed over the power variations of the 1.8T, any will be quicker than mine!

fullspizz · 18 Apr 2007 at 08:42

I am waiting to pick up an A4 1.8T Quattro Sport (190bhp, for Foxy

) 6 spd manual.
It also has full leather, htd front seats, etc. and what looks similar to the s-line body kit on it.
Done 61k on an 04 plate, with new cam belt and water pump. FSH and only 2 owners.

Price £11000.