6-7k Audi a4 avant or 530d or?

[Keith81]

Hi everyone new to the forum and already after help as per the title I'm after a new car ideally an estate I've narrowed it down to the Audi and bmw but would like some input in which would be a better buy I'm not swimming in cash and the car needs to last us 4-5 years I do look after my stuff so hoping that's possible on my limited budget.
I'd like t know what are the most reliable variants of the two and some pointers as for what to look out for on them also open to other suggestions .

Thanks for any input .

Keith

[Toed64]

Hello

I don't know much about VAG things, but I've had BMWs for years. The 530d is a solid and generally reliable beast. Super engine, but has swirl flaps in the inlet manifold that break and get sucked into the motor causing catastrophic damage. They are simple and cheap to delete and this fixes the potential failure with no downsides.

If it's a manual, the clutch/flywheel will cost a goodly chunk to replace at around 100,000 miles. Autos benefit from gearbox services (fluid and filter changes) that BMW say are unnecessary (b@lls). BMW service intervals are normally far too long for serious longevity, so do not dismiss cars that have independent service history - they have frequently been much better maintained.

If you stay away from the main dealers, 6 pot BMWs are a good proposition for longer term private ownership.

Edited by Toed64 on Thursday 15th March 12:38

[dsgrnmcm]

I chucked 7k at a 2006 A4 3.0 Tdi S'line Black edition, came with a blue fin and FSH. goes like a stink, comfy cruiser and loads of gadgets!

well worth it as I do quite a bit of milage, had the gearbox serviced when I got it for peace of mind.

How long will you be looking to keep it for?

[Keith81]

I'm hoping to get 5 years out of it I've had to get a loan for the car as I've just bought a house and it's wiped out my savings so I'd like it to last the term of the loan I don't do big miles do about 8k a year tops I'm getting rid of my 1999 nissan patrol as age has caught up with her great car but now needs front axle work for mot so can't justify throwing money at her

[Toed64]

Keith81 said:

I'm hoping to get 5 years out of it ...I don't do big miles do about 8k a year tops...

With low annual mileage, I'd consider buying a petrol. Friend's local commute tends to block his DPF on his 2007 530d - likewise for another friend's A5 3.0tdi.

Both 530i & 330i petrols have marvellous and rewarding, relatively frugal engines.

[Keith81]

I don't use it to commute it gets used at weekends for journeys sometimes 2-300 miles in the week it will largely be sat on the drive I've never had a petrol car as always seen diesel as more reliable

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say go for the 530d out of the two but with you're annual mileage I'd be looking for a petrol:

545i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

530i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

525i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.2 A4 S Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you can live with the looks:

Mercedes R350

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Leftfield:

Saab 9-3 2.8T

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Keith81]

I'm green ad grass when it comes to modern cars what happens if s blocked dpf occurs and what kind of driving would you need to do to avoid it happening

[jmate]

I've had a 1.8tsi sline Avant. (Newer shape) for 3 years now. Bought it for 7k with 69000 on. Haven't really had any problems and had it remapped goes pretty well.

Keep up with oil changes yearly and all is fine. Still get quite a few compliments from people which always makes me chuckle considering its ten year old !

[Condi]

Keith81 said:

I'm green ad grass when it comes to modern cars what happens if s blocked dpf occurs and what kind of driving would you need to do to avoid it happening

It needs a good long run with some constant speed work - they usually recommend 20 mins on a duel carriageway or similar. Just allows everything to get nice and hot before the car injects some fuel into the DPF and burns off all the soot. If the car never gets hot enough, or if it is stopped half way through, then the DPF cycle never completes and it can block the filter up. Very very hard to bring one back from the dead. With a second hand diesel you're better buying one with 'enough' miles on it, rather than a low mileage version which goes to the shops twice a week. With appropriate driving then it wont be an issue.

For 7k you might get a new shape A4 (ie post 2008) which are very good cars. They are generally reliable with no major issues other than the usual servicing and wearing parts.

[Keith81]

Thanks for all the help guys added the a6 avant to the list too

[nobrakes]

In that sort of budget to last that many years I’d say stick with non turbo petrol. Less likely to thro a big bill.

Any big bill will throw mpg balancing out the window.

You might get a billy bargain for a high tax petrol too. The difference will close against the equivalent diesel, and eleven then it will only be the equivalent of a couple of tanks of petrol.