Advice on a used buy please

[TKWC72]

Hi all. First post for me so be gentle. Need to replace my Mondeo ST220. Getting old & not prepared to keep spending on it. Have about 7k to spend. Need a hatch or estate of similar size with some performance. Preferably no more than 10 years old, and less than 90k miles. Currently considering an A4 avant 2.0 TfFSi Quattro. 12 plate with 86k miles. Dealer has it up for 8k, but worried about known oil consumption problem with that engine. Apparently no remedial work done by Audi, but surely if it suffered from this it would either be knackered already or have Ben fixed?

[ZX10R NIN]

It may be a good one not every engine does it but it doesn't mean it won't develop an issue later on or it may not manifest itself at all, also make sure the Haldex unit has been serviced as per the schedule otherwise it can turn into an expensive fix.

At your price point there weren't a lot of petrol estates sold so you'll have to do some hunting, I'd say allow 2009 models:

2.0T SRI these are rare & come in below budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Elite 250 but this involves a budget jump

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Saab 9-3 Linear SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

X Sportwagon make sure the Haldex unit has been serviced

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Octavia VRS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

523i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

525i M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

325i M Sport you'll need to check if it's big enough

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[TKWC72]

Thanks very much for the advice. Octavia VRS appeals. Need to find one around Herts/Essex borders as don’t trust the ST to make it too far nowadays

[CarAnalytics01]

1. Get your finances in order first,
2. Keep used car market prices in the top,
3. Check car history
4. Scrutinize the vehicle in daylight, and good weather,
5. Take a thorough test drive.

Moderator edit: no advertising

[Sir Bagalot]

CarAnalytics01 said:

3. Check car history

Use Vcheck.uk you won't regret it as it also check salvage records