General A4 advice

[self]

So, Im currently saving up to buy an A4 for my 21st birthday next year. Basically I'm after a something not too new (sort of 2002-2004 model). As far as pricing goes I reckon I can save about £7000 between now and my birthday so I'm looking to spend about £5000 on the car and then whatever else I have on insurance/tax. Yeah so any help would be appreciated. What sort of stuff should I be looking for? Thanks.

[Dr G]

What are the prerequisites? There are very good and very bad models!

[self]

Dr G said:

What are the prerequisites? There are very good and very bad models!

Ok, which are the very good models? I don't need anything too powerful (maybe 1.6-2.0). Just want to start my research early to be honest. Where should I go to read up on them?

[Tame Technician]

Only seen one 1.6 in my life, was as flat at fk, no performance at all, had no air con either.

Stay away from front wheel drive automatics and the 2.5TDI engine and you'll probably be ok.

But Why an A4??? if you don't mind me asking. I don't want to upset the avid Audi fans on here but I could come up with a number of nicer cars for the same money I'm sure.

Edited by Tame Technician on Tuesday 13th October 19:21

[self]

Tame Technician said:

Why an A4??? if you dont mind me asking

No I don't mind. Honestly, I want something more grown up to be honest. Sick of Corsa's, Saxo's and stuff like that. I want something with a bit more class I guess.

[Tame Technician]

I dare you to test drive one of these.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1253328.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1259564.htm

http://www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/asp/index.asp?adi...

With the exception of ever so slightly woolly steering, drives nicer than a £30k A8. I've had 3, me mums got 1, there built in Germany with parts made in Germany and they drive the right wheel, unlike any Audi.

But I understand the Vaux doesnt have a drop of the badge presence of the 4 rings.

Edited by Tame Technician on Tuesday 13th October 19:38

Edited by Tame Technician on Tuesday 13th October 19:45

[self]

Hmm, never really thought of an Omega before. That second one looks pretty goo though.

[Dr G]

Oh come on the poor guy's 21 not 53

[4mo]

May I suggest looking at the passat v6 4motion (slightly biased as I have one) same running gear as 2.8 quattro a4 / a6. Group 17 insurance, but try and get a quote, very cheap for the power / performance as like you say it's classed as a grown ups car. Only downside is the fuel consumption, but this is offset by the purchase price being far cheaper than and a4 or passat tdi,even late models (upto 2005) are dropping below £5k now

[Barkychoc]

I've driven a few Omegas and had a couple of Carltons in the past, the big Vauxhalls are hugely under rated in my opinion. I bet you'd look twice if it had an Opel badge.

[Tame Technician]

Elite and MV6 models are cool enough for a 21 year old.........well nearly.

This is my old, not so cool 2.5 CD. Bein driven in a 21 year old's style.

http://s923.photobucket.com/albums/ad71/TameTechni...

I dont expect anyone with there heart set on an Audi will settle for a Vauxhall, its just they are very nice cars to drive. The 3.2 Vectra is really good too, and its the same car as a Saab, much as a golf is the same as an A3.

[Dr G]

Tis true that a Golf may well be the 'thinking mans' A3 - however, there is nothing wrong with wanting an Audi because you want an Audi. If people didn't do this we'd both be out of jobs!

TT is correct though in that your budget will not get you a particularly amazing A4; if you could sneak in to a 190 quattro S-Line however...

There are 'better' cars for the money and alternatives where your budget would net a finer example of the breed - Leon Cupra R?

[istoo]

How about a 1.8T quattro A4. in the B6 shape might manage to get a sport model for that cash would make a nice all round car. classy and if you feel the need for speed can go nuts tuning them.

is insurance a big issue?

---

missed DrG's reply, same answer, i wouldnt discount a Skoda VRS or a nice Octavia either.

Edited by istoo on Wednesday 14th October 10:22

[self]

Yeah I was thinking about the Octavia. As for insurance, it is an issue. I realise that turning 21 doesn't make everything cheap as hell to insure.

[Tame Technician]

Mundaneo ST220

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1238903.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1284390.htm

Seat Cupra R
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1279025.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1215614.htm

Accord Type R
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1252344.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1252600.htm

or

A4 1.8T S-line
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1296897.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1252618.htm

[nicks1]

im 22 -2004 audi a4 avant 1.8t quattro sline 193bhp and its £1000 to insure, ive been driving since 17. great car love it.

[self]

Tame Technician said:

Mundaneo ST220

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1238903.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1284390.htm

Seat Cupra R
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1279025.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1215614.htm

Accord Type R
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1252344.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1252600.htm

or

A4 1.8T S-line
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1296897.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1252618.htm

Thanks Tame. That first Audi is exactly what I'm after. Bit pricey though. I do like those Mondeo's though,

[self]

nicks1 said:

im 22 -2004 audi a4 avant 1.8t quattro sline 193bhp and its £1000 to insure, ive been driving since 17. great car love it.

£1000? Sounds good mate. Maximum I could spend on insurance would be around £1800 or something.

[Dr G]

1.8T quattro S-Line is probably the pick of the range

[istoo]

Tame Technician said:

Mundaneo ST220

Now these are a bargain, drove one last year and was pleasantly surprised. Cheap for what they are too!

I agree on the 1.8T quattro choice, civilised and will give a good cross section of power, refinement, economy. shop around as you can get some with some cracking interiors. Mentioned already the arm rest lid and glovebox have a habit of breaking.