AUDI 100 2.5 TDi

[Premature]

I currently run a Lexus LS400, but a recent house move has meant that my fuel bills are going through the roof.

I am now looking for a car to commute in, 30 miles each day with a mixture of motorway and stop/start city driving. I currently get about 18-20 to the gallon on this commute, so almost anything is going to be better than this.

I have been looking for an Audi 80 TDi, but they seem to be pretty thin on the ground, but an Audi 100 2.5 TDi had been advertised near me. I have read threads on here be less than complimentary about the 6 cylinder 2.5 TDi engine, but i believe this may be a 5 cylinder unit. Does this engine have any particular issues that I should be aware of, or is it more reliable than the 6 cylinder engine? Also, what sort of economy could you realistically get from this car on a varied commute?

Thanks for any assistance or information you can give.

[magpies]

I've had my a4 2.5tdi avant for near 8 years (now almost 10 years old) and 100k miles (done 140k total)
apart from normal replacement stuff (brakes etc. and the expensive cam belt) the only items I've had trouble with were the AFM (common problem) and the temperature gauge or sender only reading when engine working particularly hard but the reading never gets above 90deg. Just done a pre MOT and one bottom arm ball joint is worn.
car is fairly quick and economical

[Seez]

i have an A6 2.5tdi quattro 1997, it is a five pot, but you need to check the power as there are two, a lower power 110ish and a 140 bhp version, you probably need the higher power as even the 140 isnt quick. they are very reliable engine and you should check for regular oil changes etc.

The five pot can go on to massive mileages, but other bits and bobs can be expensive so make sure it has been looked after.

Mine is on a mere 154k which is low and if you can find a quattro version i would recommened it.

They are a bit outdated but big and comfortable and good work horses.

[Seez]

as for fuel economy, i average 37 around town, 47 mixed, you have to make real effort to get more than 50 but it can be done, the best i have seen was 62.

Btw the diesel engine isnt sophisticated and is quite noisey especially when cold.

[agent006]

100 is most likely to not be the 140. If it's not a quattro then that'll help the MPG.

[istoo]

echoing above the C4 (Audi 100) platform uses the 5 cylinder tdi lump in 100 or 140bhp guise. Not blindingly fast in modern TDi terms but still stands up for modern day. Very reliable lumps and variants of it still live on in the VW transporter although i beleive have only veyr recently been phased out. There are quite a few owners of these on audifans.net. Some on galactic miles ie 300k and still going strong.

Chassis wise the C4 100 is a big car,

[Premature]

Thanks for all the information. Certainly looks like it would be a reliable car, if not the most refined.

Not too bothered about the size of the car, because the Lexus is no shrinking violet, but it does look as though I could probably double my mpg, and half my fuel costs.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply.