S4 vs Passat R36 vs 335i

[parapaul]

I'm deliberately cross-posting this here and the BMW forum, hoping to get as many opinions as possible.

It's car change time soon, and I've narrowed my list down to the 3 above.

I'll be buying used, not new, and it's the avant/estate I need. I know the S4 is smallish in the back, but I only need the boot for the dog.

So.... Opinions, please?

Thanks

[Nobody You Know]

All I can say is that I love my S4 Avant and apart from the piss poor mpg it has been great and an easy car to run.

[parapaul]

how piss poor are we talking? I'm getting 25 out of my current car, which is a 50/50 mix of D/C and town driving.

[Robatr0n]

Out of those, the only two cars I would consider would be the S4 and the 335i.

Personally, I would take the 335i.

[Seez]

I think it is right to rule out the Passat, there was a test on tv were the passat raced a 3.0tdi audi a4, A4 was quicker, so probably no benefit to getting on, the S4 and 335i will hold the value better, but I know what you mean with the passat, they are very cheap now already

[Nobody You Know]

parapaul said:

how piss poor are we talking? I'm getting 25 out of my current car, which is a 50/50 mix of D/C and town driving.

Probably looking at 25mpg if you drive sensibly. 20mpg if you like to push it abit. 15mpg if you thrash it alot.

Best I have ever managed on a run was 28mpg doing 65mph on the motoway.

On the 1000km drive back from France I did an average of 22mpg which was mostly at French motorway speeds.

[Fort Jefferson]

Robatr0n said:

Out of those, the only two cars I would consider would be the S4 and the 335i.

Personally, I would take the 335i.

Traitor.

[Tame Technician]

335i too. It drives the right wheels after all.

[Trufit]

Having run an S4 avant for nearly 3 years I'd say go for one, we regularly use it for holidays and weekends away with 2 brats and a Lab (plus luggage) and whilst the boot isn't the biggest it's big enough for us. i like the 335i but like the quattro (especially in the winter) and superior build quality of the Audi.

Mine hasn't put a foot wrong and apart from the fuel bills (apparantly if you drive a 335i properly then it drinks a bit as well)running costs are less than the scooby STi I had before.

Paul

Oh and that V8 is awesome.

[krallicious]

My brother had an extended test drive in an R36 while looking for his current car (RS4). He said it did everything well but it was incredible boring. I think to you concentrate on the S4 and the 335i.

I, personally, would go for the 335i. I have driven neither but it's RWD and should be a little better on fuel if that is important.

[Nobody You Know]

Tame Technician said:

335i too. It drives the right wheels after all.

So does the S4! And it drives the other two aswell!

Also no matter what anyone says there is absolutely no substitute for the sound a V8 makes....

When those actuators open the 3rd and 4th exhaust pipes on the S4 all your problems and stress will be washed away by a tide of 40V V8 Roar.

[Dr G]

How much money are we talking about?

Early S4s are very good value but very late ones drive a lot better - annoyingly close to RS4 money mind.