Looking for advice on 2003-2004 (B6?) A4 Avants

[vicpolky]

Hello all. I'm new to the world of Audis so trying to educate myself a bit.

I haven't had a 'modern' car for a while, been using a classic as a daily runaround and hire cars for long trips, but I find myself needing a good winter daily and road trip car.

I'm thinking about a 2003-2004 A4 Avant - I quite like the sound of a Quattro, either 2.5TDI, 1.8T Petrol or 3.0 petrol, sport or SE versions.

The car will be used as a parts getter and very occasionally for towing a classic car on a trailer (maybe 2-4 times a year tops), for small (ten minute) journeys to the station every day, plus some long road trips for which I'd like it to be comfortable and fun to drive (as much as possible).

Any advice or thoughts welcome, especially if you've owned any of the above, or chosen between them.

Cheers

Edited by vicpolky on Friday 25th September 17:23

[Polome]

We have a 53 plate 1.9 , 130 diesel ( fwd ) in our family for 8 years ,,,,It's now on 170k miles and apart from oil & filter changes , pads and cam belts it's only ever needed .....one spring , wiper motor , couple of simple suspension bushes , one way clutch on alternator and a couple of batteries. As far as I know it's the original clutch ( car bought at 34k ) so wasn't new when we got it. Most reliable car and cheap to run. Still looks ok , minor rust around front wings , never hammered and still a comfortable driving car... a true workhorse. Our local VW specialist says a good one , maintained well , should last to 350k ....we'll see..... Good luck.

[vicpolky]

Thanks Palome.

I think I've ruled out the 3.0 petrol, simply for mpg, I think the 2.5 Diesel quattro is the sweet spot for me, anyone have any experience of owning one?

[sat1983]

vicpolky said:

Thanks Palome.

I think I've ruled out the 3.0 petrol, simply for mpg, I think the 2.5 Diesel quattro is the sweet spot for me, anyone have any experience of owning one?

2.5TDI isn't as reliable as the 1.9 by a clear mile.

[Philip0]

vicpolky said:

I think the 2.5 Diesel quattro is the sweet spot for me, anyone have any experience of owning one?

I've had a 2004 2.5 TDI quattro for 10 years, and it is brilliant. Completely reliable (much more so than the 1.9 TDI I had before, so contrary to the other contributor). Get the quattro so you can out-manouevre all the other so-called SUVs. Mine will go in the snow where even Range Rovers will not. No problems at all with mine. Had the cambelt changed at 70K miles, otherwise no problems at all.

[brman]

I had a 3L quattro (saloon). Reliable apart from a couple of coil packs going (I sold it at about 80k miles iirc).
I did notice a slight snatch from the transmission when accelerating round a corner occasionally but apparently that isn't something to worry about too much.

Driving wise, it was typical audi solidness. Comfortable and competent. However, despite its performance, it was strangely boring to drive. Dead steering did not help........

My wife loved it but I prefer my current car (2005 Mazda6) by quite a margin. Much less power and a lot more creaks but much more fun to drive.......

[vicpolky]

Philip0 said:

I've had a 2004 2.5 TDI quattro for 10 years, and it is brilliant. Completely reliable (much more so than the 1.9 TDI I had before, so contrary to the other contributor). Get the quattro so you can out-manouevre all the other so-called SUVs. Mine will go in the snow where even Range Rovers will not. No problems at all with mine. Had the cambelt changed at 70K miles, otherwise no problems at all.

That's good to hear, thanks!