SOTW £2K - £2.5K

[android]

Well the company barge (3 series F30) goes back in a few weeks - after 4 years at the tiller. Wish I had got the chance of a test drive before committing to 4 years of uninspiring blandness and electric power steering.
This is a compromise choice down to health and as I'm back on car allowance with a shorter term view on employment,looking for a waft able big-ish Auto Herman the G that's a bit more engaging and able to put a smile on your face.
So,is it e39 530i sport or 2004ish A4 2.5Tdi ?
Lunar mileage almost certainly part of the deal (not necessarily a bad thing).
Would appreciate your guidance and any case histories and potential money pit findings.

[Cupramax]

The 2.5tdi really isnt Audis finest hour so if thats the only choice its a simple choice for the e39 and thats from a staunch Audi fan.

[android]

Driven a 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro sport saloon today,really like it. With sludge box not the fastest off the line but nice waft-ability and sits really well and the grip !! I must be getting ready for pipe and slipper time !
With the V6 rumble out the back,it's addictive. Quite rare,I suppose 25mpg put most off but I just don't care,got to get away from rattly oil burners for a bit. Always liked this series of A4 before Audi got into the battle against Bmw's Dame Edna Everage 5 series look to see who could go out of their way to build the fugliest car possible.
Any horror stories ? Did a search and couldn't find much. Cambelt/water pump/coil packs to watch out for anything else ?

Edited by android on Thursday 9th June 19:17

[Cupramax]

Other than the cam-belt/waterpump the only other issue the 3.0 tends to get is head gaskets. Ive heard of a few going around 90k so might be worth getting a warranty, tiptronic gearbox (quattro only) is bullet proof though.

[android]

Thanks Cupra,
Car's done done 8K for the last 4 years but always been serviced every year. 59K 1 owner. !st thing I do is get the belt and water pump done. Votex bodykit,i think it looks ace so that's all that matters. Drug dealer glass etc ... I'm all over it !