£15,000 second hand estate. Audi A4 or a golf?

[Tdubya]

The title says most of it.

For £15,000 we could get a lower end Audi A4 Avant. Around 2016, sub 30k miles. Example Example

Or something more mainstream like a focus estate. 2017, higher end trim, sub wok miles. Example

My heart is saying the A4. It seems like that’s quite a bit of car for the money. The fit and finish look incredible. But my head is saying calm down. The focus will be enough and it’ll be cheaper to look after.

I’ve not brought a car before, so it’s hard to tell if I’m being swayed by the premium badge of the Audi.

This will likely be our car for the next 5-8 years. It’ll be loved and looked after. Realiability will be important. Would the A4 be a potential money pit (over the focus)? Should I be looking at something else?

I’m sure there will be questions. I’ll answer them as best I can.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

[ZX10R NIN]

What size of estate do you need? As that will help you decide what car is best most modern cars are well built so spec starts to come into it too.

What's your annual mileage? As that'll settle the petrol/diesel debate.

[Tdubya]

What size estate? The 2.4m * 2m dimensions of the A4, Focus, Golf, etc. is where we are looking. While the extra space of full size estate has it's appeal, my wife is concerned about getting it arounds the local streets and back roads. Which is fair enough.

Petrol/ Diesel? We are almost certainly looking for a petrol engine - we will do around 6-8k a year. And many of those miles will be short runs. My understanding is that a diesel isn't going to be well suited to that sort of travelling.

[mike80]

Can't really help with your decision (although I am happy with my Focus of that age), but a lot of the interior photos (and an exterior I've just noticed!) in the Focus advert are of an S-Max for some reason. Worthy bearing in mind if the interior is important!

[S100HP]

Neither. Get a V60.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-V60-T3-SE-NAV-Gre...f:0

[Tdubya]

S100HP said:

Neither. Get a V60.

I was just taking a look at the V60. Can I ask, what makes you recommend them?

[Richard-390a0]

Personally speaking I wouldn't go for the A4 as 2015-2016 is the first production year of that version just so I could avoid any early model year teething issues.

[S100HP]

Tdubya said:

I was just taking a look at the V60. Can I ask, what makes you recommend them?

Nicer place to spend your time than the others. Should be more reliable and take the miles better over time. Looks better. People won't judge you

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Mondeo fits your criteria & they come well equipped the 2.0T is the pick of the engines it's a better steer than the A4 you linked to:

2.0T Titanium (the fact that this car qualifies for a warranty for life makes this one the standout winner for me)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.5T Titanium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda6 Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Skoda Octavia SE-L

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you want an Audi go for one with the 1.8T engine:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Smaller & the Focus in ST-3 spec is a nice option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Volvo V60

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or the Astra in Elite Nav Spec

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The standout car is the Kia Cee'd in GT Line spec would be a good option they're loaded with kit, a decent steer & the 7 year warranty is hard to ignore.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or an older model which will save a few pennies:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you want VAG don't go for the Golf take a look at the Seat Leon:

1.8T Leon FR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Honda Civic Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[dmsims]

Do you need an estate (compared to a hatchback) ?

[Tdubya]

ZX10R NIN - thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I hear you re. the Audi. And agreed - that warranty on the Mondaeo does look good. Though that £250 a year road tax is a bit steep, hey.

dmsims - An estate is our current thinking. We have a 4 year old and another on the way. Our intention is to get a car to last us for the next 5-10 years. So they'll be growing into it. We go camping ver the summer. And while I don't think a few weekends away should entirely dictate the decision making process, it is certainly something that is at play in our minds.

My main issue at the moment is finding decent petrol examples in the area. Though I guess I can always travel to where the right models are.

[dmsims]

Another option

Toyota Auris Hybrid Estate Excel

Loads of kit, rides well, not the most engaging drive but that may not be important

Will have several years manufacturers warrant left

[Shaoxter]

E61 M5. You know you want to

[Parisien]

S100HP said:

Tdubya said:

I was just taking a look at the V60. Can I ask, what makes you recommend them?

Nicer place to spend your time than the others. Should be more reliable and take the miles better over time. Looks better. People won't judge you

Great cars, properly made, does what it says on tin, not like endless marketing lies from the Audi/VW/Seat/Skoda group!!!

P

[DailyHack]

BMW?...E91?? get a ruddy good one if budget is £15k (built like tanks) - nice size compared to the bloated F'series?

[MYOB]

Parisien said:

S100HP said:

Tdubya said:

I was just taking a look at the V60. Can I ask, what makes you recommend them?

Nicer place to spend your time than the others. Should be more reliable and take the miles better over time. Looks better. People won't judge you

Great cars, properly made, does what it says on tin, not like endless marketing lies from the Audi/VW/Seat/Skoda group!!!

P

I'm biased but yeah, would recommend the V60. It's the only car I've had where I don't feel I need to change. Refined, understated, comfortable and safe as houses.

[ZX10R NIN]

Tdubya said:

ZX10R NIN - thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I hear you re. the Audi. And agreed - that warranty on the Mondaeo does look good. Though that £250 a year road tax is a bit steep, hey.

My main issue at the moment is finding decent petrol examples in the area. Though I guess I can always travel to where the right models are.

The tax is £110 a year more than the A4 you linked to but you're getting a lot more car for that extra £110 also the annual running costs will be lower (if you're using a main dealer) so that £110 works itself back, plus the fact it has more torque/bhp will make it a more relaxed place to be on a long run, especially when loaded up with all your stuff.

As long as you're prepared to travel then finding a good example becomes less of an issue.

[Tdubya]

ZX10R NIN said:

that £110 works itself back,

Good point.

[Madness60]

I had a A4 Avant 1.4 Tsi Sport for 2 years on a cheap lease deal. I'd take it over the Focus in a heartbeat.

Pros:
Lovely interior, I found the sports seats really comfy even doing the odd 8 hrs to France.
The infotainment is really good, v modern, decent sat nav on the Sport model.
The ride on 17 inch wheels was good avoid the S lines if you want a comfy ride, its also very quiet
Powered rear hatch
Very economical on motorways and pretty good in town, over 40mpg average on the 17k miles we had it.

Cons
Lots in black and white, cheap lease deals! Pain to look after
The engine lacks ooomph at low revs especially if you are used to a modern turbo diesel, just need a few more revs
Audi dealers are a rip off for servicing so stay with an independent
Bog standard stereo is rubbish sound quality, if it bothers you then find one with an upgrade.