Audi A4 3.0 convertible versus BMW M3 purchase circa £12-15K

[jo strummer]

Looking to get one of the above, any obvious problems I should be aware of with either car, looking at a manual A4 3.0 convertible black 40000 miles for £13.5K and a red 2.4 Sport Con at £11.5 with 36000 miles in red.

I'm looking to spend around the £300-350 a month mark and will be doing a daily commute around 60-70 miles, not had to drive to work for about 9 years so looking for something that might be good fun hence roof off.

[soxboy]

Go for the 3.0 I would say.

I understand the 2.4 is a strange mix of 1.8T performance and 3.0 fuel consumption.

[jo strummer]

Many thanks, what are we looking at for service costs?

[okgo]

My mate sold his m3 for 15k not the other week. It was a lovely one, albeit with smaller wheels but still wasnt a stter..

[okgo]

Yeh, I suppose

[Dr G]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Sound advice The 1.8T is the most popular model in the old range and the 2.0T in the new. S4 cab (automatic particularly) is a good, muscular (if thirsty) topless cruiser.

[drybeer]

I would second what Dr. G says.

Sadly although it sounds attractive the 3.0 is a nail.

An engine from when Audi made cars like the 80 and 100 (2.6 enlarged to 2.8 enlarged to 3.0) and it is not fun - lots of noise but no go and thirsty.

The 1.8T is now pretty outdated if you want performance, and a 2.5TDi is a better bet but if it has to be petrol got for 1.8T (30mpg+) or an S4 (25mpg if you behave) if you can afford the fuel.