A4 1.9TDI

[mwy1964]

I need to replace my current work hack (BMW330ci) and looking to replace it with something more economical, as for the first time in my career I am having to pay for my own fuel.

A friend of mine has a very low mileage A4 1.9TDI Avant (<30K) on a 53 plate coming up for sale soon and I am considering it.

I know nothing about this engine but having been a passenger in the car it seems to drive very well and certainly did not appear sluggish at all.

So looking for comments on reliability, long term ownership and feedback on day to day usage. I have tended to do over 30K miles per year with the majority of it on motorways.

Thanks in advance

Mark

[MoonMonkey]

We have a 51 plate TDi 130 with 90k miles and bought it with 54k miles. Apart from one warranty claim on the climate control it's been utterly reliable. Servicing on the longlife plan is a bonus if you're doing high miles (20k miles between services). The only point to consider is that at that age it will probably need a cambelt (budget £250 incl tensioners and water pump from a VAG specialist).

Negatives are it sounds like an old tractor and ours is the SE model so it doesn't really handle but nice and comfy on the motorway.

[andy97]

I had the the year 2000 saloon version (115 Bhp) and thoroughly recommend it as a long term high mileage car. I now have a 53 Avant quattro (130 Bhp). They eat the miles, are very reliable with good build quality, comfortable (although rear leg space isn't great) and economical. I don't find servicing costs too bad at all but use a decent oil. I got 47 mpg in the saloon and now get about 45 mpg in the Avant Q, both driven 100 miles a day on mostly motorway driving at about an indicated 80-85 mph with a few miles of stop- start stuff thrown in.

The only problem I had with the saloon was that the turbo impellor blades coked up at about 100K miles causing the turbo to lose boost & drive like a N/ A car. A not uncommon problem, I here, although not yet repeated on the Avant. It was an easy enough repair with a replacement impellor for about £190 inc labour (far cheaper to strip it & repair than it was to exchange the turbo).

I don't envisage needing to change mine any time soon as it does everything I want of it.

[Isoproturon1]

Had 2 of these, plus a petrol, and covered massive mileages in them without major problems. Last one sold with 177K on it - only needed a couple of wiper-related parts. Engine/box etc. still as strong as ever.

[Nobody You Know]

Had an Audi 80 with the 1st of the 90bhp 1.9tdi's, sold it last year with 232k on the clock and still running perfectly.

[matt uk]

Well, as good as it is, I reckon you'll get bored.

I went the other way. I now drive a car with the engine you currently have, having sold a car with the engine you are considering. And I'm happy to pay that little bit extra at the pumps.