A4 (short term car) advice needed

NICK-C · Mar 9, 2014

Hi Guys,

My A5 SB was recently written off so I am in the process of ordering a new vehicle. However, in the meantime it means I need something until it is built (approx. 4 months). I was looking at renting but to me that seems like throwing money away & I am sure Audi wont give me a long term loan :laugh:

so I thought if I buy something for around 3.5k I could run it until my car is ready and either the Mrs may have it or sell it on. I was looking at a Golf GT Tdi or Astra CDTi (partly because if the Mrs does want to keep it she likes them), but then after searching on Autotrader I have found an A4 Saloon and A6 Avant (needs to be fairly local to the Northants area really).

I know if I got a Golf or Astra they would be quite high miles but the A4 is 171k so I was just looking for some advice as to peoples opinions on these 2 cars, what to look out for and if I do end up selling them privately will such high miles put people off of because it is an Audi should it be a fairly easy sale? They both seem like good spec. and the A6 has much lower mileage but I prefer the look of the A4.

Also, I assume things such as cambelt are needed on these and if so when should they have been or be changed?

A4:
Used Audi A4 Saloon 2.0 Tdi Tdv Se 4dr in Kettering, Northamptonshire | Kez Cars

A6:
Used Audi A6 Estate 2.5 Tdi 163 Se 5dr Multitronic in Southam, Warwickshire | The Willows Car Sales

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

DieselJake · Mar 9, 2014

If it's short term only advice is paying little as possible to maybe even sell at a profit, wouldn't worry about much about anything else except the obvious service and cambelt. Always gambling buying a car regardless but as it's only four months anything that is rotten will flag up within the first couple weeks or last out the time.

Joe_Murphy21187 · Mar 10, 2014

Just speaking from personal experience, be weary of the 2.5tdi A6, I had an A4 with the same engine and the high pressure fuel pump died, cost close to £3k to get it fixed. I've read it's not that uncommon of a problem, hence I wouldn't want to risk that kind of repair bill on something 'short term'.

If you're really looking short term, why not look at a B5 or B6? They've lost even more of their value already so you won't lose at much if/when you sell it on...

dieselguy · Mar 10, 2014

I've heard the 2.5TDI and Multitronic gearbox is not a great combination to have. There have been many issues with this, and even some Audi techs admit this. There are other forums talking about it.

Molnboman · Mar 10, 2014

If it was me.....I'd stay away from any 2.0 diesel and anything automatic...especially multitronic as Diesel Guy suggests. What about a nice tidy B6 1.9tdi manual?.....they are absolutely bulletproof and capable of astronomically high mileages.....As everyone posted before and after.....it's a gamble in either direction....but staying away from the known issues with diesels and automatic boxes may reduce your chances of buying a dog!

Good luck,

BR
Allan

NICK-C · Mar 10, 2014

Thanks very much for the info. guys. Hadn't thought about the 1.9tdi as was seeing what the newest vehicle I could get, found a few close by plus can also look at the Passat I guess as that would be the same engine and found a few with pretty low mileage for the age. Audi have offered whatever I get I can use as part ex too so as long as they come up with a decent price it could be worth doing so less hassle than selling it on.

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A4 (short term car) advice needed

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