A4 Currently - What Next?

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/dev/null

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Not strictly A4 related, but I'm posting this here as my current car is an A4 (218 S-Line Quattro. It's on PCP over 4 years, which works out at about £450 a month (£500 up-front payment and about £15k GFV for 18k miles a year).
I'm just over 3 years into the PCP, and not too much longer after xmas I'll be able to voluntary terminate the agreement if I want.
Current situation is that I owe about 19/20k and the car is worth about 14/15k, so I definitely won't be buying it at the end of the term, or trading in before then (it'll be worth well under the GFV at the end of the term). So I'll either be VT'ing it, or giving it back after 4 years.

Which leads me onto what to get next...

I've had a look at a few different Audi's on Carwow - but even for those with a higher list price/spec than my current A4, the GFV is a lot lower, so the monthly payments come in a lot higher. For example, I looked at an A5 TDi, which isn't much more than the A4 in the models I compared, however the GFV was about 2/3k less! So I was either lucky and got a great GFV when I bought mine, or used car values have just gone down over the last few years.

I'd be ideally looking for a saloon with similar(ish) power, ideally (but not 100% necessary) AWD, and good for 18k miles a year. Happy to up my monthly payments a bit, but don't want to go stupidly more.
If I stay with Audi, that gives me pretty much the A3 saloon, go for another A4, or to an A5. The A6 is probably going to end up being too expensive in a decent spec. Obviously need to consider that anything over £40k will add another £30 a month on to payments with the luxury car tax.

But - having done some comparisons on Carwow of Audi's and also Merc CLA's, BMW 2/3/4 series etc (in a comparable spec), they're often coming in a good bit more expensive. So much so, that they're edging closer and closer towards Tesla Model 3 (standard spec) territory. Especially as in theory there should be savings to be made on fuel and servicing costs. We have a driveway (albeit across a shared lane) so I could get a charging point installed.

Bottom line is, I'm struggling to find anything comparible to the A4 spec that I'm interested in for the same price in the Audi range, so do I go elsewhere? What would you be looking at? I'd ideally like to stay German (apart from the Tesla), and the top-end of that, so Audi/Merc/BMW. If I can find something suitable I'll VT the A4, but if not then I'll keep it for the full 4 years.
 
Which is why I looked at the new CLA, it has comparable dimensions and boot space to the A4, but more tech for the same price. I looked at A250 in DrivetheDeal, with the premium plus and drivers assistance pack.
 
im not clued up on pcp prices etc but im in a similar situation as you

the lease for mine ends in December and im looking for something similar to you.

I paid 2k down + 280 monthly for the 3.0 quattro with a few small extras. Finding something similar power wise for a around the same price is impossible at the moment.

Here's what ive been looking at

Skoda Superb - went to have a look one a few months back and the fit and finish inside and out was very impressive. Its a BIG car though probably too big for me

Skoda Octavia - Test drove the VRS it's fun & quick with bags of space and lots of useful tech you don't have to extra for. couldn't really fault it and it may very well be my next car.

VW Arteon/Passat
Jag XE
Volvo S40 or S90

Golf GTD - Another good all rounder but prices are creeping up

Also looked at a few others

Pug 508 Sprtback - Definite NO!
Kia Optima - Not bad but again a no for me
Vauxhall Insignia Grand sport - Not bad overall to be fair comfortable and quite refined just lacks power.

Happy hunting anyway mate let us know what you decide.


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I'm a bit of a brand snob, and I spend a lot of time in the car so interior quality and drive comfort is very important to me.

The Skoda's - they're VAG so fit the bill somewhat, however I'd probably be tempted to pay the bit more and go Audi.
VW - I looked at the Arteon, but it had a low GFV, meaning the monthlies came out massively high. I'd prefer a saloon rather than a hatchback too on the Golf.
Volvo - I do like these from the outside, but never owned or driven a Volvo, so it'd be new territory for me.
Pug/Kia - probably great cars, but the brand snobbery in me wouldn't have one.
Vauxhall - After owning a VX previously, I (for many different reasons) wouldn't be paid to have another.
 
cuke2u said:
Which is why I looked at the new CLA, it has comparable dimensions and boot space to the A4, but more tech for the same price. I looked at A250 in DrivetheDeal, with the premium plus and drivers assistance pack.
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I looked at the C300d, AMG Line 4-Matic - but again, for the price of the car, the GFV was pretty poor compared to the A4. Over 3 years, it was 17.7k GFV, but the list price of the car is a lot higher than the A4, so I'd have expected that to be higher. Without a major deposit, the payments were coming in at £740+ a month over 3 years - I can get the Model 3 for a lot less than that.
 
In fact, it's cheaper than most of the above over 3 years.

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@ £600 a month, it would normally be more than I was looking to pay, however at 18k miles a year, the fuel savings and servicing costs must be reasonably high - I reckon I'd be saving £100 a month in that, based on currently paying around £250 a month in fuel, and probably about £30-40 a month (when averaged) in maintenance costs.
 
I lease so not familar with PCP unfortunately, but lease prices have also crept up quite a lot over the past 18 months. Worth keeping your eye on the Pheads forum if you might be open to leasing.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=255&t=1801047&i=8120
I got found all my bargain leases on there; Golf R £207 a month, Polo GTI £134 a month, S5 £374 a month etc.
 
/dev/null said:
In fact, it's cheaper than most of the above over 3 years.

View attachment 191865

@ £600 a month, it would normally be more than I was looking to pay, however at 18k miles a year, the fuel savings and servicing costs must be reasonably high - I reckon I'd be saving £100 a month in that, based on currently paying around £250 a month in fuel, and probably about £30-40 a month (when averaged) in maintenance costs.
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Despite all the savings in the world I couldn't stand to see it every day or sit in that interior.
 
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/dev/null said:
I looked at the C300d, AMG Line 4-Matic - but again, for the price of the car, the GFV was pretty poor compared to the A4. Over 3 years, it was 17.7k GFV, but the list price of the car is a lot higher than the A4, so I'd have expected that to be higher. Without a major deposit, the payments were coming in at £740+ a month over 3 years - I can get the Model 3 for a lot less than that.
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Not apples for apples but a 2 year lease on a E350 AMG Line is £3,200 down and £350 a month. Ill stop with the lease talk now!
 
I also don't want to turn it into a pcp v lease deal, but I can't see the positive of pcp compared to lease, I have an 68plate s4 saloon with optioned paint, VC and extended ambiant lighting and I payed 3k deposit and 280 a month for 2 years
 
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Simonwhite2000 said:
I lease so not familar with PCP unfortunately, but lease prices have also crept up quite a lot over the past 18 months. Worth keeping your eye on the Pheads forum if you might be open to leasing.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=255&t=1801047&i=8120
I got found all my bargain leases on there; Golf R £207 a month, Polo GTI £134 a month, S5 £374 a month etc.
Click to expand...

I also Lease...

You got some great prices on some great cars there. Golf R - £207! thats insane! I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that thread, Cheers

What do you have currently?

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blackb9er said:
I also Lease...

You got some great prices on some great cars there. Golf R - £207! thats insane! I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that thread, Cheers

What do you have currently?

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Before my £280 a month s4 I had a Leon cupra 290 Black edition for £131 a month haha
 
motty225 said:
Before my £280 a month s4 I had a Leon cupra 290 Black edition for £131 a month haha
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That's Crazy! I'm looking into the Leon aswell, there's some good lease deals to be had on those right now. (nothing close to the price you got though haha)

One more question (if you dont mind) as i dont want to hijack the tread

I know it's quick but does it also pass for a daily. (On the days where i'd rather not ring its neck?)

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motty225 said:
I also don't want to turn it into a pcp v lease deal, but I can't see the positive of pcp compared to lease, I have an 68plate s4 saloon with optioned paint, VC and extended ambiant lighting and I payed 3k deposit and 280 a month for 2 years
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When I bought mine, the PCP was about £100 a month cheaper than a lease. Plus with PCP you get the option of VT'ing earlier than the full term. I'm not bothered to be honest - I'd go with whatever was the best deal. They're both based on what the value of the car will be after the term.
 
blackb9er said:
That's Crazy! I'm looking into the Leon aswell, there's some good lease deals to be had on those right now. (nothing close to the price you got though haha)

One more question (if you dont mind) as i dont want to hijack the tread

I know it's quick but does it also pass for a daily. (On the days where i'd rather not ring its neck?)

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Stick it in comfort and it was lovely to drive, because it has the adaptive suspension etc as standard compared to the golf, it was actually a more fun car to drive than my s4
 
Loads of lease deals look amazing until you see the intial payments are quite high and they are based on 10k miles per annum or sometimes less. They also tend to exclude options that you'd want to add. They can be great if you want the lower spec cars on low mileage though.
 
Yep, unfortunately for me I do reasonably high mileage which pushes the prices up. I always just divide the down payment by the terms duration and add it on for comparison. The only saving you get with putting down a higher deposit is you're not paying interest on the deposit. On a lease it makes no difference. On a PCP, if you voluntary terminate early, you potentially lose out a little. Hence I would prefer to go with a lower deposit, even if that does mean paying a bit more in interest. That, plus I don't have multiple thousands of pounds spare to put down as a deposit. :)
 
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/dev/null said:
Yep, unfortunately for me I do reasonably high mileage which pushes the prices up. I always just divide the down payment by the terms duration and add it on for comparison. The only saving you get with putting down a higher deposit is you're not paying interest on the deposit. On a lease it makes no difference. On a PCP, if you voluntary terminate early, you potentially lose out a little. Hence I would prefer to go with a lower deposit, even if that does mean paying a bit more in interest. That, plus I don't have multiple thousands of pounds spare to put down as a deposit. :)
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The Mileage is the real killer. Another option may be to do PCP on a pre registered car. Granted this is a more risky approach as you have to hope the model, spec, colour you want happens to be available. But I know that garages have been pre registering a large number of cars then selling them with huge discounts to meet registration targets.

I remember when car shopping used to be fun, this time around it's been nothing but a pain and all the fun and enjoyment has well and truly been zapped out of it for me.
 
Hmmm... Interestingly, I just phoned Audi finance to check when I can VT and as it turns out, I can do it now. I'd worked it out, but neglected to include the dealer contribution. Might have to go shopping at weekend

You're right though, mileage is an absolute killer.
 
/dev/null said:
Hmmm... Interestingly, I just phoned Audi finance to check when I can VT and as it turns out, I can do it now. I'd worked it out, but neglected to include the dealer contribution. Might have to go shopping at weekend

You're right though, mileage is an absolute killer.
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Good luck! At least you have the fact it's a facelift and likely to be replaced with a brand new model to get a good deal on anything that's pre regsitered if you stick with an A4. I know you'd not want an A8 but saw an article where there was £31,515 off a pre reg 69 plate!
 
I had a go at changing my A4 Avant back in the summer. I bought it outright so no PCP or leasing considerations, but what I had in mind was a Volvo V60. I don’t know how good the new Volvo engines are either, but the brand has enjoyed a real resurgence and I’m not hearing anything adverse about reliability, unlike JLR for example. In any case I take the view that while it’s under warranty it’s not my problem, inconvenience aside.

I wondered therefore whether an S60 might appeal. Similar size and spec to an A4 but a bit different, if you like Swedish styling. Earlier this week I was stuck at Gothenburg airport for several hours waiting for a delayed flight home. Just across the way was a Volvo S60 on display so I sat and studied the lines for some time to relieve the tedium of waiting for my flight. I think it’s quite a looker and from what I have seen there are always offers on Volvos. Back in the summer, the PCP interest rate was 2.9% although I don’t know what it is currently. Just a thought, for what it’s worth.
 
Just having a look at the S90 on Carwow. I wonder if the 12" wheels are optional on the Momentum Plus?

:haha:

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I did just spec up a Dacia Duster for giggles, over a 3 year lease. £450 a year! Hahahaha! That's as much as my A4 is (albeit over 4 years, however as I can get rid now, then it's as good as 3 years).
 
wideboybloke said:
I had a go at changing my A4 Avant back in the summer. I bought it outright so no PCP or leasing considerations, but what I had in mind was a Volvo V60. I don’t know how good the new Volvo engines are either, but the brand has enjoyed a real resurgence and I’m not hearing anything adverse about reliability, unlike JLR for example. In any case I take the view that while it’s under warranty it’s not my problem, inconvenience aside.

I wondered therefore whether an S60 might appeal. Similar size and spec to an A4 but a bit different, if you like Swedish styling. Earlier this week I was stuck at Gothenburg airport for several hours waiting for a delayed flight home. Just across the way was a Volvo S60 on display so I sat and studied the lines for some time to relieve the tedium of waiting for my flight. I think it’s quite a looker and from what I have seen there are always offers on Volvos. Back in the summer, the PCP interest rate was 2.9% although I don’t know what it is currently. Just a thought, for what it’s worth.
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Look at that when I first saw photos, only in petrol though which is just not cost effective. My dad has a T5 XC40 claimed figures are somewhat off shall we say haha.
 
I'm in a very similar situation with my A4 and all options from Audi are massively expensive compared to 3 years ago. I'm also in negative equity on my PCP by just over 2k.

Chosen to VT the car and ordered a Skoda Kodiaq for March delivery on a lease, the amount of space you get for your money is crazy. Quality is up there, being part of the VAG group. The closest Audi could do at the same price was a Q3!!

PCPs appear to be quite expensive at the moment, especially if you have no plan to keep the car at the end of the term.
 
Ok, so after running god knows how many quotes of all different specs of cars, I have received a good offer on a Merc C300D Saloon, AMG Line Edition Premium - 9G-Tronic. the monthly payments work out a bit more than my current car, but not impossibly more. I'd be stung with the luxury car tax which adds on £320 a year, so £25 a month, but I'd just have to take that on the chin. The plan would be to do what I have done with my current car - PCP it over 4 years, but then VT it after 3. £0 deposit, so I'd effectively just be renting it - which I'm fine with. I know it's not the latest all-singing, all-dancing tech, but I'm not all that bothered about that - it has at least the tech of my current A4, which is fine by me. So before I go and make a stupid mistake, can anyone talk me out of it!??
 
Just don't forget that the road tax is paid on a lease so you would avoid those costs. I also opted for maintenance which was a very low cost looking at the price of 3 services over the 36 month term. My criteria was 1 + 35 so only paying a small amount on delivery.
 
Yep, the thing is, doing it on a 3 year lease is far more expensive unfortunately, even with those costs included. The golden benefit of PCP is the 50% rule, which will kick in around the 3 year mark, probably just over. So even though you're getting it at a cost split over 4 years (i.e. lower monthly payment), you only actually keep it for 3 years - then use your statutory right to give it back, regardless of the equity left.

For example, I just did a lease for the above car, 1 month down, 20k miles over 36 months, and it's £220 a month more expensive than doing it on PCP.
 
/dev/null said:
So before I go and make a stupid mistake, can anyone talk me out of it!??
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Nope haha! Cant really go wrong with a 300D, my father in law has one. Looks gorgeous inside & out and it's a step up engine wise from the A4. More Horses, more torque and equally as refined, my only gripe is the infotainment system. It's no where near as intuitive as Audis but you get used to it.

Should serve you well.

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davidbir said:
I'm in a very similar situation with my A4 and all options from Audi are massively expensive compared to 3 years ago. I'm also in negative equity on my PCP by just over 2k.

Chosen to VT the car and ordered a Skoda Kodiaq for March delivery on a lease, the amount of space you get for your money is crazy. Quality is up there, being part of the VAG group. The closest Audi could do at the same price was a Q3!!

PCPs appear to be quite expensive at the moment, especially if you have no plan to keep the car at the end of the term.
Click to expand...

I'm considering the Superb, had looked at both the Karoq & Kodiaq but small things like not having full LED lights at the rear put me off. Why they updated some to LED but left the indicators and reversing lights I don't know. I know it sounds stupid but sometimes it's the small details.
 
/dev/null said:
Ok, so after running god knows how many quotes of all different specs of cars, I have received a good offer on a Merc C300D Saloon, AMG Line Edition Premium - 9G-Tronic. the monthly payments work out a bit more than my current car, but not impossibly more. I'd be stung with the luxury car tax which adds on £320 a year, so £25 a month, but I'd just have to take that on the chin. The plan would be to do what I have done with my current car - PCP it over 4 years, but then VT it after 3. £0 deposit, so I'd effectively just be renting it - which I'm fine with. I know it's not the latest all-singing, all-dancing tech, but I'm not all that bothered about that - it has at least the tech of my current A4, which is fine by me. So before I go and make a stupid mistake, can anyone talk me out of it!??
Click to expand...

With the new C class coming next year that could be something to use in way of getting more kit or a really good deal?
 
Andy-1878 said:
With the new C class coming next year that could be something to use in way of getting more kit or a really good deal?
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I'm pretty happy with the deal, it's the AMG Line Edition with Metallic Paint and premium pack, configured it online and the list price is £41,575, managed to get the offer on DriveTheDeal for £30,500. So an £11k saving on list price (over 25% discount). It's a stock order, so no waiting for a factory build, which means I don't have to get mine serviced and all 4 tyres replaced around xmas time - so a saving of a good few hundred £££ there.
Finance is £483 a month over 48 months, with zero deposit. Obviously have the post year 1 luxury car tax on top of that, so call it £510 a month. To put it into perspective, I also considered an A3 saloon s-line quattro, and that was £514 a month. 3 series 320d m-sport was 525 a month and 330d sport was 587 a month! So all in all, works out pretty well.
 
Hmmmmm do you happen to know if you can do Business Contract Hite via DriveTheDeal? I considered the C class but I think the boot was just a bit too small for me, I can fit my mountain bike in (removing the front wheel) and I didn't think it would fit in the C class. The saving on service and tyres should help offset the luxury car tax. How many miles is your C class on? I've had quotes on the 33od X drive around £550 after the VAT claim back. Skoda Superb a bit less but much higher initial payments, probably cheaper service/tyres. ****** minefield these days!
 
18,000 miles per annum. Not sure if you can do Business Contract sorry.

PCP doesn't include servicing and tyres - but even on a lease it's an optional additional charge - ultimately, I couldn't get a lease deal for the same as a PCP regardless of the various differences. Agree though - real minefield!
 
audi upgrades
/dev/null said:
18,000 miles per annum. Not sure if you can do Business Contract sorry.

PCP doesn't include servicing and tyres - but even on a lease it's an optional additional charge - ultimately, I couldn't get a lease deal for the same as a PCP regardless of the various differences. Agree though - real minefield!
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That is a good deal then as my quotes had been on 15,000 miles. But having done some maths on my regular use I'm thinking I can get away with 12,000 and if I go over just pay the pence per mile charges which won't equate to a lot versus a monthly saving.

How long until you get it? Would be interested to see some photos.
 
Yeah, I could probably get mine a bit less than 18k, but I don't want to feel like I'm constrained about driving anywhere. I'd rather pay that little bit extra and know I can go out on a few roadtrips without breaking the allowances.

Waiting to hear back from the dealer to confirm the order, however estimated to be around 3 weeks time. Ordered in "obsidian black" , other options were silver/grey which I really didn't want, and brilliant blue, which was nice, but prefer the black as I think it'll go well with the black ash interior trim.
Will post some pics when it arrives. :)
 
/dev/null said:
Yeah, I could probably get mine a bit less than 18k, but I don't want to feel like I'm constrained about driving anywhere. I'd rather pay that little bit extra and know I can go out on a few roadtrips without breaking the allowances.

Waiting to hear back from the dealer to confirm the order, however estimated to be around 3 weeks time. Ordered in "obsidian black" , other options were silver/grey which I really didn't want, and brilliant blue, which was nice, but prefer the black as I think it'll go well with the black ash interior trim.
Will post some pics when it arrives. :)
Click to expand...

That's why I've always gone higher but I think I'd still be OK having taken into account my main use. Will see how much of a difference it makes, might not be enough to warrant the drop.

Good choice on the colour/trim. I looked at brilliant blue, just as I like blue so much and kind of bored of grey, silver and black on the roads and places I go would be forever dirty looking haha.
 
/dev/null said:
Yeah, I could probably get mine a bit less than 18k, but I don't want to feel like I'm constrained about driving anywhere. I'd rather pay that little bit extra and know I can go out on a few roadtrips without breaking the allowances.

Waiting to hear back from the dealer to confirm the order, however estimated to be around 3 weeks time. Ordered in "obsidian black" , other options were silver/grey which I really didn't want, and brilliant blue, which was nice, but prefer the black as I think it'll go well with the black ash interior trim.
Will post some pics when it arrives. :)
Click to expand...

The discount really makes the PCP worth it on this car, looks like you got a fantastic deal there :)

Enjoy your new toy when it arrives
 
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