Looking at an A4 avant in that year range

Does anyone know if there are any diesel engine issues?

I seem to remember reading about Audis with porous heads, turbo problems etc

Trying to find one with a decent spec and under 100K miles is fun too!

 

I'd not touch one with a bargepole for the reasons stated. And it's a fwd Cortina.

Having said that, a client bought a PoS version of the earlier dumpy car for under a bag and it was fantastic for over a year.

 

Lots DPF problems too, although there are so many different engines fitted to these cars it is a bit of a minefield. Also look out for Dual Mass Flywheel problems.

Honest John is always a decent start for this sort of thing: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/audi/...05/?section=bad

If a beater/load lugger is required then the equivalent VW/Skoda might be better, or perhaps a Mondeo?

 

A friend has recently (within the last 3 weeks) bought a '56 A4 Avant 2.0 TDi Sport Line with 26K miles. He did plenty of traveling to find one. IIRC he paid £11K for it.

Very noisy engine IMHO, harsh ride and very little in the way of toys. The most disappointing feature is the lack of rear legroom and limited luggage space.

 

I maybe don't need to say this

but since I bought a MINI

maybe I do!

the Audi wouldn't be for me - and the people driving it have little interest in cars

they have professed a liking for the shape and size though - which is why I'm looking

load lugging definitely isn't an issue - I know avants offer little or any more space than a hatch, but A3 hatches really ARE common

 

Sounds exactly the archetypal Audi customer.

It they like the marks & sparks image, they'll have to live with the potential bills.

I've not heard any issues with the Accord 2.2 Diesel Tourer, it is slightly less cramped and many say it actually rides/drives marginally less crap than the Audi. Acura badges are available on eBay...

 

The only issues we had with the Audi A4's during that period was two had a faulty sensor which caused them to lose power (obviously a problem when doing 70mph+ in outside lane).

I've always had big repair bills from Audi so personally wouldn't go for an older one.

 

thanks for the input so far

I imagine I'd buy an 08, or one with at least a few months of manufacturer's warranty

just long enough to establish whether I purchased a lemon - and get rid of it relatively easily

can't say I'm too struck on them myself but they are quite handsome if stolid

and I'm not sure there's much competition

 

the 2.0tdi has issues (aka characteristics by Audi) between 04 and 06 i think. Do some research as many of these units suffer from the porous head. Our 55 plate does, i top it up every 300 miles with coolant, no other issues and it drives fine, but i am sure this is temporary thing...have no doubt there will be a big bang soon.

The 1.9tdi does not suffer from this. If i only i knew before i went for that reliable VAG.....

If it were money, think I would look to the 3 series for similar car/quality/money....

The 2.5tdi also supposed to be fine.

You have been warned!

 

My father-in-law has an 05 plate 2.5 tdi one (saloon not estate, but that's not relevant to engine stuff) AFAIK he's not had any problems with his and he's done well over 120,000 miles in it.