The missus is changing jobs in three months time, out goes the Golf PD130 and in comes an Audi A4 - that's what she fancies at the moment anyway !

It'll probably be a 1.9 TDi to keep the tax bill down, probably an estate as we think the saloon is quite ugly, and probably in some kind of "Sport" guise.

No fixed budget but we expect about the

Audi A4 is a good car - dad had a 1.8 20V a while back and it was nice. The Avant (what they call the estate) is IMO one of the nicest looking estate cars available to buy!

Not sure about the 150BHP 1.9 - I think the 130 is as high as it goes, but could be wrong. Most of the good fiddly extras come as standard I believe on the A4s around your price bracket, but you'd need a brochure to confirm.

Dad's saloon A4 was a bitch to reverse - really was quite bad. Hopefully the estate has a nice big rear screen, and sensors are always worth going with just in case!

Not sure on the "sport" guise - I suspect a PD130 might come with standard looking 16" 5 or 6 spoke alloys, but little else sporty I reckon - maybe big brake discs?

HTH

Nope , 115 or 130 bhp versions only I'm afraid , with the 130 SE estate costing about 23k

Agree with all the other comments and certainly felt reasonably luxurious as a passenger, even if the seats are a bit hard. I was also surprised at the wind noise you can hear in the back at speeds above 50mph - even the Furby doesn't suffer from that!

Chris

I remember my Dad test driving one when it first came out in the new Shape about 2001. He said it was very good an enjoyed it, but just couldn't get over the price for what you actually get. Equipment wise it's pritty bare, and you need to spend excessive amounts to get what you want.

Why buy an A4? Mechanically the same car as a Passat. Both are elderly in design, but at least the Passat is a decent size. An A4 is barely roomier than the Golf.

I remember my Dad test driving one when it first came out in the new Shape about 2001. He said it was very good an enjoyed it, but just couldn't get over the price for what you actually get. Equipment wise it's pritty bare, and you need to spend excessive amounts to get what you want.

I totally agree, this is why we've always avoided Audi in the past - last time the A4 was an option on her list she went for the Volvo S40 - much higher equipment spec for less cash. If that's correct that the 130 SE estate costs about 23k then we'll be looking for alternatives.

She did have a Passat about 8 years ago, and really liked it, but they seem to have taken over from the Mundano and Vectra as the rep's car of choice over the last couple of years, presumably as they're all getting PD130 engines and paying less tax on the emissions than for an equivalent petrol version. When she had the Passat they were just out in the new(ish) shape, whereas now they're common as muck round our way.

Lexus was one we considered, but the emissions hence the tax is high. The Saab 93 Vector convertible is too expensive unfortunately !

So if the A4 is out on "value for money" what are the alternatives ? BMW and Mercedes will be exactly the same, far too much dosh for a fancy badge. The new 406 looks quite smart but we both have an inbuilt dislike of French cars !

What about -

SAAB 9-3

Honda Accord

Jaguar X-Type?

What about -

SAAB 9-3

Honda Accord

Jaguar X-Type?

I can't fault my boss's Saab 9-3 2.0T. Hell of a car! Its just a little thirsty for my likings, and also it's now bearing the scars of

We've looked a the Saab 93 before and weren't that impressed (compared with the Octy vRS it seemed very sluggish) but that said I can't remember which engine it had - maybe the 2.0T is quick. She doesn't like the Accord (even thought I do). The Jag is possibly a bit too "fat old bloke" for a 29 year old female !

We've looked a the Saab 93 before and weren't that impressed (compared with the Octy vRS it seemed very sluggish)

It is actually now you come to mention. Its got a 210HP engine in it, but doesn't feel like it - the speed creeps up though! :eek: Also the turbo kick isn't anything LIKE a vRS - all comes in at the top end, around 4K - 6K. I'm convinced it needs a service or something because it felt quicker when it was newer! Sometimes even my TDI felt quicker than it!

Maybe I've missed something... What about one of the Skoda PD130 offerings

Chris

True you could get a very nice Superb for that money.

Maybe I've missed something... What about one of the Skoda PD130 offerings

Chris

Hmm, must admit I had discounted the Octy as I already have one, but then again the new model does look quite different. The Superb's probably a bit bigger than what she's looking for.

Test drove an A4 130 estate a week ago, and couldn't believe how bad the chassis was. Compared to the new Octy/Golf MK5, its a mess. Very bouncy ride (esp. from the back), zero feedback through the steering. And yes, it was the new model. My test route does include a very uneven, twisty, fast unclassified road which tends to be merciless to chassis. However, the new Octy & Golf were both brilliant on this road - with either Sports or Standard suspension. My choice would be an Octavia 2.0 TDi (140 bhp), in Elegance trim, with a hefty raid of the options list (leather, sat-nav, etc). Would be far better car than the A4 for less dosh....

Also the turbo kick isn't anything LIKE a vRS

That's typical of Saab - very low-pressure turbos.

And I'd agree with a choice of new full-options Octavia 2.0 TDI...

I had a Honda Accord (all be it slightly different from the type we have) and I was well impressed by it. It's a good car.

That's typical of Saab - very low-pressure turbos.

And I'd agree with a choice of new full-options Octavia 2.0 TDI...

Why the Octy 2.0 TDI, I am not impressed by the figures. It is only 10bhp more than the 1.9 PD TDI and is very significantly less fuel efficent. Can't see the point in the engine myself.