Hi folks

I have owned two Audi 100's in the past a 2.3e and the 2.5tdi. I loved both of them even though they had there problems.

My current car just "don't give no satisfaction" and I would like to change.

Living in Northern Ireland though means the market can be somewhat limited.

I would like an Octavia Estate 1.8t in some variant (vRS, 4x4 doesn't matter) but they are like hens teeth here, diesel has been the preferred fuel for decades in what is a mostly agricultural economy (some people may have even used red at a time, heavens to betsy).

So I see a 2000 A6 Avant Quattrro 1.8T, 120k on the clock about £2400 A mate had one and put 230k on it with very little maintenance ever needed,seems a good car.

Would you as the Octy community see this as a good alternative to a vRS or 4x4 or do you think I would be missing out?

Opinions and advice on your experience appreciated.

WeeSuzi

I don't think you'll be missing out and the 1.8T quattro is a rare car. Buy it, it will hold it's money.

Out the box, the Audi Quattro will be a better car. Better spec, etc.

The Octy 4x4 is an Elegence spec car, which doesn't come with much. The OEM seats are very poor. Handling is sloppy at best. Very poor brakes.

I wasn't even able to drive mine in standard form for a month, before needing uprating suspension and anti-roll bars. Doing this isn't cheap either.

Out the box, the vRS is much more capable, but not so hot on wet slippery mud covered back roads.

I'd go for the Audi Quattro + get a remap

You could always consider LPG too

The '00 A6 Avant 1.8T Quattro is a better car than any Octavia 1.8T, but...... It's slower and more expensive to run.

The heavier A6 has less power (150bhp), and manages 0-60 in 9.7secs. Also only manages 29mpg, and is more expensive on tax. The vRS has 180bhp as standard, and manages 0-60 in 7.6secs. It returns 35mpg. I suppose it depends if you want comfort and luxury, or something more sporty and cheaper to run.

I would actually love an '03 A4 Avant 1.8T (190bhp) Quattro. I really like the B6 shape.

The A3 cars arent quattro like you would find on say and S4, RS4.

Isnt the 4x4 system Haldex like the skoda and the S3?

Im not sure what to think of the VW 4x4 system as its something like 90% front wheel drive and 10% rear and only puts it to the rear when it needs it

Usally 4x4 cars are primarily rear drive and some front, a better set up to be honest but ive not driven a 4x4 Octy so i wouldnt know!

The Mk1 Octy 4x4 / Audi A3 Quattro / TT Quattro / Golf 4Motion or Synchro and Seat Leon 4 (i think it's that - not sold in the UK) all use the Haldex system. It's not like the Torsen system on the A4 and A6.

90% split to front 10 % rear. Mine also has a modded ECU fitted which is quicker to react and maintains a 50-50 split for longer. Not convinced about this in the snow though as suddenly a loss of grip at the front = rear end out. Works well in the dry though.

As for A6 to 4x4 Octavia - I would go with the A6 but as pointed out earlier by someone in the thread, it will cost more on parts.

Depends what you want. Unless you throw thousands at a 4x4, it won't be a VRS beater and equally won't be as luxurious and spec'd up as the A6.

having owned both, the audi is a far far nicer car

depends what you want i guess.

I would buy the quattro tho if it was me.

Folks thanks for all the feedback.

I must say I am quite surprised as this is the heart of skodaness (if that be a word).

Proof positive of the sensible nature of you dear folks.

I like the lack of snobiness about the skoda brand, that resonates with me.

But I also like the idea of value and the Quattro seems like a good long term bet as I do about 7,000 miles a year so won't be hard on it.

Snowmuncher, when you suggest a remap I always think that ,yeah "looks okay on paper" but unless you are upgrading brakes and shocks to compensate it is only a start. For me if it feels quickish thats good enough.

Thanks fo rall the comments, definite food for thought.

WeeSuzi

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Snowmuncher, when you suggest a remap I always think that ,yeah "looks okay on paper" but unless you are upgrading brakes and shocks to compensate it is only a start. For me if it feels quickish thats good enough.

Given the brakes already fitted to the A6, the moddest increase in hp from a map, I don't think you'd have to uprate.

Just thinking 200+bhp will help compensate for the extra weight of the A6. Could help with mpg too.

At the end of the day, its' whatever you're happy with.

yes, the a6 can cope witht he extra power a remap will throw its way, brakes and suspension are good (much better than the stock octy stuff), a remap would be essential imo to cope with the extra weight as already stated.

hey guys, just while ur are talking about the weak stock octy estate 4x4 suspension do you know anywhere in the uk that stock upgraded stuff?? mine has 110k on the clock now and i can almost swaps seats on a twisty road its that soft!!! havent had much luck sourcing a suspension kit online except if i buy from the eu, which i wouldnt want to do!!

You need to look for the Golf R32 stuff.

Its a direct fit, as the Octy 4x4 is basically a lengthened R32 chassis