OK guys your thoughts.

We currently have two cars... Fabia TDI Estate with 110,000mls on the clock and my Mazda MX5 with 63,000mls on the clock. I do drop off and pick up at nursery with my two year old which is no problem in the MX5. Except... Baby number 2 is arriving in June!

So we've been thinking of a new "family" car with more space than the Fabia but may well keep the Fabia for me to do nursery runs with two kids and for work and garage the MX5. Hence we've been thinking of an Octy 2 Estate, probably a 2.0litre Tdi 4x4 given the wofes commute over the Pennines from Sheffield to Alderly Edge (the 4x4 may just make the commute slightly safer given the roads and should be better in the bad weather.

Now the conundrum... We weren't thinking of changing until late this year or early next year but are on the lookout. However, on my way into work I've seen a second hand Audi A6 2.5 V6 Tdi Avant SE for sale. Y reg so a few years old but with only 36,000mls on the clock and probably 2/3 of the cost of a year old Octy 4x4!

I'm sorely tempted and the wife seems positive but am torm between buying a nearly new and what is effectively an "older" car.

So any comment/advice/thoughts?

Go for a drive and see which you prefer.

Remember the Octavia will continue to depreciate fast and the Audi has already done pretty much all of the depreciation already.

personally i would class the audi as a bit old....... depends how long you plan on keeping it?

I have been in a similar situation were the more prestige car is on offer however its older, and i have made the mistake of going for it - with big repair bills later.

From then on i have always got the newer car and not regretted it.

Octy Has a warrenty, but you could probably buy one from somebody like Warrenty Direct for the Audi.

Take them out, see which you like then do the sums and see which makes sense for you.

Yeah I definitely need to have a close look at the Audi. The appeal is obviously the size/space and the V6 (not too concerned about image/prestige but I guess that's all in the melting pot as well. It also appeals as a mate has the 3.0litre twin turbo petrol version which is a cracking car. If the V6 Diesel is anything like that then it'll be a good drive. The downside is that it is still a fair wodge of cash for what is effectively a 5/6 year old car... and that grates slightly, even with supposed Audi longevity and build quality.

Was more wondering if anyone was aware of any significant problems I should look out for etc. as we're likely to keep if for a good few miles.

Depreciation wise the Audi will have taken a huge hit but it's sold as having full main dealer history and would have some warranty but for how long remains to be seen. There is also a VW specialist fairly local to me who may be able to look after it. Historically with the commutes the wife does she racks up about 25,000mls a year so something comfy is worth while having but again it'll soon rack up the miles (the wife sees it as a potential short term option for a big car).

Ho hum... I think some test drives are in order again!

If its a short term fix(as the wife puts it) I'd go for the Audi and run it for as long as you need, then sell privately or use as trade in for next new car.

It will probably grow on her as a good distance commuting car and she might end up wanting to keep it!

Cheers,

Steve

Was the Audi a quattro? as this was a factor in your orginal thought as a safe car for swmbo,

As the Audi is older it will possibly need more maintenance over your ownership period, as parts are already "old".

Myself I would go for the Oct'y as I have been down the older car route.

See if you can find a dealer with an Oct'y Scout that's where my money would go.

Although IIRC the V6 TDI doesn't use a DMF, which has to be a good thing.

Hvaing seen the constant work my sisters A6 needed I would avoid it, as everything was very expensive.

The old V6 diesel engine sounds and feels like it should belong in a tractor too. Also seems very strange that someone goes to the expense of buying a diesel and then only does 6k pa - its easy to clock old audi's too, just look in the back of auto trader to see how many people offer to do this, sorry I mean 'correct the mileage if you have had to replace the instrument panel'.

Well Audi and Skoda use the same parts bin, and I can tell you octavias are anything but cheap to repair.

Some good info on the A6 model, and all other cars! honest john

Honestjohn Carguides

I loved my W reg A6 avant. Really good looking car I thought. We did have our fair share of problems, almost exclusively with the engine ancilliaries, but It was fantastic to drive, very comfortable, and a pleasure to own. I'd recommend getting a warranty though. We extended the Audi one for 3 years. Our local garage were very good too. We sold though, as it had done 130K, and wasn't big enough any more.

Phil

OK guys thanks for alll the feedback... Unfotunately (or fortunately depending upon your viewpoint) the decision has been made for me... The A6 has been sold already (only spotted in on Friday and it's already gone by Tuesday!). I called in last night to have another look and sort a test drive and they were shut. I couldn't spot it on the forecourt so called in again today at lunchtime and it had gone!

Hence we're back to Octy's at the moment.