Thinking of Buying a Audi A4 - Advice needed plz??

[Confused_Chimp]

Hi all, I'm thinking about getting a new car (well 2nd hand) and am considering getting an Audi A4.

What I'm looking for is some advice, when buying one are there any common problems? Any areas that need particular attension? Etc?

I'm not sure which model to get, I'm considering getting one of the sporty models, although I shouldn't. I should get a economical version, but wheres the fun in that.

I'm looking for a car the can cruise around 70-90mph (I know I shouldn't, but we all do) without a problem and using low revs.
Main thing is it needs to be reliable and take a good amount of punishment.

Any advice and help most appreciated.
Cheers
CC
p.s. it will have to be a realively old model as I'm looking to spend less than £3k

[john from Staffs]

Spending £3k on a sporty A4 will be a complete and utter waste of £3k. All you will get is an old, thrashed, dog. The insurance will cost you several limbs and the next MOT, assuming you are in UK, wil see a bill of at least that to get another year's motoring. Never buy a used car unless you can afford to spend the purchase price immediately afterwards to cover repairs.

Quoted from 40+ years'experience of Audis, VWs, Lancias, Alfas and one Bentley.

Don't do it.

john from Staffs

[mandoh]

it also depends on how new you want,i own the 98 a4 2.8l 30vavle which is more reliable then the 4cyl but not mod friendly.im assuming your not going to mod the car,but the v6 at 80mph is around the 2300-2400 rpm range

[simon010]

for reliability have you considered a diesel! the tdi is quite nippy, depends how nippy u want. and it will cruise much more happily at 100 than the petrols.

[T-sport]

I agree the TDI is a safe bet as long as it has been maintained and serviced correctly the car will do many miles..

The Audi is pretty much like any other car, if its not looked after and driven hard all its life expect to get some problems..

In my opinion if you really want a sporty A4 take your time in finding one wether it be petrol or diesel look for FSH and low amount of owners, mileage not too important as these cars are good for big miles..

I bought my wifes A3 1.8T sport off Ebay for £3500 2 years ago now with 142k on the clock with full Audi service history and all we have had to replace is the wiper motor !!!

All running gear ie engine, gearbox and turbo are all original so dont be put off with higher mileage examples !!

Good luck with your search for a good one and let us kow how you get on

Cheers T-sport