Class: Junior Executive
Rivals: BMW 3series, Mercedes C220, Ford Mondeo, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra
Variants: Saloon, Avant (Estate), Cabriolet
Engines: Petrol 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, 4.2
Diesel 1.9tdi (105bhp, 115bhp, 130bhp), 2.5tdi, 3.0tdi
Gearbox: Manual 5 or 6 speed
Automatic (CVT, Multitronic) 5 or 6 speed
The 2002 Audi A4 is one of my favourite run of the mill standard road cars, one of which I actually owned. A mixture of horsepower and fuel economy made it a firm favourite with who ever drove one. The 1.9tdi 130bhp is arguably the best and most popular of the production line, although the RS4 is with out doubt some car with 420bhp, the 1.9tdi had followed its sporting pedigree with its responsive chassis and classy looks.
The 6 speed manual gear box is definitely the best buy even though 1st through 3rd gears are fairly short, you can cruise at 100kph at less than 2000rpms where as the 5 speed box will reach 100kph at 2300rpm saving approx 5mpg!!
The engine is fantastic, torquey and has a lovely rumble at high revs. Its tried and tested as its many variants have been best sellers for the Volkswagen/Audi group over many car generations. A good engine will be clean to look at with out looking polished, the odd slight oil weep but nothing dirty or dripping. There should be no smoke and should rev out smoothly.
This is a real drivers car, mixed with impressive good looks, easy to source new or 2nd hand parts, easy to insure and although it will cost €582 a year in road tax, for anyone who is doing over 100 miles a week will reap the benefit in fuel savings! It has good road handling, very tight with no rattles or squeaks, a nice roomy cabin with little road noise.
All models of the A4 come with a 4star rating from the Euro NCAP safety and crash tests which is very impressive for a 10year old design.
If thinking of making a purchase, make sure to get the a high specification model because believe it or not, the lower spec cars may not even come with folding rear seats!
As regard to prices, about €7,500 for an extremely clean example with low mileage but on average you will be looking at a nice reliable car with modest mileage for between €3,500 to €4,500. Beware of clocked models, any Audi dealership should help with verification on mileage.
For the best examples you might be better off looking at the UK for a bargain!
This is a fine example of a good strong reliable German diesel car, yes it will cost slightly more to service than your average japanese saloon, it more than makes up for it in class!
Gary
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