A4 B7 Buying Advice

[CH47Driver]

Hi all. I'm new to the Forum as I'm about to take the plunge on an A4 Cabrio. I had an S2000 until fairly recently and I'm missing that rag top vibe, but having a family now means a replacement has to have 4 seats!

So, I think I've come up with the "right answer" for me...

I think Petrol as I have heard of too many problems with VAG TDi engines (from friends who have had big bills and from online forums too) - injectors, water pumps, DPFs, etc etc and as the car would be a keeper, I just want it to be as risk-free as any second hand car could be. IN the case of a petrol, it would have to be the 2.0 TFSI as it offers the best compromise between performance and frugality.

Transmission wise, I'm split. I'd quite like an auto, mainly for convenience and the fact it's much more of a cruiser than a GT (with paddles as I perceive them to be more "fun") but again I've heard lots of bad things about the Multitronic box reliability wise. I think the consensus is that they don't have as many issues with the TFSI due to the lower torque output of that engine and that if it has been serviced properly then it should be ok anyway. The car I'm looking at is an 09 plate with 42K miles and a FASH, so hopefully a test drive, a look at the books and a couple of phone calls to Audi should de-risk it as much as I can.

I'm more than happy for people to pick my argument apart. I'm looking for either reassurance that I've made sound decisions, or the fact I've been an idiot...

Thanks in advance!

 

[Trevor]

Hi Nigel

I think you've definitely done your research to a good level and I would agree with your conclusion.

Not sure what others will think, but you can only go with your decision and always ensure that all servicing has been carried out properly to date and with correct parts/fluids then you I don't think you can go too wrong

 

[MikeR]

On Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 5:47 PM, CH47Driver said:

Hi all. I'm new to the Forum as I'm about to take the plunge on an A4 Cabrio. I had an S2000 until fairly recently and I'm missing that rag top vibe, but having a family now means a replacement has to have 4 seats!

So, I think I've come up with the "right answer" for me...

I think Petrol as I have heard of too many problems with VAG TDi engines (from friends who have had big bills and from online forums too) - injectors, water pumps, DPFs, etc etc and as the car would be a keeper, I just want it to be as risk-free as any second hand car could be. IN the case of a petrol, it would have to be the 2.0 TFSI as it offers the best compromise between performance and frugality.

Transmission wise, I'm split. I'd quite like an auto, mainly for convenience and the fact it's much more of a cruiser than a GT (with paddles as I perceive them to be more "fun") but again I've heard lots of bad things about the Multitronic box reliability wise. I think the consensus is that they don't have as many issues with the TFSI due to the lower torque output of that engine and that if it has been serviced properly then it should be ok anyway. The car I'm looking at is an 09 plate with 42K miles and a FASH, so hopefully a test drive, a look at the books and a couple of phone calls to Audi should de-risk it as much as I can.

I'm more than happy for people to pick my argument apart. I'm looking for either reassurance that I've made sound decisions, or the fact I've been an idiot...

Thanks in advance!

 

Hi, just joined forum so apologies for late answer. If you haven't already bought one, I have owned an a4 cab auto for 4 years and love it. Some early models had problems with auto boxes but Audi sorted it by the later models. You're right about the diesels, I was put off buying one so bought a 2.0 petrol, these are much better and stronger than the 1.8. The Multitronic is fine if you keep it serviced. It doesn't have gears like the DSG gearboxes, it is just one gear, if you put it in manual mode or use the paddles, all it does is move to rev  (engine revs) range higher. My son calls them a pretend gearbox! Fantastic cars though.