Estate Car Advice

[Paul Chapman]

Just a thought, Lynx - have you considered a demonstrator? My present car was one. The list price, new, was nearly £13,000 and I got it for just over £8,000. A good way of getting a virtually new car that's only been driven around the block a few times, at a considerable saving on a new one. And they come with full, new car warrantee.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[newt]

Audi

 

[LyNx]

Audi

Nice and simple :wink:


I've a few to look at this weekend, all around the same sort of money but some higher spec/high mileage - low spec/lower milage. It's swings and roundabouts on this one.

 

[Dibs-h]

FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily.

But to be honest the latest generation\engines (TDCi, etc) are very impressive. However, after what would be modest mileage to any German car, most Fords, don't really last much longer.

With respect to 79k miles on an Audi - as long as the paperwork is in order and it drives well and passes any inspection - wouldn't bother me at all.

I have an Audi Tdi, that gets some right abuse - and at 205K it drives impressively well. The thing you need to bear in mind is that all the VAG group now use a convoluted multi-link front suspension, which improves driveability - however these parts are now deemed almost consumables.

I don't think you would find a car that could do 40k without wanting the bushes, etc on the front suspension changing. It's not a case of them going after high'ish mileage - design changes have made them virtually service parts.

Volvo - can't really fault them. Ultimately it's whatever you are comfortable or familiar with.

I'd always take an Audi - but that's because a few of my friends are Audi specialists and I have access to all the specialist kit - so it's cost effective for me to stick with VAG cars, and I prefer the Audis.

On a side note - if any site member needs any of the dash lights (ABS, Airbag, etc) putting out on a VAG car or similar and you're local - I'd be happy to oblige - Gratis! Takes mins with the laptop.


Dibs

 

[LyNx]

i've found a few, but not sure on engine size.

Locally is the 1.9 TDi ES but we are looking at another but it's the 2.5 TDi V6 engine. Is the latter going to cost me loads to run or are these engines pretty good.

 

[Escudo]

Our second car is the Audi A6 Avant, a solid car by all accounts, if a little uninvolving to drive. (1.8T)

Build quality is better than the Volvo though - you can check this by looking at second hand models and comparing wear on the inside etc.

I thought the A4 was a bit small, not much rear leg room or boot space.

Thats my five pence worth.

Cheers, Esc.

 

[Dibs-h]

The major difference is likely to the 1.9 having a 5sp box whilst the 2.5 will most certainly have a 6sp. Economy will be about 10% lower on the 2.5.

However servicing costs maybe marginally higher on the 2.5.

Best bet would be to look at the 1.9Tdi A6 avants - far more load space and almost the same economy - but usually cheaper to purchase on the 2nd hand market.

Don't be put off thinking it's a much bigger car - exterior dimensions aren't vastly different.

Go for a SE model, and you'll find that some of the 130Bhp or 2001+ cars have 6spd.

If you want as much car for money - I'd strongly recommend a Passat Tdi estate, especially a sport 130BHP - all the toys and a 6sp box. Mechanicals are identical. Even though both cars are very similar, the load capacity of the Passat is greater - less intrusion into the bootspace, by the suspension turrets. Built quality is just as good.

Dibs

 

[mailee]

Well me old Volvo has now done 150,000 miles and although has a few sqeaks here and there still hits 150mph! Oops did I say that, well, (clears throat) so I have been told. I bottled out at 140, best left to the young boy racers. No it is still going strong and has taken some abuse from me in the past and present.

 

[LyNx]

Just so happens that one of our reps has a 2005 A4 TDi s-line that he would like to change for a smaller car. May have the option to buy this from the lease company, so fingers crossed.

 

[AndyBoyd]

I have the Volvo V50 but a 2.0 l petrol version (europa sports model)

I'm delighted with it, but an Audi is always a good buy too

 

[colinc]

I used to be a Volvo man but I fear they are not so good these days. I liked the old tractor technology versions - I've had a few.

My best car buy ever was a a B reg 740 GLT. At a time when cash was short I bought it for £1250 with 173k on the clock and sold it to the local dealer 3 years later for £750 at 247k in px for another younger example. I wish I'd kept it for the 1/4 million though. Apart from plugs and filters all it needed was tyres and an exhaust. I still see its replacement a G reg 740 GLT every few days on the way to work - that must have 250 k on it by now too.

Having said, that I drive a Mondeo estate these days as I needed a car in a rush!! Throw-away, but you know when it will wear out and the are good value. I'll probably shop around for a good Audi A6 estate when I want to replace it though.