Darrell O'Neill Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 I know I've touched on this subject before, but I'm on the hunt to for a low cost weekend run around and something other than my works van and the westie when my trusty, but rusty Pajero dies in the next few months. My wish list is for something 4wd (to tow the race car and handle the local white stuff in the winter), something with 5 doors, but also something fun to drive and all the toys would be nice. My heart is leaning towards the 3.0 A4 Quattro estate, as mileage and MPG isn't too important, but what are they like? With a budget of 4-5K id probably be looking at something around the 100,000 mile mark. Any opinions? Any advice what to look for or anything else that comes to mind with those credentials and budget? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleggy the Spyder Man Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 Impreza estate would be fun and well within budget - the estates have managed to stay apart from the image issues IMO Not much in the way of toys though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEN99W Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 If youre getting used a 4x4 estate, Subaru have several options. Impreza as suggested above, or legacy 3.0 or forester xtr. All will be more fun and more reliable, although perhaps won't look as fashionable as the Audi. They're pretty juicy to run, (mid to low 20s mpg) but that doesn't sound like a problem on limited mileage. Mazda 6 mps is another fun but practical option. I can't help on the ownership experience of the Audi, but my other halfs TT is the least reliable car we have in terms of niggles. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arm Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 How about my 2005 V70 diesel. Great tow car, lots of power, toys and with the winter tyres (also available) goes everywhere you need. Never got stuck in this with winters on ! See for sale add 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marto303 Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Audi A6 Allroad 2.5tdi could be a possibility, great tow car, loads of room, strong and reliable IMHO that is, only down side is fuel consumption low 20's on a good day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffC Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Audi A6 Allroad 2.5tdi could be a possibility, great tow car, loads of room, strong and reliable IMHO that is, only down side is fuel consumption low 20's on a good day bigger downside is the 2.5 tdi engine Subaru turbo will be a quick car but built quality is shocking compared to a german car, not had a lot to do with the 3.0 petrol engine in the Audi so cant really comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEN99W Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Allroad height adjustable suspension is costly to renew and will not last the life of the car. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marto303 Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 bigger downside is the 2.5 tdi engine Subaru turbo will be a quick car but built quality is shocking compared to a german car, not had a lot to do with the 3.0 petrol engine in the Audi so cant really comment. Sounds like you've had a bad experience Jeff ? I've had three 2.5 TDI's which i've used to tow around europe and for the last 4 years a 2.7 TDI all have been perfectly reliable for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlas12v Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 I assume for the budget you mean the 3.0 V6 petrol. I had one, a saloon, and it drank a serious amount of fuel. in my opinion way to much for the performance it gave. The weight of the Quattro system was the main cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffC Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Sounds like you've had a bad experience Jeff ? I've had three 2.5 TDI's which i've used to tow around europe and for the last 4 years a 2.7 TDI all have been perfectly reliable for me ive sold quite a few back in the day, one of audis worst engines imho, no torque at lower revs and not a lot once you get moving, poor mpg and then once they get miles on them the cams wear badly. had no probs personally just dont recommend them, if a diesel is on the cards a 1900 is a better option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleggy the Spyder Man Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 bigger downside is the 2.5 tdi engine Subaru turbo will be a quick car but built quality is shocking compared to a german car, not had a lot to do with the 3.0 petrol engine in the Audi so cant really comment. dont really agree with "build quality is shocking" - yes materials and fit are very much low rent compared to german stuff, but in the three impreza's I have owned nothing has ever gone wrong or fallen off despite much abuse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marto303 Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 ive sold quite a few back in the day, one of audis worst engines imho, no torque at lower revs and not a lot once you get moving, poor mpg and then once they get miles on them the cams wear badly. had no probs personally just dont recommend them, if a diesel is on the cards a 1900 is a better option. Having owned a few, my opinion couldn't be more different, awesome motor, loads of low down torque, pulled my twin wheel caravan out of the **** many a time with ease, poor mpg on the quattro Allroad but the 2 wheel drive version does 35 around town and 50+ on a run The first 2.5 tdi A6 Avant I owned had done 170000mls when I sold it, no issuse with the cams, infact no issues period. Oh well different strokes for different folks I guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammy Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 The problem I always have with cheap Expensive cars ( if you see what I mean) is maintainance and running costs - and if it goes wrong other big costs (starters , clutch etc) . They should be just as likely to go wrong as an initially cheaper car ( mark up on exec cars etc) This has always stopped me buying a used BMW with 130k miles over say a Mondeo with 20k miles for the same price ( New BMW electric steering is rubbish anyway )I think i was scared off by the Merc 280e i had , where the water pump cost £200 ( failed at 70k) to buy and hundreds more to fit ( vent down air con etc ..) . Am I being too old and grumpy ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norman Verona Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Am I being too old and grumpy ? Yes, welcome to the club. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrell O'Neill Posted August 31, 2013 Author Share Posted August 31, 2013 Thanks guys, the Scooby was second on my list but I just don't know if I could live with the bland interior and basic layout. I like the fun factor of the Scooby, but at the end of the day, if I want a fun blat I'll take out the Westie. I was hoping everyone was going to say how good the A4 3.0 was.... Unfortunately in the part of the country I live in nothing, and I mean nothing gets around here when it snows... Might see if I can blag a ride or drive on the Audi of I can find one.... Would people consider 100k to be problematic mileage for a petrol these days? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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