Looking for a B6 A4

[benjie]

I'm looking to buy a B6 A4 (2003-04) 130 TDI Sport (Saloon)

I just wondered if there are any important (model specific) things to look out for when I go and see a car.

Any details will be helpful,

thanks.

[Mook]

That'll have the 130PS PD engine - pretty much bullet proof as long as they're looked after. When the car's warm, floor it up to max revs and check it doesn't belch black smoke.

Make sure it's got a full history - sounds obvious, but, dependent on the miles, make sure that everything has been done when it should have been, i.e. cambelt at 60k miles.

One thing I've always done is get a proper look at the history and then called each dealer that's done the work and ask them what advisories were on each service record.

Best of luck

[shark_90]

As Mook says, they're pretty much bulletproof. I had one up to 155k miles with no major problems that I remember. Nothing like the engine falling out or packing in etc.

Injectors are expensive so make sure there's no major smoke at high revs and no major vibrations at idle (feels like a misfire) as the injectors alone are >£600.

[benjie]

Thanks for your replies guys, yes it's the 130TDI, looking at ones with 60-80k on the clock. I'm planning on remapping it too, but not wildly. I have heard of people remapping 130TDI Golfs and having hoses and pipes popping off everywhere! What bhp do you think I can safely remap to for the best compination of uprated power without significant reduction in reliability?

Also, I've seen a few 130TDI Sport Quattro's, what are these like? I like the thought of 4WD when needed, but do they eat tyres? What parts need servicing. Done an insurance quote and it's only £10more a year and £25 more a year on road tax (in 2010).

[shark_90]

No problems with a straightforward remap, you should see around 160-165bhp and 25% torque increase (read - a lot!) which really quickens the car up. The quattro is great, if that's what you want. The quattro thing has been done to death on here and I'm all for it (especially with the torque of a diesel) but it's down to personal preference, but the car will feel slower due to more weight, and more drivetrain losses (i.e. less BHP at the wheels). I think quattros are technically maintenance free when it comes to the drivetrain although some people may change the rear diff oil for piece of mind, pretty sure it's not in the service schedule though.

Tyre wear is more even than a FWD car, the fronts will still go before the rears but generally the tyres will wear more evenly and last a little longer.

[pogocar123]

I'm looking to buy a B6 A4 (2003-04) 130 TDI Sport (Saloon)

I just wondered if there are any important (model specific) things to look out for when I go and see a car.

Any details will be helpful,

thanks.

ive just bought the 130 bhp b6, and i gota say im really impressed with it! mine had done 73k, and one owner from new, another thing you want to watch is that water, doesnt leak on the rear passenger footwell i had a puddle in mine and searched it on here, and aparently quite common but easily fixed, good luck with the buy and there great cars!!

thanks

[benjie]

Cheers guys, test drove a 130 quattro today - 2002, 83k, and I must say I was amazed at it. It was so tidy and the paintwork was great. They let me and my dad go for a drive alone so I floored it and dumped the clutch (in the wet) and the thing bloody sprang forward! Couldn't believe it!

Was never going to buy it, too expensive and had no service history till 60k! Great to drive and nice to confim I do like it. Only downside was that the engine lacked enough grunt for me... solved by the aforementioned remap!

[shark_90]

The extra drag of quattro does being them down a bit in the power stakes.. easily solved though!

[benjie]

I've bought one! Pics to follow!

Driven it back and it's so smooth and the power delivery is so sustained, it's an absolutely geat car!

VERY pleased!!!!