NewNiceMrMe Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Having had my A4 for almost 6 months now I thought it was time for a mini-review. The car had 9,000 miles on it when I got it and has now covered just over 19,000 miles. The spec on the car is low although it does have the aftermarket fitted DVD System with a roof mounted drop down TV monitor. As has been well covered....this still isn't working properly as there is no sound from it. My overall impressions of the car were favourable to begin with, but I'm sorry to report they have gradually subsided to the point where I now wish I'd chosen a 320d Touring (E46). The build quality of the car can't really be faulted, although the glovebox problem that I have recently encountered is very frustrating. I still can't open it and it's going to have to visit the dealers to have the issue rectified. In normal driving conditions the car is perfectly adequate. The engine remains a tad on the noisy side for my liking and notably more audible than that of my wife's 320d SE Saloon. Power is satisfactory, but in a straight line foot-down test against my wife in her 320d I couldn't keep up and she was pulling away quite visibly. That said, hers has an additional 20bhp. The gearchange is nice and firm with the car being easy to drive if a little gutless on start-up. I've grown to dislike the seats intensely though. The build of the cabin means that leg movement is severely restricted (width wise) and I find the seats aren't very supportive over long journeys. They hold you in fine, but they don't offer the comfort that the 320d does. The steering wheel has lovely feel to it though, as does the whole of the dash. In respect of interior appearance there is no doubt that the A4 wins hands down. Unfortunately though I use a car for driving and not for sitting inside and glancing around the interior thinking 'ooo that looks nice'. It's in this respect that the car has it's pluses but major minuses. Fuel consumption is superb. It's returning about 45mpg on average and having had a tank range of over 860 miles displayed before I can't really complain about the frugality of the vehicle. Handling and traction and absolutely dire though. I won't go over it again, but traction is a disgrace. I should have got the Quattro version. It's dangerous, it's unpredictable and it's nothing short of appalling from a supposed quality brand. Handling is on the soft side IMO. The wife's 320d is firmer than the 'Sport' version of the A4 and I think the Avant shows the most incredibly unnerving signs of unpredictable behaviour when pushing on country lanes or hitting bumps at high speeds. The balance demonstrated by the 320d simply isn't evident in the A4. In terms of practicality the car is very much a case of form over function. Whilst the Avant offers a little more storage it's largely irrelevant. The saloon isn't too far behind it. I still like the looks of the car though, although walking to it can't help but think 'Hmph, you again'. That's primarily because of the traction and the noise. On motorways it's fine, and as an M road milecruncher it serves it's purpose, but as each journey starts and finishes in lower gears when the noise of engine gets on my nerves, well it somewhat dimishes the overall benefits of the car. So in short, I followed the advice of lots of fellow Audi owners and I'm afraid to say I think a few need to drive more vehicles. The drivetrain of my wifes car is far superior, the build is on par, the noise is much less and the power is more - with a few miles per gallon being the sacrifice. The A4 looks nice both outside and in - but it's not a patch on the 320d in terms of it's engineering and overall driving capability. I chose the Audi with high hopes, lots of valued opinion being taken onboard and initially I thought I'd made the right choice. Time has shown otherwise though and it's the most unloved car I have ever driven (not the worst, just the most unloved because it could be such a good car but misses the mark in the most important areas IMO). Ultimately, I'm now very disappointed and I made a mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Doh.. doesn't sound good at all. As you say its all down to a decent test drive. I always take a few out for a spin and get it down to 2 or 3 and take 48hr test drives that the company car people offer. It has helped me make some decisions for the better. It meant I didn't go for the 2.0TDI engine in mine cause I just didn't get on with it at all, refinements just wasn't good enough for me. Plus the Sportback handles way way better than the B6 A4s I have driving including the Quattro A4 I had for 12 months. So what happens next then ? Can you change it or is it a case of having it for X years .... Its why as a company car driver that has to have his car for 4 yes 4 !!! years I take plenty of time choosing had have to let my heart not my head make the choice to that I enjoy the car for as much of the 4 years as possible. Mind you saying that I think next time opting out might be the way to go.. we will see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOSE Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Cant you get rid of it Chris and just opt for the 320d anyways? Or do you have to sit the contract out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted March 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 It'll be 80,000 miles or 3 years before I can change it officially. I could probably get away with it after 18 months, but after 6 months I'd be setting a precedent that could be difficult to stop in future from others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincher Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Can't you 'Ferris Bueller' it so that those 80,000 are clocked up asap?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 I can sympathise with your here MrMe..... I have had my Avant SE (B6) PD130 for about 11 months now - came close to getting rid of it last week...... mainly becuase mine is an SE and i am sick of the suspension crashes / crap handling! Anyway, picking up on your points, the PD engines are known to be noisier..... they aint direct injection and VAG has aknowledged that PD wasnt the 'future' and are now going down the DI route like all others - these engines are better...... In terms of wheelspin / ESP that you have covered before, another trait of the PD engine is that factory power outputs from the PD130 can be up to 155 as standard!!! I wouldnt mind betting yours is at this upper level. Mine with the standard SE wheels never activated the ESP or gave me any issues taking off. I now have OEM 17" diamond alloys on and in the wet, it comes in **sometimes** (tyre choice) but not often at all. I am lowering mine next week hopefully by 40mm and popping another 10mm on the track width to improve the handling - maybe try some suspension mods on yours to improve it for your minimum of 18 months of ownership!!??? I am a big Audi fan and not a BMW fan at all, but the 2.0d engine from BMW is by far the best available and the chassis / engineering and build is top of its class - no doubt. I think its a bit silly to say we need to drive more cars - even avid audi only fans will have driven loads of other marques - maybe it is YOU that should have driven more cars i think......! I prefer the interior of the A4 over the 3 series BMW by FAR and prefer the image (or is that lack of it??) and any BMW i spent my OWN hard earned cash on would have to be so phenominal for me to buy, just because i have never been a big fan.... Awesome vehicles though and with the set-up of their chassis they will ALWAYS be class leader IMO.... Audi still have a lot to learn. So, in short, maybe tinker with the suspension a bit (£3-500 will sort it), which should go some way to sorting the ESP issue too..... loose some weight and the seats will be great....... Just kidding mate - never met you so you might by 8 stone wet through!! I think they are VERY comfy and frequently do 600 miles / day trips no problem...... Only other thing i can suggest - hijack your wifes 320d!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted March 12, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 [ QUOTE ] In terms of wheelspin / ESP that you have covered before, another trait of the PD engine is that factory power outputs from the PD130 can be up to 155 as standard!!! I wouldnt mind betting yours is at this upper level. [/ QUOTE ] It can't be - otherwise my wife's BMW 320d wouldn't have left it behind as quickly as it did. I find it very hard to believe that it can be common for a car listed as having 130PS to output up to 155PS from the factory??? I don't know anything different, but am just questioning how likely that is? Either way, mine definately can't get close to the wife's 150bhp. [ QUOTE ] maybe try some suspension mods on yours to improve it for your minimum of 18 months of ownership!!??? [/ QUOTE ] But why? It's supposed to be the Sport model. Furthermore, why would I want to spend monies on a company car? It's pounds down the drain [ QUOTE ] I think its a bit silly to say we need to drive more cars - even avid audi only fans will have driven loads of other marques - maybe it is YOU that should have driven more cars i think......! [/ QUOTE ] I'm lost on that one. See, I've seen countless threads from people saying how much better the A4 1.9TDi is than the 320d - and how it'd keep with one or there not be much in it. I can only presume, hence my statement, that people have not driven a 320d - because the performance differential is significant on the road and in visible terms when trying to follow one. I drove Audi's, BMW's and Saab's to name but a few. I didn't drive the A4 for long enough though - and I paid too much attention to the views of others. So I'm saying I find it difficult to see how some of those views could have been arrived at. It's a lesson learned though, and the final responsibility for choice was mine. I have no loyalty to brand at all. I've demonstrated this on countless occasions. I guess I'm saying that I think I have seen that a number of people do have brand loyalty that overshadows their ultimate judgement on what is 'best in class'. There are few makes we haven't owned and I've said this many many times before. [ QUOTE ] I prefer the interior of the A4 over the 3 series BMW by FAR and prefer the image (or is that lack of it??) [/ QUOTE ] I agree on the interior, although the E90 interior is an improvement but I'd have been looking at an E46. On the subject of image, well I just don't think it matters a jot. Image is subjective and I've seen just as many tossers in Audi's as I have in BMW's. Indeed the recent success of Audi's has, IMO, seen a greater proportion of tossers actually driving them. They've become a more aspirational marque. I could never stop myself buying the best car in class just because of the image it had - it just doesn't make common sense. [ QUOTE ] So, in short, maybe tinker with the suspension a bit (£3-500 will sort it), which should go some way to sorting the ESP issue too [/ QUOTE ] Well I'm not going to do that. Changing the suspension simply shouldn't be necessary IMO. [ QUOTE ] ..... loose some weight and the seats will be great....... Just kidding mate - never met you so you might by 8 stone wet through!! I think they are VERY comfy and frequently do 600 miles / day trips no problem...... [/ QUOTE ] Regardless, there is no sense in that. Because...why would I find the 320d and other car seats no problem whether I was 8st, 18st or whatever? [ QUOTE ] Only other thing i can suggest - hijack your wifes 320d!!! [/ QUOTE ] Firstly, she hates the A4 and say's it is slow and noisy. Secondly, with the mileages I do in the A4 it's not an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 [ QUOTE ] It can't be - otherwise my wife's BMW 320d wouldn't have left it behind as quickly as it did. I find it very hard to believe that it can be common for a car listed as having 130PS to output up to 155PS from the factory??? I don't know anything different, but am just questioning how likely that is? Either way, mine definately can't get close to the wife's 150bhp. [/ QUOTE ] It's commonly know and i was shocked too when i found out! As you say, i doubt it's running that hig though if the 320d is pulling away. [ QUOTE ] But why? It's supposed to be the Sport model. Furthermore, why would I want to spend monies on a company car? It's pounds down the drain [/ QUOTE ] didnt realise it was a CC. [ QUOTE ] I'm lost on that one. See, I've seen countless threads from people saying how much better the A4 1.9TDi is than the 320d - and how it'd keep with one or there not be much in it. I can only presume, hence my statement, that people have not driven a 320d - because the performance differential is significant on the road and in visible terms when trying to follow one. I drove Audi's, BMW's and Saab's to name but a few. I didn't drive the A4 for long enough though - and I paid too much attention to the views of others. So I'm saying I find it difficult to see how some of those views could have been arrived at. It's a lesson learned though, and the final responsibility for choice was mine. I have no loyalty to brand at all. I've demonstrated this on countless occasions. I guess I'm saying that I think I have seen that a number of people do have brand loyalty that overshadows their ultimate judgement on what is 'best in class'. There are few makes we haven't owned and I've said this many many times before. [/ QUOTE ] all i meant was maybe you should have test driven over a longer time before chosing. I for one would never say an A4 would be anywhere near a 320d in performance terms.... I recently test drove a 120d M sport and the power delivery is lovely and VERY different. You are up to 60mph very fast, but dont realise it because of the refinement and different power delivery.... [ QUOTE ] Indeed the recent success of Audi's has, IMO, seen a greater proportion of tossers actually driving them. They've become a more aspirational marque. I could never stop myself buying the best car in class just because of the image it had - it just doesn't make common sense. [/ QUOTE ] you are VERY right about the Audi drivers there...... cant argue with that! People are very different and if we all like the same, the world would be fecked. I dont like the BMW image, but like you say, maybe Audi is going that way now.... I am different to you in that sense..... i do care about image, but wouldnt choose an A4 over a 3series JUST because of that!!!!! I dont like the look / interior of the 3 and that is where i spend most of my time.... chosing a 5series over, say an A6 - more difficult, both are v nice, but having spent a great deal of time in a 5 series, i would take the A6..... now A8 or 6/7 series - THAT would be a tricky choice!!! [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] ..... loose some weight and the seats will be great....... Just kidding mate - never met you so you might by 8 stone wet through!! I think they are VERY comfy and frequently do 600 miles / day trips no problem...... [/ QUOTE ] Regardless, there is no sense in that. Because...why would I find the 320d and other car seats no problem whether I was 8st, 18st or whatever? [/ QUOTE ] fair enough - its know as physics.... [ QUOTE ] Firstly, she hates the A4 and say's it is slow and noisy. Secondly, with the mileages I do in the A4 it's not an option. [/ QUOTE ] it was a joke........ you do seem to have a little bit of an attitude issue at times!!! i was simply replying in a jovial manner to your posts..... chill out a little! blimey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activa Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 Just a thought for you MrMe,I read with interest that your A4's performance is slightly disappointing to say the least. Are you sure that it's running correctly? That may sound like a dumb question,especially with it being such a new car,but we know from reading the VW forums on TSN that several faults seem to develop with these engines that would drain it of its true potential.MAF sensors,N75 valves,pipe leaks etc. when faulty all seem to make the cars perform well below standard,even though the car still drives fine in all other respects. Another reason I mention this,is that my Golf,which admittedly is 20bhp more than your A4 but has almost the same torque figure stays with my Brother-In-Laws 320d without any problem at all,and actually once he said I was gaining on him when we blasted past some slower traffic on the M1. Maybe worth checking out,seeing as it's gonna be your A-B for sometime. With regards to the suspension,if it's similar to the Golf(which I can only assume it is)then I have to agree the crashing over bumps and road imperfections is simply horrendus,no damping finesse whatsover and my reason for constantly championing French suspension setups which are in a completely different league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted March 12, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 I'm pretty sure the car is running fine. You'd have to remember your Golf, with 20bhp more, is a lot lighter than the A4 too so it doesn't surprise me that it'd keep with a 320d without any problem at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelson_R32 Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 If its not matching a 320D then you'll probably find your Air Mass Meter is on its way out Cleaning the MAF sensor in some alcohol and see if it improves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted March 12, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 [ QUOTE ] If its not matching a 320D then you'll probably find your Air Mass Meter is on its way out Cleaning the MAF sensor in some alcohol and see if it improves [/ QUOTE ] Huh? Trust me, the car is fine. It's done a mere 19,000 miles and had a service a few thousand miles ago. An A4 130 Tdi simply won't live with a 320d in a straight line - it's as simple as that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UBM Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 I told you at the time you should have bought the B7 2.0 TDI... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted March 12, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I told you at the time you should have bought the B7 2.0 TDI... [/ QUOTE ] That's true, you did. You may have been right too. Quattro was a must, that's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 I knew you'd not like the Audi! And I told you so! To be honest, where performance matters the 320 will leave the A4 130PS behind. No doubt. However, I have beaten one before because I feel I drove my car better than this other lad did, and it certainly wasn't pulling away visibly on the straights, but it was progressing slightly over mine and would have continued to do so. I haven't experienced the wheel spin either as bad as you have, I can only put that down to different driving styles or the fact I've only ever had the one brand of tyre on mine which I think is excellent. Find the seats comfy, but only ever done 6 hours in one go, but mainly 50 mile trips a day. Each to their own I guess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmmlmmam Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I told you at the time you should have bought the B7 2.0 TDI... [/ QUOTE ] On what grounds does the B7 make a difference UBM? I certainly recognise many of the engine charachteristic what MrMe describes in my wife's A3SB 2.0TDi. Although we don't have issues with it to the same extent as MrMe, I'm begining to find it a very disapointing vehicle. And, I don't go in it much. The lack of refinement in noise and power delivery is shocking and it rides like a piece of wood. Traction hasn't been a major problem but with that power delivery it is easy to see how it could be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UBM Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 Personally, I find the ride, power delivery, grip and handling of the B7 far superior to the B6 - and I had three B6's and a B5. We all buy our cars for different reasons and none of us are "pushed" into buying. If you've made the wrong selection with your purchase, it's a hard lesson to learn. But please remember, what may seem like a "disappointing purchase" to you, may well be exactly what someone else wants, likes and enjoys. There seems to be way too much negativity on here - people always whinging - especially about Audi. If you don't like your cars then get rid and buy something you like FFS - and stop moaning.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 I saw the car in question today and I think the problem is the 238 kg of dirt on it. Give it a wash MrMe and it might go faster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted March 12, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I saw the car in question today and I think the problem is the 238 kg of dirt on it. Give it a wash MrMe and it might go faster [/ QUOTE ] I'll have you know that was it after a good night of Snow-wash. It was very clean by it's normal standards. It's just so unloved it'll not get washed by me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizze Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 Chris, think of it like this, in Italy they give you sour olives before a pizza so when you have a bite of that cheese and tomato covered bread you appreciate the flavours even more!! Same with the B6 and the 6 series, come Sunday when you get in the 6 it feels so much better than if you had been driving around in a BMW all week! All these people who say they don't get traction issues, I wonder if they are actually able to put ther foot down fully at a busy roundabout and safely pull out? I bet if they are honest they have just adapted the way they apply the revs to compensate, do this with Quattro or rear wheel drive and you just go, going back to a rear wheel drive car you really notice how it grips in comparrison. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwo Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Blimey - the review didn't sound like an A4 avant tdi. I have had mine for 18months and put on 27k (got it 18months old with 27k on it). Handles fine never had any bad moments (apart from back end letting go once), handles fine on back roads at pushing on speeds. seats are good - for a 6footer (14hr journey one day whilst driving to italy and 36.6mpg after 4hrs at 110-115mph ave). Drag strip acceleration is not great but in gear is not bad at all - i am off the opinion it has more than 130bhp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmmlmmam Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Personally, I find the ride, power delivery, grip and handling of the B7 far superior to the B6 - [/ QUOTE ] That's the sort of thing we want to know [ QUOTE ] and I had three B6's and a B5. [/ QUOTE ] I know and that is why I asked. Apologies if my question sounded sarcastic and negative. I am genuinely interested in both how B7 has moved the A4 on from B6 and also how the 2.0TDi compares with the 1.9TDi. [ QUOTE ] We all buy our cars for different reasons and none of us are "pushed" into buying. [/ QUOTE ] I don't think I said anything about being pushed into choosing the car we did. [ QUOTE ] If you've made the wrong selection with your purchase, it's a hard lesson to learn. [/ QUOTE ] Actually my Wife is very pleased with it. This means she want's to drive all the time - that's not a good thing for me! [ QUOTE ] But please remember, what may seem like a "disappointing purchase" to you, may well be exactly what someone else wants, likes and enjoys. There seems to be way too much negativity on here - people always whinging - especially about Audi. [/ QUOTE ] Heck, is that a greasy fat chip sat on your shoulder. If we can't mention the negatives about our cars then this forum will quickly become utterly pointless. [ QUOTE ] If you don't like your cars then get rid and buy something you like FFS - and stop moaning.... [/ QUOTE ] Oh go boil your head! And don't bring my S4 into this I love it . Don't think my Wife does. Like you say each to their own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UBM Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Even the Audi Assist man today was raving about the soot chucker B7 and claiming they were a big improvement over the B6. This was reflected in his call out statistics too.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 My B6 sootchucker never missed a beat in 3 years. The handling wasn't the best but the reliability was second to none Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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