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Audi buying advice
Hodor - 8/10/15 at 11:56 PM

Looking to replace wife's Skoda Octavia Vrs with an Audi A3 Sportback, which would seem to be optimal size of car for carting kids to school and occasionally the dog to the vet / park.

Would appreciate advice on best engine choices and which to avoid. Or just general thoughts, experiences.

Not doing large miles, so not fussed about diesel vs petrol, either OK.

Budget is circa £7.5k, so realistically a 2008 / 2009 with 70k miles.

Slimy38 - 9/10/15 at 06:53 AM

The lack of miles would lead me to suggest a petrol would be infinitely safer. Modern diesels don't like short journeys, and you won't get any better mpg (which is usually the point of a diesel).

Mr Whippy - 9/10/15 at 11:14 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
The lack of miles would lead me to suggest a petrol would be infinitely safer. Modern diesels don't like short journeys, and you won't get any better mpg (which is usually the point of a diesel).


exactly, I have this issue with the wife's CMax which at less that 50k was totally coked up due to short journeys. Have a look at diesel particulate filters and how they work or not as is more likely. Diesels are great for long trips and towing, anything else go for a petrol.

mcerd1 - 9/10/15 at 11:56 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
The lack of miles would lead me to suggest a petrol would be infinitely safer. Modern diesels don't like short journeys, and you won't get any better mpg (which is usually the point of a diesel).


exactly, I have this issue with the wife's CMax which at less that 50k was totally coked up due to short journeys. Have a look at diesel particulate filters and how they work or not as is more likely. Diesels are great for long trips and towing, anything else go for a petrol.

^^ which is exactly why my c-max is a petrol


my mum got herself a 59 plate polo 1.6 diesel - she does lots of short trips and its nearly clogged the DPF twice and been back for 2 or 3 factory recalls related to it as well. she can deal with it by giving it a good long blast about once a week, which ends up negating a lot of the fuel economy advantage.... (I've even been told that VW dealers were advised not to sell these diesels to folk that mainly do short journeys)

I'm led to believe the bigger VAG diesel engines are a little better (mainly due to the fact they can generate more heat in the exhaust) but I'd get a petrol for short trips and avoid the whole issue....


I don't really know any of the newer VAG petrol engines - but I'm very interested in learning as these could be what we get to replace the other halfs Clio when it dies (which I hope is soon!)

[Edited on 9/10/2015 by mcerd1]

blakep82 - 9/10/15 at 12:11 PM

If you see one you like, find the engine code then read up on them.
I didn't, I bought one 8 weeks ago, then found that particular engine has a weak oil pump system, was looking to replace the pump anyway and looked up parts Sunday night. Monday morning it spat the chain out only 96k on it...
So read up on any engine troubles before buying

Hodor - 9/10/15 at 08:38 PM

Thanks folks, good advice.