USED Audi A4 Avant (00 - 05)

My car

I have owned this car for about six weeks now, and I still marvel at the solid feel of it on the road.

It feels as if it is carved out of something extremely solid and long-lasting.

Yes, it is a bit cramped and the clock could be more passenger friendly rather than just for the driver, but the good points keep the satisfied grin on my face every time I get into it and drive it any distance.

The engine does make itself known inside the cabin, but road and wind noise are well muted to make it sound worse than it really is. It does not intrude so much that the radio has to be turned up at motorway cruising speed. Power is more than adequate with a good spread of torque, and the standard six-speed box is a delight.

My car

I have owned one of these since new and 3 years and 54000 mls later remain absolutely delighted with it.

I have averaged 40mpg over most of its life and the 4WD has proven its worth in numerous ski resorts and across roads and campsites in the wet of the UK. It has coped admirably with a whole heap of gear from skis to boats on the roof and mountain bikes and climbing gear inside. I only hope the 'all new' A4 3.0 TDi Quattro SE measures up in the same way - I will let you know.

My car

I had one of these on loan for a week whilst my Saab 9-5 tid estate was in the garage.

I detested it. The interior was very cramped and the finish dire. I particularly hated the scarlet-coloured dashboard display but the whole thing was poor and was not what I expected from an Audi.

The drive was mediocre. I thought it a bit sloppy and the turbo whined like nothing on earth. It was supremely economical, but what good is 50mpg if you hate the thing?