USED Audi A4 Avant (08 - )

My car

I have owned this car from new, for 18 months and covered 50,000 miles. Tomorrow is my last day in it. Hoorray! The seat has caused my serious back pain which despite repeated attempts to resolve has caused issues for me from day one. Its a great pity as in all other respects its a great car, and Im taking a sieriuos hit to bale out thsi early.

So, if you are considering an A4 SE , take great care that the seat suits you very well, as there is no way to adjust the lumbar/back support, and the dealer just does not want to know. Customer care, what customer care. This is my 4th A4 and I made the mistake of assuming this model would be as comfortable as the last ones. Not so, at least not for me.

My car

Since new in Nov 08 I have covered over 4000 miles. Had previous version A4 from new and covered 95000 miles in that and was very happy indeed with it. This latest version A4 is better to drive, better handling, better technology and advanced safety systems etc. This engine (2.0 T FSI petrol with 211 BHP) is superb, as was my last, and it delivers strong pull in all gears, 0-60 in just over 7secs, is quiet, smooth and a sheer delight on motorways or country lanes, returning an ave 34MPG at the moment. This is improving all the time as it runs in. My last A4 2.0 TFSI did the same, and at 95000 miles was returning 36.5 MPG on ave. Not bad for petrol, AND considering the performance! Quality of the interior of the new car is mostly excellent, the only slight let down is the lower door areas around the speakers etc which was better in the previous model A4. The S-Line model is fantastically equipped as standard, I have specced up with DVD SAT NAV (which is excellent)and a few other personal bits & bobs. The design and style are real eye catchers, especially the xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights! I would whole-heartedly recommend this car to anyone. I shall have another when this one is 3yrs old.

My car

I've had my car for a year. Like others I'm quite disappointed by the fuel economy - 38 mpg on a motorway (42 mpg if I'm lucky), it can be down to below 30 mpg in town. Had a traction control sensor fail on the first day of ownership which kept throwing on the ABS brakes. It meant 3 days off the road and a tow to the local dealer! Not impressive. Nor was I impressed with having to change the front tyres at 6,800 miles! Changed tyre brand to Bridgestones and they are performing well (no more tramlining on rutted roads either).

Now covered 12000 miles and all's settled well (bar the fuel economy). I love the quality feel inside and it's a great solid motorway mile-muncher. Space could be better in the back and boot. I love the classy looks too.

Car is quick and easy to drive with a great turning circle. Parking sensors front and rear are useful given the length of the car. Heated seats are a little slow to heat up but have been useful in recent cold weather. Auto lights and wipers work very well.

Yet to have my first service (indicator gives another 6000 miles). Watch your oil level as it can need topping up every few months.

My car

Bought this car new in October, have now covered 2500 miles and am very dissappointed. Having particular problems with the driving position to such an extend I have been back to the dealership several times and driven other identical models to confirm problem. Another dissappointment is the fuel economy averaging 44mpg and driving on a motorway commute of 20 minutes each day. My 3 year old mondeo on the same journeys returned 53mpg, hence my dissappointment.

With regard to the quality it appears good, not sure why some of the reviews state otherwise. The equipment level on the SE is adequate I specced a few extras like heated seats, electric lumbar, rear parking sensors and cruise control.

To sum up it looks great but I find it uncomfortable, to such an extend that I am all ready considering changing in the new year (at great expense). Probably heading back for the new Ford Mondeo.