USED Audi A4 Saloon (05 - 09)

My car

Just watched your video review of the A4 where it suggested that the car was roomy.

I am just about to get a new car and the rear space in the A4 has put me off. It's the only thing I don't like about the car. I'm just 6' and with the driver's seat in the correct postion I can just get in the back seat but really struggled to get out again.

Think I'm going to go for the new Passat. As big as an A6 for half the price (well nearly).

My car

The 2005 A4 non-Quattro models have a issue with the gearbox, whereby sychro-mesh is intermittently faulty in gears 1 - 4. This fault is starting to appear on 2005 cars and Audi are have now acknowledged the problem, however it is likely to be months before a fix is developed from Germany (Audi's Estimate).

My car was delivered with no sycro-mesh in 5th and needed a new gearbox immediately! However the new 'box still has the other fault. Initially the dealership attitude was that they are doing me a favour to fix the problem, which isn't their fault and I should take it up with Audi UK. A call to the Brand Manager seemd to sort that issue out This is a shame as otherwise this car is excellent; looks better than a 3-series, the 2.0T engine is superb and interior fit & finish is best in class. I took a long time deciding on this car and would be very pleased if it were not for the gearbox problem, which tends to spoil the overall driving experience.

My advice would test the exact car you are buying (if approved used), or order a quattro, or wait for a fix for the gearbox issue before buying a new A4 manual transmission.

My car

Plenty of power, good drive, you need to change down to a lower gear sometimes unexpectedly at the lower speeds - in the old A4 I could go around a roundabout in 3rd but need a lower gear in this car.

Seats become uncomfortable after about 2 hours even on easy runs.

Trim level not the best, Toyota Yaris @ £7000 gives you a steering wheel with the radio controls on it, with Audi it is an extra. Found that the aftersales and the general attitude of Teesside Audi was none too good so spoilt the buying experience.

My car

I have now owned this car for four months, without problem.

The fuel econemy just getes better and better: I now achieve 600-680 miles on a tank after 12,000 miles.

I took a while to decide on this car, and have not been disappointed.

The noise can be a little loud from the diesel unit, but this is only with the windows down. More spacious than even the new 3 series, well done Audi.