USED Audi A4 Saloon (08 - )

My car

I have a brand new Audi A4 1.8tfsi 160bhp SE Model. And it's been nothing but a headache. I've been without it more than i have with it!!

The Bad: Airbag warning light appeared 3 times! Audi kept the car for 2 weeks to replace the airbag system, Clutch is knackered and sticks in 1st even when i change up and i get the lovely clutch smell, trim is so cheap and nasty it falls off and breaks without even touching it. Economy isn't good on this vehicle and it looses power unless your cruising on the motorway then the turbo helps a lot. It's not really a sporty car at all. You get 2 cup holders unless you splash out on their ridiculous storage packs. Handling / Turning circle isn't fantastic. The car is down right dangerous now we have icy weather, it's slipping and sliding all over the show, when my sisters x reg 1.3 Fiesta is pulling ahead of me.... very embarrassing!

The Good: Very comfortable especially on long journeys, easy to drive (when it works), very nicely styled. Very smooth car.

Luckily it's a company car and due to the amount of problems i've had with it, it's going back and im swapping for a Lexus.

My car

Test drove a 320i MSport before buying the Audi, and the Audi won hands down. Better engine and cabin. Have driven a 1.8 TFSI SE for 2 months now and enjoying it for my cross-country commute and a recent 1,500m tour of Scotland. Only gripes - it's a touch too long for parking in tight spaces and the silver plastic trim around the instruments is tacky and can squeak at high speed. Otherwise, the engine, handling, Hi-Fi (B&O) and interior in general is great, and economy better than my 2005 Volvo 1.8 S40 despite the extra performance.

My car

It's great to be driving a turbocharged petrol car again after five years of diesels.

You can barely hear the engine at tickover. Performance is very responsive and smooth in all situations and the car feels very taught and unruffled, regardless of the road conditions.

It has good sound insulation from wind and road noise. It's averaging 31mpg with 1500 miles under the wheels. My previous Mondeo TDCI with DPF averaged 38mpg, so what is the point driving diesel? It has already required 1/2 a litre of expensive FS oil right enough!

It's a delightful-looking machine externally, especially in silver with the uprated 18" alloys. I opted for the leather and B&O sound - amazing.

It's a definite improvement over previous model in terms of ride/handling compromise, although I do find the pedals to be offset too much to the right - but you get used to it.

Has received numerous comments in car parks about how good it looks although I suppose that will wear off once it is more common on the road.

So well done Audi for producing a quality all round package (initial immpressions) - hope it's reliable over the next few years.