Audi A4 Saloon (2000 - 2004) 1.8T SE 4d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like Audis. But not new ones (was 10 years old when I got it, now it's 15 years old).

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They notice it's well built and still drives well for an old car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but I'd go for a more powerful one next time like the 180BHP 1.8T Quattro.

What are you likely to buy next?

Looking at the 2005-2007 A4 Avant or an A6.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,500

When did you buy the car?

April 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got it from a trader who was already selling it at £500 under the list price so no. But it was a steal at the price and was mint with only 44K on the clock and FASH.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had two Audis before (A4 MK1 and an Audi 80), wanted a saloon and this was the next natural progression. Also fancied the turbo engine for a bit of extra acceleration.

What was the dealer like?

A trader not a dealer. Trustworthy, only sold good cars. I had checked his website out first.

What's it like to drive?

It still drives like a new car and the engine just gets better with age. Done 78K now and still smooth, powerful and pretty economical for a turbo. Lovely gear changes (like my last A4), great acceleration from a standstill (turbo kicks in early on the 1.8T) and still getting 35mph on motorway (can get 40 is you do 60mph in traffic though wouldn't by choice!). Often see people complain of understeer on FWD cars but it's not been an issue for me. Maybe it's because I'm not driving like Tommi Makinnen round the bends. Smooth ride, no issues with the suspension on this model. Sport is probably harder like the first generation A4 (which was an awfully hard ride). Car built for the motorway but on B roads it's still pretty nippy if you get the revs up.

What's it like to park?

No parking sensors which is rubbish. You do get used to parking it but helps if you're used to saloons. The remote mirrors help, but get one with parking sensors if you can.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Lots of niggly things but managed to fix cheaply at independant garage. Engine management light comes on for a past time like the A4 before it. Usually it's a sensor but it'll still £100-200 to identify and replace. Trouble is, it's 14 years old now so things will go wrong. Internal alarm disable switch has stopped working, front speaker in door cuts out and radio is useless without an aerial upgrade (built into chassis like the last A4 and equally rubbish). All said, I would still have it all over again because despite some niggly things, they weren't that much to fix and the major stuff has just gone on and on and works fine.

What's most practical about your car?

Aircon still works fine after 15 years and like the last A4 (and the Audi 80 before it) I've not changed a clutch or gearbox so far. Rear seat space is fine for kids or a dog but rubbish for adults. If you're driving 5 people further than the local shop, get the A6!! Good boot space and the seats go down unlike the first generation A4.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Hard to get the kit on this model on the 2nd hand market. It still has window winders in the back!! Try to get leather seats, electric windows front and back and definitely look for one with an arm rest as not having one is a bit rubbish on long trips. Didn't buy this for gimmicky toys like Japanese cars have, it's a solidly built saloon with an engine which goes on and on and with bodywork that shows no signs of rust after 15 years! Helps if you keep it cleaned & waxed of course.