Car Question (A4 versus Passat)

[jamessunhill]

I'm after changing my car and have pretty much decided on an Audi A4 1.9tdi (1998-2000). I'm also considering the VW Passat 1.9tdi (same age). Does anyone know the actual differences between them or are they basically the same car with different badges and trim?

[kwak zzr]

same car, i just sold the passat 1.9tdi 04 plate and under the bonnet its all audi, the vw is well built but id have to say the audi prob better so.

[-Ralph-]

Also look at the A6, same money or less, than the more popular A4. Same engines with similar service costs, tyres fatter so a bit more expensive, roomier, better spec, basically a lot more car for the money.

I looked at the A3 Sportback 2.0TDi SE, A4 Avant 2.0TDi SE and A6 Avant 2.0TDi SE, all 55 plate with about 15K miles Audi approved at the same dealer. 1000 quid separated the 3 cars. The A3 held it's value the best 'cos everyone's under the impression that they don't want a big car 'cos it's more expensive to run. The A6 new was 7-8 grand more expensive than the A3.

I think the Passat is bigger than the A4? Don't think it shares the same platform, but don't know. Both Audi and VW are good cars.

[TOY40]

I would agree about the A6 great car.Had a 99 passat the turbo went but that could of happened to the Audi also as same engine.The biggest problem with both the passat and A4 is the front suspention its crap made from a light alloy and keeps going.had mine replaced twice under warranty.

[metalmonkey]

One of mates has an 52 plate Passat its a nice car, its the TD version he loves driving it.

But for me I'm not bothered about what i have, long as it works. Though saying that I might get that car to loan for a few months:) which would be fun, though it probally wouldn't be used much ekk, can't afford loads of vechicles have too many as it is!

[600+]

stay clear from the 98-00 passat - too many problems to list

audi a4 is fine

[Biker_Billy]

Hi James - I was in a similar position a few weeks ago. Looking at both A4's and passats. I found that it was difficult to get a low mileage A4 for sensible money, especially a diesel. In the end, i bought a 53 plate A6 1.8t (petrol), for the same money as a Y/51 reg A4 petrol.

A6's tend to be cheaper for a given year, and better specced.

It all depends how much money you have to spend, as well as the mileage you are going to do. I dont do much personal mileage so a petrol is fine for me, besides, around town it is averaging about 29mpg, with nearly 40mpg on a run. the diesels will do better, but would cost another 3 grand over what I paid.

As with every car, there are faults - have a look at the link below to an VW/Audi forum - its very useful in looking for particular faults with a car you may be looking at, and what to look out for. As a starter, almost all A4's, passats, and earlier A6's (pre facelift) tend to suffer with water in the front passenger footwell, caused either by blocked battery drainage holes, or a plenum chamber issues - not a major problem , unless the electrics are playing up, as some control boxes are located in the passenger footwell, and go kaput when wet.

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/

Just to throw something else in, have you considered Skoda Oktavias?

HTH.

BB.

[jamessunhill]

My budget will be around the £2.5-3k mark and I'll be looking at cars that have done around 100k miles, but having had the cambelt changed recently.