Audi A4 Avant (2005 - 2008) 3.0 TDi quattro 5d Owner Review

I have owned a wide variety of cars, from Renault Clios to Mercedes E classes. I went from driving factory fresh Merc C & E classes to my current A4 Avant. Purpose being is for space, engine and cost. Newer engines these days are not as efficient in my eyes. The 3.0L V6 is an absolute powerhouse which still returns 40+ MPG on a 20 minute commute. I got 53 MPG on a 250 mile trip from the lake district. The engine is practically bullet proof. Chain driven, but you may have to still replace a belt. My fuel pump belt snapped by surprise one day. But a quick fix. I use quality oil for its regular service ensuring efficiency. Best part is, it doesn't burn any. Never had to top it up. There is a little rattle (2 seconds) upon start which I believe to be just the time taken for the oil to get around the engine. Common amongst these engine. The torson AWD system is unbeatable. I used to have a little fun now and then with the rear wheel drive cars, but with Pirelli Tyres mated with the Quattro system, it is near enough impossible to loose grip. In winter, with a good snow fall, i actively went out looking for unplowed roads and inclines that were not possible to walk up. The car transformed into a piste bully. It just wouldn't get stuck. And thats with P7's on. Imagine the grip with winter tyres! Interior wise, I was lucky enough to find one that must have been an ex demonstrator. S line leather alcantara seats are unrivalled for comfort and support. Naturally heated for those cooler days, whilst even the rear seats are heated to keep everyone happy. Handling is not bad for the weight of the car at 1.6T. She's not light, yet corners well. If you want added sharpness to steering, sure, get the 18" or 19" alloys. But the ride is complemented with a slightly larger side wall for added comfort. I fit the dogs, bikes and partners endless luggage in it on large road trips across Europe. No problems keeping up with the competition on the autobahns of Germany either. Only thing to watch out for now is the emissions in cities as that will be the only issues going forward. Which seems daft, as my diesel doesn't smoke at all. The next car I aim to have will be the A4 All road. With its added ride height will enable me to drive though even deeper snow and enable to me to drive confidently down the slightly rougher tracks. But unless you plan on doing that, the A4 B7 is truly the best car I have owned as a result of its all round ability to do everything it is asked of and whilst in comfort.