Audi A4 Saloon (1995 - 2001) 1.9 TDi SE (110ps) 4d (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
What does this car say about me? I'd like to think, solid, dependable with a bit of fun and excitement, but I suspect it says pipe and slippers, staid and boring with little imagination. I've fitted GPS, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a forward facing wide angle camera, (lost a wing mirror and been hit by a dozy driver all of whom sped off - I'll have their details next time and it may help my insurance).
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
A bit like Ronseal - it does what it says on the tin. Unfortunately, due to its ability to do everything I need without any commotion, it sort of fades into the background.
Would you buy this car again and why?
I bought this car because I wanted a reliable car with low ownership and FSH. I wasn't interested in mileage. This was an ex-company car on the wrong side of 100k. I'm now approaching a quarter million and it still does what it needs to. However, when I change this car, (within the next year), I'll get something different - just for the change :-).
What are you likely to buy next?
BMW 320d M Sport 2011 onwards or new.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,500
When did you buy the car?
August 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
I believe I got a reasonable deal but it was difficult to negotiate strongly as I'd travelled over 200 miles to view the car. Reckon the dealer knew I wasn't going home empty-handed!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I was specifically looking for the car I bought.
What was the dealer like?
Small lot - one man show. He was obviously hustling to move up the food chain and I expect he didn't do too badly.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It is still a very good driver's car. As a biker I like to go quite quickly - especially round corners. This car still handles better than say a new Vectra which I occasionally have to drive for the company. Confidence-inspiring with good feedback, I still enjoy driving it.
What's it like to park?
For some reason I always over-estimate the space I need behind it which it could be argued is a good thing. Apart from that, it's acceptable. I'm sure there are easier cars to park, but I've got used to this one now.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Actually there's only one thing ever gone wrong with it. The warning light for the airbags came on permanently about 7 years ago. It's an earth under the passenger seat, but I've sort of got used to it now. I keep all the servicing up to date including getting the cambelts changed at the appropriate time, so touch wood - all still tickety-boo!
What's most practical about your car?
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Without doubt the most important extra/gadget/ whatever and I wouldn't have bought the car without it is the cruise control. I set it at 30 / 40 / 50 / etc and don't have to worry about speed cameras - so keeping my eyes where they should be: on the road. Along with a GPS I've fitted, I also travel a little faster through average speed restrictions as I know precisely my speed.
