Next car, which engines?

[DubFan]

Ok so it's time to stretch the wallet and get a newer car.

I currently have a 1999 Audi A4 Avant 1.8 20v (non-turbo).
I'm looking for another estate from the VAG family, something newer than a 2005 model with a budget of around £6k.

Currently my preferred list of cars is:
Audi A4 Avant (either pre-2005 model or post 2005 model)
Skoda Octavia Estate
VW Golf Mk5 Estate
VW Passat Estate (B6 I think) - though the wife has reservations about it being too long

Now pretty much all of these have the same engine options. The 1.6 FSI is a bit small, so that's pretty much off the list and unfortunately with the wife being a learner driver the 1.8T and 2.0 TFSI engines are also excluded, but beyond that, I'm unsure.

Anyone got experience with the 2.0 FSI (non-turbo) engine? This one came in the Mk5 Golf, the Octavia and the pre-2005 A4. It's a 16v 150bhp lump, so should be decent power-wise without the added turbo to go wrong.
I'm slightly confused as to why Audi ditched this newer 2.0 FSI engine (150bhp) for the post-2005 A4 and put in a re-worked (bored out to 2.0 with 130bhp) version of the older 1.8 20v non-turbo engine.

I am also open to the idea of diesel, though not having had one before I'm not sure if the increased fuel efficiency is outweighed by the increased cost of maintenance. I don't drive to work often and only do 8-9000 miles a year.

Anyone got any thoughts?

[bob23]

I'd go for an 04 on Octavia diesel, the 140 bhp, 236 ft-lb torque one. good fuel economy, reliable and comfortable.

Shouldn't cost too much to insure your wife either.

[Rhyso]

Increased cost of maintenance for a diesel? Where do people get this idea from? 

I'm on my second diesel and all I've ever done is service it every 10K miles (like a petrol) and replaced items which wear out (like a petrol)

As mentioned the 2.0 TDI 140 engine is excellent and will give you both performance and economy in one package 

[Diamond Hell]

Increased cost of maintenance for a diesel? Where do people get this idea from? 

It's a historic point of view.

Isn't the non-turbo 2.0 motor the one that has issues with low sulphur petrol?

140TDI FTW.  Although on your mileage, I'd be tempted to hunt out a clean Golf5 GTI.

[garethmarshall]

being honest mate, do a quote on the 20v turbo on insurance, my first year of driving at 17 was £1700 the cheapest car i could insure weirdly. its all about how many crashes the vehicle has been involved in. but dont rule it out as im sure you will get a good quote.

[DubFan]

I'd be tempted to hunt out a clean Golf5 GTI.

That would be nice, but I have 2 kids and often need the load space of an estate. Our twin buggy won't fit in a Golf nicely, well, not with anything else anyway.

Ok, another Q.

Thoughts about diesel fumes being bad for Asthma sufferers, would that stop you getting a diesel?

News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7129024.stm
Study: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_7-12-2007-16-52-32

[Ess_Three]

It would be the TDI every time in any of those cars unless the later 2.0TFSI was available...which I doubt at that budget....which is quicker but costs way more to run.

Either 1.9 TDI 130, 2.0 TDI 140, or 2.0 TDI 170, preferably with the 6 speed 'box.

Better economy, quicker real world than the smaller capacity/non turbo'd petrol engines and just much nicer to drive.

If it were me, I'd hunt out as late an Octavia as you could get for your money...you'll get a WAY newer car than anything with 4 rings on the front...and it'll have more toys too.
The Octavia is a good car.
You could get a 2007 TDI 170 vRS with plenty of options for what you are looking to spend...that's a lot of car for £6kish.

In fact, I'd say my Fabia vRS (1.9 PD 130) was the most reliable car I've ever owned....so I'd happily have an Octavia vRS if I wanted a decent sized estate car.