A4 (B8), 320d or 330d?? What would you choose?

[Gabriel2202]

I'm looking at a new car as I'm doing around 2k miles a month now and can't decide between the A4 and 320d, or even 330d to put a spanner in the works! 

On my budget I have narrowed it down to:

Audi A4 (B8, 143ps) 58-09 plate, around 70-80k miles

or

320d/330d 07 plate, around 100/120k miles

I'm off to look at a few this weekend but wondered what you guys would go for? How are the maintenance costs on each? I like to work on my cars when i can too - I heard bmw's aren't to DIY friendly?

any advice/previous experience on either is greatly appreciated!

[johnnyvr6]

330d all day long 230 bhp standard get a remap and it's in m3 territory but a lot better mpg than a m3 of course

[johnnyvr6]

also regarding maintanance I have a 2005 bmw 120d remapped to 200 bhp and it's never put a foot wrong,I had a e46 330d and that was the most reliable car I have had,I have also had a mk5 golf tdi and had nothing but problems,don't get me wrong I'm not dissing the vag brand but if you want a reliable diesel go bmw,also another car you want to look at is a bmw 535d for your budget you will probably get a 05/06 one but it will be worth it my work mate has one it was 270 odd bhp standard it's now pushing over 300 bhp and 700nm of torque and trust me it's f**king mental and still does over 40 mpg lol

[Gabriel2202]

also regarding maintanance I have a 2005 bmw 120d remapped to 200 bhp and it's never put a foot wrong,I had a e46 330d and that was the most reliable car I have had,I have also had a mk5 golf tdi and had nothing but problems,don't get me wrong I'm not dissing the vag brand but if you want a reliable diesel go bmw,also another car you want to look at is a bmw 535d for your budget you will probably get a 05/06 one but it will be worth it my work mate has one it was 270 odd bhp standard it's now pushing over 300 bhp and 700nm of torque and trust me it's f**king mental and still does over 40 mpg lol

Thanks for your reply. I was leaning towards the 330d, I drove one for a week and the 6 cylinder has such smooth power delivery - I had a drive of the 535d which even as standard throws you back in the seat! I'm just really not that fussed on the auto boxes. I mean they're great and have become far more 'intelligent' but I still like the control of the manual box.

Would you be put off a high mileage 330d though? I've gone on the bases that getting one that's done low mileage for its age is likely to be a run around town driver

[johnnyvr6]

as long as the car has fsh history big miles are not an issue,my e46 330d had 180,000 miles when I sold I got it at 120,000 mine still drove like a 40,000 mile car at 180,000,just make sure you get one with fsh and you can't go wrong

[Gabriel2202]

Cool thanks for the advice, I've seen a few I'm keen on so hopefully should have one in the next week if they check out! I'll post up the results :-)

[johnnyvr6]

no problem you won't regret it

[Thom89]

BMW is as useful as a chocolate tea pot in snow and ice!
The BMW would give best first impressions over an Audi, but the Audi would be the better car to live with once the novelty had worn off... been there, done that etc

Thom

[barrym381]

BMW is as useful as a chocolate tea pot in snow and ice!
The BMW would give best first impressions over an Audi, but the Audi would be the better car to live with once the novelty had worn off... been there, done that etc

Thom

+1 on this rwd in the winter is not the best idea 

[Wayne]

A4 would be my choice, way too many engine / turbo problems with BMW dervs.