Audi A4 B8 vs BMW 3 Series E90

gfmalan said:
My first two A4s got me on one tank from PTA to Cape Town! The A6 reached Wocester, and the Q7 De Doorns.

All of them Diesels,

1.9TDi 3.8-4,5l/100 cruise control at 115 most of the way.
2.0TDi 4.2-5.1l/100
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Why 115? Just curious. Mine is 128 for trips.
 
That ****ty small towns with the idiots under the trees or bridges... Last month i got a R300 fine for 125 in a 120 zone, pulled away infront of oncomming traffic from 3 Sisters UC. Seems they have nothing better todo.
 
Had a look on gumtree and auto trader and saw that the non-quattro ones go for around under 200k and tge E90 around 150k
 
Definately the BMW. It has most class and the ride is way better than a lousy four pot fwd VAG.
 
Potato_EX3 said:
Hi guys I am looking to buy a car and had a choice between these 2. Overall which one is better in terms of fuel economy, reliability and running costs etc? Any personal opinions or views if you have owned them ? Thanks in advance
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Fuel economy, go for A4. You will likely be buying a turbo A4 which will give you slightly better fuel economy than the equivalent normal aspirated E90.

Reliability is often a perception at this level. I have seen unreliable A4's and I have a very reliable A3. My E90 325i was less reliable than my E92 and E93 335i. Important thing is to ask for service history of the car, check for previous frequent repairs and stuff that may comeback to haunt you.

Running costs. A4 will consume less fuel. Tires will be cheaper vs BMW runflats. However, I find Audi dealers a little expensive at normal service than BMW. Even my 335i costs less than my Audi A3 to service. I been told McCarthy Audi is expensive and I should rather use LindaySaker.

My heart and love is for BMW. But, I think a good second hand A4 is a better buy than a BMW E90.
 
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Audi A4 2.0T Pros:

Soft, luxurious, comfortable ride
Rear space
Boot space
Quality interior
Powerful engines with plenty of go
Highway fuel economy <7L/100km @ 125km/h

Cons:
Handling and drive not so sporty or accurate. Slightly vague steering, more of a luxury cruiser.
City fuel economy bad (10-12L/100km)
Multitronic gearbox isn't to everyone's taste and can feel like the clutch is slipping.

E90 BMW Pros:
It's a BMW
Sporty, accurate drive
Reliable

Cons:
Slow 2.0 petrol engine
Thirsty (10L/100km)
Rough ride, harsh tyres (runflats)
Cheap feeling interior
Cramped rear seating
Older look and style


That's my take, based on owning the A4 and having spent plenty of time in a E90 320i
 
Here is another chart to ponder

is a glorified Jetta
Audi A4
9156448-green-tick.jpg
BMW E90
8778264-illustration-of-red-cross-mark-on-isolated-background.jpg
 
Potato_EX3 said:
Around R100-200k, don't mind a car with slightly higher miles
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With that kind of budget you will still find an A4 B8 within maintenance plans (FWP).

I drive the 3.0TDi Quattro B8 (2008)which I picked up for R200k. Maintenance plan expired a month or so before I purchased it.

Get a good indy for servicing if plan have expired. I also purchased a 2-year / unlimited km warranty just in case.

And obviously I will recommend the Audi. :)
 
By the way, any Audi that is still within freeway plan (5years/100000km) can have the freeway plan extended to up to 7 years/200000km. It is expensive, like R20 000 per year or per 20 000kms, but probably worth it for at least a year, so you have time to sort out any issues. A decent 2 year warranty will cost you R10 000+ anyway and a service R3000 to R6000, so it isn't really that much extra for true peace of mind.
 
Have to agree on the freeway plan option, old Audis are expensive to keep on the road and prone to developing issues.
 
Have to admit I am surprised, although with a big enough maintenance budget I guess it is possible to take an Audi that close to a million. Still, I have seen better a month or so ago.
IMG-20140614-WA0002-460x258.jpg
 
ahoudet said:
Got an E90 320d, nice car :)
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I've got one too, excellent car.

Actually selling mine, going to PM you. My 3rd 3 series, and will probably go BMW again when I sell. Good power/consumption balance.
 
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