Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003

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Thu 4 Jul 2019 19:30
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Steveieb
My A4 has an Aircon failure which according to Advisors on the Techical Section will effectively right off the car.
I have found it difficult to even get a company to quote for the repair which includes a new compressor after the internal drive shaft of the Hella unit rounds off shedding particles through the system.
But I'm finding it difficult to find a car to replace it with because of the fabulous performance of the PD 130 bhp engine and general refinement.
Short listed cars are Rover 75 and any diesel without a DPF with a budget of £5000. Had the new cars and don't want to return .
A day testing various models didn't inspire me.

Any ideas please ?
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Thu 4 Jul 2019 19:58
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - badbusdriver

I have read on here that Hyundai/Kia were quite late in joining the DPF party, so might be worth looking at a Hyundai Sonata or Kia Magentis, though obviously you'd need to find out exactly when they were fitted. But not all DPF cars give problems, especially if you are doing the miles to justify them, so do some research to find out which are least problematic.

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Thu 4 Jul 2019 21:09
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Steveieb
Could anyone identify the diesel cars with DPF's which are most likely to survive without giving trouble when used on urban runs ?
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Fri 5 Jul 2019 03:16
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - SLO76
Could anyone identify the diesel cars with DPF's which are most likely to survive without giving trouble when used on urban runs ?

It is a bit overplayed this. I have a 2012 VW Polo running a 1.2 diesel that has a nasty reputation for DPF issues and despite the bulk of my driving over the last year being local it’s not (touch wood) clogged yet. A regular (once a week or so) longer run seems to keep it in fettle. Plus the cost of a replacement DPF has come down substantially in recent years.

Edited by SLO76 on 05/07/2019 at 03:16

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Thu 4 Jul 2019 21:11
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - oldroverboy.

also Rover 45 with the 2 litre diesel, the 100 hp, not the BMW engine.

My 2001 R45 is still going strong! (I sold it years ago)

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 03:19
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - SLO76

also Rover 45 with the 2 litre diesel, the 100 hp, not the BMW engine.

My 2001 R45 is still going strong! (I sold it years ago)

The old Perkins L series diesel was almost indestructible. The earlier version in the Maestro and Montego would easily outlast the rest of the car. I used a rotten Maestro 2.0 D Clubman to jump start everything in my yard back in the day. It never failed to kick. The only Rover engine ever used by Honda in any of their cars, it could be had in a 5dr Civic or an Accord in the 90’s but was incredibly rare.
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Thu 4 Jul 2019 21:53
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Big John

I'd say Rover 75 is getting a bit past it - latest examples are 2005

Hyundai and Kia avoided a DPF until 2010. The last Audi A4 with the 1.9pd and I think without a DPF was in about 2007. The Skoda Octavia mkII was fitted with a DPF free version of the 1.9pd until about 2009 and The Skoda Superb mkII did originally come out with a 1.9pd in 2008 without a DPF although there is a Greenline version that was fitted with a DPF. With any of these check carefully as DPF's were being introduced in all diesels ready for the 2010 deadline.

However, remember on later diesels registered after 1st July 2008 the MOT is now much harder. Also with pre DPF cars you will soon be excluded from many cities.

If considering a change - time to consider a petrol?

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 03:05
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - SLO76
Main dealer that’s happy to sell a 9yr old example with the guts of 80k up tells you plenty. That it’s most likely been traded in for another one tells you more. No DPF, 50mpg and loads of go too. A good cheap diesel option for you. Watch for clutch judder from cold and slipping. Honda just can’t do clutches strong enough for diesel motors.

Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190524831...1

At this money however I’d probably take the risk of DPF issues on the chin and go for the better made, better riding next gen model. The much improved 2.2 diesel motor is less likely to suffer turbo and timing chain issues than the earlier model. Plus economy is better.

Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190307565...4


Or come join the club. Bit dull but huge inside, 50mpg plus and it’ll likely outlast you. Yes it’ll have a DPF but it’s unlikely anything else will ever go wrong. This one has a Toyota motor and not the post facelift BMW unit. If it’s like mine it’ll cost buttons to run and the A/C will be ice cold.

Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20181204297...9




Edited by SLO76 on 05/07/2019 at 03:11

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 09:23
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Steveieb
Thanks everyone and especially SLO for pointing me in the right direction.
Not keen on the shape of the Civic and my colleague has a 2007 diesel with the air con shot like mine.
So will tend towards the Toyota.
Did they make a Corolla or Auris with a Diesel engine ?
I live in the Northampton area if you can identify anything suitable.

Cheers
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Fri 5 Jul 2019 09:35
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - SLO76
Private sale and possibly a good car for £5,000. Pay not a penny more though as they’re retailing for less than £6k so it has to be at least £1,000 less. DPF issues not uncommon on the 1.4 but if used for mostly longer runs it should be fine. I’d have one.

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190622930...5


This looks good value. Basic model but has everything you need and the steel wheels with plastic trims last better than alloys.

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190624934...5


Main dealer history and a bit of warranty left.

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190621925...3


Edited by SLO76 on 05/07/2019 at 09:52

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 11:11
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - SLO76
Here’s another favourite of mine. Nicer all round than an Avensis with a bit of class and driver appeal.

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190322616...0

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190511783...6

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 12:24
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Steveieb
So helpful everyone and the Accord really appeals having one of the first.
Many thanks to John for his thorough knowledge of the PD engines.
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Fri 5 Jul 2019 12:57
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - pd

Surely you could just pick up a cheap used compressor from somewhere? You can even get them new for £200.

Approx an hour to fit plus a regas and off you go.

Edit: sorry, see it has bits in it. Are you sure it is that dead?

Edited by pd on 05/07/2019 at 12:58

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 12:59
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - pd

Ironically, one of the most common failure points of the Accord is......the aircon.

The compressors often go on these (CR-V as well) for some reason. :)

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 15:05
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Steveieb

Thanks PD

I'd love to get the Aircon fixed but finding it difficult to get anyone to take on the job because when the compressor internal clutch fails metal shards pollute the whole syatem.

But may be worth trying a second hand compressor as the new ones are around £300 and if it doesnt work ?

Have you any experience of this problem?

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Fri 5 Jul 2019 15:14
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - SLO76

Ironically, one of the most common failure points of the Accord is......the aircon.

The compressors often go on these (CR-V as well) for some reason. :)

True unfortunately but I’ve been lucky with them to date. Even the 11yr old Civic we had before the CRV was still ice cold.
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Sat 6 Jul 2019 09:37
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Steveieb

Been offered a Honda Civic CRDI 2005 with 86k in great condition for £900 as a private sale.

Not the car I would aspire to but seems like a safe choice as I know the owner.

Apparently has a Isusu engine like the ones in the Cavalier.

Does this engine have a cam belt ?

Had a new injector fitted recently.

What else should i look out for ?

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Sat 6 Jul 2019 10:52
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - SLO76
“Been offered a Honda Civic CRDI 2005 with 86k in great condition for £900 as a private sale.

Not the car I would aspire to but seems like a safe choice as I know the owner.

Apparently has a Isusu engine like the ones in the Cavalier.

Does this engine have a cam belt ?

Had a new injector fitted recently.

What else should i look out for ?”


Great wee cars these. Well made and highly practical with loads of space inside. This engine is due a timing and auxiliary belt change along with water pump and tensioner at 90,000 miles or ten years whichever comes first and I’ll wager that it’s never been done. Not cheap as access is an issue so expect to have your wallet lightened to the tune of £350-£400.

As with all older diesels it’s a punt. It could be trouble free for years but equally it could be a never-ending exercise in wealth reduction. It’s a good old motor but the petrols are very good on fuel and less likely to go wrong.

The most common failure on these is the electric steering rack. Listen for knocks from the front end. The seller will describe it as being “just a bush away” but nine times out of ten it’s the rack which isn’t a cheap job. Feel also for stickiness on the straight ahead. It’ll feel like you’re constantly having to make corrections and the electric assistance isn’t operating instantly as it should.

At this money I’d buy it and just run it til it drops though. It’s not worth paying out to replace the belts on such a cheap old diesel which could develop a life ending fault shortly after doing so. Buy it and run it on the cheap unless it really is a mint example which would be worth spending money on.

The 2.0 Type S 5dr version is one of the best used cars you can buy on the cheap. 160bhp, decent economy, nimble handling but not as firm as a Type R yet huge inside. Rare now though.
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Sat 6 Jul 2019 11:07
Audi A4 B6 - Time to replace my A4 B6 Tdi 2003 - Steveieb

Couldn't ask for a better summing up SLO

Will take a look tomorrow and bear in mind your superb guidance .

Cheers

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