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Hi David,

I'd suggest flogging both cars and getting yourself into a newer Audi A3. They're comfy, sweet to drive, reliable and easy to sell on again eventually. Hard to go wrong with it, really. Lots to choose from so be fussy and make sure yours has a full service history and reasonably low mileage.

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Hi Brendan,

Good choices, all of those, if you're looking for a more affordable 3 Series alternative. The new-shape Mazda3 (the one that's only just been launched) seem to be especially excellent, and with Mazda's reliability you won't be spending too much on repairs or maintenance down the line. The Golf is always a safe bet too, although if you're used to the saloon shape it may be worth having a look at the little-seen Jetta - an underrated gem, that car. Or, alternatively, you could try the Audi A3 Saloon, which I reckon is the best compact sports saloon around at the moment.

See how you get on and let us know which one you go for.

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Hi Colm,

It doesn’t really stand for anything, it’s just a trim level. In the dim and distant past, SE stood for Special Equipment, but from an Audi perspective it generally means the most affordable model in the range.

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Hi Janice,

Yes, but perhaps not the most economical in the class. Going on personal experience, a Mercedes-Benz E 200 or E 250 CDI will average in the high forties mpg whereas a BMW 520d or an Audi A6 2.0 TDI should easily get over the 50mpg barrier in everyday driving.

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Hi John,

Well, an A4 is much more expensive than the Octavia, so that would seem to answer the question. The Octavia uses many of the same components, it’s reliable, decent to drive and very practical so why spend extra? Of course, the Audi is more stylish, sharper to drive and more refined, but it depends on what matters most to you.

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Hi Craig,

The Audi A6 has a timing belt.

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Hi Jenny,

The X3 18d is a little underpowered right enough. Not disastrously so, but if you’ve tried the 20d you’ll feel the difference and there’s very little in it in terms of fuel consumption. On balance, we’d probably go for the Audi, as it’s (arguably) better looking, has a nicer interior and is smoother and more comfortable to drive. Very reliable too.

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Hi Damien,

Right, did the dealer offer a warranty? If so, any faults should be covered. Even if they didn’t, you’re quite right — under consumer protection laws a product has to be ‘of merchantable quality’ and clearly that car isn’t. I’d ask for something in writing from the Audi dealer that inspected the car, setting out exactly what the fault is and then if the dealer still won’t play ball, get your solicitor on the case.

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Hi Patrick,

There doesn't seem to be much that goes wrong with these A4s. Audi is renowned for its solidity and build quality and that seems to be borne out in the A4. Watch for signs of general abuse though - most will have been company cars originally so may have been more abused than cared for. Heavily kerbed wheels may mean the steering needs fixing and there are reports of notchy or heavy gearshifts, although the gearboxes don't actually seem to break or fail. 

I'd expect to pay around about €21k for a 10-reg 2.0 TDI in SE spec.

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Hi Jim,

I'm inclined to agree with you, though it's difficult to know for sure without experiencing it for myself. From what you say it really sounds like a clutch or flywheel problem and the only way to fix it could be a replacement of those items. Not cheap, sadly.