Should I replace my Skoda Rapid with a used Audi A4

The original plan was to hold on to the Skoda Rapid for another two years and exchange it for a better sedan / SUV costing about Rs 25 - 30 Lakhs.

BHPian aadya recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am 41-year-old practicing physician, in the ever-red city a.k.a Bengaluru. My work demands a total travelling distance of 20 km per day on the ORR of the city, mostly multi-laned roads with decent surface and couple of kilometres of two-way lanes, with below average asphalt. Home and workplaces have dedicated covered parking slots, but at times (on-call) might have to use the service lanes.

Outstation trips are mostly between Bengaluru-Chennai - 7 to 8 trips a year; used to be by train, but due to the pandemic and accompanying children in the past couple of years, it has been mostly by car.

Currently, I own a 3-year-old, 30K km run Skoda Rapid MPI AT. It is a slow car, but suits my routine as the traffic never lets me step on the gas. On highways, it is sometimes frustrating to do a quick overtake, but not a major irritant as the instances are far and few, as I hardly enter triple-digit speeds that too only when roads are open.

There is a very small necessity for a luxury car, due to social circle, but not a real pressure. So far, I have avoided this necessity as I felt those few million rupees can be invested for my children's education. The original plan was to hold on to the Skoda Rapid for another two years and exchange it for a better sedan / SUV costing about Rs 25 - 30 Lakhs.

On a casual meet this Sunday, I came to know about a 2017 Audi A4 Technology variant in Black colour and with 45k on the odo. It was being used by close friend, leased on his company name, exclusively and carefully driven by him and the same driver from the time of purchase. It is immaculately maintained, scratch-free, front bumper replaced after a minor damage (company policy as the vehicle is also used as a ride for executives from the airport). As there is an option of purchasing this vehicle or upgrading to a new vehicle, he has decided to exchange it in December 2021 and offered to transfer it to me, if I am interested. The car would be duly serviced and get brand new boots before transfer.

This situation got me thinking and I have lost significant sleep over this. I request the esteemed BHPians to come to my rescue and clarify a few of my queries.

• Is A4 a good vehicle to consider buying at 4 years of age and how many years of durability/reliability left in this vehicle?
• What would be the reasonable price I should look at? - I really can't haggle with him, it would be one offer and one counter offer and then deal or no deal, that's it. I would not lose my sleep, if the right price is 5% off the mark.
• Any extended service / maintenance package available for A4?

A4 is not available with a diesel engine at present. The Audi A4 TFSI Technology trim OTR is Rs 60.77 lakhs in Bengaluru - just for perspective, as many states have much lower tax regime when compared to Karnataka.

Here's what BHPian abhishek46 had to say on the matter:

Post 2016 facelift, the Audi A4 was offered with only a 1.4-litre engine.

The good old 1.8-litre or the modern 2.0-litre TSI lumps were not offered.

That 1.4-litre engine is not that great for the price it commands & the marque.

The power on offer is at best adequate, rather than exciting.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

Completely agree: the 1.4-litre TSI with the troublesome DQ200 gearbox is best avoided.

There was the 2.0 TDi, which was far more reliable and a great mile muncher.

If the vehicle in question is the 2.0 TDi, current-gen pre-facelift, you can consider it. The engine is reliable, the gearbox above average in reliability and overall the car is a nice place to be, though do find a good independent mechanic who can help with servicing, as Audi Service is dismal and they are better at running up a bill than solving the issue.

For a sedate driver, you would appreciate this car over it's peers: the BMW F30 320d which has begun to feel dated and the expensive to maintain, but not as comfortable Mercedes-Benz C220d.

If the car is the previous gen version: it really boils down to price (needs to be significantly lower than the F30 3-Series & C-Class) & if you can see yourself living with the dated interiors for the years to come.

If it's a non-issue, it is again a good all-rounder with quality interiors, easy to drive, decent pep, and good balance between ride & handling.

For price: I would give him a standing offer of Rs 25 - 50K over and above the best price, offered to him by a dealer. It will be a win-win for you & him (as dealers typically paint the bumpers and jack up the price by a cool Rs 2-3 lakh).

Here's what BHPian anandavinash had to say on the matter:

Having recently purchased a 2017 December manufactured Audi A3 35 TDI (2.0L Engine) from Audi Approved Plus, my bits to share are as follows.

• My car has the DQ250 wet clutch which is supposedly less notorious than the DQ200. So I don't think that should trouble you.
• Audi Approved Plus recently have listed some A4 35 TDI cars on their website. You can check what they are quoting which usually includes some warranty. That can be a basis for you to make an offer to your friend.
• Given the age and running of the car, maybe better to ensure that the battery is replaced before you buy it. Unless the battery is a new one in which case you should be safe.
• Audi recommends changing of the gearbox oil every 4 years or 60,000km. In your case, as a precautionary measure, it may be advisable to have this also changed.
• Being a company owned car, maybe they have already depreciated it more than what dealers value the car at. Check this too once before making a decision.
• Finally, if the car does not have an extended warranty or service package, don't fret over it. There are plenty of great workshops in Bangalore who work on such cars to sort out all issues. I have currently sent a 2011 Skoda Laura 2.0TDI manual to them for a complete overhaul. Happy to share their details with you.

I've driven my A3 now for close to 300km in the city and with my light footed driving style, getting over 13 km/l. Can't wait to get it out on the highway ASAP. Good luck with your decision.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.