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I need one of these in quattro format with auto box ideally...  I m in the sub 20k market and looking for 2005/6 cars with as few miles as possible.. Assuming price differential is not an issue (its a 5k issue), what would you guys get:

3.0 TDI at 15k  or S4 at 20k? My petrolhead says S4, my regular head says diesel...

The car will be doing a fair few miles (upwards of 15k per year) - european trips, will carry stuff and people and the odd european/scandinavian trip...

 I recently drove an S4 and its very hard to argue against despite mpg numbers and px premium, but I am logically thinking the diesel will probably come out much much cheaper in maintenance, will be softer and more comfortable on day long trips and I won't mind the extra performance of the S4 in the long run...

 Views, opinions?

Definitely go for the S4, but make sure you get it with the autobox. I ran an S4 avant for 2 years and I currently have an RS4 avant (although am due a change again). The S4 is a fantastic car and very easy to drive fast or slow. It also more economical than you may think (22-25mpg even when driven quite hard). I cannot recommend it highly enough and indeed still miss the S4 occasionally because of its autobox (with tiptronic and paddles), as the RS4 is manual only. When you feel like pushing on a bit the noise is awesome from the V8 and will put a smile on your face every time you floor it !!.

Personally I would go for the 3.0TDi with that much mileage, unless money is no issue for the petrol and servicing.

Having had a quick look, there are some nice 3.0TDi's with the S-Line pack on them, which gives you the beefed up looks, for around the money you are looking to spend.  If the performance is still a little slow for you, then it may be worth a trip to AmD Technik who can do a remap on that engine for under £500.  This will give you an extra 45bhp and 90lbf ft of torque.  That should be enough to give the S4 a run for its money.

http://www.amdtechnik.com/products.variant.cfm?variantid=301

If running costs aren't an issue and you have a massive preference for petrol then go for the S4.  Having run a diesel "because it was the right thing to do", I got bored and missed the revvy nature of a petrol.

thanks guys - In truth, the only way I can go for the diesel would be if I got "don't go the S4 way, big mistake kind of advice". I am keener for the S4 myself despite the extra cost...  I (my wife) actually runs a diesel A3 currently, and you always get the "what if" feeling when travelling. Nice little car for what it is and runs on 3pence, but thats it..

I don't think I d like "what if" feelings whilst driving my 3.0tdi everytime I 'd come across an S4 on the street... I guess petrolehead people like myself do make silly decisions...

good man !!