Autocar - First for car news and reviews

Here goes first post.

I have a fairly free choice of company lease car upto a monthly allowance limit. After lots of looking I have narrowed it down to a 318i Touring ES or an A4 Avant 2.0TDI (143Hp) SE. (I know! I could have a higher spec Mondeo Estate which might be a better choice in many areas but I'm a badge snob)

When I take into account lease costs and BIK both are looking to be fairly similar cost wise. I do 10 - 12K miles per year mostly urban stop/start. So although the Audi will probably be better on fuel economy I reckon that the Petrol/Diesel price difference will probably put them about equal on that score as well.

The A4 SE will give me a bit more spec than the ES BMW but I am sure the BMW will be better to drive?

Oh what to do?

Any thoughts anyone?

I'll be in a similar boat to you in the spring, for me the Beemer and the Audi are overpriced and too "common", I've got my eye on the Citroen C5 2.2 diesel tourer - well specced, comfortable, 170ish BHP and a bit more character than the BM or audi. Having driven a colleagues 2.0tdi A4 I was very disappointed with the noise, comfort and cabin (mind you I'm spoilt as my usual ride is a Lexus IS220.

Both cars are good choices, it really depends on your preference. 

The best advice I can give is get you posterior down to your local dealers and test drive both motors.  Only that way will you find out what's best for you.

Couldn't agree more, you must take them both for (if possible) extended test drives.

I have just spent a year in a very disappointing new shape Mondeo which has now been replaced by what I think is a far superior C5 Tourer. If the magazines are to be believed however the Mondeo should have been a no brainer.

Have to agree with the above. The advice of others, and the info of magazines like autocar, can only really provide you with your shortlist. In the end no-one can say which you will prefer between two equally high quality cars. If you are sufficiently persuasive you should be able to bag a 24 hour test drive with both cars from a dealer. Does your lease company not give you a change to try the cars, I thought this was standard?

I'd probably pick the BMW for the drive, and because I'm not fussed about ride quality, but you may very well disagree.

I've just made the switch from BMW to Audi and given your choice I'd take the Audi over the BMW.

The ES spec is poverty spec vs the Audi SE which has quite a few toys. The BMW will handle much more sharply, however the Audi is a much more relaxed cruiser of a car and a lot bigger inside.

Hmm. I'd much rather have a Citroen C5 Tourer to anything German to be honest, but if I had to choose from the BM and the Audi, I'd probably go for the Audi.

Let us all know what you decide and why you came to that decision.

What do you do for a living?

 

Badge snob?

Why?

Both are as common as muck.

phenergn:

Does your lease company not give you a chance to try the cars, I thought this was standard?

 

I've leased several cars over the years and I've never been offered an opportunity to test the car first. You have to go to the nearest dealer and arrange a test drive. It can be a bit tricky- they won't bother with you unless you give them an opportunity to provide a competitive lease quote (they rarely are competitive).

That's my experience of leased cars too.

I am a BMW fan through and through, but given your choices, I'd have the A4 SE. If you have come from a diesel car you'll probably find the 318i a bit anaemic (I'm basing this on an E90 320i I drove).

I'm surprised by the selection though - you can usually get a better spec Beemer than A4 for similar cost per month.

 

kerrecoe:

I've leased several cars over the years and I've never been offered an opportunity to test the car first. You have to go to the nearest dealer and arrange a test drive. It can be a bit tricky- they won't bother with you unless you give them an opportunity to provide a competitive lease quote (they rarely are competitive).

Give the dealer a good spade of BS!

"Yeah, I'd be interested in your car.........  Cash sale and all that.  Test drive?  Why yes!"

then follow it up with....

"Sorry, I've got a better deal on a ........  May be next time..."

Generally dealers have such a high turn over of staff they won't remember you next time.  I know it's not particularly good form but that's what dealers are there for.