Buying a used A4 Avant - what engine?

Thinking of buying an Audi A4 Avant around 3 to 4yrs old. I am faced with 1.9 TDI,2.0 TDI, 1.8 FSI or a 2.0 FSI.

I cover about 8-10 thousand miles a year and would hold on to a car for 8 years or so. What would be my best choice - I don't mind?

Asked on 3 August 2012 by Chas McKaig

Answered by Honest John
Not the 2.0TDI as that has been troublesome. The 1.9TDI was VAG's most reliable diesel. The 1.8TSI is chain cam and the 2.0TSI went chain cam from 2008/2009 (check by popping the bonnet). These engines can sometimes use a lot of oil.

You're probably better off looking at a SEAT Exeo ST as these are basically B7 A4 Avants, but with the newer, more reliable 143PS TDI engine, and you get a newer car for the same money.
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