190 S-line multitronic questions

[Wolfsburger]

Hello there!

I`ve just wondered here from the A3 forum where I used to hang out!

Anyway, I`m toying with the idea of swapping my Passat 2.0TDI DSG for an A4 190 S-line multitronic. I`ve found a nice `04 car with low milage and a nice spec (zenon, BOSE etc).

Can anybody here tell me what mpg to expect? I really don`t do enough milage anymore to require a diesel but I don`t want a huge petrol bill heading my way! I do a mixture of town and m`way driving so any experiences will be appreciated.

Are there any problems with these cars? Is the multitronic OK?

I`ve been reasonably happy with DSG I guess, I need an automatic as my wife is Canadian and only holds an auto licence.

Thanks in advance!

 

[cadders]

Hi, I have an A4 2.0 FSI with a multitronic gearbox, so I cannot comment on the A4 190 S-line. However, I have had issues with my multitronic box and can give you the benefit of my experience.

You don't mention the mileage on the A4 but the automatic transmission fluid in the multitronic gearbox should have been changed at 40,000 miles. Try and establish if this was done. If it hasn't then there are two issues;
1) it needs to be done and is such a specialist job it, almost by default, has to be done by an Audi dealer. Should cost £150 -£170.
2) Audi have some history of assisting financially assisiting in cases of multitronic gearbox failure, but only if the transmission fluid was changed at 40,000 miles. Without proof of this you are likely to be on your own if you get gearbox issues.

Bizarrely I am seriously considering changing to a Passat 2.0TDI DSG. Anything I need to look out for?

 

[Wolfsburger]

Cadders,

Firstly, thanks for the reply!

The A4 I`m looking at has done 29,000 miles so I guess the oil change hasn`t been carried out. Is this required purely on a distance basis or should it have been done on a calendar basis as well? The car is just over three years old.

The Passat is OK. I bought it because (hindsight is fantastic) it appeared to offer a lot more over an A4 for the price. Generally it has been satisfactory. It was off the road for 8 days while VW fixed the alarm. It was all sorted under warranty and VW assist provided a Zafira (I`d have expected some VW but it was all sorted out through Enterprise) as a courtesy car while it was being sorted.

Ironically, the Zafira was the car that made me question the Passat. Basically, I noticed that the Passat was a poorly built, rattling mess after around 8,000 miles. The Zafira, a hire car remember, was still solid after 9,000 miles.

So, although the Passat has never left me stranded, it doesn`t feel like the product I expected it to be. Don`t get me wrong, it drives OK and the DSG gearbox really is splendid. I was just expecting more I guess.

 

[cadders]

Hi Wolfsburger, thanks for the reply. In answer to your question, the ATF needs to be changed on mileage, not age, so this will not be an issue for you.

Interesting post about the Passat. Unfortunately my Audi has been far from reliable, and consequently I have driven a number of alternative loan vehicals, some Audi, some not. In my case I am always pleased to get back in an Audi.
Although in my case I have learnt that build quality does not equal reliability, it does mean that once you've got used to the quality of an Audi cabin, it's hard to accept anything less.

Of course, a fantastic interoir isn't much use when you're broken down on the hard sholder!

I have lots to ponder. Thanks again.