As the old saying goes, you pays yer money and you takes yer choice (or something). And this truth applies to everything that we purchase whether a house, a car, a bike, a van or whatever and I should know cos I have a van, a car and er several bikes too.
BUT as we all know, we are very often “driven” more by passion when it comes to our vehicles. I am the first to admit that when I see a stunning bike then I tend to allow my heart to rule my head and I rush to purchase cos I really wanna ride that bike. My van instead was very carefully considered (and measured) to ensure that I could get 2 motorbikes inside, so then the only major consideration was the engine and er well yes I went for the 3 litre diesel cos it came as standard with an auto box, perfect for the long trips between the UK and Italy that I envisaged. I also specified almost every option available for comfort, cruise control etc, then I also had a great electric sunroof fitted as well as an excellent satnav/stereo system.
I have never really been a big car fan. I worked for Land Rover Ltd for 12 years when I was a lad cos they sponsored me thro’ college and I certainly had loads of fun learning to drive offroad, but bikes were always my main passion, cars have always been comfortable transport especially in the cold and wet UK winter. Well a few years ago I found a very sad and unloved Audi A5 for sale in Roma and following some research I went to see her. It was a 2wd A5 with the 3200 petrol engine, about 100k kms on the clock and bald tyres and zero service history, and they wanted 19k Euro. I mentioned 15k and walked away, when he chased me to my car I knew that I had offered too much!!
Long story short I really enjoyed that car and drove her for about 100k kms, I gave her loads of tlc to bring her back up into a decent condition. Four new tyres were my starting point (how can anybody drive a car with 260 horses on bald tyres) and it went from there (brakes and pads), great car and great fun! Well that car really started to awaken my interest so when I found a lovely Audi S4 Avant for sale for only 9k Euro well…..I could not resist!! This car had lived in Switzerland so I was expecting some rust, BUT she came with a FSH from Audi Switzerland including the dreaded timing chain so, what’s not to like??
She came with 190k kms but this one is Audi Quattro 4wd, auto box with paddle controls on the steering wheel, V8 4200cc with about 350cv, Recaro grey leather interior, electric sunroof, satnav and almost all the toys you could ever want. This S4 is truly amazing. Despite the years and the kilometres she drives great. I had one or two initial problems but since they were sorted she simply flies, I covered 6,000 kms through Europe in the snow and wet recently and she really showed me her worth, never a wheel wrong!
Sure the fuel consumption is not great but hey, I know that when I bought her. The car is stunning and I have never had so much fun in a car especially not a car purchased for 9k Euro. Wonderful experience and GREAT car!!
Service no limits! 