Change from A4 to Scirocco....thoughts?

[demeter]

Hi all, new to the forum, but what a great place. Loads of useful content and posts, so glad I came across it.

I'm currently driving an Audi A4 2.0TDi Quattro, but considering changing to a Scirocco. Looking at a 170 GT DSG with Xenon lights, Pan Roof, Leather etc in Blue, with 36k on the clock (62 plate). Full VW service history etc. I'm averaging about 48-52mpg in my Audi, and I do around 20k miles a year (mainly motorway). Can I expect similar from the Scirocco? Do you think the car would suit for motorway driving, or would I better off sticking with the A4?

Finally, and sorry for all the questions, but is there anything specific I should look for with respect to that particular build year/module?

Thanks all.

[Cuprabob]

I average 55mpg on my 170 Tdi, so I would imagine you will get similar to your A4, if not better due to being lighter. 170 Tdi is an ideal motorway cruiser.

Only things to be aware of are the cambelt change at 5 years old, DSG oil and filter change at 40k miles and abnormal tyre wear on the rears leading to rumbling / drone sound similar to a faulty wheel bearing. Cambelt and DSG service will be due shortly on the car you mention so around £500 - £600 expense is imminent.

[demeter]

Thanks for the reply appreciated.

I've got a couple of options:

Option 1: 2012 170 DSG, 35k miles, FSH, panoramic roof, xenon lights, 19' alloys - £13k
Option 2: 2012 170 DSG, 51k miles, FSH, 18' alloys, DSG service done - £11,400

Both have leather interior, DAB, Nav etc.

Which would be the preference? I'm leaning towards the first option...

Thanks all.

[Cuprabob]

I would go for the first one too based on the Xenons and the Panoramic roof.

[demeter]

Cheers.

Hoping it doesnt suffer any DSG issues so will probably get that service done pretty quickly. I assume the 19s will be fine for motorway cruising?

[Cuprabob]

Cheers.

Hoping it doesnt suffer any DSG issues so will probably get that service done pretty quickly. I assume the 19s will be fine for motorway cruising?

19s are fine. You can always set the suspension to "Comfort"

[demeter]

Thanks again.....think I may just go for it!

[Griffspeed]

You'll be fine with a Scirocco as a motorway car.
On my second now and every year we've taken them to Europe on autobahns all day with no worries at all and great fuel consumption even when gunning it!
Current 184TDi is on 19" wheels and it's only harsh on really bad roads (no ACC on later ones sadly).
Of the two you listed, I'd go for the one with less miles & better spec.
Good luck - you won't regret it.

[sashpe]

A bit of a late reply but it might still be useful. I have both an '09 Scirocco and an '09 A4 and although they share quite a lot, they feel different. The A4 is quieter, has a smoother ride, has a bigger boot and will seat four in greater comfort. Its steering is pretty much lifeless and there is little to no feedback from the tires.

The Scirocco may be a bit noisier (more engine, tire and pothole noise) but it considerably more exciting to drive. On the same corner with the same speed the Scirocco puts a smile on your face whereas the A4 just steers. The Scirocco's rear is a bit more lively - lift off the throttle in midcorner and the car can oversteer, the A4 doesn't (or at least you cannot feel it due to the poor feedback). Both cars are the same age, and while the A4 just blends in and is one of many, the Scirocco still attracts attention.

Compared head to head, the A4 is the better motorway cruiser for sure but not by much. You will not need to make big sacrifices with the Scirocco but you will have a much more special car, which you will always turn to look at after parking!

[demeter]

Thanks for the replies, all appreciated.

I'm test driving the 2.0TDI 170 DSG tomorrow morning so will see how I get on. Its got all of the bells and whistles so hoping the trim level isn't too dis-similar to the A4.

Will let you know how I get on!!

[Cuprabob]

Thanks for the replies, all appreciated.

I'm test driving the 2.0TDI 170 DSG tomorrow morning so will see how I get on. Its got all of the bells and whistles so hoping the trim level isn't too dis-similar to the A4.

Will let you know how I get on!!

I would be interested in your opinion on build quality of the Scirocco vs A4. Enjoy the test drive.

[demeter]

I'll let you know, thank you :-)

[>moto<]

How did you go Demeter?

[Griffspeed]

A bit of a late reply but it might still be useful. I have both an '09 Scirocco and an '09 A4 and although they share quite a lot, they feel different. The A4 is quieter, has a smoother ride, has a bigger boot and will seat four in greater comfort. Its steering is pretty much lifeless and there is little to no feedback from the tires.
The Scirocco may be a bit noisier (more engine, tire and pothole noise) but it considerably more exciting to drive. On the same corner with the same speed the Scirocco puts a smile on your face whereas the A4 just steers. The Scirocco's rear is a bit more lively - lift off the throttle in midcorner and the car can oversteer, the A4 doesn't (or at least you cannot feel it due to the poor feedback). Both cars are the same age, and while the A4 just blends in and is one of many, the Scirocco still attracts attention.
Compared head to head, the A4 is the better motorway cruiser for sure but not by much. You will not need to make big sacrifices with the Scirocco but you will have a much more special car, which you will always turn to look at after parking!

I agree entirely with what Sashpe says here.
My company car is a 2016 Passat 2.0TDi GT and yes it's bigger, more up to date etc but when I go abroad, which car do I take? The Scirocco of course because it puts a smile on my face whereas the Passat is just transport & whilst it's a nice car, it's dull to drive & pretty dull to look at in comparison.
I've just come back from holiday - 2 weeks driving around Europe in the Roc and this morning went out in the Passat for the first time & it felt like driving a tractor!

[demeter]

Evening all.

So I travelled from Manchester to Glasgow yesterday to view the Scirocco. Had a great, long test drive and thoroughly impressed. Car was gleaming, interior spotless, and a full VW service history. The 19's were in excellent condition, with plenty of tread left on the Goodyears fitted to it.

Power delivery was excellent, and I thought the car 'involved' you a lot more with the driving, compared say to the A4. There was a bit of a grunt from what I assume was the exhaust (?) when I put my foot down, which I assume is normal!! Car is on 35k, so I may get the DSG service done quite soon, but was initially impressed with the smoothness of the box.

Anyway, deposit placed, and I should get it in a week or so (delayed to work comittments). I'll post some photos up soon!

Thanks for the advice all, very much appreciated.

[Cuprabob]

The "grunt" you refer to is an artificial sound created by the Soundaktor and not from the exhaust.

Is it the Rising Blue one in Hillington? If so, it's a really nice car and similar to mine except my wheels are black.

[demeter]

The "grunt" you refer to is an artificial sound created by the Soundaktor and not from the exhaust.

Thanks. At least that confirms its not an issue with the car......I wasnt expecting it!!

[Cuprabob]

The "grunt" you refer to is an artificial sound created by the Soundaktor and not from the exhaust.

Thanks. At least that confirms its not an issue with the car......I wasnt expecting it!!

Is it the Rising Blue one in Hillington? If so, it's a really nice car and similar to mine except my wheels are black.

Remember the cambelt is due to be changed at 5 years so due later this year. Might be worth getting it done when the DSG is done.

[demeter]

It is indeed! I had thought that about the DSG/cambelt works, but will certainly get the DSG done sharpish.

Nice chaps there as well to be fair.

[Griffspeed]

Evening all.

So I travelled from Manchester to Glasgow yesterday to view the Scirocco. Had a great, long test drive and thoroughly impressed. Car was gleaming, interior spotless, and a full VW service history. The 19's were in excellent condition, with plenty of tread left on the Goodyears fitted to it.

Power delivery was excellent, and I thought the car 'involved' you a lot more with the driving, compared say to the A4. There was a bit of a grunt from what I assume was the exhaust (?) when I put my foot down, which I assume is normal!! Car is on 35k, so I may get the DSG service done quite soon, but was initially impressed with the smoothness of the box.

Anyway, deposit placed, and I should get it in a week or so (delayed to work comittments). I'll post some photos up soon!

Thanks for the advice all, very much appreciated.

Well done! And it's a blue one too. Enjoy it!