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Audi A5 or BMW 3 Series Coupe?

Hello,

I am looking at buying a used car at the moment. Trying to decide between an Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series Coupe. The 2.0-litre diesels look like the sensible option. I would like low mileage, but don't want anything newer than 2008 really. I would get M Sport if I end up going for BMW, but S line not so important for the A5. Max budget is €25k.

I'm interested in your general opinion of both cars. Would you have a preference? Is there anything in particular that I need to watch out for? Better engine options keeping in mind the tax, resale etc? I only do about 10k miles per year...

Thanks in advance, John

John O'Connor (Celbridge)

Mar 2013 Filed under: choosing used car


Expert answer

Hi John,

At 10k miles a year, to be honest, you’d be better off going for a petrol model as you’re just not going to get the fuel savings out of a diesel to justify the extra cost, plus you might be running into issues with exhaust filters. Of the two cars, the BMW is without question the nicer to drive, and it has a fractionally more spacious interior than that of the Audi. The Audi is seriously well-made though, so from a reliability point of view, we’d probably give that one the nod. Just make sure you buy one with a full, preferably main dealer, service history.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe


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