I've had 2 A4s, a 1998 110bhp TDi, and a 2003 130bhp TDi. Both excellent cars to drive, both very reliable over high miles, but the seats on both did my back and hip in on long journeys - no lumbar adjustment. The 1.9 is a better designed, and more reliable engine than the 2.0, and VAG carried on fitting them to Skodas long after they had changed to the 2.0 on VW and Audi models. Personally, I would seek out a well maintained, rust free, pre-project drive 75 Tourer, with genuine low-ish (under 100K) mileage and FSH. You know what goes on them, so should be able to buy a good one. I'd do without the leather interior, avoiding the Connie price premium. T4d to higher output. The Ford/Mazda/PSA 1.6 diesel has a reputation for ingesting its turbo impeller due to oil starvation. Mondeo DMFs fail early, and I often see a trail of black smoke with a Mondeo in front of it! I know several people who swear by their Insignias, excellent long distance cars, comfortable, relaxed and very economical.
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