Questions to ask when buying a used Audi

If you're looking for a premium marque, you can't go wrong with an Audi. With its unmistakable badge of interlocking rings, Audi is known for quality, engineering excellence and sleek design. If you've ever thought about owning one yourself, here are a few questions which might help answer any queries you have.

I have a young family, which Audi is best for me?

Take your pick, though our choice would probably be the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro. The higher chassis means that installing the little ones in their car seats won't give you a bad back, plus with a 540 litre boot (which comes with remote operation), you'll be able to store pushchairs, nappy bags, trikes - you name it - with ease. It also has a fantastic panoramic sunroof, offering bored rear passengers something to look up at and the smooth drive will ensure once your brood has fallen asleep, no rogue potholes will wake them.

I'm after a city car, any suggestions?

Ah, if you're looking for no ordinary runabout, then it's got to be the Audi A1 TDI - we like the Sport line. This great looking hatchback is fun to drive, has an inbuilt Sat Nav and can reach 0-60mph in a not-too-shabby 8.2 seconds. The Diesel model gets between about 69 - 75 miles per gallon (mpg), petrol about 52mpg. The A1 is a fabulously nippy car that you'll love whizzing round town in.

What about an eco-friendly option?

It's got to be the Audi A3, which for some years now has been praised as a 'green' vehicle that doesn't compromise on quality. It looks and drive like a 'normal' car, yet its improved technology and low-range torque means it still performs but has reduced CO2 emissions. It comes with low-rolling resistance tyres which are designed to better manage fuel consumption, and you can find models that further manage your wallet by costing you nothing in annual road tax.

What sort of security features can I expect?

While this depends on the model and the age of the particular car, at the very least you should expect remote central locking, anti-theft alarm and locking wheel bolts. The vehicle may also feature an immobiliser, curtain airbags, keyless start, electronic differential lock and the elements necessary for the fitting of a tracker, should you need one.

And what about safety?

As above, the features may depend on the age and model of the vehicle, but at the most basic, you'll have driver and passenger airbags, side-impact protection, electronic stability programme and anti-lock brake system. Your car may also be fitted with anti-slip regulation traction control, electronic stability control, sports suspension and tyre pressure warning. The Audi A4 was awarded a Best in Class five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP.

Will my Audi come with lots of gadgets?

Potentially, yes. The higher-spec models are fitted with in-built, full colour, 3D display Sat Nav and - get this - a virtual driver display system which projects important messages onto the windscreen! That's in addition to the Bluetooth interface, voice control, rain sensor, deluxe multizonal air conditioning, colour driver's information system with high-res screen, Matrix LED headlights, memory card reader and DAB radio with Bose surround sound. You'll never leave the car.

Hopefully that's given you a flavour of what the vast Audi range can offer. Why not browse our range of used Audis to see what's available or pop in to ask our experts any other questions?