Off topic: Audi v BMW v Merc estate
09-02-2002, 01:06 PM
#16
Drifting
Take the Audi.
I've an older B4 the 80. 1994 Its just gone through 150,000mls and still pulls over 110mph and when needed gets more than 55mpg.
Built like a tank, (drives better though) and has no rust problems.
Servicing is relatively cheap until you need a belt change, and that last time cost me £500 together with a couple of extra bits and bobs.
The added bonus with Audi is understated quality,
I've an older B4 the 80. 1994 Its just gone through 150,000mls and still pulls over 110mph and when needed gets more than 55mpg.
Built like a tank, (drives better though) and has no rust problems.
Servicing is relatively cheap until you need a belt change, and that last time cost me £500 together with a couple of extra bits and bobs.
The added bonus with Audi is understated quality,
09-02-2002, 01:22 PM
#17
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[quote]Originally posted by George Stevens:
<strong>2, A station-wagon</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's this one, right?
Thanks, George. You're sorely missed on the board. Tell me you've begun your search for another RS or 3.6 Turbo, perhaps. Yes, I know I'm off topic, but so is this discussion.
<strong>2, A station-wagon</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's this one, right?
Thanks, George. You're sorely missed on the board. Tell me you've begun your search for another RS or 3.6 Turbo, perhaps. Yes, I know I'm off topic, but so is this discussion.
09-02-2002, 04:22 PM
#18
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[quote] Dear Eion,
I am afraid that 315 to 450HP bolted into what is just an Audi 80 Avant or A4 Avant is not my idea of a family car. Now I have had RS4s go past me at very high speed on the autobahn with three kids in the back. This is not what I call responsible family driving. However that is just me.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4 <hr></blockquote>
Although in principal I will not disagree with you Adrian, my view is that while irrisponsible driving is a nono with children onboard, I firmly believe that a proper car with great brakes and handling will save the day as my point is to AVOID the accident ,not to be in it. I'm still in disbilief how many people opt for the big behemoths for SUV is USA which have no decent brakes or handling and in my book are more dangerous at 80mph than an RS2 at 120mph. What is better for family safety? A car that stops 20 or 30 feet better from 60mph isnt that safer? A car that on emergency lane change is confident and surefooted isn't that safer?
My vote goes hands down for the estates like the RS2 or RS4 just like for my present "family" car I have opted for an M3 instead of a Cadillac.
Yeah the caddy is more comfy but when my wife drives the freeways I feel better knowing that she is in the M3.
Finally need i say that not always three kids are going to be in the back seat! These times in an RS2 will be more fun no?
I am afraid that 315 to 450HP bolted into what is just an Audi 80 Avant or A4 Avant is not my idea of a family car. Now I have had RS4s go past me at very high speed on the autobahn with three kids in the back. This is not what I call responsible family driving. However that is just me.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4 <hr></blockquote>
Although in principal I will not disagree with you Adrian, my view is that while irrisponsible driving is a nono with children onboard, I firmly believe that a proper car with great brakes and handling will save the day as my point is to AVOID the accident ,not to be in it. I'm still in disbilief how many people opt for the big behemoths for SUV is USA which have no decent brakes or handling and in my book are more dangerous at 80mph than an RS2 at 120mph. What is better for family safety? A car that stops 20 or 30 feet better from 60mph isnt that safer? A car that on emergency lane change is confident and surefooted isn't that safer?
My vote goes hands down for the estates like the RS2 or RS4 just like for my present "family" car I have opted for an M3 instead of a Cadillac.
Yeah the caddy is more comfy but when my wife drives the freeways I feel better knowing that she is in the M3.
Finally need i say that not always three kids are going to be in the back seat! These times in an RS2 will be more fun no?
09-02-2002, 08:14 PM
#19
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Roygarth,
I'll offer a vote for the Audi. I had the good fortune to win an A6 Avant and it is a great family touring car. We just concluded a 7200 mile Coast to Coarst trip in comfort and security. The car is a 1998 quattro 2.8 which now has 51,000 miles on it. I got the Wagon (= Estate = Avant) for "family" use - in our case the child is Heide the German Shepard who is quite comforable in the 3rd seat area. The Cross Country trip included mostly USA Interstate Highways & 2 lane state roads. Travel at 80 mph where permited was very comfortable even up to 850 mile in one day.
I love the quattro, though it cost in fuel mileage. When caught in heavy rain & tornado winds in the Mid-West we motored through easily. And I have driven on shorter holiday trips with 4 adults, luggage (on the roof) & Dog on windy Canadian roads & rain and felt very confident in the cars road holding & responciveness. As to quality, the fit and finish in this car is better than my 964 or our '96 Toyota Avalon and that says alot.
Good luck in your search. <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
I'll offer a vote for the Audi. I had the good fortune to win an A6 Avant and it is a great family touring car. We just concluded a 7200 mile Coast to Coarst trip in comfort and security. The car is a 1998 quattro 2.8 which now has 51,000 miles on it. I got the Wagon (= Estate = Avant) for "family" use - in our case the child is Heide the German Shepard who is quite comforable in the 3rd seat area. The Cross Country trip included mostly USA Interstate Highways & 2 lane state roads. Travel at 80 mph where permited was very comfortable even up to 850 mile in one day.
I love the quattro, though it cost in fuel mileage. When caught in heavy rain & tornado winds in the Mid-West we motored through easily. And I have driven on shorter holiday trips with 4 adults, luggage (on the roof) & Dog on windy Canadian roads & rain and felt very confident in the cars road holding & responciveness. As to quality, the fit and finish in this car is better than my 964 or our '96 Toyota Avalon and that says alot.
Good luck in your search. <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
09-03-2002, 05:37 AM
#20
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thanks Guys
Summing up:
I'm leaning towards the Audi - 4 wheel drive, build quality, understated looks. BMW I'm just not sure about quality these days...a bit 'flash', 525D a bit slower, 530D £3/4K more expensive - for what? Mercedes more expensive and much bigger (wife driving in London!) plus not happy with build of our C200.
I'm off to test drive the A6 today, it's the 2.5 TDi Quattro (180BHP)SE with Sportpack, 0-60 8.7s top speed 140mph, 1 year old (2 years left on warranty) 15K miles, 6 speed manual. Asking price £26k from an Audi Official Dealer. I'll let you know what transpires.
Piers
Summing up:
I'm leaning towards the Audi - 4 wheel drive, build quality, understated looks. BMW I'm just not sure about quality these days...a bit 'flash', 525D a bit slower, 530D £3/4K more expensive - for what? Mercedes more expensive and much bigger (wife driving in London!) plus not happy with build of our C200.
I'm off to test drive the A6 today, it's the 2.5 TDi Quattro (180BHP)SE with Sportpack, 0-60 8.7s top speed 140mph, 1 year old (2 years left on warranty) 15K miles, 6 speed manual. Asking price £26k from an Audi Official Dealer. I'll let you know what transpires.
Piers
09-03-2002, 06:01 AM
#21
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Dear Piers,
I am sure you will love the Audi. We are an Audi family, have been for 10 years and love them.
Dear Danny,
I do not believe in advising people to have performance family cars. They tend to get used in performance mode otherwise why have one. If you get my drift. On the brakes issue. Just because it has Porsche brakes (RS2 only) actually does not mean it will stop. The new RS6 sedan needs 4.8 metres more to stop than a standard 996. Now I agree that this is 10 metres less than your standard SUV.
However, the standard series of Audis, Mercs and BMWs are fine for the family. Performance driving in performance autos should wait until your kids have grown up or at least leave them with the baby sitter. In the end however it is up to each person to purchase what they want for whatever reason. If you ask the question though like Piers did then we can give our opinions. Drive safe and keep your family alive. Oh by the way, avoiding accidents. No matter what you do, no matter what car you are driving, the accident you are in you will never see coming. At 250kph with the kids in the back you will never know what hit you. I saw a M3 and a 735 hit each other on the autobhan once. The 735 stayed on the ground the M3 went into orbit, crashing upside down on an exit ramp. Driver and passengers dod not survive. The 735 hit the M3 up the backside in the rain just outside of Lindau Germany in the fast lane.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4
I am sure you will love the Audi. We are an Audi family, have been for 10 years and love them.
Dear Danny,
I do not believe in advising people to have performance family cars. They tend to get used in performance mode otherwise why have one. If you get my drift. On the brakes issue. Just because it has Porsche brakes (RS2 only) actually does not mean it will stop. The new RS6 sedan needs 4.8 metres more to stop than a standard 996. Now I agree that this is 10 metres less than your standard SUV.
However, the standard series of Audis, Mercs and BMWs are fine for the family. Performance driving in performance autos should wait until your kids have grown up or at least leave them with the baby sitter. In the end however it is up to each person to purchase what they want for whatever reason. If you ask the question though like Piers did then we can give our opinions. Drive safe and keep your family alive. Oh by the way, avoiding accidents. No matter what you do, no matter what car you are driving, the accident you are in you will never see coming. At 250kph with the kids in the back you will never know what hit you. I saw a M3 and a 735 hit each other on the autobhan once. The 735 stayed on the ground the M3 went into orbit, crashing upside down on an exit ramp. Driver and passengers dod not survive. The 735 hit the M3 up the backside in the rain just outside of Lindau Germany in the fast lane.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4
09-06-2002, 07:57 AM
#22
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I've done a deal!
June 2001 Audi A6 Avant TDi SE Quattro (180BHP) 'Fully Loaded' 10K miles, 2 year to run on warranty plus 1 extra year warranty thrown in.
It looks stunning in Dolphin Grey Mettalic.
Thanks to all for advice!
BR
Piers
June 2001 Audi A6 Avant TDi SE Quattro (180BHP) 'Fully Loaded' 10K miles, 2 year to run on warranty plus 1 extra year warranty thrown in.
It looks stunning in Dolphin Grey Mettalic.
Thanks to all for advice!
BR
Piers
09-06-2002, 08:40 AM
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Piers
As an expat Brit living now in Sweden, it's interesting to see that the cost of cars in the UK still seems to be too high. I bought a new A6 Avant Quattro 2.4SE here in Sweden last September for the equivalent of £18,300, complete with factory towbar fitted, an extra set of wheels with winter tyres, the "Proline" option pack (cruise control, upgrade hi-fi), heated seats/heated steering wheel, etc. It's now worth about £14,500 as a one year old. I guess I'd have to pay much more for the same car in the UK.
It's been a good car so far, although it needed new front discs at about 10,000 kms and there's a hunting/rumbling sensation at low speed/light throttle setting that needs to be looked at. Otherwise, other than fuel economy (average about 24 mpg, diesel would be much better, I'm sure) I'm quite satisfied with it.
cheers
Derek
Linköping, Sweden
As an expat Brit living now in Sweden, it's interesting to see that the cost of cars in the UK still seems to be too high. I bought a new A6 Avant Quattro 2.4SE here in Sweden last September for the equivalent of £18,300, complete with factory towbar fitted, an extra set of wheels with winter tyres, the "Proline" option pack (cruise control, upgrade hi-fi), heated seats/heated steering wheel, etc. It's now worth about £14,500 as a one year old. I guess I'd have to pay much more for the same car in the UK.
It's been a good car so far, although it needed new front discs at about 10,000 kms and there's a hunting/rumbling sensation at low speed/light throttle setting that needs to be looked at. Otherwise, other than fuel economy (average about 24 mpg, diesel would be much better, I'm sure) I'm quite satisfied with it.
cheers
Derek
Linköping, Sweden
09-06-2002, 09:16 AM
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Piers,
There aren't too many relative bargains to be had out here, so I'm grateful for small mercies!
I'm sure you'll be pleased with your new car. I'd like the 2.5 diesel version but diesels are taxed heavily here.
We drove to the south of France this summer in ours, complete with roofbox, 3 kids, and of course, some considerable quantities of the local produce to bring home with us! A great car for lugging lots of stuff in comfort and safety. It's got more airbags than I've had hot dinners! Feels like it will last for ages. The 4wd creates a feeling of invincibility in the winter out here...... great for forward traction but then when it comes to stopping, it's merely mortal....... almost caught me out a couple of times last winter.
Good luck!
Derek
There aren't too many relative bargains to be had out here, so I'm grateful for small mercies!
I'm sure you'll be pleased with your new car. I'd like the 2.5 diesel version but diesels are taxed heavily here.
We drove to the south of France this summer in ours, complete with roofbox, 3 kids, and of course, some considerable quantities of the local produce to bring home with us! A great car for lugging lots of stuff in comfort and safety. It's got more airbags than I've had hot dinners! Feels like it will last for ages. The 4wd creates a feeling of invincibility in the winter out here...... great for forward traction but then when it comes to stopping, it's merely mortal....... almost caught me out a couple of times last winter.
Good luck!
Derek
09-06-2002, 10:02 AM
#26
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Dear Piers,
Our next touring wagon/family wagon will also be a diesel. If my wife has her way it will be an Audi. Mind you I also like the look of the new BMW 730d and 740ds as well. My family needs are no longer to haul around the young family on trips either so we can be a bit more flexible. We are also just a family of four now which does increase the choices as against a family of five.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4
Our next touring wagon/family wagon will also be a diesel. If my wife has her way it will be an Audi. Mind you I also like the look of the new BMW 730d and 740ds as well. My family needs are no longer to haul around the young family on trips either so we can be a bit more flexible. We are also just a family of four now which does increase the choices as against a family of five.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4
09-06-2002, 11:32 AM
#27
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Dear Adrian
Must admit I was tempted by the 2.7 Turbo Avant (0-60 6.8 secs, 155 mph!) but I took on board your comments re. family transportation. Franky I don't trust myself not to drive fast! It's why I don't like driving with kids in 964...it's just tooooo tempting!!
Have a nice weekend!
Best regards
Piers
Must admit I was tempted by the 2.7 Turbo Avant (0-60 6.8 secs, 155 mph!) but I took on board your comments re. family transportation. Franky I don't trust myself not to drive fast! It's why I don't like driving with kids in 964...it's just tooooo tempting!!
Have a nice weekend!
Best regards
Piers
