Tonydec

A '99.5 2.8 Avant with the sport package is our play car. Front control arms were a big issue with these, and I've replaced mine. They were under recall, but if you had not had EVERY recommended dealer service, they won't do it under warranty. Since I do most my own work (arguably better than the stealer as most of us on here) they were not covered.

The sunroof control **** also peeled as mentioned by someone else above. That's been the only two issues so far, but air bag light just came on. An Audi forum says the connectors under the seat for the side bags come loose and are a frequent cause, haven't dug into that yet. Mileage just under 64k so far.

We went from the SUV with kids, dogs, bikes and kayak. Kids now out, but still needed something for the toys. Audi fit the bill perfectly, and better gas mileage to boot. We also looked at Outbacks, and my daughter has one. We prefered the cleaner look of the Audi and overall feel and look of the interior of the Audi better even though it cost a few grand more. You have to get the Limited in the Subaru for leather also.

CarmG993

Wife is on her second allroad, both being the 2.7T variant in 6 speed manuals. She loves them.
I myself am a big audi fan, I had an A6 4.2 that I regret getting rid of. Had an Audi TT 3.2, not very pleased. I now have a Subie STI and I like. I have tried talking my wife into getting a smaller wagon. My issue is there aren't many all wheel drive wagon in 6 spds. Maybe 3.

obchuck

So if Subies are "Green-Peace, ex-hippies, love-the-earth mother" types, what does that make Audi folks??? If Bimmers are for "Yuppies" and P-cars are for men w/"shortcomings" (Don't worry, I own one!) what is the tag for the Audi guys?!?!

ljugete

Audi AllRoad 2.7 Bi-Turbo is an awesome car. We had a 2002 leased X 3 years and had no problems with it (only a few minor electrical gremlins fixed under Warranty). I liked it so much that I bought a 2005 AllRoad for her and again no complaints (worth the $$$ IMHO - didn't like the new A6 Sedan or Wagon and didn't want a Q7 - have my Cayenne S)!

Good Luck!

nota_troll

I had a 2002 Audi S4 Avant. My car was in the shop 17 times in one year for numerous problems. Having said that I loved the solid feel of the car. I have yet to experience a car of it's equal.

If you want a wagon? Buy a Subaru Legacy GT.

Chuck W.

Just sold my wives S4 Avant. GREAT car. 60000 flawless miles. However, the rear seats were too small for anyone older that 10.

David in LA

I keep an S6 Avant in L.A....18" RS6 wheels, 255 Pirelli P7s, H-sport sway bars and 340hp makes for a fun car if you have/need to drive a wagon. Pulling the power steering assist relay and the H-sports significantly increases the feedback and handling. Audi's are not perfect cars but pretty good value on the second hand market, and one of the best 4wd setups out there.

David in LA

btw if you are looking for a solid, trouble-free, good value new car you'd be better off w/ a Subaru than an Audi. Audi's are luxury/quasi-luxury cars and have prices that reflect that...huge depreciation hit (I would not buy new), some electrical and mechanical glitches, but nice interior and styling. The usual arguments for Japanese cars vs European cars, IMHO.

Ritter v4.0

We have an S4 (non-Avant) and a Subaru Outback Wagon.
The Audi is nicer and more fun but the Sub is more reliable and much cheaper to repair if it does break.

pchak

We know someone with an A4 Avant, and they love it. No probs. We're thinking of dumping one of the SUV's and getting an A4 or A6 Avant. I like the A6 because of the rear seat leg room, but the A4 isn't too bad.

RallyJon

Guys who like road-hugging weight, slightly numb steering, clunky shifters, intrusive drive-by-wire nannying and really, really nice interiors.

None of that bothers my wife, who loves her '01 S4 Avant. She's waiting for the inevitable turbo failure so she can upgrade to RS4 specs.

Bill Verburg

It's supposed to be a comfy daily driver not a sports car

When I had a 2000 S4 mit tt, turbo failure was always a nagging concern. The S4 V8s are much more solid(road hugging weight I guess but just what want on trip or stuck in traffic ), I also have used tips on all but my first S4 in '93. The latest 6 spd versions are the nuts, You can even get sporty(sorta) w/ the paddle shifters.

IMO 3 cars are a necessity
cushy dd
sports
race or barely streetable race

gordo993

I'm seriously considering getting rid of my WRX and getting an A4 1.8T. The suby is a fine car, but you can never have too much German engineering!

rockwoodfarm

I had an S6 Avant and had no problems in 65,000 miles of ownership, I traded it on a 2006 S4 Avant last August and the new car has been great. No problems in the first 20k.

swmic

I picked up an 01 Allroad 6-speed last spring with 54K on it and have added 20K mostly trouble free miles. I immediately added H-sport sways which made a huge improvement in the handling. I even took it to the track since my cab was not allowed. If you do some of your own work and get an Audi, purchase VagCom. It's great software for diagnosing problems and keeping the car from visiting the dealer. Gas mileage has not been too bad for a 4100 lb tank at a little over 20 mpg in suburban driving. I really like the fit and finish of the car. Most people think the car is new.

Good luck.