I've never had a A/S4 but have had two S6s sedans of the later generation (one 95 and one 97) fantastic build quality, highly modable cars and no one makes a better all wheel drive system. The older S6s where what the 993 is to Porsche, however, on that note, it seems as though newer Audis have gone the route of the 996. They just don't have the same quality build as the older cars and although I've never owned a newer Audi, I know people that have and they've all complained about reliability issues. I bought a new Touareg in 04 and sold it last year because it was spending too much time at the shop after only 12k mi. I would tread carefully around Audis (although the RSs do peak my interest).

I recently helped my girlfriend buy a wagon. After looking at the Subaru Legacy GT, BMW 330, Audi A4 and VW Passat, she settled on a Volvo V50. It's a nice looking wagon, it was cheap (around $35k for a full load) has put 12k mi with zero issues, it looks small but is rummier than the A4, fantastic gas milage with not bad power for a 5 cylinder and if your wife needs it, there is a turbo, all wheel drive version and you can get it in manual (my girlfriend's is). If it's strictly a wifemobile, you may find this to be a good compromise between the Subaru and the Audi.

 

We chose the A6 Avant for several reasons, including the long list of standard and available options, the high safety rating, and frankly, the fact that the car is unique. My wife drove the Mercedes wagon, BMW wagon, and drove a 2005 Subaru Legacy for one year. At the end of the day, she chose the Audi for the reasons listed above and also because the Audi had the most impressive interior, ride and handling. I preferred the Audi b/c I felt that with all of the current available choice in new AWD station wagons, the A6 Avant was the closest "match" to my 1996 C4 (i.e., German heritage)...plus I think the A6 may be built in the same town/factory (?) where my 1989 944 turbo was built.

 

I highly recommend getting a set of H-sport sway bars...huge improvement in handling and significantly reduces the understeer...plus she will never see it

 

Just saw this thread - We have an '04 A6 Avant 3.0 and an '04 A4 3.0. Both are terriffic cars. We've owned multiple Audis and have had no major issues. Agree with David above that sway bars are helpful as we cannot get the factory sport suspension in the US.

Enjoy the new car!!

 

Your un-biased answer is on the AUTOBAHN.

Drive on the german autobahn for half an hour and your decision is taken.

At around 150 mph, with both hands on the wheel, I am always surrounded by Audi's. Majority SW's.( and few benz)
Audi's with or without the red S logos

They take turns at those speeds with so much confidence, with the wife and kids watching DVD's in the back.

its something to see.

 

i just bought a 2002 a6 avant(3.0) we have had it a few weeks and love it..28k miles for 20,700..loaded..we have a free service coming up and then we are on our own..i would ONLY buy used..the car had a window sticker of 46k...thats a hit ..j

 

We had a 2002 allroad and we loved it, but we needed a bigger car so we picked up a Q7. But, IMO, the Audi wagons are the best (performance & styling).

 

Have the 2006 A6 Avant (wagon) with sport pack (suspension, 18" wheels, brakes, seats, etc.), and it is the perfect set up if you like your cars to hug the road, and it is still fairly comfortable. My only complaint is that I would have preferred rear wheel drive. In the last few years have had BMW´s and Audi's, never had any unscheduled need for servicing, and I would rate Audi quality on a par with BMW and Mercedes based on what I see in our company car fleet.

 

911, How's the new Q7???

 

It's not a Porsche Cayenne!

 

I'm sure it's nice though. I like Audi as you can see.

 

We really like the Q7. Before my car arrived, I was a bit worried about the handling because I kept reading that there was a lot of body roll. However, my Q7 doesn't roll that much and it handles very, very well. I have the regular steel springs, so perhaps that explains it. The gas mileage is about the same as my allroad, so I'll take it because this is a V8 vs the V6 in the allroad.

 

Easy there, Frank!!!

 

Guys -

I've owned a bunch of Audis and had different luck. '95 S6 - raced it and drove it hard - bulletproof car. Loved it, but traded for my 993. My wife's '95 A6 Avant was a lemon - electrical gremlins forced sale after much $$$$ dumped into it. I just sold a '00 A4 Avant after putting 120k on the car - rock solid and loved it - just got too small with the two kids in back.

With Audi, unfortunately, its all about the extended warranty. I would buy another if I was sure that Audi of America was going to pay to maintain and fix it.

Good luck!

Aaron

 

Hehehehehehe 911!