OT-Kid Hauler A3 or S4 Avant
01-25-2009, 08:23 PM
#16
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I too had a 2002 Audi S4 Avant with the 2.7 turbo. I sold it just after it hit 50,000 miles. For the 4 years that I had it, it was problem free. I never put a penny into it besides tires and extra oil changes that Audi didn't cover. Good gas milage too.
01-25-2009, 08:43 PM
#17
I still insist that the 2.7Tt is both the best and the most fun engine they've probably ever built. I've driven a lot of assorted Audis for a year in 2003, as I worked for them. That included the RS6, S8 and the new S4, A8 and A6 4.2, and all kinds of A4s. Even the lower cost aside, 2.7TT is better for an everyday car.
01-25-2009, 09:01 PM
#18
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My daily driver is a 2000 S4, with an MTM chip, and a few other goodies. I have had it on the track in the rain...what a blast. I had some expensive repairs when it was new, but I've been lucky for the past 60k. I have 110k miles now, and still prefer it to anything I could buy new now. There is no better car in slippery conditions than an Audi. The A3 actually has more room in the back than my S4, but I think the new ones are better. We have a Subaru, and frankly, for the money (and my wife prefers it to the Audi...???), they are hard to beat.
01-25-2009, 09:39 PM
#19
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For the individuals that do drive your little ones in your P-Car, at what age is it safe? I have read several forums on installing child seats (forward facing versions); however, seem to recall that infants must be in a rear facing version? Forgive my ignorance, as I am not yet a father and still trying to learn.
If there is any possibility that I could get back into a 993 or 964 with the ability to cart a child to and from day care in a safe manner, I may try to explore that route as well.
If there is any possibility that I could get back into a 993 or 964 with the ability to cart a child to and from day care in a safe manner, I may try to explore that route as well.
01-25-2009, 09:45 PM
#20
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Speaking of a B5 S4...this one just happens to be in Atlanta...and its a stage 3
http://forums.audiworld.com/b5-class/msgs/4910.phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/b5-class/msgs/4910.phtml
01-25-2009, 09:46 PM
#21
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Hi Mate,
Ever thought about going to a 2002 e39 M5? Cheaper than the alternatives you are looking at which laves you more for maintenance and mileage. Cheaper on fuel than the S4 and a hell of a load more fund to drive for a car enthusiast. Not to mention questionably pretier, four door strong and safe for family with many airbags and all the gismos. 6 speed fo course. There are some great deals on these out there and you could get something 50 k miles or less for very cheap. I really dont think youd loose more than 5k on deprecition of 3-4 years as they are becoming classic fast. 400 bhp, very fun to drive and very agile, very safe and civalised - for maybe 20 grand max for a minter. I just went back to one (had one 3 years ago and loved it!) as a daily for the family/wife for all reasons as above. When I did the math, expecially with things as they are I just couldnt refuse. I paid about 7k for mine with 65k miles 2001 and fully serviced/sorted. You can get them cheaper than that in your part of the world....
Just a thought. :-)
M
Ever thought about going to a 2002 e39 M5? Cheaper than the alternatives you are looking at which laves you more for maintenance and mileage. Cheaper on fuel than the S4 and a hell of a load more fund to drive for a car enthusiast. Not to mention questionably pretier, four door strong and safe for family with many airbags and all the gismos. 6 speed fo course. There are some great deals on these out there and you could get something 50 k miles or less for very cheap. I really dont think youd loose more than 5k on deprecition of 3-4 years as they are becoming classic fast. 400 bhp, very fun to drive and very agile, very safe and civalised - for maybe 20 grand max for a minter. I just went back to one (had one 3 years ago and loved it!) as a daily for the family/wife for all reasons as above. When I did the math, expecially with things as they are I just couldnt refuse. I paid about 7k for mine with 65k miles 2001 and fully serviced/sorted. You can get them cheaper than that in your part of the world....
Just a thought. :-)
M
01-25-2009, 11:42 PM
#23
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As has been said, the 2.0T engine with software upgrade is a very good (and cheap) alternative to an S4. If you like the Avant, you could go for a slightly used A4 2.0TQ Avant. With Revo/APR software you are at upwards of 240hp and close to 300 torque.
I just did this a couple of months ago (got the sedan though) for my DD and am enjoying my commute.
I just did this a couple of months ago (got the sedan though) for my DD and am enjoying my commute.
01-26-2009, 12:10 AM
#24
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Ypu will not find a $7K E39 M5 in the States, and if you do... god save the person taking on that Project. I say this with a clear understanding of where the luxury car market is today, but still... $7K will not buy you a decent 2001 528.
01-26-2009, 12:20 AM
#25
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01-26-2009, 01:16 AM
#26
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I may try to go drive a A4 Avant Auto with the 2.0t. Jim Ellis has a couple in inventory. I wish there was a 6 speeds in my area (Georgia). From what I have read, that engine is pretty advanced and very tunable.
Thanks for the feedback on the S4. I owned a 2000 S4 for a couple of years, and it did ring up a pretty big bill along the way. I just love the fit and finish of the newer audi's (even the older ones age well), and can't really seem to find anything else that get's me going. Plus, it's still in the "family"....I just wish reliability wasn't such a huge issue.
For the individuals that do drive your little ones in your P-Car, at what age is it safe? I have read several forums on installing child seats (forward facing versions); however, seem to recall that infants must be in a rear facing version? Forgive my ignorance, as I am not yet a father and still trying to learn.
If there is any possibility that I could get back into a 993 or 964 with the ability to cart a child to and from day care in a safe manner, I may try to explore that route as well.
Thanks for the feedback on the S4. I owned a 2000 S4 for a couple of years, and it did ring up a pretty big bill along the way. I just love the fit and finish of the newer audi's (even the older ones age well), and can't really seem to find anything else that get's me going. Plus, it's still in the "family"....I just wish reliability wasn't such a huge issue.
For the individuals that do drive your little ones in your P-Car, at what age is it safe? I have read several forums on installing child seats (forward facing versions); however, seem to recall that infants must be in a rear facing version? Forgive my ignorance, as I am not yet a father and still trying to learn.
If there is any possibility that I could get back into a 993 or 964 with the ability to cart a child to and from day care in a safe manner, I may try to explore that route as well.
there rear seat works well with child seat, not the baby basket seats, but once they are 2 years old. without passenger seat, you can put their lunch box and other stuff there and you can carry the kid out without breaking your back.
i had V8 S4 avant for 28,000 miles. the time that i owned it, never a problem.
01-26-2009, 02:24 AM
#27
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Hi Nile13 and others.
Sorry that was a typo. Should have read 17k usd. Well thats the conversion as the USD is flying veyr strong. In Octobr the conversion would have been 24k USD! Either way I think a good M5 should be had around 20k USD which must be much cheaper than an 2006-07 S4.....
Cheers
Sorry that was a typo. Should have read 17k usd. Well thats the conversion as the USD is flying veyr strong. In Octobr the conversion would have been 24k USD! Either way I think a good M5 should be had around 20k USD which must be much cheaper than an 2006-07 S4.....
Cheers
01-26-2009, 05:04 AM
#28
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Macca, you can certainly pick up a higher mileage M5s here in $17k range, I've seen a few in Cali for as low as $12-13K. They are certainly magnificent cars and great long range cruisers. People here feel that they are very expensive to maintain, but I can't comment, not owning one. I do like the car a lot. I think yours for $17K with 65K miles would be a pretty good deal in the States now.
I've been toying with idea of buying a 4-door car myself, as I own two cabs now. E39 certainly comes to mind. I've driven them in Germany and liked them, I've owned an E34 535i in Europe and liked it as well. A friend now owns an E39 525iT Sport and I get to drive it once in a while when I need to haul something. Nice platform, handles well, looks good. I can get an M5 as well, but I think it'll be too much car at this point. Maybe a 540i.
I've been toying with idea of buying a 4-door car myself, as I own two cabs now. E39 certainly comes to mind. I've driven them in Germany and liked them, I've owned an E34 535i in Europe and liked it as well. A friend now owns an E39 525iT Sport and I get to drive it once in a while when I need to haul something. Nice platform, handles well, looks good. I can get an M5 as well, but I think it'll be too much car at this point. Maybe a 540i.
01-26-2009, 09:33 AM
#29
Race Car
It is so obvious on all the other pictures as well. I'm surprised that they didn't say "Clean Carfax - No Accidents" on the ad too. LOL.
01-26-2009, 10:23 AM
#30
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I second Mike's opinion on the 2.7 T and an allroad. I picked up my second 6-speed allroad a few months back after owning an 05 A4 avant in between. The A4 was just too small for my taste and the fit and finish of the allroad much better by comparison. I just upgraded the software (320 HP/370 TQ) and swaybars which makes the car a blast to drive. There are now after market replacement air bags and compressors for reasonable dollars if the suspension is a concern. The same company also just came out with a coil over replacement for the air suspension for a little north of 1 K. There are several people on the Audiworld community that have >150 K on their car and report they still drive like new.