A4/A6 Avant info and opinions
Discussion
OH is looking at either avant around the 8-10k mark at the moment. There are a couple of good examples out there, nicely specced etc. and last night she proudly showed me what she wanted - a '99 T plate S4 avant. I know nothing about these cars, she's coming from an SLK 230k so wants something "sporty" but I don't want to get lumbered with a nail of a car.
Anything in particular to look out for on these models? Mileage will be c. 6-8k per year so engine size does not matter too much, however convincing her to use Optimax instead of cooking fuel has so far proven tricky...
Anything in particular to look out for on these models? Mileage will be c. 6-8k per year so engine size does not matter too much, however convincing her to use Optimax instead of cooking fuel has so far proven tricky...
If the reason for moving to an Avant is space then you'll want an A6. Try sitting in the back of an A4 (esp with the driver's seat in a decent driving position).
Both models get through front suspension joints quite frequently - usual clonks etc from that area are a hint. Not massively expensive, but often easier to replace them all while you're there. I don't think newer models (post 2003ish) have this problem.
Check all the electrics work.
Both models get through front suspension joints quite frequently - usual clonks etc from that area are a hint. Not massively expensive, but often easier to replace them all while you're there. I don't think newer models (post 2003ish) have this problem.
Check all the electrics work.
Ours is a nicely spec'd A4 quattro sport 3.0 petrol manual with just under 70k on the clock that is probably worth less than your budget so could be worth looking out for one of those (ours isn't for sale at the moment I'm afraid...like it so much we'll probably run it into the ground). I'm not sure on all the spec differences from a 99 to an 04ish but standard fit ESP and 6 airbags was certainly a big draw for me at the time. 6 speed manual box is excellent, brake pedal feel can be a little sharp initially so watch you don't throw yourself at the window if you test drive one.
Driving wise it's a great engine - very smooth and plenty of shove. Steering is sometimes criticised for being a little lifeless but coming from an SLK she won't worry about that. Brake discs can warp easily; we've cured that issue by fitting Nitrac discs. Had this one since it was 9 months old and have done 60k in it. Completely reliable, uses about half a litre of oil in between the 18k mile (I think) services. I think it had rear suspension bushes done under warranty at some point but that's about all I can think of. Get about 26mpg average (or 30 when the wife is driving....) I did manage to get 32.5 on one trip but that was driving like a grandad to see what it would do.
In comparison to her SLK it won't feel very sporty though I'm afraid. It can be hurried along very well indeed but it's never going to compare to something like that. Very poor rear seat space as someone else mentioned above. Space for the dog is possibly ok depending on how big it is - you'd best try pooch out for size first I'd say.
Driving wise it's a great engine - very smooth and plenty of shove. Steering is sometimes criticised for being a little lifeless but coming from an SLK she won't worry about that. Brake discs can warp easily; we've cured that issue by fitting Nitrac discs. Had this one since it was 9 months old and have done 60k in it. Completely reliable, uses about half a litre of oil in between the 18k mile (I think) services. I think it had rear suspension bushes done under warranty at some point but that's about all I can think of. Get about 26mpg average (or 30 when the wife is driving....) I did manage to get 32.5 on one trip but that was driving like a grandad to see what it would do.
In comparison to her SLK it won't feel very sporty though I'm afraid. It can be hurried along very well indeed but it's never going to compare to something like that. Very poor rear seat space as someone else mentioned above. Space for the dog is possibly ok depending on how big it is - you'd best try pooch out for size first I'd say.
Edited by UVB on Tuesday 7th April 18:31
This could be exactly what she is looking for?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/978565.htm
(and it still runs on cooking oil)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/978565.htm
(and it still runs on cooking oil)
NineMeister said:
This could be exactly what she is looking for?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/978565.htm
(and it still runs on cooking oil)
That does look nice, and although I am more than happy that it's below budget it's a wee bit leggy although that could be ironed out over time... http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/978565.htm
(and it still runs on cooking oil)
How about this one ? Little over budget But what a car for the money ?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/986256.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/986256.htm
chuckh said:
How about this one ? Little over budget But what a car for the money ?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/986256.htm
Thanks for the suggestion, however I've been told that it MUST be black, and that only Ferrari's and OAP's Fiestas can be red... women... http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/986256.htm
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