Funny things, Audis. There's always been a bit of a gap between expectation and reality. They generally look great inside and out, and you'll struggle to find a road test of one that doesn't include some reference to the awesome build quality, but they always seem to trip up on dynamic performance. Accusations of numb steering are every bit as predictable as the quality plaudits.
Some of that, you have to guess, is down to Audi's perseverance with front-wheel drive and their apparent inability to work entertaining handling in with that. Their experience in the four-wheel drive arena hasn't really helped in terms of driver engagement, but it has built a useful degree of safety and traction into their more powerful offerings.
This week's Shed is a case in point. It's a late example of the B6 (2001-2005) A4, a handsome and trustworthy sort of design that, visually at least, seems to represent some sort of high water mark in 'Audiness', whatever that might be. It's a Sport, which means it's got nice leccy seats with lumbar support adjustment and some leathery control surfaces on top of all the standard B6 bits like climate control. Plus (in this case) the boomtastic Bose stereo.
Best of all though it's got the big twin-cam 3.0 V6 petrol motor plus the quattro underpinnings. The idea of a big engine in a small car is one of motoring's classic conundrums. The extra performance is often offset by the negative handling effects of additional weight over the front axle.
However, despite the 3.0's extra heft, many contemporary testers preferred the 3.0's handling to the 2.0 four's. The engine itself is a lover not a fighter. It's super smooth but not that revvy or punchy, and nor is it overburdened by charisma (though it does sound better than the previous 2.8). Enthusiasts will be more rewarded by a BMW 330 or indeed a Subaru Legacy 3.0 Spec B. Still, the Audi does have 220 horse or thereabouts and a more than respectable 0-60mph time in the high sixes.
It also has the six-speed manual box, which is good because the Multitronic autos are potentially troublesome and costly to mend. Even Audi admitted as such, chipping in up to half of the replacement costs when more and more of them started to go bang after the B6 was superceded in 2005.
There are plenty of positives about this car. Reliability wise, the turbo-free V6 has a good track record. Some of them have experienced cam lobe wear but otherwise they're built to last. The belts in this one are only 10,000 miles old, which is a big saving for the next owner: the replacement schedule is around 75K. It's a comfy ride and there's full service history, two keys and all the books.
Endemic issues include the usual VW/Audi coil pack failures. If the car steams up it may have one of a dodgy batch of air-con systems. Audi's use of plastic collars in the front and rear anti-roll bars led to a lot of corrosion issues but a factory recall will have sorted out most cars.
There are a couple of catches with this particular car. The first one will be running costs. Road tax on the 3.0 is £305, insurance group is 33 and fuel consumption will be in the mid-20s if you're lucky.
... and six gears here. Result!
The second bear trap is at the back end of the car where the last MOT picked up rust in the subframe and floor. It looks like it might need some new exhaust pipery soon too, and the vendor is confessing to corrosion in the front wheel arches. Makes you wonder just how much truth there is in the perception of Audis as somehow being above the common herd in terms of materials.
Shame really, but you may well think this is a car worth saving, and as Edd China has proved on more than one occasion, welding in new steel is not that difficult or expensive. Mind you don't set fire to the fuel tank though.
For sale is my Audi A4 3.0 Quattro sport 2004
3.0 v6
220 bhp
0-60 6.9secs
Manual 6 speed
125k
3 keys
Bose sound system
Electric lumbar support sports seats
Mot until November
Cambelt replaced at 115k
2 keys and book pack
Full service history
Good tyres
A few cosmetic marks and front wheel arches have rust patches common problem.
Any questions please ask
07851010977