Newbie considering A4 Avant
08-31-2002, 06:47 PM
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Newbie considering A4 Avant
Hello,
My wife and I are considering buying an A4 Avant to be used as the family hauler. We have a 3-year old, and are planning to have another child by the end of next year.
I don't mind buying used, as long as there is a reasonable amount of time/mileage left on the factory warranty. Audi Assured would be nice, but I don't know if it's worth the extra dough.
Both of us enjoy rowing the gears, and would be open to either a manual tranny or the Tiptronic. Quattro is a must since we have a winter house in Lake Tahoe that we frequent for skiing. Space is also a consideration, both interior and cargo for all the various stuff that goes with having kids.
My biggest condition is that the car has to have power. It has to be able to feel like it's humming along in the mountains when loaded with gear and passengers. This is why I'm not especially interested in the A6 - I get the sense that even with the new 3.0 V6, the added weight of the wagon and the AWD system, coupled with an automatic tranny, would make the car feel sluggish. Although the Allroad and S6 would fit my needs nicely, I've ruled them out due to price.
This leaves me looking at either a new or slightly used A4 with either the 2.8 or 3.0 V6. I'm leaning towards a manual to avoid any feelings of sluggishness.
A few questions:
- Should I also be considering the 1.8T? Or will I be wanting in power?
- Will the A4 be large enough? Or should I be looking at a Passat W8 Variant perhaps?
- I've noticed that the newer A4 body has more interior space, yet less cargo space than the previous body. Are these differences noticeable in practical applications?
Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.
My wife and I are considering buying an A4 Avant to be used as the family hauler. We have a 3-year old, and are planning to have another child by the end of next year.
I don't mind buying used, as long as there is a reasonable amount of time/mileage left on the factory warranty. Audi Assured would be nice, but I don't know if it's worth the extra dough.
Both of us enjoy rowing the gears, and would be open to either a manual tranny or the Tiptronic. Quattro is a must since we have a winter house in Lake Tahoe that we frequent for skiing. Space is also a consideration, both interior and cargo for all the various stuff that goes with having kids.
My biggest condition is that the car has to have power. It has to be able to feel like it's humming along in the mountains when loaded with gear and passengers. This is why I'm not especially interested in the A6 - I get the sense that even with the new 3.0 V6, the added weight of the wagon and the AWD system, coupled with an automatic tranny, would make the car feel sluggish. Although the Allroad and S6 would fit my needs nicely, I've ruled them out due to price.
This leaves me looking at either a new or slightly used A4 with either the 2.8 or 3.0 V6. I'm leaning towards a manual to avoid any feelings of sluggishness.
A few questions:
- Should I also be considering the 1.8T? Or will I be wanting in power?
- Will the A4 be large enough? Or should I be looking at a Passat W8 Variant perhaps?
- I've noticed that the newer A4 body has more interior space, yet less cargo space than the previous body. Are these differences noticeable in practical applications?
Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.
08-31-2002, 07:08 PM
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my thoughts...
I have a 2001 a4 avant 1.8T manual...
the 1.8T has enough power in the 2001 (the 97-2000 1.8T had 150hp, the 2001 had 170hp), and a good amount when you chip it. Chips (APR, GIAC, etc.) but the hp up to 200-210hp. The 1.8T is more performance oriented than the 2.8 in terms of aftermarket toys.
the 2.8 is smoother, but not ALL that much faster...
space wise, honestly, the A4 is not that big. I had a subaru legacy prior to the A4 and the subaru had noticeably more space than the A4. But the A4 should be enough to geet you through the kids up until about 12 or so. You can fit 2 car seats, but once they get about bigger they will be wishing for more leg room, and kicking your seat to tell you about it.
The passat wagon is a bit larger, and you may want to consider it... although the W8 is a bit $$$.... the 1.8T and the 2.8 are both offered in the passat as well.
You are also correct on the A6. Since the avant only comes with the 2.8/3.0 (depending on year) and it is REALLY too slow in that car...
I LOVE my avant. It is a great car. But I am a single 20 something, so take it with a grain of salt.
the 1.8T has enough power in the 2001 (the 97-2000 1.8T had 150hp, the 2001 had 170hp), and a good amount when you chip it. Chips (APR, GIAC, etc.) but the hp up to 200-210hp. The 1.8T is more performance oriented than the 2.8 in terms of aftermarket toys.
the 2.8 is smoother, but not ALL that much faster...
space wise, honestly, the A4 is not that big. I had a subaru legacy prior to the A4 and the subaru had noticeably more space than the A4. But the A4 should be enough to geet you through the kids up until about 12 or so. You can fit 2 car seats, but once they get about bigger they will be wishing for more leg room, and kicking your seat to tell you about it.
The passat wagon is a bit larger, and you may want to consider it... although the W8 is a bit $$$.... the 1.8T and the 2.8 are both offered in the passat as well.
You are also correct on the A6. Since the avant only comes with the 2.8/3.0 (depending on year) and it is REALLY too slow in that car...
I LOVE my avant. It is a great car. But I am a single 20 something, so take it with a grain of salt.
08-31-2002, 07:35 PM
#3
If you don't want to "tune" your car then get a V6. The 1.8T is plenty with the mentioned chip.
The A4 is small. I think americans have a scewed idea of what they need however. As you can see i have dogs. When they are with me, they take the entire trunk area. So if I have people in the car as well, then I have a problem. I created cargo space by adding a thule rack and thule box. Problem solved.
This is without the box. I have the 668 - Frontier Box.
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/georgeryon/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2002%2D06%2D04%2015.09.32%20%2D0700/ImageDSC00706.jpg">
This is without the box. I have the 668 - Frontier Box.
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/georgeryon/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2002%2D06%2D04%2015.09.32%20%2D0700/ImageDSC00706.jpg">
08-31-2002, 07:49 PM
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Thoughts from 60K on a '98 A4 Avant:
30V V6 with a 5 spd manual should be great. Have one with Sport Suspension and Sport seats - I have a blast with it on back roads in western PA, plus find it great for long interstate trips. For info, it's my daily driver; also have a Porsche 993 for a "fun" vehicle.
Lots of "pocket racers" on this board are in favor of the 1.8T. I'm not a turbo fan, so I got mine with the V6. I think by this time several folks have had problems with timing belts on the 1.8T, but have not heard of any on the 30V.
The back seat is tight; for a rug rat it's fine but large adults will be crowded (lack of leg room). The newer A4 is better, as is the Passat. I've read the Passat is not as sporty and you can't get a Sport suspension option on it. AS far as the new A4, I puke whenever I look at it (older model much better looking) and they jacked the prices up a huge amount. AS far as room, I can throw four 17" tires in mine with the back seat down, and that's what I wanted. Luggage room is roomy to me.
Best bet is shut down the computer and go out an look at and drive all your alternatives. Only YOU can decide if they meet your needs.
Lots of "pocket racers" on this board are in favor of the 1.8T. I'm not a turbo fan, so I got mine with the V6. I think by this time several folks have had problems with timing belts on the 1.8T, but have not heard of any on the 30V.
The back seat is tight; for a rug rat it's fine but large adults will be crowded (lack of leg room). The newer A4 is better, as is the Passat. I've read the Passat is not as sporty and you can't get a Sport suspension option on it. AS far as the new A4, I puke whenever I look at it (older model much better looking) and they jacked the prices up a huge amount. AS far as room, I can throw four 17" tires in mine with the back seat down, and that's what I wanted. Luggage room is roomy to me.
Best bet is shut down the computer and go out an look at and drive all your alternatives. Only YOU can decide if they meet your needs.
08-31-2002, 07:56 PM
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What about a pre-owned A6 2.7T?
I have an A4 sedan and it's *very small*. But it's okay to me cos I'm still single. I think it's more comfortable to be in an A6 w/ two kids, esp. if it's a long drive.
08-31-2002, 08:53 PM
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Thanks for the responses
A6 2.7T is out because we want a wagon. We already have a four-door sedan (330i 5-spd).
In the Avant, I'd probably go with the V6 since I'm not really the "tuning" type.
Getting off the PC and down to the dealer is the next step - need to see the space/roominess (or lack thereof) first-hand. I really like the A4 better than the Passat, so I hope we can make it work.
Thanks again.
In the Avant, I'd probably go with the V6 since I'm not really the "tuning" type.
Getting off the PC and down to the dealer is the next step - need to see the space/roominess (or lack thereof) first-hand. I really like the A4 better than the Passat, so I hope we can make it work.
Thanks again.
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09-01-2002, 06:19 PM
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Re: Newbie considering A4 Avant
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/14756/suspended.jpg"></center><p>I also have the 2001 A4 Avant.
I just had the latest version of the GIAC chip installed, thanks Mike at AWE. The chip made a huge difference in how the car drives. With my current job I'm in the car all the time (15K miles in 3.5 months). I've had the H&R coilovers and 18's for quite sometime but I always thought the car was really slow compared to my old GTI-VR6. The chip has made the car a much better daily driver.
I agree with the other posts that if you don't want to tune the car go for the 2.8.
The car could use more space, especially for the rear seats. Most of the time my rear seats are folded down though because I always have equipment in the back. I haul stuff all the time and for cargo it works very well, but if I had to haul people around often I don't think I would be happy with the rear seat room.
After the chip upgrade I love the car but before the chip I must admit I longed for my GTI-VR6 quite often, even considered the 337 but I wanted to give the chip a chance to change my mind and I'm glad I did.
The upgrades can now continue with a BPV, exhaust and so on....
Good luck.
I just had the latest version of the GIAC chip installed, thanks Mike at AWE. The chip made a huge difference in how the car drives. With my current job I'm in the car all the time (15K miles in 3.5 months). I've had the H&R coilovers and 18's for quite sometime but I always thought the car was really slow compared to my old GTI-VR6. The chip has made the car a much better daily driver.
I agree with the other posts that if you don't want to tune the car go for the 2.8.
The car could use more space, especially for the rear seats. Most of the time my rear seats are folded down though because I always have equipment in the back. I haul stuff all the time and for cargo it works very well, but if I had to haul people around often I don't think I would be happy with the rear seat room.
After the chip upgrade I love the car but before the chip I must admit I longed for my GTI-VR6 quite often, even considered the 337 but I wanted to give the chip a chance to change my mind and I'm glad I did.
The upgrades can now continue with a BPV, exhaust and so on....
Good luck.
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