shep

The main thing I'm looking for is a 2.7T manual. The only thing I'm really avoiding is a green interior. Aside from fluff like telematics, tire pressure sensors, in-dash changer, etc. is there any major difference that makes newer models more worthy? Do certain years have any bugaboos to watch out for?

Thanks.

Chris C

If you are somewhere cold, that is a very nice thing to have.

Paul3.2A4avant

There does seem to be a difference from car to car. Some people here have had many problems yet others have never had a problem. Go figure. If you want a heated steering wheel, which is really a nice feature in winter, get a 2001 or 2002.

markcincinnati

Some may say -- probably accurately -- that there are hundreds of "running" changes. XM is only avail in 04's, V8 only avail in '04's, Sport mode -- if you must have an auto came along after '01, and a bunch of minor things -- sat nav "improvements" in the eye of the beholder type of thing. I had a 2001 A6 4.2 before my 03 allroad -- the telephone was much better in the 03, the stereo is better in the '03, the seats were better in the '01, the sat nav is better -- by far -- in the '03 (easier to program, compass, etc.)

The differences, however, by almost anyone's standards should be viewed as evolutionary or perhaps in some cases (heated wheel, memory for both driver and passenger power seats) de-evolutionary ("we are DEVO, D-E-V-O!").

The Audi argument would probably be the continuous improvements make the newer ones better.

If I had my choice at this juncture, I'd probably take an '04 all options with a 6spd manual and the 18" wheels and tires from the V8 (if mere mortals can afford them, from the Audi accessories catalog) -- then I'd get the H sports and lower the thing with the 402 mod and drive off into the sunset.

4labs

Re: this is minor but the 04 have real cup holders in the center arm rest

InternetBrands

the heated steering wheel is a +. The 2001 radio (w/o the changer) had better sound though.

the green/green combo was the definitive ar color. For me it's pleasnt change from the same old dull black and impractical lighter colors.

LMLPar

in my 2001. I believe that they may be silk-screened on in current models.

Those stickers bug me! They make beautiful interiors ugly.

shep

In my world, car interiors are in the grey/black or tan/brown spectrum. No blues, reds, greens, etc (this doesn't apply to vehicles where the exterior sheetmetal extends into the cabin). Also, convertible tops are always black--unless the car is dark green, then tan is acceptable.

I'm silly that way.

shep

BTW, how was it moving from the S4 to the ar? That's what I'm considering...

All Italian

Go for the lowest miles and best price!