Jim Clark

Our '01 allroad is out of warranty and the thought of repairs to the turbos or air suspension scares me. Thinking of replacing it.

First thought was a '06 A4 Avant 3.2. We don't need the A6 size and a new A6 with desireable options is about $54k. On the occassional trip with the dog I could get a roof box if needed, as long as his kennel fits. Also don't need the additional off-raod capability of the allroad and we rarely get more than a few inches of snow here.

Local dealer has an '02 CPO'd S6 with with only 18k miles and is asking $40k. 340 HP would be nice and would still have the A6 size. Anyone know of any particular problems with the S6's? Is it asking too much of that engine to pump out 340 HP?

Anyone have other suggestions in the wagon, hybrid, or small/med SUV categories? Lexus RS330? Acura MDX? Others?

Thanks.

Jim

bjwhite

If you can stand the stupid transmission in the S6 Avant, get that. Else keep the Allroad.

All of the SUVs save for the BMW X5 were crossed off my list because none of them are available in a manual transmission. I did seriously consider the 3 liter, 5 or 6 speed X5, but they are a little TOO SUVy for my tastes. I prefer wagons hands down.

mark_avant

I like the wagon, but the A4 size is fine for me (A3 is a bit too small). Furthermore, the S4 is one of the only other wagons you can get with a manual transmission...

Jim Clark

Can you elaborate on the stupid transmission of the S6? Do you mean because it's a Tip and not a manual? I wouldn't want a manual, at least not in a wagon. Even my 330Ci convertible is a tip. This will be the wifes car and she has to comute in traffic so a manual is drfinitely out of the question.

Thanks for the reply.

Jim

bjwhite

Traffic is no excuse to get an automatic. <grin>

Jim Clark

Manual is out of the question, wife will use it to commute in traffic. A new S4 is about the same price as the new A6 3.2, both too expensive.

Jim

paulroad

All your wife could need.

DocWyte

Email me, I'm selling my '01 S4 Avant 6 speed. It's in the AW classifieds

myroad

as a new owner of an 05 4.2 ar, I can tell you that with the normally aspirated power of the 4.2, the tip is much better than when paired with the 2.7T which I used to have. I would suggest you test an S6 or 4.2 ar in sport mode and then see what you think. It really cooks.

Jim Clark

Thanks, but the manual is no go as the wife will use this car to commute in traffic.

Jim