Was it worth it?

I am having a dilemma - I have a chance to get 2004 AR4.2 to replace my 2003 AR2.7tt. Is the price difference justifiable, assuming I want to keep it for at least 10 years 150,000 miles? Does it ride any better? Is the tip lag still there? Is the gas milage that different?

Thanks.
Rosty

 

4.2 has some nice extras like powered and heated steering wheel and many options as standard. Price should be very negotiable at I think $750-$1500 over invoice. The heated steering wheel sounds stupid but I love it.

With identical wheels and tires the ride should be the same as 2.7 as I think everything suspension wise is identical-The standard 18"wheels/tires are awesome and make a huge difference. I put on a set of 17" twin spokes on for winter and might not have bought the car if they were stock. I can't wait to get the 18" set back on and would highly recommend getting the 18" standard wheels.

I don't noticevery much tip lag and drive mostly in D, S mode is even crisper. I don't know how much the turbos contribute to lag as my TT is a 6 speed. The more linear power of the V8 may redice the lag feel.

Fuel mileage is worse. We're getting about 16.5mpg running around (average speed 30mph) and get into the 18mpg range if we do any steady highway. I think straight highway could be close to 20. I've used regular and premium (87 and 93 where we live) and can't see much diffference, so when price spread is high you can save some money using regular.

No timing belt to change or turbos to wear, but it takes 9 quarts of oil and uses a top mounted cartridge filter that is more expensive than a throw away.

As I don't get into serious modding the 4.2 gives me ample performance and hopefully some good durability.

Good Luck

 

heh......get an '02 6spd....heated wheel and no tip lag.......;-)

 

Roger that!

 

or pessimistic if you are considering to change your current one after one year.

Anyway with the problems I've had in one year I would not have the courage to write this!

 

Aren't you terribly upside down?

If you want another allroad, and I don't blame you, why not wait for the 2005 and then get the V8, if you must have an automatic.

Or, better yet, get a 2005 maxed out allroad 2.7T 6spd with the upgraded wheels/tire and at 49K miles spring for the extra 50K of warranty via the audi assured program.

About that heated wheel, someone must know if the wiring to permit a heated wheel is there and all you need is a wheel with the heating elements in it (perhaps you could buy the heated wheel from the 2002 and just "plug it in.")

I miss the heated steering wheel and the power steering column, for me, was cool, but since I am the only driver the novelty was greater than the value/benefit.

The only way I could consider an '04 allroad V8 is if they (AoA) let me walk from the '03 directly into the '04 with a new 36 month term and no penalty for the move.

 

I've already got one! :-P