If you start shopping Audis, I think you'll find that their interiors wear much better than Subaru. Both cars have similarly mechanical reliability, the Audi 1.8T and 2.0T and manual transmissions are very stout. There are a lot of these cars around with a reliable 300+ HP. The Audi will be more prone to annoying little issues like sensors and bushings, but it's nothing that's going to break you.

If anyone can show me an A4 Quattro wagon with manual trans for sale anywhere in the country, I'd love to see the ad. I'm finding 100% automatics.

They have never offered the TDi w/ AWD in the USA, so not looking at those. :cool:

Here's one in San Diego.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=16602&endYear=2015&vehicl eStyleCodes=WAGON&modelCode1=A4&showcaseOwnerId=0& startYear=1981&makeCode1=AUDI&transmissionCode=MAN &transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&showcaseList ingId=0&mmt=[AUDI[A4[]][]]&listingId=362570215&Log=0

I still like Porsches but this quest is for a small wagon that will be a DD. Budget around $10k or less, maybe a little more. A cheap, high-mileage 996, (which I've already owned, btw), would not suit my space requirements, cost more than I'm looking to spend and would have the IMS and other 996 specific issues to deal with. I'm sure they're a blast in the snow with the right tires but a wrx or A4 Quattro turbo with good tires is also more fun than a barrel of dykes in the snow. :)

Dave, thanks. That's a nice one. When I get ready to pull the trigger, I'll check autotrader. For some reason, I usually only look at ebay and CL, (in several states), and find what I'm seeking.

Monterey? Older but less cash. I've found a few nice cars on AutoTrader, but bought my S4 from Craigslist.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=16602&endYear=2015&vehicl eStyleCodes=WAGON&modelCode1=A4&showcaseOwnerId=0& startYear=1981&makeCode1=AUDI&transmissionCode=MAN &transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&showcaseList ingId=0&mmt=[AUDI[A4[]][]]&listingId=384668107&Log=0

Great looking car, IMO. I've been concentrating my browsing on 2006 and newer because of the 2.0 vs. 1.8 turbo and because they are cheap, I had heard that the nadir of Audi reliability was late-'90s through mid-2000s, anyone comment on that? Still, that's a looker.

You might also look for A3 hatchbacks. Mine was MT. Same 2.0L turbo as the A4 iirc.

I drive an A3 2.0 turbo occasionally and it's an ok car but I've never understood the appeal of it over an A4. The A4 is still small enough to be sporty, (IMO), and interior volume is a big deal to me in this size class. The appeal of the A3 to me would be that they sold it here with TDi but not in AWD and not in MT.

The A4 interior seems much roomier and comfortable to me, some of that might be *size perception*, (the illusion of a vehicle interior size and "cramped feeling"), as opposed to actual dimensions. A good example would be the distance from your knees to the dash in a car, you might not technically need that room but it feels a lot roomier with it. Old 911s and Saabs excelled in this regard. :)

I should probably keep an open mind in case the right deal came along on one, though.

Here are 5 interesting Avants to consider. They're from all over but a few are close to you.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Wagon/Audi/A4/Altoona+PA-16602?driveCode=AWD4WD&driveCodes=AWD4WD&endYear=2 015&makeCode1=AUDI&maxPrice=13000&mmt=[AUDI[A4[]][]]&modelCode1=A4&searchRadius=0&showcaseListingId=0& showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=2005&transmissionCode= MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&vehicleStyleCodes=WAGON& Log=0

^^ this ^^

We considered A3, but for just a little extra external size we got much more usable interior space from the A4 Avant. Easier to find MT in A3 than A4 Avant, but -- at least around here -- far fewer A3s with Quattro.

You need a V8 ;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1415992045.jpg

Audi A4 Avant Wagon | eBay

I should have qualified that a little: 2006 or newer and not from the rust belt. :)

Though if I could buy that for nothing, it might be worth driving it until it roaches.

In my research around the Google, it seems that the 1.8 turbo struggles in the relatively heavy Audi Quattro Avant but it's fine in the lighter VWs. The 2.0 in <2006 is a lot better and less issues as well.

How 'bad' is Audi you ask?
ABT Sportsline shows 700-hp Audi RS6 Avant | Autoweek

We have a 2012 A4Q 2.0 turbo that screams. I swear it's faster than my Boxster. It has an 8 speed auto though and it seems to stay in the meat of the torque curve when you're accelerating. It's amazing for a 3600-3700 pound car with a little over 200hp.

I had a '99 A4 1.8T 5-speed that was bone stock and more than adequate. Much more power is an ECU tune away.

We had a 2000 A4 1.8T Quattro 5 speed with sports seats. Awesome car. Just got scared off by coking issues and A arm bushings that were plaguing so many, so we sold it after 1 year. Still wonder about running a turbocharged car in the desert where temps can hit 120 in the summer.

Yes, the chip did wonders for the car.

[QUOTE=DaveE;8353390]You need a V8 ;)

Na my little 2.0 S3 does pretty well!


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1416002064.jpg

VERY nice, Dave ;)

I'm leaning pretty hard towards getting an Audi. The deals are good enough to cover some repairs and I think that they are DIY friendly for basic maintanance. Can't argue with the looks and performance. :)

Here's one I'm watching, let's play a game and guess where the auction ends? I say under $10k.

Audi A4 2006 5 5DR W | eBay

I agree, but I thought you wanted a stick.

I'd prefer a manual but I'm not going to turn down a low mileage automatic for thousands under book. It's not a deal-killer on an Audi, only on a wrx.

I know, not perfectly logical but MT are easy to find on WRXs.

They had this car listed with a "Buy It Now" price of $12K with no takers. I'm going to say it will close around $8500. Cars from NY and NJ seem to take a hit on price on eBay. Don't know it's because people are scared they're flood cars, or if cars up there generally lead a harder life.

As I look at the pics of this A4, I'm trying to decide if the front bumper cover has been replaced. In a couple of the shots, the color and fit/finish seems a little off. Dealer's ad says something like "No known defects" and "No evidence of prior damage." Well, I just discussed this phrasing with another NY dealer selling an A6 wagon on eBay. Carfax showed it had been in an accident. Dealer played it down as a very minor fender bender in a parking garage. He omitted this completely from his write up despite knowing about it.

Latest Consumer Reports cites Audi as the most reliable German brand. Volvo may have slightly edged out Audi as the most reliable European auto. I've had two A6's. A '99 and a '12. Both CPO's. No problems with either. Really like the '12. Supercharged engine and the 8 speed transmission are a great pair. Even with 5 people in the car and a full trunk, the car handles and accelerates well.

Throw out the book. On older cars, especially lower volume ones, it's a joke. Look at what they're really listed and selling for (completed listings). I can't see an automatic Avant in average condition from a rust belt state bringing more than $8k.

Oh trust me, I study the market only but the book is of interest if the car is new enough. Some cars, like the Wrx wagon, are book cars all day long. This assumes of course that someone knows how to book a car, which 99% of people outside the car business do not.

The book is also relevant to anyone trying to finance a used car and therefore affects price quite a bit. Lastly, there is no one "market" for common used cars such as this. As you are doubtless aware, there is the retail market, (franchise dealer's used car lots that offer financing, etc.), the private party CL market, the ebay market, (with long distance buyers willing to roll the dice for the right price, sometimes competing against local buyers or people with more info), the dealer auction market, etc.

I really like the ebay market, unlike many people, because the deals are out there and it's contoured more towards people like me who can do my own re-conditioning and maintenance to get a vehicle top-notch. I've also learned how to decipher ebay listings pretty well from years of studying the site and walking away from plenty of winning auctions when the goods were not as represented. As is any other format, I prefer private party sales of well maintained cars with records but I'll make exceptions if it's a good vehicle and price is right.

A car like this could be a steal or a pig-in-a-poke. I've bought several cars in NYC and Long Island, so I know the landscape. Deals can be had. :)

So what are you gonna do?

Buy a car. Can't promise you which one.

Wow, that looks and sounds pretty good. I should probably join that BBS if I do get one.

Denis, if you end up getting an A4 or A3 let me know. I have some spares that I don't need any longer (new rear brake pads & rotors, cabin air filter, and a Bentley manual among other things).

Good luck,

Dale

Thank you! I'll take you up on that if I do. Very nice. :)

Can't wait to see what you get!

I too am tempted to get a deal on a german car and doing my own work vs buying a more reliable/boring japanese car and paying more.

i have both sides

2012 TSX wagon
93 BMW 325i

The guy cancelled all the bids on this and pulled the auction. Either someone came along and bought it off his lot or he just got scared because it was a no reserve auction ending tomorrow and the bids so far were low. Of course you never know where it will end but I could see him getting scared. I still don't think it is a bad car.

I'm probably going to wait for this guy I talked to a while ago about his Wrx to get back in town, his car is in storage while he's away for work and hopefully he's back for Thanksgiving. It's actually identical to this one, super clean and 100% stock, just higher miles:


**2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedona Red Pearl Wagon 94k Miles**

Thanks. Whatever I get, I'll be DIYing all the maintenance on it that I can, which should be nearly everything. Either one would be an awesome snow car and fun the rest of the time, Wrx a little more fun and Audi a little more lux.

A buddy of mine is in England right now, he extended his trip to catch the Welsh Wrx and sent me a video today. It's all about the Ford Fiestas this year, apparently, they have short wheelbases and rip around the course like the classic Audi urQuattro coupe or other crazy short cars. Looks like amazing fun to watch. :)

I know you said you didn't want a 6, but this seems like a good deal at $3500.

02 Audi A4 quattro wagon