mark_12345

Hi All:

I'm in a market for a touring wagon and have looked at 2004/2005 BMW (325Xit), MB (C320 4 Matic) and of course A4 3.0 Avant. The 325Xit handled very nice but the overall package was okay. The C320 was nice but it just gave me a sense of "old" when I drove it. The A4 3.0 felt very sporty and didn't feel like a "wagon" when I drove it.

They're all price competitively ($40K) but I'm starting to lean towards the A4 3.0 Avant. It seems that the A4 has the style, ameneties, space, handling and power in a good package.

My questions are:
1) Are the 3 wagons the only ones that I should consider?
2) What issues should I be aware on the A4 3.0 Avant? I heard that Audi has some quality problems - if so can you shed some light? i.e. electrical, etc...
3) Where is the best deal that I can find on a fully loaded A4 3.0 Avant (except) navigation?
4) Big question, 3.0 or 1.8T???

Thank you for your help!
- Mark

IWantMyRS4

Check out the passat and the toureg (i know not a wagon)
issues, nothing really. 3rd year into production, "should have worked out the tweaks by now"
best deal... on an avant... if you want a 6 spd, you'll be lucky to find one in your color w/o ordering.
3.0 ALL the way. but I am biased ; )

a4avantforme

1) Are the 3 wagons the only ones that I should consider?

There's Volvo in the same class but I didn't like it at all. I think the Volvo is front wheel drive only unless you go with the bigger wagon.

2) What issues should I be aware on the A4 3.0 Avant? I heard that Audi has some quality problems - if so can you shed some light? i.e. electrical, etc...

Have you ever owned a German car before? Well, none of them are reliable at all so you should be prepared for the possiblity of something going wrong. I would rate German cars as more reliable than American cars but less than Japanese. With that said, the only problem I've had is with the stereo. It flickers at night and the volume occasionally drops out.

3) Where is the best deal that I can find on a fully loaded A4 3.0 Avant (except) navigation?

I bought my car from the local dealer in Palo Alto on a rainy night right before New Years Eve. Your best leverage is buying a car that's already on the lot. I got my fully loaded 3.0 Avant with Nav for about 500 above invoice. I'm pretty sure I got a gool deal considering I live in the Bay Area (cost of living).

4) Big question, 3.0 or 1.8T???

I chose the 3.0 becuase I didn't want to heavily mod the car. The 1.8T in stock form is way underpowered for an Avant Quattro but has the most potential if you decide to mod it. I'm just doing suspension work and some cosmetic items like wheels.

RASTA4

1)
RWD<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/54131/006642-e.jpg">
so so styling<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/54131/023171-e.jpg">

2)As far as quality issues on the A4 its the luck of the draw. Consider that if purchased new you'd be well into the 3rd production yr. so maybe most bugs are worked out

3)Best deal is on you, make sure you wheel and deal. Dealerships want to make a sale as much as you want to save money. Do your homework and always bluff that you have a better deal elsewhere

4)This is a debate for the ages. If you want to save a little $$$ at first and modify down the road then go 1.8t, but if you want more standard features w/ decent punch then go 3.0

hope this helps, good luck

Mike@Ikon Motorsport

1) I did not consider the 325Xi or C320. I found the 325Xi unattractive and underpowered. Although the 330Ci was high on my list. The C320 has just never appealed to me. The Touareg was about to be released when I ordered the car, but I wanted to wait for the second model year. The V8, reasonably equipped, is in the same price range as the 3.0 Avant. The Volvo V50 also looks interesting, so you might want to take a look. I just don't think there's a better package out there than the A4 Avant.

2) The 3.0 has few reported problems. The only two I can think of right now are the non functioning reverse tilt side mirrors and posessed sunroof. Some owners have had the sunroof randomly open and close and mine, on one occasion, would not close. Otherwise, my car has been flawless for 11K miles.

3) Your best bet is to check around. Some have gone as low as $800 over invoice, I bought mine for $1500 over.

4) Loaded question For me, I find the 3.0 more enjoyable to drive because of the overall package. The broad powerband that continues to redline, the engine and exhaust note, it's a fun drive. Some get it others don't. The 1.8T guys will tell you the engine is more moddable, and it does have more options as far as turbo upgrades, etc, but most never go beyond Stage 2(ECM and Exhaust). Each speaks to it's own demographic and for the most part, only the 1.8T or 3.0 will do. Test drive both and see for yourself. It's a terrible sound clip, but this is a stock 3.0 from the interior. <a href="http://www.ikonmotorsport.com\resources\mp3\stock30.mp3"> Sound clip</a>.

f1isbest

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/60954/avant2.jpg"></center><p>The looks inside and out, the comfort and especially the handling convinced me. I have a 2004 Avant 1.8T and have had no problems. 7600k

LODEN

1) I looked at the BMW, Subaru Outback, and Audi and found the Audi and BMW to be most competetive. Between the two, the Audi offered the most attractive package and the best pricing. IMHO, the BMW styling is a bit outdated what with all of its horizontal lines and such. The Audi is much more modern and sleek, again IMHO. Also, my experience is that BMW is very proud of their cars these days and they nickle and dime you on every option under the sun. Additionally, I thought the ride in the Audi was better -- the BMW seemed choppy on rougher roads.

2) I've only had my A4 Avant for about two months now, so that is not much time for problems to come up. That being said, I did have the middle seatbelt in the rear seat stick while the seat was in the down position. It took four trips to the dealership and multiple parts orders before it was fixed. Probably more of a dealership issue than a manufacturing issue, actually.

3) I knew I wanted a '03 A4 Avant 3.0 6spd, but I didn't want to order one. So, I searched and searched -- internet, classifieds, etc. Finally found one way across the country with only 7500 miles on it. After speaking with the dealer and having him send pictures of it, I bought the car and had it shipped to me. Saved a TON on it too. My car has 3.0, NAV, 17" wheels, etc., so it would normally list for about $42k. I paid $33k plus $600 shipping. Turns out the car was previously owned by an Audi exec and he gave it back to get an '04 model. I basically got a brand new car for about $9k less than sticker.

4) Go out and drive both before deciding. For me, the 3.0 was the obvious choice because it is lower revving and less "buzzy" on the freeway. If you're into modifications, apparently the 1.8T is the way to go. However, if you want to keep the car stock and don't mind the small hit in fuel economy, I would go with the 3.0 every time.

Hope this helps.