quattzilla

I'm not really sure what to look for. I currently have a 1990 Coupe Quattro that I refuse to part with, but the wife and daughter are demanding an upgrade from the current "family ride."

Being an Audi fanatic, I've been thinking that an A6 Avant might be a good option, but don't know much about them. I have heard that the standard 2.8 Sixes are not as powerful as most would like... Did they make an Avant with the 2.7T option, or the 4.2 Eight?

Also, what should I look for / be aware of in my search of the used market. I'd ideally like to stay around the 1999-2002 models.

TIA

schnellmb

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220hp...they aren't an S6 but move out! Available MY 2002+. Audiusa specs 0-60 8.1 sec.

Twelve Rings

2002 was first year of 3.0 Avant
2002 was first year of S6 Avant (4.2L V8)

2.7T would require moving to an allroad (introduced in 2001), which (simply characterized) is an A6 Avant with a height-adjustable suspension. You also had the option of a 6-speed on this model, if it so appeals.

Net effect, if you go to an older car then those listed, it'll be a 2.8. Just a matter of how much $ you're willing to shell out, as there will be major price desparities between the models I've mentioned. Best of luck!

wwaudi

I recently purchased a 2000 model with 43k miles. Lots of room, very versatile cargo capacity (no it's not the full size SUV it replaced) but it holds an amazing amount of stuff. As noted, it's not quick off the line but at highway speed (60+) it does quite well IMO. The transmission shifts too soon making for a slow getaway, use the tip and it is more fun to drive. The suspension is WAY to soft with a lot of float, I am planning on Bilsteins to correct that. As with all Audi's I have owned (this is my 5th) there are maddening mechanical problems. Do what you can to buy an Audi certified model. Two weeks after delivery I left it at the dealer for a week with a long list of problems - all corrected free of charge but would have cost a small fortune. (Makes you wonder why a car with under 45k miles needs new camshaft seals and tensioners, water pump, etc.)
Overall, I think this is a fine but not perfect car. Adequate family hauler, decent gas mileage, can be pushed to have fun driving, decent price.

mister dr

If you need to keep the price under $15k, for example, you'll be looking at a very different selection of cars than if your price range is around $40k...

If price were no object, and you wanted a very fast A6-sized wagon, then I think Kimcheelongscreenname can give you a hint as to what you might want (S6?)

If you really want a manual transmission wagon, then I think there are very few to choose from, beside the allroads.

Does a '96 S6 Avant sound appealing? They can be had for around $20-30k. Very strong and reliable 5-cylinder turbo motor in those cars. But then, those Ur-S6'es were a little smaller in the back seat area than the newer A6/S6 models.

PES makes an excellent supercharger kit for the 2.8 30V motor. We've got one on our A4 Avant, and it rocks! Very peppy 295hp, and it averages around 24mpg. (Wanna buy it? We've got too many cars now!)

Lots of options! Keep your mind open, and see if you can test drive several different models to see what fits you best.

6ULDV8

Take the wife for a test drive in a 2.8 30V Avant with an open mind. If you have been satisfied with your Coupe, I guarantee you will be more than pleased with the 2.8. The 2.8 will run circles around the Coupe. For the life of me I dont know why this car gets bashed so much. I guess nobody here has ever owned a 5000 Diesel. Who needs twin turbos to fetch the kids and groceries? If you are looking for one of the absolute best all around family cars ever built, with least amount of potential service issues, and at the least possible cost, the 2.8 Avant is it. A 3.0 is ever so fractionally stronger, but your not going to find an excellent example under $20K like you will a 2.8. No way can that small improvement in power justify the many more thousands you will have to spend for 3.0.

schwank

It's a great car, and indeed is not the dog its made out to be. I put a Tip chip in my car, and when driven in tip mode, its actually quite peppy for a 2 ton wagon.

I have told a bunch of people lately, that if you are looking for a recent wagon or small SUV, you absolutely can not beat an A6 Avant for what they are currently going for on the market. Quattro, decent power, great interior, and plenty of cargo room.

I've seen 99's, know of one now here in Portland, for 16000 frequently. My reccommendation would be a later model 2000, as they seem to have all the minor bugs worked out by that point. Try to stay away from early 99's like mine with the Concert cassette deck.

If you can afford it, look at the 3.0 for 20 more horsies and nice exposed exhaust. Or really drop the loot on the S6, but that's overkill in most cases. I'd bet you can pick up a 2000 or maybe 2001 and even put a nice set of rs4's on it for under 20K just about anywhere.

bluedevils

The 3.0 0-60MPH is 1.5 secs faster than the 2.8. To say fractional is similar (not the same) as saying the S6's 1.5 secs over the 3.0 is fractional. Some minivans are 1.5 secs faster than the 2.8! I guess it is just a different view.

The post 2001.5 A6 Avants are more expensive for other reasons (read the facelift article in the model guide) other than engine power.

BTW I *do* think the 2.8s are good value and are good family haulers.

InnyAudi

I too have a 99 Avant, and it has been a GREAT family car... LOVE MY AUDI

jfa6

I sold my '85 4000s and traded up to a '96 Avant. Very comfortable, nice highway car. Yes it's a dog, don't believe anyone who says it's not. The 99's are a much better car, but you can't mask 2 tons (read: understear). It won't be the handler that your lighter and nimbler coupe is, but it sure can carry more, and back seat passengers will love it.
You'll love it too... on the highway.