Selling the X for an Audi A4 Avant?

dragoncoach · #1 07-21-2011, 12:37 AM

Yup. We are considering selling the X and getting an "08+ Audi Quattro A4 Avant. The trade off will be a smaller vehicle that gets much better mileage and possibly less maintenance costs. I no longer need the X for towing and maybe it's time to downsize. I'm not sure how much less cargo space the A4 Avant has, but it probably won't be significant. Not set in stone by any means but we are strongly considering it. I'm trying to stay away from a 3 or 5 series wagon. Looking for something different. Anyone have any opinions or comments?

PersonaNonGrata · #2 07-21-2011, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragoncoach

Yup. We are considering selling the X and getting an "08+ Audi Quattro A4 Avant. The trade off will be a smaller vehicle that gets much better mileage and possibly less maintenance costs. I no longer need the X for towing and maybe it's time to downsize. I'm not sure how much less cargo space the A4 Avant has, but it probably won't be significant. Not set in stone by any means but we are strongly considering it. I'm trying to stay away from a 3 or 5 series wagon. Looking for something different. Anyone have any opinions or comments?

First off, since this is an X5 forum, I say keep your X5.

I am an admitted Audi fan so here goes. I love the Avant/Touring/Wagon concept. It is unfortunately lost on most Americans so we don't get as much cool stuff as Europe. The A4 Avant is one of my favorites but I would say to go with a 2009+ as that is the model year they changed from the B7 version to B8.

We have a C6 generation A6 Avant and love it. It is a great looking car, has very decent room for passengers and cargo, and gets great gas mileage. We just did a 1000 mile road trip and got around 28mpg on the freeway and I wasn't exactly observing the speed limits.

We still have my E53 and I love it too.

sasquatch · #3 07-21-2011, 11:51 AM

I'm a big Audi fan who's owned C5 A6's (non-avant) and some of the older 90Q cars. Audi builds a VERY nice car but can be quite complicated to work on if you plan to wrench yourself. Buy a very good set of repair manuals and prepare to buy/make specialty tools.

What engine platform are you considering? Auto or manual? If it was me I'd find a manual tranny. Stupid fun car, especially in snow.

And the resale value on the newer Audi's is excellent. They seem to hold their value a little better than most european cars.

dragoncoach · #4 07-21-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasquatch

I'm a big Audi fan who's owned C5 A6's (non-avant) and some of the older 90Q cars. Audi builds a VERY nice car but can be quite complicated to work on if you plan to wrench yourself. Buy a very good set of repair manuals and prepare to buy/make specialty tools.

What engine platform are you considering? Auto or manual? If it was me I'd find a manual tranny. Stupid fun car, especially in snow.

And the resale value on the newer Audi's is excellent. They seem to hold their value a little better than most european cars.

I'm thinking 2.0T automatic. Sticks are more engaging but we already have an M5 and our son has a GTI 6 speed as well. So, and auto would be preferred for commuting and when driving in traffic. Driving a 1.8T Avant Quattro 6 speed right now to see if we like it and how it suits our needs.

sasquatch · #5 07-21-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragoncoach

I'm thinking 2.0T automatic. Sticks are more engaging but we already have an M5 and our son has a GTI 6 speed as well. So, and auto would be preferred for commuting and when driving in traffic. Driving a 1.8T Avant Quattro 6 speed right now to see if we like it and how it suits our needs.

Nice. The 2.0T is a excellent engine and the tiptronic tranny is pretty good.

Can't go wrong with a Audi 2.0T A4 Avant.

javierh8 · #6 07-21-2011, 02:33 PM

I am also an Audi fan. In fact my other ride is a 2004 B6 S4. Helluva vehicle. Have owned Audis before and will tell you that that are great cars as long as you do proper maintenance, just like any other vehicle. Well cheaper to mantain than the X5. Those turbo engines are fun to play with. Just a Chip and you can have an instant 50-60 hp more than stock. Quattro in the snow is better than anything else out there. Better than Subaru better than xdrive. Audis are great vehicles, but nothing like my x5. Good luck pal!

DWill · #7 07-21-2011, 04:43 PM

Why not just by the original VW car.

Same car different badge, less money….

c4racer · #8 07-22-2011, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWill

Why not just by the original VW car.

Same car different badge, less money….

not even close to the same car. Not if you are getting a Quattro.

sasquatch · #9 07-21-2011, 06:53 PM

FYI....the 1.8T and some 2.0T motors were well known for "oil sludging" problems and I believe their is a class action lawsuit against VAG. Certain years/models were effected. The main issue was folks who'd wait too long to do a oil change or used the wrong viscosity of oil, along with some internal design problems with the engine. Make damn sure you have service records in case something comes up. CPO cars are generally the safest way to go.

X5Dawg · #10 07-22-2011, 10:10 AM

I am a new first time Audi owner - traded the X in on a 2011 Q5 2.0T. We really like the Q - it has a lot of modern features that our '01 X didn't have. Power is equivalent to the 3.0i - obviously handling is not as good, but I am going to see if I can improve that. So far we are impressed with it - love the LED running lights!!