This morning as I started the Audi A4 Avant's engine and the beautiful display screen lit up with Coldplay's "Viva la Vida," I remembered how much I love this car.
I haven't driven the Audi in weeks, but after a quick flash of the wagon's brilliant red cabin lights, I quickly forgot it was just 6 a.m. and I hadn't had any coffee yet.
I even let go of the grudge that I was headed to the office to edit Geneva auto show news instead of sipping espresso in the press room at the actual Geneva show.
As I sped past a new Honda Accord on the freeway entrance ramp, I was reminded once again that the A4 Avant is the absolute perfect car for me.
Kelly Toepke, News Editor @ 23,354 miles
questionlp says:
02:40 PM, 03/ 2/10
But will St. Peter call your name? :)
I really like the red ambient light that Audis have, mostly for those long drives from Portland to Seattle (and back). Of course, I don't have an MMI display to add to the ambiance.
bodyblue says:
03:02 PM, 03/ 2/10
A practical and handsome car but waaay too expensive for what you get. Dont get me wrong...I like the car but just cant see spending that kind of money for a small wagon.
felonious says:
03:18 PM, 03/ 2/10
Hey Kelly, I'll sell you a 2005 S4 Avant for cheap, let me know.
notabigdeal says:
03:38 PM, 03/ 2/10
I wish this thing came with all-season tires... would make it the perfect car in snow country...
desmolicious says:
04:52 PM, 03/ 2/10
You can put on any tyres that you want..
firstwagon says:
05:05 PM, 03/ 2/10
All it needs is a manual trans (and some reassurance that it won't suck my wallet dry once out of warranty) and I might buy one.
banhugh says:
07:24 PM, 03/ 2/10
"All it needs is a manual trans (and some reassurance that it won't suck my wallet dry once out of warranty) and I might buy one."
It depends on much you let the disc slip every time you try to change gears smoothly. Also, instinctive rev matching in downshifting helps prolong the life of the disc...
firstwagon says:
08:25 PM, 03/ 2/10
I wasn't referring to the life of the clutch (poor wording on my part).
I was referring to the cost of care and repair of the car in general. I've always liked Audis but everyone I've known has become a money pit after a few years.
Manula trans are almost always cheaper to maintain then automatics.
hans007 says:
09:22 PM, 03/ 2/10
the latest audi's actually have been fairly reliable. basically B7 generation and up (so 2006 models and up).
the b6 apparently was terrible.
this new B8 generation , has a new engine that uses timing chains instead of belts which wont need replacing so even more so.
I actually had an avant for about 3 hours as a loaner when I bought my A4 b8, and its a very nice car. No my A4 wasn't broken though the idiot dealer forgot to take a foam shipping block out of the suspension.
That said, the A4 / S5 long term tests here actually were part of why I bought the car. That and its really one of the best cars in its class and actually a good value.
Audi always sends out loaded press cars with useless crap like the audi drive select that rockets the price up.
You can get an avant like the edmunds car for about $36-37k with all the same options. Its a lot less than a 3 series wagon. and even cheaper than a 3 series AWD wagon which is really the only comparable car out there.
And yes it has 211hp. you get all of that at 4200rpm. It is not an underpowered car for the price at all, just the peak hp is a smaller number. I'd rather have 211hp at 4200rpm than 230hp in a 3 series at 6500rpm.
and with no sports package it has all seasons. edmunds bought the sport pack.
throwback says:
06:17 AM, 03/ 3/10
Kelly you seem to be warming up to taking the plunge on this car at tests end. Does your husband know about your love affair with this car?
palmetto321 says:
06:39 AM, 03/ 3/10
As the owner of a '10 A4 2.0T 6MT with the Sport Pkg, I agree with your assessment. The manual just makes it that much more fun. As for the motor, I don't find it underpowered at all. It doesn't have the great sound and top end power perhaps that my E90 330i had, but the torque down low more than makes up for this. Around town and in real-world traffic, this is a very quick car.
stoppre75 says:
09:10 AM, 03/ 3/10
bodyblue says:
03:02 PM, 03/ 2/10
"A practical and handsome car but waaay too expensive for what you get. Dont get me wrong...I like the car but just cant see spending that kind of money for a small wagon."
Have you actually priced an A4 avant? You can get one for less money than they just spent on their Accord Crosstour. Starting at $35k...how much cheaper do you want it to be?
hola_dan says:
10:21 AM, 03/ 3/10
@felonious:
manual tranny?
how many miles?
bimmerjay says:
10:22 AM, 03/ 3/10
I love many things about Audis, I would really like to own one but the boat-anchor mandatory Quattro or FWD (shiver) and weak engine lineup keeps me out of the showrooms. R8 gets a pass.
rmrc says:
10:43 AM, 03/ 3/10
bodyblue- The price doesn't have to be high. Last October I bought my pre-owned 2009 Avant with 6k miles for $33k (Premium Plus + 18" sports package). It's a nice compliment to my 2007 335i.
As for power and engine choices, I invested $995 in a StaSIS ECM tune (with OEM-matching warranty) that bumps output up to 265hp and 305 lb ft. While not as fast as the 335 up top it's got the torque of the 335i. The tune transformed the car. I can't believe Edmunds hasn't added it to their long-term car.
As for all season tires...just mount some Pilot Sport A/S or Conti Extreme Contact DWS tires and be done with it. The sports package was a must for me.
cr_driver says:
04:36 PM, 03/ 3/10
Celebra la vida!
Go buy one Kelly!