CD Article: 2006 Audi A4 Avant 2.0T

[a4_tom]

For my requirements the A4 still hasn't addressed the lack of rear seat space. A few years back I was all hot on a new A4 Avant until I tried to fit a child seat into it. I had to settle for a Passat. I still remember the scene in the Audi showroom. My saleswoman insisted" Oh yes the A4 will fit childrens seats, they are LATCH equipped". Eyeballing the rear seat I said "I had better go get a seat and check this out before I sign.". The answer is Yes! a child seat will fit, that is if you are a 5'2" driver . Not only did I have to walk out that day but I think I also killed another sale to a young couple.

For the $50k+ I would be eyeballing a used V70R with an extended Volvo warranty.

You could probably get a nice used A6 with extended warranty for $50k..

Or allroad Quattro 2.7T.

[Benhaze]

I also think an A6 used 2.7T might be more interesting than a new A4. But finding one with a manual trans proves to be a good challenge. I'm also concerned with the fact most A6 were leased cars and twin turbos can make for real expansive repairs if the maintenance was not up to par...

Shnak, good point about the child seat potential fiasco but be also careful with Volvos: I heard the exact same thing about a S60 which is funny considering the reputation of Volvos for safety. I tried to fold the rear seat of a S60 once and I was surprised how tight the quarters were "down" there.

[a4_tom]

If you are looking for 2.7T, 01+ models have minor revisions in the engine compartment for better cooling for the turbo engine.

[Drivesideways]

What is this turbo lag of which you speak?  Maybe I haven't noticed it to be an issue in my GTI as much as it might be in the Audis, being that it is lighter (although probably not by much...it IS a little porker.  ).  I will admit that for a good launch from a standstill, it needs the revs to be up and the clutch loaded a bit or else it takes a second for the thrust to arrive.  But at speed, when I ask for more speed from the engine room, it's there.

[Benhaze]

Thanks for the information Audi Tom! Didn't know. I would prefer 2.7T '01 or '02 but I did see more '00 for sale than anything else...

[G0dspd]

I saw an a 2004 Audi RS6 yesterday in the Ottawa region ... that's a sweet sleeper.  Twin turbo V8 sounds perfect ... the only problem is that it was an 60+ y/o woman driving. 

Is there even an RS6 for 2006 

[a4_tom]

2004 is the only year RS6 was available in Canada, you can wait for 2007 RS4.

[ktm525]

For my requirements the A4 still hasn't addressed the lack of rear seat space. A few years back I was all hot on a new A4 Avant until I tried to fit a child seat into it. I had to settle for a Passat. I still remember the scene in the Audi showroom. My saleswoman insisted" Oh yes the A4 will fit childrens seats, they are LATCH equipped". Eyeballing the rear seat I said "I had better go get a seat and check this out before I sign.". The answer is Yes! a child seat will fit, that is if you are a 5'2" driver . Not only did I have to walk out that day but I think I also killed another sale to a young couple.

For the $50k+ I would be eyeballing a used V70R with an extended Volvo warranty.

You could probably get a nice used A6 with extended warranty for $50k.. 

No manual trannys in A6 Avants. As for the Allroad the last year was 2005.  A 2.7T has "only" 250 HP and 257 torque vs the 300's for the Volvo. Did the allroad come with 4.2 V8? if so did it come in standard?

[davidm]

For my requirements the A4 still hasn't addressed the lack of rear seat space. A few years back I was all hot on a new A4 Avant until I tried to fit a child seat into it. I had to settle for a Passat. I still remember the scene in the Audi showroom. My saleswoman insisted" Oh yes the A4 will fit childrens seats, they are LATCH equipped". Eyeballing the rear seat I said "I had better go get a seat and check this out before I sign.". The answer is Yes! a child seat will fit, that is if you are a 5'2" driver . Not only did I have to walk out that day but I think I also killed another sale to a young couple.

For the $50k+ I would be eyeballing a used V70R with an extended Volvo warranty.

You could probably get a nice used A6 with extended warranty for $50k.. 

No manual trannys in A6 Avants. As for the Allroad the last year was 2005.  A 2.7T has "only" 250 HP and 257 torque vs the 300's for the Volvo. Did the allroad come with 4.2 V8? if so did it come in standard?

The 4.2 V8 Allroad was only available in the US.  Manual Allroads exist, but are very rare beasts.

[ktm525]

Manuals are rare huh? It is weird becuase the only 2 Allroads I sat in were both manuals. I just assumed that was the common setup.

[davidm]

Manuals are rare huh? It is weird becuase the only 2 Allroads I sat in were both manuals. I just assumed that was the common setup.

Wow!  I've never actually seen one in the 6-7 I've been in.  I know 1 guy in Calgary with one, and I read about 1 for sale awhile back.  They do seem rare, but I admit I don't have the production/sales figures.