urs4/S6 or A4?

[Lee Levitt]

Mike Faulhaber <puppyscent at yahoo.com> writes:

> Realizing that I'm flirting with a WOB (at the least a
> massively OT) rating here, I'd like to tap into the
> list to hear opinions on my two top "new" car
> candidates:
>
> - urS4/S6
> - A4q 1.8T
>
> To me, the urS# series is a very compelling package
> (especially the charasmatic I-5 and overall
> competence), but while I've had plenty of experience
> with complex and expensive cars, I get the sense that
> the these cars are particularly expensive to maintain.

Not particularly, especially if you do the work yourself or have a good
private mechanic.

> Pluses: Road eater.  Performance.  Relatively
> uncommon.  Minuses: Potential for high ownership
> costs.  Relatively uncommon.

Since when was "relatively uncommon" a minus? I *hate* to see myself coming
and going.

> The choice of the A4q 1.8T is an easy one.  It's
> balanced and tunable, and quite contemporary in the
> parts and equipment department.  Pluses: Efficient,
> attractive package.  Performance potential.
> Relatively common.  Minuses:  A bit cramped.  Not
> particulary fast out of the box.  Relatively common.

Sounds like you haven't driven both. Your butt will tell you which one you
want, within about 200 feet of starting out. I never even considered the A4
when I bought my S6...we had bought an A6 avant for my wife and I was very
comfortable with the car. My only decision point was sedan or wagon, and how
far I was willing to travel to purchase the wagon I wanted.

I was fortunate (to the tune of $1500) that I was able to buy my car
locally. My mechanic went through the car with a fine toothed comb and I was
able to negotiate down $1500 to cover a clutch and some other minor repairs.
Shortly after purchasing the car I had an original rear shock go bad, which
was fine by me...a great excuse to slap on a set of Bilsteins...the first of
several upgrades to the car over the past year.

I spend a lot of time on the highway and I'd expect that the S6 with its
heavier weight and longer wheelbase is more comfortable as a road car. But I
haven't spent any real time in an A4, so I can't tell you. I can only say
that the A4 didn't appeal to me...but then again, I *do* hate to see myself
coming and going.

It's a real treat to see another S-car pull up next to me and give me the
thumbs up...or get the same treatment from someone driving a neuS4. You
won't get that in an A4!

Lee
'95.5 S6 avant (MA license urS6)
'96 A6 quattro avant