Considering a 2000 or 2001 A4 avant

[Tony Hoffman]

For starters, what year is your 5kcsq? I've never heard of an automatic in these. Second, the 1.8T auto isn't too bad, especially when compared to a 5000 Turbo. There is also the option to powerbrake in the occasional case of much needed off the line acceleration.  

The S4's did have engine failure problems in these years. Mostly attributed to heat in the small engine compartment. The A6 2.7T doesn't have near the problems. But, I understand about wanting the smaller car.
 
The oil sludge problem has been coverec very extensivley on this list. Search the archives for detailed info. In general, it is a combination of several issues. Customers not informed of cooldown requirements on a turbo engine. Conventional oil being used in 10,000 mile incriments. A small turbo that spools up fast, and therefore heats up fast as well. 
Remember, this car had the maintenance covered by Audi for the first 50k. They changed the oil at 5k, and then every 10k. Make sure the car you are looking at had it changed on time. I wouldn't buy a 1.8T if not. If it was changed on schedule, the dealership will look at it and decide if a later failure is covered. Many times it is. If the maintenance schedule was not followed, you will pay for the new engine. No comprimise on their part.
 
 There is not a very big difference in interior space in any of the A4's from 1996 till present. The next clean-sheet redesign is supposed to expand it significantly.
 
I've never heard of manifolds cracking either.
 
Tony Hoffman
 

Wallace White <wallacewhite at gmail.com> wrote:

Maybe the throttle-by-wire change enabled the Tiptronic to rev match?

Heck, my 5kcstq is stand-and-wait-while-that-big-turbo-spools-up, so
I'm used to it. ;) I would certainly prefer a manual, but my wife
never has gotten comfortable with one.

> I never heard of exhaust manifold cracking or tie rod seals being issues,
> but maybe
> we never owned the car long enough to find out.


> You'd probably
> be better off with an A6 2.7T sedan (the trunk is huge).

Tthe recent A6 never did it for me. I'd like to have a smaller car
than the 5k, too. But you may be right about needing more space. The
2002+ A4 avant seems a little bigger.

Thanks,
Wallace

		
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