[s-cars] Sports Wagons? Replacement for '95.5 S6: S4 Avant V8?

[Keith Franchetti]

Darin- V8 has 114k miles. When does that timing chain tend to come due? And would you think it's approx. a 2-3 thousand job at stealership? Just for conversation's sake. 

On May 4, 2013, at 9:38 AM, Darin Nederhoff <scarsgo at gmail.com> wrote:

> I love how people have a child and assume an avant is suddenly too
> small. Is he buying a bus as a replacement?  ;-)
> 
> I'm guessing head gasket = valve cover gasket which isn't uncommon on
> these cars.
> 
> How many miles?  Listen for any chatter upon start up for signs of
> timing chain tensioner/guide failure. That is likely the scariest
> thing about these engines and it is a real pain when they fail because
> the engine has to come out. I've also seen some leaks from the aux
> radiators in the front corners. Finally make sure the cowl tray drains
> don't get plugged. We have had more than a few cars with serious
> electrical issues as a result... one was even totaled out!
> 
> Aside from that, I'd still own an Audi hands down over any BMW. My
> role as a service manager at German Auto Works here in Minneapolis has
> cured me of any desire to own a BMW... especially in cold climates. I
> could write a book about the BMW pitfalls I've seen. ;-)
> 
> Just my .02. Glad you made it out of the accident unscathed!
> 
> Darin Nederhoff
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 612.293.6575
> 
> 
> On May 4, 2013, at 7:57 AM, Keith Franchetti <skidfranc at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Hi Again-
>> 
>> So now I need to figure out what to drive.  I've been dreading this day,
>> since there are precious few true sports wagons out there.  Actually, I'd
>> settle for a decent pretender--forget about "true."
>> 
>> First, I'm going to look at a 2004 S4 Avant V8 today.  Guy wants $14.5k.
>> 
>> http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/3761742307.html
>> 
>> He's the 3rd owner.  Says "head gaskets might need to be replaced" because
>> they are "leaking." But he says the dealership's estimate for the repair is
>> $450.  Can anyone translate that to something that makes sense?  And
>> assuming that alone isn't a huge red flag, does anyone know what else I
>> should be considering or worrying about with this car?
>> 
>> Specifications for replacement car for '95 S6 Avant:
>> 
>> Deal-breakers: manual transmission (with a clutch -- not paddles); wagon;
>> roof rack
>> 
>> Wants:  big enough to be family vacation car (just one daughter); kick in
>> the pants to drive, but with creature comforts too.
>> 
>> Cars I'm considering:  VW TDI Jetta; Mini Cooper (new AWDs); Audi?; BMW
>> (wifey has ruled these out, but I haven't)
>> 
>> I'd love suggestions.  Thanks in advance.
>> 
>> Keith
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