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

[Jeff LaBombard]

Keith-

I replaced my 280K mile 95.5 S6A with a 2003 S6A 3 years ago.  I miss the
turbo and, of course, the 5 speed.    I had a manual transmission as a
requirement also, but let it slide when I found this car, as you know it's a
dying bread with Audis.   

I looked at S4 Avants, but my mechanic steered me away.  I also did not
wanted to stay in the "C" chassis size.  Allroad 6 speed is an option for
you, but hard to find.  I took those off my list because of the air
suspension.

Have you talked with Dave at Autohaus in Burlington, he has been
specializing in S - Cars forever.  Email me off list with any other
questions.

http://www.autohaus-vt.com/cars/

Good luck, 

Jeff.

-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Keith Franchetti
Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 8:58 AM
To: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: [s-cars] Sports Wagons? Replacement for '95.5 S6: S4 Avant V8?

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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