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

[Keith Franchetti]

Hi Guys-

So, the V8 S4 door being firmly closed, I have managed to find not one but
two 6-speed Allroads in my neck of the woods here.  I had one of these
before (the rarest RED one, six speed too!), but it was a bottomless pit of
need, and I was so happy to replace it with the 95 S6 Avant (Bills' car).
 (I cannot begin convey what it took to convince my wife that the '95 S6
was the (FAR) superior car than the '02 Allroad, which she was in love
with).

At any rate here we are 2 years later, and there are far fewer options now
as far as manual sport sedans.  So, as many of you suggested, I'm back
looking at Allroads--and lucky to have found 2 sticks.  One is an '03, I
think, with 114k miles, supposedly all sorted out by the local indy
mechanic (who bought and sorted out, for himself, my last/red Allroad, so
he knows these cars intimately--he's still driving that one).  $8k to 8.5k
for that one.  I haven't actually seen or driven it yet.

Other is an '02 with 166k miles.  I think it's a little rougher, as would
be expected, and no info on last TB service (or anything else).  Big thing
is the clutch is slipping.  I'm told about $1900 for that job?  Sound
right?  (I'm not touching it myself).  Check Engine light is on.  I haven't
pulled the code, but he says it's saying O2 sensor--except they just
replaced both O2 sensors.  Could it be a bad one?  Or installed improperly.
 They also had to replace the secondary airflow valve.  (On a TT that often
turns into a 2ndary airfllow blower as well--might be that?)  And of course
it's got at least an airbag or two that are leaking.  All that said, the
interior is in really nice shape.  Everything seems to work as it should,
etc.  Was listed at 4995, but after I pointed out clutch problem, he's
willing to go 4k.  Says he'd auction before going lower than that.

Looking forward to seeing the one my indi mechanic has for sale.

Keith


On Sun, May 5, 2013 at 2:22 PM, chris chambers
<fastscirocco_2000 at yahoo.com>wrote:

> Gentz,
>
> I have a 2002 Allroad, it's been a good car and the suspension isn't that
> hard or $$ to deal with.
>
> As for the suspension, the front air springs and pump are the main issue.
> Arnott has lifetime warrantied afeir springs
> for $300 ea and a gentleman in the UK has produced a nice "rebuild kit"
> for the pump.
>
> I have replaced both of my front air springs with Arnott air springs, and
> rebuilt my pump using the kit.
>
> The 2.7t engine is a nice engine, and while I would have preferred a
> manual transmission there have been a few owners
> doing 6 speed conversions I might go this route.
>
> If you come across an Allroad with "issues" such as the suspension or
> slipping trans you might consider fixing the suspension
> and doing a 6 speed manual trans conversion if the price is right.
>
>
> Chris
> wishing I was driving my S6 but the Allroad is a great kiddie hauler.
>
>
>   ------------------------------
>  *From:* Jeff LaBombard <jefflabombard at madriver.com>
> *To:* 'Keith Franchetti' <skidfranc at gmail.com>; s-car-list at audifans.com
> *Sent:* Sunday, May 5, 2013 11:06 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [s-cars] Sports Wagons? Replacement for '95.5 S6: S4 Avant
> V8?
>
> 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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