Dog

Well after much reading and research, I still can't seem to decide. A wagon is my future and I was set on an S4 Avant (2004ish), until it was suggest that I look at the 4.2 Allroad, which then lead me to the S6 Avant. All would be about the same vintage early-mid 2000's, the budget just doesn't allow any newer.

My car buying criteria is this, must have room for the 3 kids and dog (8, 10, still in carseat, and Alaskan Malamute=wagon), must have good performance and handling (not race car but I like to drive spiritedly), must be able to tow my little ski boat or dirtbikes on the trailer (~3000 LBS total), must be a year round car, snow, rain, sleet, and hail, I live in North Bay.

My practical side says go for a 4.2 Allroad, it's got adjustable suspension for the towing and snow, and still OK performance numbers.

My sporty side says the S4 is the car for me, smaller than the rest and the best numbers all around.

Then there's the S6, slightly larger, slightly slower, but still a great car, and including it in my search almost double's the available vehicles.

So that's my predicament ,

I've never driven an Allroad, am I going to be disappointed with the overall performance compared to the 4/6?

Is there really much difference between the S4 and the S6 in handling or performance? can you sit 3 across in both?

What about maintenance issues? Air Suspension was a problem for VW in the Treg's, does AUDI share this?

All comments, opinions, and advise is appreciated.

Thanks

Dog

nobody can offer anything??

mikeh

Well Dog here goes. I have always thought that the allroad really looks great with the wide and agressive stance. In fact I have always thought an allroad would be great addition to the garage. Having said that I also have a special liking for the avant body style. Having owned neither of these I can only offer my opinion on which one I would have and its the allroad.

I do own an S4 with 4.2 and believe it is possibly one of the best engines Audi has ever produced. Its strong, reliable and somewhat bullet proof. I like the fact its naturally aspirated and I don't have to deal with turbo problems.

I know this probably isn't as compete of an answer for you but it is a start.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Would love to see the pics of the car you choose in the end.

Dog

Mike, I applaud you for jumping in here where thousands wouldn't. I see you're an S4 owner, have you driven an Allroad equipped with the V8? or an S6 for comparison?

mikeh

Have not driven either one. Have driven an RS4. I really love the performance of my S4 which was not a whole lot different than the RS4. If I were to get an Allroad it would be with the 4.2 and not the turbo models. I have owned a B5 S4 with the twin turbo and have had to deal with turbo leaks and of course warm up and cool down of the turbos.

mikeh

BTW .... Love your sig pic (avatar)

PwrDriftr

With 3 kids and a Dog the S4 may be a bit snug. I'd go for the bigger S6 or Allroad.

Dog

So sitting 3 across the back of a 4 might me tight? How much of the 6" difference in width do you actually get inside the S6?

I'm still wondering if the Allroad will disappoint me with it's performance, will I always wonder "should I have gotten an S6".

Are the S6 and Allroad bodies identical, or what are the differences?

I know... questions, questions...

mikeh

Well Dog, I think I might have your questions answered. I sent a PM to afretes who works for Mississauga Audi and is known as an expert on models and their stats. I asked him to respond to this thread. So be patient and I am sure your questions will be on their way.

I am predicting that you will go for the Allroad with the 4.2.

Keep us posted.

Dog

Me thinks you might be right about the Allroad, biggest issue there is FINDING a 4.2, right now the only one I can find (in Canada) is in Calgary. I also don't like the colour choices of the Allroad, they should have made it in Imola Yellow. I'm heading down to T.dot next week for a seminar/training so I might try to find a 4 and 6 at a stealership so I can get a good feel for size and interior.