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Audi A4 Avant vs. BMW 3-Series Wagon vs. Mercedes C-Class Wagon

35 messages,  Last post on Jan 15, 2009 at 1:22 PM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Car Buying, Wagon

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#28 of 35 Re: [badnews] by byronwalter Nov 29, 2008 (10:24 am)
Replying to: badnews (Nov 28, 2008 5:06 pm) "Has anyone had a chance to drive the new A4. Specifications look impressive "   I've driven the new A4 several times. The car finally comes with an auto tranny that doesn't completely smother the two liter engine (this is partly due to the new four banger). The new ZF unit supposedly shifts in around 100 milliseconds and is actually smoother than the DSG trannies on the A3 series.   For my tastes the standard suspension is way too soft and dulls the handling. Anyhow I ended up ordering an Avant Premie Plus with the only option being the sports suspension. This keeps the price from going through the roof.   My single misgiving is that the Avant only comes with the auto tranny. I have never owned an AT-equipped car before but... I need a good platform for hauling a kayak and frankly the Avant looks much sharper than the sedan.   BTW, this will be my fourth A4. My current A4 is 3 1/2 years old and has had nary a problem other than a check engine light and it's putting out north of 240 hp and better than 270 lb-ft of torque. I plan on modding my future Avant as well. Replies to this message: ph0ust (Dec 01, 2008 12:22 pm) byronwalter (Dec 03, 2008 5:59 pm)
#29 of 35 Re: [byronwalter] by ph0ust Dec 01, 2008 (12:22 pm)
Replying to: byronwalter (Nov 29, 2008 10:24 am) hey byron, so you drove the 09 av avant and have an older a4 avant as well? my question is around the new transmission. i have had 4 audis including an allroad and an 07 a4. all were awesome, the only thing i hate is the transmission- slow to react, downshift and just kinda shitty. anyway, just to clarify what you are saying.... it sounds like you agree on my assessment of the previous model's transmission and are saying that the new transmission is new and better? if so, that may mean that i don't need to go to an a3 with the dsg this time (wish they put that on the a4).   please feel free to share your thoughts on your older a4 and the new one if you have anything else to add. i am getting a new car in april and right now am thinking about the a3, a4 avant, bw 328xi, volve v50 type r.   also, is it me or did audi really bump up their prices? i was just at the la car show and they seemed to be a bit too high.   thanks. Replies to this message: byronwalter (Dec 03, 2008 5:59 pm)
#30 of 35 Re: [ph0ust] by byronwalter Dec 03, 2008 (5:59 pm)
Replying to: ph0ust (Dec 01, 2008 12:22 pm) I've owned two Avants but my current car is the sedan. Naturally they were all manuals . On several occasions I ended up in loaner A4's (during routine servicing and one body shop visit). The 1.8t and previous 2.0t engines just couldn't muster up the grunt to deal with the sluggo auto tranny. Also the tranny just felt plain brain dead. Sounds like that's your impression as well.   But the new ZF unit is a major step up in that it seems to have more than just a lower brain stem and shifts as quickly as the S Tronic. Those points along with the improved torque of the new two liter make for a better driving experience (since Audi is screwing us State side with auto only Avants).   And the unit should handle an ECU reflash as I recall that its hp and torque limits are pretty high.   Out of the cars that you mention, I've driven the A3 and the 328xi. I have never cared for the A3's handling and frankly, would buy a GTI over it. But the 328xi is another story. A friend has one and I've put about a 100 miles on it. Very nice!   But tastes vary and you will just have to drive 'em all. That said, be prepared for a rather floaty ride in the new A4 with the standard suspension. It really needs the sports suspension to button down the handling.   As for the B8 A4 pricing, it's not out of line with current market trends or much above the B7, it's the options that really send the price north like a rocket. If you go easy on them, then the price is not so bad.
#31 of 35 Choices but no choices by slance66 Dec 30, 2008 (12:46 pm)
We sold an ailing 2000 Volvo XC last year for a Subaru Tribeca. Wife can't get comfortable (no telescoping wheel) in the Subaru even though it has been bulletproof and rides, handles well. Looking at new and used XCs as she wants an AWD wagon. The A6 is nice, just to pricey for us, as is the MB 320. I'd consider going smaller to the A4, but the legroom in the 06-07 models is 33 inches, which is less than my cramped S60. Can't do that with a kid in the back. That leads to the 2006 325iT wagon, which seems to have better legroom in the rear. The Passat might work, but the AWD only comes in the V6 model and they didn't make them in 2006, so I can't find any. This is wildly frustrating. Budget is in the low 20's, used obviously, don't want to outlay much over what I can get for my 07 Tribeca.
#32 of 35 which is better to service- Mercedes or Volvo? by ilmbg Jan 11, 2009 (10:22 pm)
I am looking for either a Mercedes or Volvo wagon- older- about 1982-89. I assume there will need to be things that will need to be replaced- if not immediately, soon. Which car is better to work on- parts available/price/ease of installing. Am I being foolish for wanting the older car- it will be a second vehicle- not used very much. Thank you. Replies to this message: jayrider (Jan 15, 2009 12:41 pm) ilmbg (Jan 15, 2009 1:20 pm) jayrider (Jan 15, 2009 1:22 pm)
#33 of 35 Re: which is better to service- Mercedes or Volvo? [ilmbg] by jayrider Jan 15, 2009 (12:41 pm)
Replying to: ilmbg (Jan 11, 2009 10:22 pm) You don't have to go that far back to find a junker that might run. The early to mid-90's wagons with 1-200,000 miles are priced from $1000. More cheap volvo's. I assume you can wait for parts and are capable servicing brakes, waterpumps, fuel pumps, radiators. belts , hoses, suspension components and electical troubleshooting yourself. Transmissions, clutches, rear ends and internal engine components will probably have to relegated to repair shops. Make sure you drive carefully because early 80's models have pale in comparison to current safety equipment.. Just a friendly reality check for you to consider. Good luck. Replies to this message: ilmbg (Jan 15, 2009 1:20 pm) jayrider (Jan 15, 2009 1:22 pm)
#34 of 35 Re: which is better to service- Mercedes or Volvo? [jayrider] by ilmbg Jan 15, 2009 (1:20 pm)
Replying to: jayrider (Jan 15, 2009 12:41 pm) jayrider- No, I do not have the knowledge to do any work on an auto- I am a disabled middle aged female who knows nursing- not cars. I like the 80's Mercedes, although from 1981-1985 they are diesel, and I think with gas prices going to go up again, I would prefer gas.The car would be for when I winter in Texas- I only drive close to home for groceries, a movie- , maybe to the next town or so- nothing far. I know there probably wouldn't be airbags or other newer safety features. But it does have to be reliable. I have heard that Mercedes is horribly expensive if work is needed, but that if the vehicle has been taken care of they last for many, many miles with routine maintainance. Without starting any fights here, is Volvo as good as Mercedes? I have wanted a Mercedes wagon for 25 years- and I can't afford, and do not even want a new one- I like the older ones. I also like the older Volvo, so it would be between the two. (now- cross my fingers, and yours too- the realtor brought someone to look at my house today- it is for sale, and the people loved it. They are bringing a relative to see it. If it is sold, I don't NEED to buy a 3rd vehicl I can take my time to look for one for fun). Anyway- is one car easier/more reliable/more economical to repair?   Thanks for your views. Replies to this message: jayrider (Jan 15, 2009 1:22 pm)
#35 of 35 Re: which is better to service- Mercedes or Volvo? [ilmbg] by jayrider Jan 15, 2009 (1:22 pm)
Replying to: ilmbg (Jan 15, 2009 1:20 pm) What price range are you looking at?

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