Will $25,000 do for a manual S4 Avant?

[argh]

It should cover purchase price, getting it as close to new as possible, repairs and maintenance for 5 years of ownership. I have time and motivation for basic DIY's and already have an Indy I trust nearby.

Should I aim for a particular year, or am I better off looking for a B5 S4, or B5/B6/B7 A4 Avant?

[Kambesama]

Thats a lot of money IMHO. Close to RS4 territory.

[QIKRNU]

But they don't bring in RS4 Avants.

[Mr.Wrong]

That's more than enough to get a well sorted B6 or even B7 S4 Avant in manual with low miles.

[Aok303]

im thinking he is looking to buy the S4 avant and cover chains if they are need some work right away or any other small issues it may need within the first 5k
cause we all know a b6/b7 love to give you surprises >.<

so 25 would basically cover a great low mileage avant and minimal to light chain work if need in the near future or it would buy a kick ass avant that's in perfect condition

[gautam]

I personally like the look of the B6 avant over the B7 or the B5, but it may be harder to find a B6 with low miles than a newer B7. 25k is more than enough to cover purchase, a few tasteful mods, and required/preventative maintenance. That being said, you'll probably blow through 25k in the first year because these cars are so unpredictable :p

JK, best of luck with the hunt, hope you find a good avant that you enjoy!!

[dsgray16]

Go B7... Some timing components were updated and the steering wheel and a few other interior aspects don't look as dated. (I love B6 Avants.. Please don't be offended B6 people)

[Kambesama]

Go B7... Some timing components were updated and the steering wheel and a few other interior aspects don't look as dated. (I love B6 Avants.. Please don't be offended B6 people)

^ Same Have a B6 did the center console, RSNe, and Steering wheel update. If I could go back in time I'd search harder for a B7.

[xhackerekx]

buy my for 12 everything done included jhm tune just one small thing this is sedan

[roboto_1337]

I got my b7 for 9k... A few minor things at the moment as I find time to uncover any real issues.

[dsgray16]

I got my b7 for 9k... A few minor things at the moment as I find time to uncover any real issues.

A B7 S4 Avant with a 6spd?

[BCsniper]

You could buy like 3 B6 S4'S for that kind of money.

I'll take half of it for my B6 Avant with timing job done, JHM tune, headers, mounts, etc...

[roboto_1337]

A B7 S4 Avant with a 6spd?

no... sedan 6MT... the Avant's are very sexy tho

[b6dolphins4]

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5705887909.html

[s4ski]

OP is not asking for cost of vehicle but cost amortized over five years. B5s may require addressing turbos, B6/7 timing chain. If you are only considering repair and maintenance then mileage is a significant factor. I have found the b6 to be dependable but repair is expensive. Purchased at 68k miles, I have spent 4k in repair and maintenance by a shop over three years. My remote location drives up shop prices. So in short, I am likely on the extreme expense end relative to mileage. Assuming you can pick up an MT Avant at 15k, allowing for lower mileage and assuming 6k in repairs using my example over five years, you are still well within your budget. You also need to consider restoration, since it is an older vehicle and whatever performance upgrades you may consider.

[s4avanter]

anyone consider a DSG?!?
C'mon people, this is Audi we are talking about that made their name on transmissions and the DSG is a proven tranny, with paddles that is quick shifting and smooth. I have an auto and in addition to being super reliable it shifts faster than a stick. When i was looking for my avant i was looking for a stick but I found it tough to find the right one and when you did they were either priced too high or snatched up too quick. On the used market you could save 3-5k on a DSG and put that into performance mods to make it the car you want.
Plus buying a manual you never know whats there. Yes it could have a "recent" clutch replacement but if the shop/DIY'r did not put it in correctly and adjusted to spec it could be a few miles away from needing a new one. Just because the clutch is not slipping does not mean you are set for another 20k miles.

[BCsniper]

Haha, B6/7 cars do not have a DSG trans. Gotta get a B8 for that. We have the good ole Tiptronic transmissions for auto. Yes they are pretty quick but nothing like a DSG trans.

Also, replacing a clutch really isn't hard. If you're getting a JHM kit, all you gotta do is follow their instructions. I've installed and re-installed mine myself in the garage twice now. My 1R setup is 2 years old and has 50k miles on it right now