The Project Pad

So, in order to continue the S-Line as a project, we need something to replace it as DD for the lady, and it also needs to function as dog hauler, mtb hauler, kid hauler, and ski car. Ideally something I don't have to touch besides maintenance for ~5yrs. We're both stuck in a 'paralysis by analysis' state over a few cars:
09 A6 avant 3.0T
09 V50 T5 R design
maybe a 530xi wagon...maybe

The V50 can be had a little cheaper with less miles (~65k), has a sweet little turbo 5 in it, weights 700 lbs less than the A6, and has a surprisingly nice and spacious interior. Beats an A4 in cargo size (width x length, not terribly worried about height). Not stoked about working on a transverse layout again, but could deal.

The A6 would have to come with a little higher miles (~80k) to hit our budget, but damn is it a nice car. Somehow rated at same mpg as the V50 despite the larger motor and hefty weight. Biggest concern is the gadgets and gizmos as they age.

Toying with a 5 series wagon, but the fugly looks (imho) and the problematic sunroofs are a bit of a turn off.

Subies are out - less than stellar mpg's and are not as large inside as we wanted, which was a surprise considering I can't drive 2 minutes without seeing one out here.

Would appreciate some input from you folks...and the quicker we pick something up, the quicker the red car goes turbo

Keep it in the VAG... I vote A6.

The volvos are nice cars honestly. I doubt you would have any problems with it for a while. BMW station wagons are badass too (avants or whatever you want to call it), but just remember you will have to drive like a snooty r-tard because you cant keep up with the other euro cars.

A6 is a great car. Roomy, quiet, and comfortable and quick to boot. Personally I would opt for the volvo as it sounds like the best thing for your needs. The transverse layout isn't all that hard to work on either

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4375640562.html

I personally am not a big fan of Volvo. They have a a few major flaws IMO. One being, the way they drive, torque steer for days. I regularly work on VX70s here at the shop and in terms of maintenance cost, they are pretty nuts. I'd take my A6 over one any day.

Ed...wow. Your knack for finding these things is impressive.

We really only have 1 shot at a local A6 before it goes on the market, so that will hopefully be the route we go. Will have pics this weekend of the result...

B. Rock wrote:Ed...wow. Your knack for finding these things is impressive.

RSSFTW

Decision made:


Now to the project cars...

What the frig, I just searched and couldn't find a single wagon in Ontario. Was it a US only thing?

Also, does it have a third row? This might be my next if so...

I think the 3rd row Audi avants stopped with the C5.

Nope, no 3rd row seating just a big ol cargo area. Heated steering wheel though, which I previously made fun of...but it is sublime.

Finding 3.2 avants is easy. I somewhat fell into this one, but looking at the market - 3.0T's are scarce.

B. Rock wrote:Nope, no 3rd row seating just a big ol cargo area. Heated steering wheel though, which I previously made fun of...but it is sublime.

Finding 3.2 avants is easy. I somewhat fell into this one, but looking at the market - 3.0T's are scarce.

I love the heated wheel in my Touareg...never would've thought it would be an option I cared for but it's great!

Yeah, I'm always using it in our Armada! Its pretty lightweight for a luxury.

Mcstiff wrote:I think the 3rd row Audi avants stopped with the C5.

No they stopped at C6.... My boy has an Allroad with a 3rd row,..

mushasho wrote:

Mcstiff wrote:I think the 3rd row Audi avants stopped with the C5.

No they stopped at C6.... My boy has an Allroad with a 3rd row,..

In North America? IIRC, and I may not, we only got C5 Allroads (and now SmallRoads) and they did have the 3rd row option.

Excellent call man! I love the C6 generation.