So I went to an audi dealer yesterday to check out two cars. Once again recall that, as FC puts it, back when I didn't know better, I owned a 00 a4 2.8 for 4+ years happily.
1. 01 a4 2.8, 67k mi, $14k
2. 03 a4 3.0, 45k mi, $23k, cpo, sports pack
2. is kinda out of budget (I mean not really but spending that much is so unnecessary at this point) but it looked great in photos, also I've never experienced the 3.0 and barely the new platform.
1. was out of the pic instantly as I could see the car had had an accident. I drove it anyway. The clutch was engaging maddeningly high, I don't remember how bad my 2.8 was when new but I hate that this is going to potentially kill a good beater for me. I found the gear ratio/torque acceptable, especially for the price. Handled soft but ok. Once again, the deal killers seem to be clutch point and front seats (the cushions are so short, I feel like I'm sitting on a pew).
2. was the surprise. While it was more solid, quieter and had better seats and clutch, it was less fun. Seemed to turn worse with the stiff ride somehow not helping the car stay flat. The most annoying part was the engine and its match to the 6speed. No torque, very very short 1st gear, in general an uneasy car to drive. Sure I'm biased towards the b5, but I really felt it was not an improvement in many ways. I don't think I had disliked the 1.8t in the new platform this much.
On return I saw an imola yellow b5s4 which stole my heart (but not yet my wallet - though when I live in some mediterranean country and become a sponsor of the local p.d., I may go for a yellow Cayman and a yellow s4 to match
) Actually it was tiptronic, so I couldn't test the clutch. Everything from the b5 shape that I like, to the bolstered seats (unavailable on a4) to the gauges and the only acceptable wood trim in a sporty car called out to me. The previous owner had put a nice, subtle exhaust and not oversized bbs rk's. Beautiful.
So there is my favorite before driving. Cons against it:
1. Theft in my area (good neighborhood but still ny/north nj and the porsche will be in a garage and this car will be out). Even my a4 was attempted stolen. I absolutely cannot get yellow or candy blue (nogaro). I may have to debadge, perhaps even replace bumpers and wheels so it looks like an a4, though thieves are probably not that stupid.
Not sure about security measures so some audi forum searching is in order.
2. Turbo reliability. I hear bad stories. There must be a way around it - like buying one with already replaced turbos.
3. Clutch/shifter/ratios? If it doesn't improve on the 2.8 clutch, I may nix it. Or if I locate a 2.8 that is driveable...
I could totally see that the zhp has a better suspension and a better only car for me. but I do think the b5s4 complements the cayman better.
I think overall I'd like to stay in the 'teens. Are there any subies I should check out? I think I'd miss the hwy luxury of the audi and would still be prone to theft with wrx'es...