A4 Avant?

[EricZ]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma here. My parents are looking to replace their Accord with something that's all-wheel-drive and is bit bigger inside. I work for a dealership, and could get a '99 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T for them rather inexpensively. The car is in perfect condition, and was owned by an elderly couple from the time it was new. It is probably the cleanest older A4 I've ever seen. It has 76K miles, and I can't find anything wrong with it. I think it would be a great car for my mom, but my dad is hesitant to buy a car with a less-than-perfect reliability record. They'll listen to me on car recommendations, though. I'm just afraid that my love for German cars is guiding this recommendation, and not sound logic. I would feel terrible if they bought it and it started falling apart. I know there are a few Audi owners on this site, what do you think?

[Brad B.]

I think an A4 Avant would be a great car. Very well made. Great interiors. First class. I have had at least one Audi in my stable for the last 15+ years. Coupes, Coupe Quattros, 90's, S4, and I have a new S4 on order. My sister has a A4 1.8T with over 120,000 miles on it.

I love the cars.

[Accumulator]

What Brad said

My late father switched to Audis when he was in his mid-seventies and he just loved them, kept driving them for the rest of his life and even convinced some of his friends to get them (I know a wealthy older lady who's still driving her '91 V8, won't trade it for anything). I'd have no problem recommending an Audi to somebody's parents. Like all cars, there are good ones and not-so-good ones. Sounds like you found a good one and the mileage wouldn't bother me at all.

And FWIW, there's a world of difference between Audis and Subarus (the other obvious contender). Audis are *much* nicer cars.