I'm buying a new car...

helmutRoole2

My 1989 Nissan Pathfinder (2wd) with 278k miles has been diagnosed with cancer possibly a result of doping with octane booster. She's got about two months to live, maybe four at the outset. She's been a great car and I'm sad to see her go.

However, I'm excited to replace her. I'm buying something used in which I can pack my race bicycles w/o putting them on the roof (there's the bicycle-racing angle).

So, it's come down to three cars.

1) An Audi A3. Base model. Cloth seats, no sun roof. It's black, the inside is tan. It has 7,000-plus miles on it. It's a 2006, 2.0t, manual and it comes with the balance of the factory warranty: 50,000 miles/4 years and schedule maintenance.

2) An Audi A4 Quatro, 2004, fully loaded (black leather interior, silver paint, moon/sun roof, premium stereo), automatic tiptonic transmission. It's got 27,000-plus miles on it and like the A3, it comes with the balance of the factory warranty. It's a 1.8t.

3) A 2003 VW GTI with 27,000 miles on it, cloth interior, modified 1.8t motor -- 245 hp. It's almost $3k cheaper than the Audi's, faster, less luxurious, and no factory warranty.

So, for bicycle racing, which one is best? The two Audi's cost the same.

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"Bait in 08" --nns1400

jhuskey

I am happy with my A4. 23 mpg in mountainous terrain 34 or so on the interstate and plenty fast enough. Good traction in all weather.
Handling is very adequate but don't expect a race car suspension.
Down sides, small back seat but I only use it for a jacket and papers. Turbo kicks in slowly sometimes.
All in all fun to drive practical and I like the looks better than the VW.
Keep the oil changed with synthetic oil and it should be good for a long time.

PS: If you decide on the A4 I will clue you in on a couple of small problems to watch out for.

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Whenever I can't get excited about riding I just fantasize about someone else's bike.

helmutRoole2

If it's an automatic, how's that working out? I've heard the tiptonic shifting is very nice. What about the paddle shifting?

__________________
"Bait in 08" --nns1400

jhuskey

The automatic shift is nice and smooth and you also have a sports mode which holds the gear a little longer and keeps the rpms up.
The pseudo -manual shift is also nice if you want to play a little and shift manually.
The CVT transmission is not available on the Quattro but I hear it is very smooth.
The 1.8 is a little more harsh that say the 6 at lower rpms but has anice resonance to it.
Jan drives an A8 but they are about $80,000 + so I may wait another year or so before I order one.

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Whenever I can't get excited about riding I just fantasize about someone else's bike.

snaps10

saab 9-2x. not quite as pricey as the audi, but freakin fast and handle like nobody's business.

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it doesnt get any easier, you only get faster.



do you have a late 90's merckx corsa 01, or colnago 58cm frameset lying around? let me know.

helmutRoole2

I'll take a look at those. I've seen them on the internet and they look pretty nice.

__________________
"Bait in 08" --nns1400

stevebaby

Stevebaby Motors can do you a good deal on this beauty.
Custom paint,custom upholstery and interior,state of the art entertainment system,free ashtray.Cool Euro styling and old world craftmanship in a hand-built body.

You worked hard to get to the top.Now it's time to reward yourself.
You deserve the best.

http://www.cyclingforums.com/attach...ntid=6924&stc=1
hot lada.jpg

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I'm Rooting for Chiara!
Drink!Feck!Arrse!Girls!
bastard

stevebaby

For the gentleman of taste and refinement,this elegant hand-built vehicle,(formerly owned by Soviet cycling champion,Martin Jacksov) may be more suitable.
Warranty? No problem. Our warranty manager,Igor Kalashnikov,will be pleased to assist you with a warranty that suits your needs.
http://www.cyclingforums.com/attach...ntid=6925&stc=1
limo1.jpg.
http://www.cyclingforums.com/attach...ntid=6926&stc=1
limo2.jpg
http://www.cyclingforums.com/attach...ntid=6927&stc=1
limo3.jpg

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__________________
I'm Rooting for Chiara!
Drink!Feck!Arrse!Girls!
bastard

helmutRoole2

Hmmm... sorry. I can't get past those rear view mirrors. What are they? Plastic? Why does someone have to dicked a perfectly nice family sedan with rear view mirrors like that?

__________________
"Bait in 08" --nns1400

helmutRoole2

Now this I can work with!

__________________
"Bait in 08" --nns1400

SaintAndrew

i like the volvo s40 alot and i think it compares nicely to the a4. a4's a awesome (def. go stick) but i just don't trust VW and company right now.

JAPANic

Don't give up on the old Nissan...
Chop off one of its balljoints, a chunk of air filter, take out a chip from the motherboard then a few months of chemo detergent therapy to the gasolymph system and she'll be better than new...

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Find your ideal riding partner. Anywhere in the world!!!

Hookyrider

my wife's Wolfsberg edition 1.8T Jetta has the same chip - nice and it gets great gas milage +/- 33mpg. You shouldn't expect too many troubles with the 1.8T.

I drive a 2003 VR6 GTI, averages about 26 mpg a little lower when we make hot runs into GE on the autobahn. The Mark IV Golf will fit two bikes in travel boxes inside, on thier side with some luggage no problem.

The Audi A3 is an expensive Golf Mark V, and fitting a bike box inside for the airport will work, however I hope it's all you are taking. The same goes for the Mark V Golf.
HR

helmutRoole2

Of the two GTIs, which do you prefer, the VR6 or 1.8?

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"Bait in 08" --nns1400