The Audi cult has come together to keep today's Nice Price or No Dice A4 Avant on the road. There's still work to be done, but the seller advises that it will come with a service manual to ease the burden. Let's see how burdensome we find its price.
๐ The Core Development
When you think of Wrangler, what's the first thing to come to mind? Is it the legendary Jeep that debuted during WWII? Or is it the brand of blue jeans originally designed for rodeo wear and that are just as old? It's unusual for two brands to leverage the same name, even when they serve different categories. The main corporate concern is that one brand's failure might possibly taint the other's fortunes.
That wasn't a primary concern when we considered the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sahara that came our way on Monday. A bit battered, but not beyond redemption, the Wrangler (Jeep, not jeans) came with a factory hardtop and a $7,500 asking price. You all mostly liked what you saw and weren't too perturbed by the price. That combo earned the Wrangler (Jeep, not jeans) a narrow but ultimately victorious 55% 'Nice Price' nod.
๐ Background & Sector Context
Not everyone knows the difference between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. They sound similar and interchangeable, but the terms describe distinct drivetrains, each designed for specific purposes. The Jeep we looked at yesterday was 4WD, a drivetrain that ties all four wheels together when needed through a central locking differential for low-speed maneuvering through mud and over rocks.
By contrast, today's 2001 Audi A4 Quattro Avant is permanently activated AWD and is intended not for off-roading but for more secure handling and power application in inclement weather. For Audi, at least, this drivetrain is time-tested and rally-proven. Their personalities are further differentiated by their looks: the Jeep being brutish and basic while the Audi is one of the most handsome and elegant small estates ever offered for sale.
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
This one, in Cactus Green with the coal mine black interior that was favored by German carmakers back in the day, comes with a clean title, 175,020 miles under its Cactus Green belt, and an extensive list of refurbishment and renewal that has left it looking like Cinderella before the ball.
Benchmark Telemetry & EV Fuel Savings
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
Under the A4's hood is a 20-valve version of Volkswagen/Audi's ubiquitous inline four, here in 1.8-liter displacement, denoted as the "AJL". Turbocharged and intercooled, the engine makes 170 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. That's routed through a five-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual controls on both the lever and steering wheel for when the driver is feeling a little spicy. Naturally, as a Quattro, it sends torque to all four wheels via a central viscous diff. We'll get to more on the mechanical situation in a sec, but first, let's address the car's appearance.
Overall, this little Audi looks to be in great condition for its age and not insignificant miles. The paint still shines; there are no significant dings or dents beneath that top coat, and the headlamp lenses show only minor clouding. According to the seller, they addressed minor paint imperfections, including bumper scrapes and hatch scratches. Surprisingly, the interior is in even better shape, looking almost as-new thanks to several replacement parts and general care and cleaning. Even the comically flimsy dashboard cup holder appears to be working as originally intended.
