R36...pre-ordered!!!

**Vene** · 09-04-2008, 12:37 PM

Any thoughts re new A4 Avant? Engine options don't inspire. The 2.7 diesel seems to be available for the sedan only leaving the 2.0d for the Avant. Performance is non-existant compared to the R36. Range topping V6 might be an interesting drive but I'm not sure I could justify the additional cost. Like the other premium brands (Lexus excl.) you'd need to spend nearly 40-50% more on options to get respectable equipment levels.

Not sure if the official price list has been released but to equip an A4 Avant with similar specs to the R36, I'm expecting an approx. drive away price close to $120-$130 (top of the line V6 version ofcourse). Quite sure it won't get close to the R36 performance wise........is it worth the extra $$$?

**Steve** · 09-04-2008, 12:44 PM

Probably not... although the new A4's do look very sweet, but it's still an A4.

If I had the coin, I'd be ordering a new RS6... the last A4 wagon I looked at wasn't quite big enough.

**R36 Dreamer** · 09-04-2008, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by Vene

Not sure if the official price list has been released but to equip an A4 Avant with similar specs to the R36, I'm expecting an approx. drive away price close to $120-$130 (top of the line V6 version ofcourse). Quite sure it won't get close to the R36 performance wise........is it worth the extra $$$?

If it was my money, I would be buying an a6 allroad for that money - they look tops.

Problem is when you look at 100-130k for a car it opens up a hell of a lot of options - X5, 530 Wagon, E Class Wagon, etc. etc. not to mention some hellraising local stuff like the HSV GTS Sportswagen, F6 Typhoon (Territory). Just goes ballistic in the 80-130k segment.

I am more than satisfied with the bang for bucks the R36 will deliver (and I dont think I would get the 530i wagon past the minister for finance -my wife!!)

**Steve** · 09-04-2008, 01:20 PM

The A6 Allroad is weird. It's basically a Q7 that's lower and different looking, and way more expensive.

The three litre turbo diesel Allroad is $20000 more than the Q7 with the same engine. All tax.

**R36 Dreamer** · 09-04-2008, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Steve.

The A6 Allroad is weird. It's basically a Q7 that's lower and different looking, and way more expensive.

The three litre turbo diesel Allroad is $20000 more than the Q7 with the same engine. All tax.

I still love it though.....

Unfortunately it is the same for a few cars - for example the Outback is cheaper than the comparable Liberty as it is jacked up.

I would have thought the Allroad would qualify for the lower tarrif being quattro and raised in the suspension. The tariff is cut from 10% to 5%, although as you say it is 20k more.... Cant work out why

**Vene** · 09-04-2008, 02:32 PM

While we're on the topic of pricing....consider this; based on the prices over the last 5 years of imported cars, none have actually changed significantly (except some price reductions for some lexus models prob as they're not selling as well as the german brands). In fact, they're creeping up as new models are being introduced (i.e. A4, 3 series etc).

Here's the thing......the AUD has improved massively over the last 5 years yet none of that improvement has hit consumer's pockets. Who else feels shortchanged?

**R36 Dreamer** · 09-04-2008, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by Vene

While we're on the topic of pricing....consider this; based on the prices over the last 5 years of imported cars, none have actually changed significantly (except some price reductions for some lexus models prob as they're not selling as well as the german brands). In fact, they're creeping up as new models are being introduced (i.e. A4, 3 series etc).

Here's the thing......the AUD has improved massively over the last 5 years yet none of that improvement has hit consumer's pockets. Who else feels shortchanged?

Looking at the Euro over the past 5 years gets the following Data

Average (1103 days): 1.64362
High: 1.74540
Low: 1.54740

Not a big difference - however if you compare the USD there is a big difference, which is why Holdens Export program is ramping up, and lots more US built cars are coming in.