Audi S4 Avant – Ron Perry’s Advice:
Definitely give the Audi S4 Avant a chance to sell itself if you’re in the market for a wagon or you’re weighing the purchase of a luxury SUV. The S4 combines the performance of a sportscar with the comfort of a luxury car and offers up an abundance of cargo space. There are few cars on the market that can match what the Audi S4 Avant has to offer.

Audi S4 Avant – Christian Wardlaw’s Advice:
Audi wanted $56,945 for the 2006 S4 Avant we test drove. That’s a ton of cash for a small car stuffed full of V8 engine, though not out of line with its primary comparison set. The great thing about the Audi S4 lineup is that you can choose a sedan, a wagon, or a convertible while most competitors are limited to a single body style. Still, I kept thinking about the 425-horsepower Dodge Magnum SRT-8 while driving the S4 Avant. Even when equipped with every option plus a dealer “market adjustment,” the Dodge costs less than the Audi. Sure, the Magnum is comparatively unrefined and lacks all-wheel drive, but I’d gladly make the trade for its added interior room, improved comfort, and real-world functionality. But then, I live in Southern California, where the weather is rarely foul and Audis are sitting at every traffic light. Here, a Magnum has presence. It’s different. Where you live, a stealthy, speedy and sophisticated 2006 Audi S4 Avant might make all the sense in the world.

Audi S4 Avant – Thom Blackett’s Advice:
Audi calls it an Avant, the rest of us usually call it a wagon. No matter the name, chances are you’ve never driven one like this. True, decades ago V8-powered wagons with manual transmissions were not uncommon, and even today, these versatile vehicles sometimes derive power from eight-cylinders. But a 340-horsepower motor mated to a snappy six-speed stick pushing 302 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels? BMW plays the performance wagon game with the 3 Series, albeit with 125 fewer ponies; the Mazda 6 Sport Wagon does it sans all-wheel drive and with less power under the hood; Dodge’s Magnum does it with added ponies but minus a clutch pedal and all-wheel drive; the Saab 9-3 SportCombi does it with no power to the rear wheels and only 250 horses; and, of course, Subaru does it with a variety of models, all with less power and finesse. Only the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG wagon betters the Audi S4 Avant in terms of power, but that model lacks all-wheel-drive and a manual transmission while carrying a stiff $35,000 premium. If you’re part of the unique niche that wants a performance wagon for all seasons, one that allows you to drop the clutch and ram through the gears yourself, the Audi S4 Avant is your best bet.