A Stellar 2001 Audi S4 Avant Wagon With All the Right Gear

Classics, European  /   /  By Jim Travers

The Audi S4 is the pinnacle of the compact A4 lineup. It takes the solid foundation of an A4—and adds more power, brake upgrades, a more capable suspension, and lots of luxury appointments. But unlike the competing BMW M3, Audi offered the S4 in a practical wagon body style.

“Avant” is Audi-speak for wagon. Audi produced the Avant in much smaller numbers than the sedans. That makes the wagon now available on eBay the rarest S4 variant.

This 2001 Audi S4 Avant is a double-whammy. It’s a solid investment for an enthusiast and a useful everyday driver. This S4 Avant combines style, performance, and the extra space found in a wagon.

Thoughtful upgrades maintain the car’s originality. And the same time, this S4 received about $30,000 worth of upgrades for increased performance and handling. It’s equipped from the factory with a 250-horsepower, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine matched to a six-speed manual transmission.

This list of powertrain modifications include:

  • Twin FrankenTurbos
  • AWE intercoolers
  • SUSA oil cooler
  • XS-Power Turbo-back exhaust
  • Custom 3-inch exhaust pipes
  • Endurance clutch with lightweight flywheel
  • Rebuilt and upgraded six-speed manual transmission

New Michelin Pilot Sport tires ride on 18-inch OZ racing wheels. The stock braking system was swapped for a Porsche Big Brake kit with ECS slotted and drilled rotors and pads up front. There are TRW rotors and pads in the rear.

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The suspension was lowered with ST coilovers and adjustable upper control arms in front and Stasis coilovers in back. Hotchkis stabilizers front and rear round out the suspension enhancements.

All the Right Gear

Audi provided a nice set of gear right from the factory. The 2001 Avant features all-wheel drive, a sunroof, cruise control—and power seats, windows, and locks. Original options include the desirable Sport package, which added two-tone leather and Alcantara sport seats, aluminum interior trim, and brushed aluminum exterior side mirrors.

The interior shows well with no rips, tears, or cracks evident in the upholstery or dash. Interior upgrades include:

The silver exterior finish shows well, with no apparent blemishes. The car has a new OEM front bumper, painted to match. In addition, European E-Code headlights were fitted for improved night vision.

Collectible and Drivable

The longtime Audi specialist offering the car just performed fresh maintenance, making this sought-after S4 Avant a turnkey collectible.

The 2001 Audi sporty wagon  is priced at $24,900. So, it would be difficult to find or create another S4 Avant (or other Euro wagon) with this kind of performance, capability, and good looks. Not at that price.

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About the Author

Jim Travers is a lifelong gearhead. A classic car enthusiast and collector, Jim is a regular judge on the car show circuit and is author of the Smithsonian Institutions book, “Extreme Cars." His work has appeared in Automobile, Autoblog, BBC Autos, Car and Driver, Cars.com, Car Talk, Consumer Reports, and Hagerty. He lives in Duxbury, Mass., a town known for its beach and its dump. Jim can often be found at one or the other.