This is the 3.0 litre V6 (220 hp) with Tiptronic transmission and Sports Package which has 20% stiffer suspension, 17" alloys and is approximately 1" lower than stock. If my memory serves - this is European height, but don't quote me. Car also came with bicycle rack, kept the roof rack, an Audi accessory that was designed for this car. Will use it for my Thule roof box.

To me this particular body style is a classic and looking around I see many styling features being picked up domestically and on other import. Audi's current version of this body style has the new "horse collar" grille that apparently people love or hate. I am in the latter group. Looks like Audi styling decided to borrow some features, unfortunately they seems to have chosen the Dodge RAM pickup for their grille treatment inspiration.

Spotted this car in flyer in San Luis Obispos, CA. Had a few issues, but price was right and after inspection by Jim and John at German Auto in SLO, fixes would still make it a good buy, well below book. It had 44,000 miles and had just gone off warranty. Entered my Cayucos, CA garage December of 2006.

Footnote: This year lower panels around body and bumpers were gray plastic. In middle of model year 2004 they started offering these with "painted lowers" - body color. I had this done and it really improves the looks. Alloys had several ding too, particularly the spare, but a wheel repair guy on the Central Coast of California repaired both while I waited and they looked like new.