yet another 1.8 vs. 3.0 query

    back in the market now for a 02 or 03 avant.... 

and yes, i've searched and read and thought I had wanted a 3.0 for 'better reliablity' but am now rethinking the whole issue after reading the higher costs for the timing belt and in light of rising gas costs.

I really don't care much for modding a 1.8 (although I might if I bought one if the turbo lag was bad) but I am more interested in the 'overall' costs of maintaining a 3.0 Avant vs. a 1.8T Avant and the issue of reliability (got kids and since I live in the west, long weekend drives are normal).  I was somewhat concerned to see that auditech79 called the 3.0 a POS in a previous thread.... and yes, I realize that any audi not taken care of can be a POS.

a few general questions:
-are there differences in the overall maintenance costs between a 3.0 and 1.8.  It appears that the timing belt is a huge difference but in the long run could one expect to pay less for 3.0 maintenance?

-are there differences in other issues, e.g. suspension, brakes, etc...  with either the 3.0 or 1.8 (not sure if they are equipped similarly or if the extra weight of the 3.0 affects anything)?

- any marked differences in the 02, 03, 04 avants- in terms of maintenance issues?

-anything else I should be thinking of (besides gas prices

thanks in advance... again!

jim

3.0 Got bigger front rotors.
Avants weigh more than a regular model, so Avant 3.0 >Avant 1.8T
And i dont think there is any huge difference in Avant/Sedan models (might be some suspension difference though when you would decide to go springs/schocks or coilovers.)
More info http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93795
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96446
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102671

1.8t will get at least 5mpg better even if you have a 1+ flash. like he said the 3.0 has 24mm bigger front rotors but its not a big deal, i put them on my car and couldnt tell a difference.
 
stuff is a  lot harder to work on with the 3.0 and ive seen several posts about cats failing on them

The only downside with the 1.8t engine (that I know of) is the possibility of sludge in the engine.  Audi USA has issued a TSB regarding oil sludge... they will cover you for any sludge-related repairs, but you have to be able to show proof of all oil changes.  If you do your own oil changes, the 1.8t gets only synthetic (no dino oil).

    thanks for the replies... still interested in other's experiences... but now the pendulum swings toward the 1.8

jim