Hello everyone!

Currently am evaluating the purchase of an older Audi. I am considering picking up an older Audi B5 Avant in the near future as a daily driver and parts runner, and would love some input on what to look for in these cars.

What I intend to use the car for:
-Transporting various car parts, such as blocks, heads, wheels and exhausts.
-Occasional trips to various ski areas.
-Grocery retrieval device.

With that stated, here are a few other aspects that will influence my purchase decision:
-I live at 7700' in elevation, and make frequent trips over mountain passes. (I have more powerful cars that make light work of this, but I don't want to haul parts in them)
-Fuel economy would be nice, but power is higher on the priority list.
-Looking to keep things mostly stock as the other two cars are my outlet for tinkering.
-Car must have a manual transmission. Cannot stand automatic/triptronic.

What engine type would best suite my needs? Also, what should I be aware of when shopping for one of these cars?

And here are the other cars:
1988 Toyota Celica Alltrac. (Currently building a new engine and new engine management)


Wife's car: 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS

 

I would post over in the b5 area but would say the 2.8 would be good for you. It's 50hp more than the 1.8t stock, you don't have to worry about turbo issues and also about the same mpg. Also 2.8s can be found cheaper since most people want the 1.8t to mod.