Audi Allroad

[Icemaster]

Does it need to be a wagon?

I've had nary an issue with the wife's A6. Granted I made a point of getting the 3.0 liter 6 vs the 2.7 turbo, and we have had some stuff go bad - cv boots on the front (dealer did that), brakes/rotors all around (I did that), timing belt at 75K, and spark coils (dealer did that under CPO warranty). But overall it's been a tank, especially in the winter. I'd rather be driving that than my old Outback wagon (which I no longer have...).

I've watched Tim's issues over the years, maybe we've gotten lucky. I'd still probably do it again.

Edit - ours is an '04.

[kaisen]

You don't even need a search function here, or on any Audi site, or really anywhere else. Just mention 2000-2002 Audi 2.7T and someone will tell you their sob story. You've been warned.

If you're hell-bent, do yourself at least one favor and consider the 4.2L V8 version. They're a little less complex.

[RWebb]

it does need to be a wagon

no way to find a V8 one around here

the statistical reliability ratings on these things are not that bad...

a Sube Outback is the safe choice - but expensive and boring - why do I need to pay a lot more to get a boring driver?

I can also buy my current Sube Outback back from the ins. co. and then get it fixed. Cost to repair from a shop with a good rec. is only $1,400 - the ins. co. est. to fix it is $5,500.

a Forester will work, and seems a bit less boring, but is till spendy

[Icemaster]

The Forester is a little more nimble, but still boring unless you get one with the 3.0 turbo and handling package. I had a base model OBW with the 2.5. I agree, it was like wearing a raincoat in the shower but it saved my ass - big time. Was rear-ended at a dead stop by an illegal mexican busboy with no DL in a Trailblazer.

You're gonna be kind limited since it has to be a wagon.

[RWebb]

wagon or small SUV - 2 primates in front; 1 canid in back

[Tim Hancock]

Quad cab small 4x4 pickup with nice sealed cap on the back maybe?

[RWebb]

BTDT - they never seal well enuff in the desert - I WILL admit to thinking about that or a another 4runner again just the other night tho...

I can proudly announce that I have finished the ribeye.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by RWebb

the statistical reliability ratings on these things are not that bad...

Where did you read that?

[RWebb]

Carfax, msn & Consumer Guide - Cons. Reports would be better, but has nothing online.

[Scott R]

Here is a picture of a leaking rear tensioner. The oil is flowing down on top of the passenger turbo but also collects on top of the tensioner after a while to form the goo in the picture.

For the rear seals the front does NOT have to come off, they can be done with minimal removal of parts and a tool to hold the chain spring plate in place. The front seals also do NOT require the lock carrier to be removed, it just has to be slid out which is how you do the t-belt as well if you want to cut the time in half.

If you get told the entire lock carrier has to come off to do this find another shop. The guy I use does the belts and front seals in 3.0 hours labor and he completes the job in 2.5 to make book. That being said it's probably going to take a long time the first time you do it, especially if you pull the carrier. And it's handy to have the cam lock bar when doing this.

I'll be doing the belt water pump and etc. and a complete reseal on this particular car Saturday morning if you would like more pictures.

[RWebb]

thx, more pics are always good

just glanced at an Audi FAQ - they said it was about a 6 hr job to do the rear ones

[Soterik]

Randy,

Kinda in the same boat...

What I think I'm going to get is an 04 or 05 Passat 1.8T wagon with 4motion. There's also a 1 inch lift kit that is available for it as well. I had zero problems with the Passat we had, and it had 126,000 miles on it before my wife totaled it last month.

Just a thought....

Eric

[RWebb]

thx Eric - that is a thought...

what is the gnd. clearance after the lift kit is installed?

[audiman08]

Have you thought about a SAAB 9-3 Wagon...the Turbo-X is AWD and it looks great...turbo V-6 with 280 hp...just a thought

[RWebb]

thx, but the Saab only has 4.5" gnd. clearance

[Wickd89]

Love audi, but need a break from the repairs...
Great cars, that always need something... (last sold was a 2001 A6 2.7T)...

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by RWebb

thx, but the Saab only has 4.5" gnd. clearance

is that for the regular 9-3 or the 9-3x? The 9-3x is raised...

[RWebb]

it was from Cons. Reports site - I'll check some more - not sure if I could find one here...


ok, 6" max. - better, but not too exciting (Outback is at 8"; Allroad can go up to 8") - I'll consider one if I find one...

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by RWebb

it was from Cons. Reports site - I'll check some more - not sure if I could find one here...


ok, 6" max. - better, but not too exciting (Outback is at 8"; Allroad can go up to 8") - I'll consider one if I find one...

No problem...get what you will enjoy

[onewhippedpuppy]

You're considering a 150k mile Allroad with no history from a shady used car lot? I hope you're a DIY wrench, because you could pretty easily surpass it's value in shop repair costs in a very short time. If you want ground clearance, why buy a car? There's lots of options in a small SUV that will return good MPG and give far better ground clearance than a wagon.