[HoodPin]

Our 2003 Audi Allroad, with 2.7L BiTurbo, has been a mixed blessing. My wife likes the car alot, and as a result we have put a fair amount into it now. Bought it used in 2007 with 40K miles, and now has 130K. Only major issue before this year was the normal torque converter problem, but was fixed at a reputable indy shop (AutoCentro in Rockville) for about 1/2 the dealer's estimate. Earlier this year, I replaced the airbag springs with lifetime warranty Arnott airbags, and Bilstein shocks. Then, we had a major engine performance issue, and discovered a variety of potential problems. We made the decision to drop the motor and do a whole bunch of "while you're in there" stuff, including both waterpumps, timing belts (on borrowed time...) and both turbos. Wasn't cheap, but hoping to get another 2 (break even) to 3 (happy) years out of the car now. Its fun to drive, and is quite the work horse. Cindy much prefers to drive it into town versus the Suburban.

But, FWIW, if I were to do over again, I think I would prefer the regular wagon version, versus the suedo-SUV capabilities of the AllRoad.

[JmuRiz]

Hmmm, I did see this online today:

[Lupin..the..3rd]

The Audi 2.7t engine + AWD crams a lot of stuff into a small space. Access to everything is difficult, and requires many hours of disassembly to reach or repair anything. Any service or repairs are a PITA DIY job, or a very expensive shop labor job.

Audi's and VW's are like any other brand, in that there's models to avoid, and there's models that are quite good. IMO just about any VW/Audi with a 4-cyl engine and manual transmission is going to be easy DIY and good reliable car. Its when they get fancy, with the larger engines and higher end models that you start to see issues.

[scotty b]

Not sure if I'm glad I asked. I'm finally hearing some negatives about them. Given my other options, I think the Audi may still be on top, unless I can find a pre 99 V-70 with low miles


NO... BAD Nathan....... NO !!

[Potomac-Greg]

As I age* I develop more respect for and interest in Mercedes. They have an E class wagon that's butt-ugly, but very roomy. While some of the materials are not what they used to be, the engineering is very well settled and all things being equal, I'd rather own a 150,000 mile Merc than a 150,000 mile Audi. But give me a warranty, and I'm Audi all the way!

PS: If you can put up with the minivan look, the Mercedes R-class is a ridiculous bargain on the used market. And it can be had with a very nice turbodiesel.

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* There was a time when I couldn't stand the thought of a car that could not be bought with a manual transmission. I'm getting over that bias.

[Patrick3000]

Originally Posted by Potomac-Greg

PS: If you can put up with the minivan look, the Mercedes R-class is a ridiculous bargain on the used market. And it can be had with a very nice turbodiesel.

Very interesting more info please....

[Potomac-Greg]

Originally Posted by Patrick3000

Very interesting more info please....

An example.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

But the gasoline versions are cheaper and plentiful:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

[racer]

Those who are deep into MB's seem to wory about electrical issues (ie, replacing entire wiring harnesses! in the 125-150K range) - this came up when I mentioned I was considering late 90's-early 2000's C or E class based cars. FWIW, could be internet lore.. just like all 944s need a wp every 30K miles, or all 996 motors blow up or all Audi/VW are crap.

R Class = minvan with hinged doors. as mentioned, a tad ungainly.

Seems to me most Euro cars are still good for 200,000 KMs as they always had been, but the electrical gremlins can gnaw away at the ownership experience starting at that point. As we all know, the more complex the car was to begin with, the morelikely hood of compnent failure with time/age.

Maybe a used WRX or Forester Wagon (with the WRX motor)?

[JmuRiz]

Good thought, the Forester XT with the WRX motor is fun.

[Dr K]

Originally Posted by Potomac-Greg

If you can put up with the minivan look, the Mercedes R-class is a ridiculous bargain on the used market. And it can be had with a very nice turbodiesel.

--------------------------------
* There was a time when I couldn't stand the thought of a car that could not be bought with a manual transmission. I'm getting over that bias.

Originally Posted by Patrick3000

Very interesting more info please....

Mercedes R-Class: https://vimeo.com/1611578