Are allroads any good?

[Swuzzlebubble]

Hi All,

Just tossing around the idea of a used allroad C5 as it ticks a few boxes re what we're after.

However looking at some US forum threads it seems to be that these things give nothing but grief. Air suspension seems the main issue. Turbos on the 2.7?

Of course forums will have a disproportionate usage by those who need help with issues or want to express frustration etc, and perhaps the silent majority are happily driving around without the need to tell anyone about it.

Anyone here able to speak for against the C5 allroad?
Can they generally make it to say 100,000 kms without major issues?
Is the allroad here different in any significant way to what they have in US?
(they seem to be about half the price over there)

Cheers
Swuzz

[auditwmba]

Swuzzlebubble,

We have had a TDi C5 Allroad for a couple of years.
Yes, unfortunately, the technology built into the car does have problems. The air suspension does fail with leaks in either the bladder or 'O' rings leak - bladders are expensive although replacement American units can be sourced and are supposedly better. These leaks (if left too long) can overload the compressor - again expensive to replace.

The diesel engine is old-school; rotary injector pump and large turbo - torque is good with OK fuel ecomony (for such a heavy (1800 kg) car). The ZF transmission is clunky and slow to respond but is used in many BMW and Audi cars and is pretty reliable.

Otherwise, the car is a basically C5 A6 quattro wagon with extra-expensive bits. So long as the car has a full Audi service history, passes a thorough inspection and continues to receive proper maintenance, you should have an excellent unique car.

Good luck

Rob

[Swuzzlebubble]

Thanks for that Rob.
Did they all come with air suspension or was it optional?
Have you had those issues you describe or you're just aware of them?
Would you suggest the 2.7 or 2.5tdi - all else equal?
Timing chain due at 90k? Do I want one with that done or yet to be done?

[Pete@ECSTuning]

Well, this is all you need to know and read: quattroworld.com Forums: allroad (http://forums.quattroworld.com/allroad/threads/1646.phtml#14155)

Fantastic cars, people love them, but like most Audi's they have their issues.

Quick answers:
1) In the US - all were on air suspension
3) I'd love a 2.5tdi but maybe its only because of our lack of TDI cars in the US. The 2.7t is a fantatically tunable motor though, so if you want fast go with a 2.7t but if you want towing power go with the TDI.
4) Timing belts at 75-80k for the 2.7t, not sure about TDI's.

[auditwmba]

Swuzzlebubble,
All allroads have air suspension although many US cars have been converted to springs to get around the air suspension issues; no longer an allroad but a hybrid A6 quattro wagon!

Most people will say the 2.7TT is the better engine and is very tunable. The Tdi is also a good engine but the limit is ~ 180hp due to the injector pump; a chip doesn't help much! Depends on your taste!

Belt maintenance (4yrs/80K km) is mandatory and it should be done by a very competent techo. The EGR valve and water pump should be checked and changed if necessary.

The allroad is a very complex but reliable car. But like most complex cars, proper maintenance is the key. A slight fault/defect will impact on the rest of the car while poor maintenance will cause expensive headaches. Don't let this put you off - go in with your eyes open, if in doubt; walk away and study your subject well as knowledge (good and bad) is essential.

Good luck