kierantaylor

Hi all- I've owned 2001 and 2005 models; both 2.7t. l love these cars even with idiosyncracies. My 2005 was just deemed a total loss and am now contemplating my third allroad. Still negotiating but trying to get 10k out of insurance.

I know about the Arnott airbags, looking out for timing belt/water pump change after 85k and am pretty familiar with all of the options on the car. I think I'm a pretty educated buyer.

Questions:

1- I never had an issue with the 2.7t but all things equal (mileage, condition) if you could get 4.2 would you?

2- This may be heresy but after changing suspension bags on both the 01 and the 05, I am begining to think about getting a straight A6 wagon or even a Q5 (3.2 engine) Have any allroad owners owned a 3.2 equipped vehicle? Could you share direct comparisons?

We ski every weekend and being able to lower the car when on long haul slabs and then raise it on unpaved snowed roads definitely 'feels' cool but I can't really say it saved me from bottoming out ever.

kierantaylor

Hmmm. 75 views but no replies.

FWIW my research is showing that in Boston area I can get a 60k mileage 2005 2.7t AR for 13900 (list) while an 06 A6 avant with 90k is 13k.

I have to figure a timing belt for the AR and suspension bags at a total future cost of 2700 or so. The A6 hypothetically wouldn't have that and has more options, more HP, more room.

Looking at both cars on Friday and will come back with what I did and why. I'm secretly hoping that the AR wins as the past two gave so many memories. Unfortunately my financial sitch is going to guide me one way or other as the insurance payout on the totaled AR was only 10500.

Kneale Brownson

Bruce M (see quattroworld classifieds) has a couple for sale. His cars have to pass some tests, so they're pretty solid.

Prospeeder

As soon as you see and sit in the 06 A6 Avant, you will love it, they are just really good looking cars. 3.2 engine has plenty of power in these cars. They have been known to have timing chain issues. They are of course on the rear of the engine and require engine or transmission removal to get at them. So big money if you get cam timing codes, noise from the chains or worse jumped time or broken chain and bent valves. 4.2 engines have the same setup and problems.

kierantaylor

many thanks for the replies and heads up on timing chain

Best
Kieran