steve41

I'm thinking about getting the Allroad 4.2 but first I'm wondering if anyone could give me their experience of the car? I had a 2002 Allroad but it was a lemon --they had to replace the rotors every 200 miles, goofey suspension would not stop moving ( a lslow motion low rider) and the engine had some problems.
I have a 2003 A4 Cabriolet now , good car but my butt cannot take long drives with this cars sport seats (I'm getting old!)
How is the performance, gas mileage, brakes, any common problems, air suspension issues?

SLLAW

Trouble-free at 9,000 miles. 16 mpg urban; 21 highway. great car.

markcincinnati

Let me address only one area, AT THE TIME -- 2000 - 2002 (reputation + personal experience).

I had two A6 4.2's a 2000 MY and a 2001 MY.

Between the two cars I was forced to replace the brake rotors 9 times! My 2003 allroad at over 30K miles has the original brake rotors and pads and the front ones have more than 50% of their pad life left.

NOTE: the brakes on my allroad are THE weakest link, so to speak -- but THEY ARE OK!

Your 2002 experience, in this one area, are far from atypical (and this is from my dealer and this erudite forum's participants).

The breed, in this one regard, has improved.

Now, I don't know what I'm talking about in the next thing I am about to say, but, I'll say it anyway:

It would seem reasonable, doable and profitable for Audi to offer "brake options" -- check a box and get RS 6 Brembo's for $X. Unless there is not margin in this, one could imagine this is not too far removed from the sport suspension option box, the larger wheel box and the Xenon light option.

I note, at least I think I note -- since there is no configurator per se for the new Cadillac STS for '05 -- that there will be optional brakes.

I believe that aftermarket brakes cost more to the consumer than factory installed brakes would; I believe that when aftermarket brakes are sold the car manufacturer does not make any additional revenue or income; but, hell, I also believe that robots are stealing my luggage.

My 4.2 engines -- and I have had 3 Audis with them -- are terrific in every way you can imagine, most notably, however, the SOUND, no, the power, no the sound, no the smoothness, no the sound. . . .

Mallroad

My first two were 2.7t Tips (2001 and 2002.5). The 2004 4.2 allroad is head and shoulders above the previous cars, primarily due to a better transmission and std. 18" wheels. Shifting is fast and smooth; there's power on demand all the time, and 18" wheels give the car needed roadholding. Brakes are upgraded on V8s: 4 caliper all around. Ride-Height suspension seems faster to get into the appropriate level too.

After 1200 Miles, I can say it has been trouble-free and fun to drive. I think the all-body paint is an eye-turner as well. My mileage has sucked just as bad as the previous turbos (~13mpg), but that's my driving style and the Seattle traffic situation.

In general the allroad is the best wagon in the world, and the 4.2 is the top-of-the-line.

Mallroad

Symphony

As posted previously I came out of a 2001 2.7 into a 4.2, and I just adore the car. It is everything Mallroad says (and probably more), including the gas mileage problem, which I actually think is worse than on the turbo. But I sigh, because it is the only hitch, and I make friends with the Mobil station and I hope that we solve the fuel price escalations soon, and just love how unique this car is. Get it, you won't be disappointed.

AUDIMA

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53410/04_audi_ar_4.2_003.1.jpg"></center><p>This is my 4th Audi and 2nd 4.2. First 4.2 was the '01 A6 4.2 with sport pkg.

The AR 4.2 is heads above. The many Audi refinements are evident, sound deading, suspension, V8 exhaust tone, sound system, the list goes on. I can only image what the '05 A6 will be like.

You cannot go wrong. The AR 4.2 is a rare breed, not many around. I love the all-body color option, 18" wheels, etc.

Buy or lease one while you can still find one.

steve41

Thanks to you all for the helpful information! I will plan on test driving one of these in the next few weeks.

Thanks again!

kb's-allrd

steve 41;
This is my second AR. My first was an 01 tiptronic. The 4.2 is an absolute kick to drive with the factory 18"factory wheels,the instant acceleration, minus lag, plus the V8 's athletic sound and performance. I average 16.8 mpg, around town, but am up to 19.3 mpg highway, my 01 did worse than this. Take the plunge, before they're unavailable.
No Regrets
Ken