Are You Ready For: The Return Of The Allroad?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Though the original A6-based Audi Allroad was designed for the US market, it hit the market at the height of SUV mania, and as a result never sold more than 6,357 units per year (in 2001, its second year on the market). By the end of 2005, Audi pulled the “Avant Outback” from the US where it was replaced by the hulking Q7 SUV, but the brand did develop a new version for Europe, which debuted in 2006. In many ways, this evolution mirrors the Subaru Outback’s shift from jacked-up wagon to full-blown CUV, and reflects America’s growing preference for unique-bodied car-based crossovers. And with a Q5 already on sale in the US, and a Q3 on its way, it seems unlikely that Audi will bring this smaller, A4-based Allroad to the US. But fashion being what it is, doesn’t it seem likely that the pendulum will eventually swing back, and that air-suspension-equipped wagons will once again enjoy a moment of vogue? And if anything is going to bring about such a fad, isn’t it this freshly facelifted A4 Allroad?




Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • PeugeotHound PeugeotHound on Nov 06, 2011

    I owned the A6-based allroad; drove it off the showroom floor in September 2001. It was the perfect Colorado car, where I live. I kept it 9 years, about 4 years longer than I should have. I replaced the air suspension THREE times. Engine camshaft seals, rebuilt torque converter, rebuilt transmission, multiple component failures that included two turn signal relays, ABS components and on and on. I love European cars. I've owned Peugeots, Volvos, Saabs and Audis. The allroad drove me over the edge. Now, my only European cars are weekend vehicles: a '97 Porsche 911 and an '82 Alfa Romeo GTV-6. My daily driver: an Acura.

  • Swilliams41 Swilliams41 on Nov 07, 2011

    I loved the All-Road, great interior and exterior. My wake -up call was when one I was considering buying had a transmission failure on the lot of the dealer when I was pulling out for a test drive. That warned me off.

    • EThink EThink on Nov 07, 2011

      In 2004, I chose to buy an A6 Avant 3.0L Quattro instead of an allroad with the 4.2 V8. My research on the allroad had shown owner reports of: - Problems with the air-suspension systems - Problems with the twin turbos (2.7L V6) - Excessive tire wear (15-20,000 mile expectancy) I purchased the A6 Avant 3.0L Quattro; this car does NOT have a turbo-charged engine or the air-suspension system. I took delivery in June 24, 2004. Service for this car was covered by Audi for the first 4years / 50,000 miles. At 4 years and 48, 000, I purchased an extended warranty from Audi for another 4 years / 50,000 miles. For the past three years I have used a local "indy" shop http://www.cartalk.com/ct/mechx/shop.jsp?id=25411 to care for my car. Between 50,000 and 81,000 miles, the car has required the following service: Regular Maintenance: 1. Oil Change every 6,000 miles (Mobil 1 synthetic oil) 2. Techron Fuel Injector cleaners every 7,000 miles 3. Front and Rear Brakes at 48,000 miles 4. Automatic Transmission Flush and Filter at 75,000 miles 5. New Tires at 35,000 and 68,000 miles 6. Alignment and "Road Force" Balance ever year 7. Replacement wiper blades 8. Replaced 1 rear light bulb Repair Service: 1. Replacement lighting switch (warranty item) 2. Replacement Headlight washer pump (warranty item) 3. Replacement brake switch (warranty item) 4. Replaced 1 CV joint boot In the next 5,000 miles I expect to do the following service items: 1. Timing Belt Service 2. Water Pump Replacement 3. Front Brakes 4. Valve cover gaskets 5. Battery When I purchased my Audi, I was aware that ownership required maintenance. I am very pleased with my mechanic and I am glad that I have the Audi extended warranty. My around town mileage is ~18 mpg; my highway mileage is between 23-24 mpg. I run the car on 87 octane fuel. My wife owns a 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro with 6-speed manual transmission. She has had a similar ownership experience based on a similar maintenance program. Her car still has the original clutch at 110,000 miles. We are both please with these Audi's. We take good care of them and they have taken good care of us.

  • The Oracle Well, we’re 3-4 years in with the Telluride and right around the time the long term durability issues start to really take hold. This is sad.
  • CoastieLenn No idea why, but nothing about a 4Runner excites me post-2004. To me, they're peak "try-hard", even above the Wrangler and Gladiator.
  • AZFelix A well earned anniversary.Can they also attend to the Mach-E?
  • Jalop1991 The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged due to suspected improper assembly by the supplier. Over time, partial engagement can cause damage to the intermediate shaft splines. Damaged shaft splines may result in unintended vehicle movement while in Park if the parking brake is not engagedGee, my Chrysler van automatically engages the parking brake when we put it in Park. Do you mean to tell me that the idjits at Kia, and the idjit buyers, couldn't figure out wanting this in THEIR MOST EXPENSIVE VEHICLE????
  • Dukeisduke I've been waiting to see if they were going to do something special for the 60th Anniversary. I was four years old when the Mustang was introduced. I can remember that one of our neighbors bought a '65 coupe (they were all titled as '65 models, even the '64-1/2 cars), and it's the first one I can remember seeing. In the '90s I knew an older gentleman that owned a '64-1/2 model coupe with the 260 V8.
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