Comparo

[Vincent Gelinas]

Grant,

Happy new year, too! Thanks for getting back so soon.

What minor issues does the 4.2 have? Does the timing belt have the same
high mileage guide issues as the chain?

I won't be driving dirt roads much for too much longer; another month or
two till I move to a paved part of town with decent Internet!

Assuming no prior history on either vehicle (as is common when buying as-is
from someone other than the PO), which would you recommend?

Thanks,

V
On Jan 7, 2013 9:16 AM, "Grant Lenahan" <glenahan at vfemail.net> wrote:

> Hello, and HNY,
>
> I've had both motors. Both are durable,  The 2.7 has two issues:
> 1. niggly plumbing issues
> 2. the turbos themselves
>
> The turbos are fine if you - and the PO - maintain them. They are less of
> an issue in the A6 chassis than int he B5 S4, where the enclosed area
> caused heat issues.
>
> Check the turbos.  Obviously check on TB.
>
> My concern on the Allroad is the air suspension. I don't know the figures,
> but at worst you replace it with metal. Maybe $2k at some point.
>
> I now have an S6 (4.2, but with timing belt, not chain). Its  a great
> motor but thirsty and has its own minor issues.
>
> For someone who drives dirt roads, and if you want to carry stuff, i'd
> consider the Allroad strongly.
>
> Incidentally, the TIPs are not that bad if you use them within their
> torque limits and service them every 50k.
>
> Grant
>
> On Jan 7, 2013, at 9:10 AM, Vincent Gelinas wrote:
>
> > Hi, all!
> >
> > It's been a while since I last wrote asking a question; I figured I was
> > overdue to bug everyone.
> >
> > My 2012 Chevy Sonic by the name of Pepper was totalled on Christmas day
> by
> > the only large rock to stick out of the ditch on my dirt road. Blame the
> > ice (I almost had her out of the skid, too!).
> >
> > Since I miss my Audis, I'm going to get something from Chris down at
> > Force5. I have two options since I'm not messing with another Tiptronic
> > after my A8q.
> >
> > Choice one: 2002 Allroad, 6M 2.7tt. Choice two: 2004 S4, 6M 4.2 40v.
> >
> > I'm leaning toward the S4 even though I may lose some fuel economy and
> > practicality simply because I've heard nightmare stories about the
> biturbo
> > and the air suspension. The 40v, I hear, is a pretty robust and beastly
> > engine.
> >
> > Any BTDT? Stories going either way would be much appreciated.
> >
> > TIA,
> >
> > Vincent
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> >
>
>