Comparo

[Grant Lenahan]

Which motor do you have?

Grant
On Jan 7, 2013, at 9:55 AM, Jeremiah at curryclan.net wrote:

> I have a 2001 allroad that I bought with 89k and now has 111k.  In that time I have rebuilt the tiptornic ($5,000) and it feels like it is going again. The cam follower seals are going out ($500) but not urgent.  The front air suspension went out ($1000 from arnot)  The air suspension computer went out (~300 used).  Even with those replaced parts, the suspsension doesn't like to go all the way up and goes into error mode when I try.  (after being properly calibrated with vagcom)  The cold air blower or something like that (emissions stuff) is going bad too.
> 
> The car is nice on-road, and is great offroad or for carrying things. However beware that the Tiptronic in the allroad is that bad, not only in reliability, but in lag.  Look up tip lag and allroad and you can read all about it.  If you have the option of a MT that should be much better and also help with the mileage.  I get ~20 mpg around town or on the highway.
> 
> Maybe I was just spoiled by my 91 200 20v but the allroad just isn't as well put together.  The electornics, display, etc. are all failing when most still worked with twice as many miles in my 200.  The electric mirrors don't work, the windshield sprayers don't work, the electric seat switch fell off, the display only works half of the time, half of the driver side heated seats don't work, the radio volume doesn't work right,
> 
> Don't get me wrong, I like the car, and would really like a MT one, but they are not the same quality of Audis of Yore.  Not sure if the newer ones are better, but I sure hope so.
> 
> -----Original Message----- From: Vincent Gelinas
> Sent: Monday, January 7, 2013 7:23 AM
> To: Grant Lenahan
> Cc: quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: Re: Comparo
> 
> 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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>> > http://www.audifans.com/kb/List_information
>> >
>> 
>> 
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