2017 Audi A4 Allroad
Discussion
Any advice on what to look out for when going to look at one of these?
Local garage to me has a 272bhp diesel for sale.
It will be our only family car and mainly driven by my wife, at the moment we have an Audi S3 and it is perfect for our needs apart from being occasionally a bit small. We usually do 250 miles per week but most of that is short journeys of between 5 and 10 miles on A roads between villages. Would a decent run every 2 weeks and using premium diesel every second or 3rd fill be enough to offset any problems caused by the short journeys?
Thanks in advance for any help given.
Local garage to me has a 272bhp diesel for sale.
It will be our only family car and mainly driven by my wife, at the moment we have an Audi S3 and it is perfect for our needs apart from being occasionally a bit small. We usually do 250 miles per week but most of that is short journeys of between 5 and 10 miles on A roads between villages. Would a decent run every 2 weeks and using premium diesel every second or 3rd fill be enough to offset any problems caused by the short journeys?
Thanks in advance for any help given.
Personally, I'd say those journeys are far too short for a diesel.
I'd definitely be trying to get one of the 252ps 2.0 petrol ones, although for that age of A4 allroad there aren't too many about. You may have to search a bit to find one. DPF issues on something like that would be significantly more expensive than any fuel savings. How long are you planning to keep the car?
Looking at the A4 allroads sold from 2020 onwards a lot are the 2.0 petrol whereas beforehand everyone opted for the diesel. There has been a significant shift between the two, as people worry about ULEZ zones and things.
The 2.0 TFSI EA888 is an excellent engine, is more suited to your use cycle and in the real world surprisingly economical on fuel.
I'd definitely be trying to get one of the 252ps 2.0 petrol ones, although for that age of A4 allroad there aren't too many about. You may have to search a bit to find one. DPF issues on something like that would be significantly more expensive than any fuel savings. How long are you planning to keep the car?
Looking at the A4 allroads sold from 2020 onwards a lot are the 2.0 petrol whereas beforehand everyone opted for the diesel. There has been a significant shift between the two, as people worry about ULEZ zones and things.
The 2.0 TFSI EA888 is an excellent engine, is more suited to your use cycle and in the real world surprisingly economical on fuel.
I've just got rid of a Skoda Octavia Scout diesel and my driving profile wasn't that different from the one mentioned by the OP.
In 26 months and 27000 miles I had precisely zero issues with driving a diesel short distances. Economy wasn't great as on some short trips it just wasn't warm enough to benefit. However nothing went wrong, I didn't have to abort any DPF regens and it didn't self destruct.
But, I've now swapped to a modern smaller capacity petrol turbo and it's been a revelation. Economy is slightly worse (averaging 40 in the petrol compared to 44 in the Octavia) but it's just so much nicer to live with on a day to day basis.
As mentioned above I'd be seeking out a TFSI A4 Avant quattro or a 320i X drive if you need AWD.
In 26 months and 27000 miles I had precisely zero issues with driving a diesel short distances. Economy wasn't great as on some short trips it just wasn't warm enough to benefit. However nothing went wrong, I didn't have to abort any DPF regens and it didn't self destruct.
But, I've now swapped to a modern smaller capacity petrol turbo and it's been a revelation. Economy is slightly worse (averaging 40 in the petrol compared to 44 in the Octavia) but it's just so much nicer to live with on a day to day basis.
As mentioned above I'd be seeking out a TFSI A4 Avant quattro or a 320i X drive if you need AWD.
Thanks for the advice. I have been looking at Bmw x series as well, All wheel drive isn’t really necessary, but I quite liked the look of the All road with its increased ride height, since we visit my dad a couple of times a week, who lives down a farm track.
The 272bhp 3.0 litre diesel is supposed to come with a better gearbox and 4 wheel drive system than the smaller engine petrol and diesels.
We would be looking to keep the car long term, but I knew the mileage we do wouldn’t be great for the dpf, there is also the worry that the car could be totally worthless in 5 years time.
A plug in hybrid would be ideal for us, if only we had off street parking at home.
I am in 2 minds just to keep the S3 that we have now, but we have a family holiday coming up next month and the extra room of an estate would really be handy.
The 272bhp 3.0 litre diesel is supposed to come with a better gearbox and 4 wheel drive system than the smaller engine petrol and diesels.
We would be looking to keep the car long term, but I knew the mileage we do wouldn’t be great for the dpf, there is also the worry that the car could be totally worthless in 5 years time.
A plug in hybrid would be ideal for us, if only we had off street parking at home.
I am in 2 minds just to keep the S3 that we have now, but we have a family holiday coming up next month and the extra room of an estate would really be handy.
J6542 said:
Thanks for the advice. I have been looking at Bmw x series as well, All wheel drive isn’t really necessary, but I quite liked the look of the All road with its increased ride height, since we visit my dad a couple of times a week, who lives down a farm track.
The 272bhp 3.0 litre diesel is supposed to come with a better gearbox and 4 wheel drive system than the smaller engine petrol and diesels.
We would be looking to keep the car long term, but I knew the mileage we do wouldn’t be great for the dpf, there is also the worry that the car could be totally worthless in 5 years time.
A plug in hybrid would be ideal for us, if only we had off street parking at home.
I am in 2 minds just to keep the S3 that we have now, but we have a family holiday coming up next month and the extra room of an estate would really be handy.
Would a roofbox on the S3 be an option? The 272bhp 3.0 litre diesel is supposed to come with a better gearbox and 4 wheel drive system than the smaller engine petrol and diesels.
We would be looking to keep the car long term, but I knew the mileage we do wouldn’t be great for the dpf, there is also the worry that the car could be totally worthless in 5 years time.
A plug in hybrid would be ideal for us, if only we had off street parking at home.
I am in 2 minds just to keep the S3 that we have now, but we have a family holiday coming up next month and the extra room of an estate would really be handy.
Might take a look at roof boxes, never had one before so don’t know how practical they are.
I happened to be working today near the Garage that had the Allroad for sale.
The car was very tidy apart from the sunroof rubber being pecked to bits, The salesman said it would not be changed before sale. I was surprised they would sell it in this condition as Audi approved used, and not just punt it into one of the dealerships car supermarket type places.
I happened to be working today near the Garage that had the Allroad for sale.
The car was very tidy apart from the sunroof rubber being pecked to bits, The salesman said it would not be changed before sale. I was surprised they would sell it in this condition as Audi approved used, and not just punt it into one of the dealerships car supermarket type places.
J6542 said:
Might take a look at roof boxes, never had one before so don’t know how practical they are.
I happened to be working today near the Garage that had the Allroad for sale.
The car was very tidy apart from the sunroof rubber being pecked to bits, The salesman said it would not be changed before sale. I was surprised they would sell it in this condition as Audi approved used, and not just punt it into one of the dealerships car supermarket type places.
I find a roofbox invaluable and that's with an S4 Avant, but my wife packs half the house when we go away. I shove the suitcases and other items I don't intend to access on the journey, although it's easy enough to open and get what you need.I happened to be working today near the Garage that had the Allroad for sale.
The car was very tidy apart from the sunroof rubber being pecked to bits, The salesman said it would not be changed before sale. I was surprised they would sell it in this condition as Audi approved used, and not just punt it into one of the dealerships car supermarket type places.
I think mine is about a 470 litre one. I've got built in rails which help a little, but my F30 BMW didn't and it wasn't a problem to get some adaptors. I remove the box when at my destination, only takes 2 mins.
Does hurt fuel economy a little.
EDIT: Just checked and mine is a 400 litre one (Hapro Roady 4000). Here it is on my car:
Edited by ninjag on Monday 27th June 16:09
We got rid of our 2015 A4 Allroad Diesel after 18 months. Endless issues with the DPF system despite a mix of short and longer journeys. Constantly coming up with the warning light and garage said it was very common to have problems with them.
My own view is that to make diesels fit the emissions requirements they’ve just had to do too much - the Blue stuff, the DPF, etc. Very disappointing as was our third diesel Audi Allroad, and we loved the others, but then they were pre- all this extra stuff.
We swapped it for a petrol A4 Allroad and it’s been night and day. Way better to drive and none of the issues. Love the Allroad, think it’s a terrific car, but personally couldn’t recommend a diesel one from our experience.
My own view is that to make diesels fit the emissions requirements they’ve just had to do too much - the Blue stuff, the DPF, etc. Very disappointing as was our third diesel Audi Allroad, and we loved the others, but then they were pre- all this extra stuff.
We swapped it for a petrol A4 Allroad and it’s been night and day. Way better to drive and none of the issues. Love the Allroad, think it’s a terrific car, but personally couldn’t recommend a diesel one from our experience.
Is the 3.0 V6 of that era not the one that's prone for all manner of coolant / oil mixing issues deep inside the V when things start leaking, which doesn't seem that uncommon? And the bills for remedial work are quite significant. A mate dodged a bullet with his A5 3.0 TDi when it developed such issues but the warranty company picked up the bill but without is, it would have been a dear day out.
As for roof boxes, bit of a no brainer if yo need the occasional huge increase in load capacity. I've got a huge Volvo estate but even its vastness is blown out the water when my wife "packs the essentials" for a family trip and thus the rood box (a big 450+ litre effort) comes in to play and the amount it can swallow is impressive. Plus sod having the boot wedged to the rood then having to haul it all out en route get the buggy out / find the snacks / retrieve the crucial soft toy so smallest human can sleep.
No adverse effects on MPG as far as I can deduce as mine returns the same sort of figures with or without it and wind noise is almost on existent at normal speeds, assuming you opt for aero bars as the square profile ones can be a bit more intrusive. Or, opt for an A6... and that's what I was leaning towards as I did debate an A4 Allroad a couple of years back but decided that A6 would be more suited space wide. But then I bought a Volvo at a much lower buy in price. I still find myself looking at A6's a lot though.
As for roof boxes, bit of a no brainer if yo need the occasional huge increase in load capacity. I've got a huge Volvo estate but even its vastness is blown out the water when my wife "packs the essentials" for a family trip and thus the rood box (a big 450+ litre effort) comes in to play and the amount it can swallow is impressive. Plus sod having the boot wedged to the rood then having to haul it all out en route get the buggy out / find the snacks / retrieve the crucial soft toy so smallest human can sleep.
No adverse effects on MPG as far as I can deduce as mine returns the same sort of figures with or without it and wind noise is almost on existent at normal speeds, assuming you opt for aero bars as the square profile ones can be a bit more intrusive. Or, opt for an A6... and that's what I was leaning towards as I did debate an A4 Allroad a couple of years back but decided that A6 would be more suited space wide. But then I bought a Volvo at a much lower buy in price. I still find myself looking at A6's a lot though.
Davie said:
Is the 3.0 V6 of that era not the one that's prone for all manner of coolant / oil mixing issues deep inside the V when things start leaking, which doesn't seem that uncommon? And the bills for remedial work are quite significant. A mate dodged a bullet with his A5 3.0 TDi when it developed such issues but the warranty company picked up the bill but without is, it would have been a dear day out.
As for roof boxes, bit of a no brainer if yo need the occasional huge increase in load capacity. I've got a huge Volvo estate but even its vastness is blown out the water when my wife "packs the essentials" for a family trip and thus the rood box (a big 450+ litre effort) comes in to play and the amount it can swallow is impressive. Plus sod having the boot wedged to the rood then having to haul it all out en route get the buggy out / find the snacks / retrieve the crucial soft toy so smallest human can sleep.
No adverse effects on MPG as far as I can deduce as mine returns the same sort of figures with or without it and wind noise is almost on existent at normal speeds, assuming you opt for aero bars as the square profile ones can be a bit more intrusive. Or, opt for an A6... and that's what I was leaning towards as I did debate an A4 Allroad a couple of years back but decided that A6 would be more suited space wide. But then I bought a Volvo at a much lower buy in price. I still find myself looking at A6's a lot though.
I hate filling the boot to the roof, can't see behind properly. As for roof boxes, bit of a no brainer if yo need the occasional huge increase in load capacity. I've got a huge Volvo estate but even its vastness is blown out the water when my wife "packs the essentials" for a family trip and thus the rood box (a big 450+ litre effort) comes in to play and the amount it can swallow is impressive. Plus sod having the boot wedged to the rood then having to haul it all out en route get the buggy out / find the snacks / retrieve the crucial soft toy so smallest human can sleep.
No adverse effects on MPG as far as I can deduce as mine returns the same sort of figures with or without it and wind noise is almost on existent at normal speeds, assuming you opt for aero bars as the square profile ones can be a bit more intrusive. Or, opt for an A6... and that's what I was leaning towards as I did debate an A4 Allroad a couple of years back but decided that A6 would be more suited space wide. But then I bought a Volvo at a much lower buy in price. I still find myself looking at A6's a lot though.
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