Right now I have a A6 avant that I'm happy with, well sort of. I saw an allroad at the dealership and really liked what I saw. The allroad is a 2003 with the 2.7t. Mine has the 2.8 12v which is underpowered for the weight of the avant and the suspension sits too low for the kind of dirt roads I'm on. Outside of that it is a sweet ride. What differances are there between the avant and the allroad? aside from the adjustable suspension. thanks

 

Stronger wheels and tires. The motor is alot better. More power and torque, you can pull over 300hp and almost 400 on torque with a chip. Just all around more rugged! Bumpers and lowers are different color and plastic, undercarriage more covered. You will love it, get it, you will be real happy!

 

Is the Allroad built on the Passat frame? I realize that the motor is different (1.8T vs. 2.7T), but I owned a 2001 Passat and had nothing but problems/recalls with it. Are there any other similarities between the two?

 

I think its the a6 frame which would be the passat too if i am not mistakin. But i have had no problems with my 02. I heard 01s have had issues but my 02 is solid. Plus the 2.7 motor is awesome if maintained well. Only prob i have heard on the allroads were the tip trannys going out.

 

Is the transmissions the same on both cars? I am looking at an 04 Allroad and am a bit concerned about all the tranny problems but not sure if they were sorted out by 04. Thoughts?

 

The a6 avant and the allroad share most of their parts. The passat is built off the b chasis which is used for the a4 and passat. The a6 and allroad are c chasis cars. The trans in the allroad and the a6 are the same. They also share the same problems.

 

My neighbor has been driving A6 from new: now 120k. She replaced front/rear bumbers twice due to chips, scratches, dents. Allroad plastic bumper should survive all these.

 

torque converter problems were fixed in the '04. some other things that can/do go wrong on the car that is different than the A6

Turbos (normal 2.7T stuff)
suspension air bags
suspension compressor

 

The motor in my A6 is the 2.8 12v. Is the 2.7t the same motor with a turbo and 30 valves or is it a different design? My 2.8 has 182k miles still runs good but leaks oil, my daughter has a A4 with a 2.8 30v and my wife has a 01 Passat 4motion with the 2.8 30v and they all leak oil to some degree. The forums are full of postings about 2.8 oil leaks. I have replaced gaskets and suction pumps which has not done much to stop the leaking. Does the 2.7t or the 4.2 have these types of oil leaks? I'm really concidering my next ride to be a Allroad. thanks

 

Your 2.8L is probably leaking from the cam tensioner gaskets right under the valve cover gaskets and commonly get over looked because of the price to change them.
The 2.7T is just as bad for oil leaks because its vitually the same engine, except on steriods.
The 4.2L has less problems with oil leaks but can have more extensive problems than your 2.8L
The 2.8L 12V or 30V is the most reliable engine audi makes, except for a little oil leaking here and there of course.