Are there any significant differences between the Allroad models from 03 to 05?

Follow up question:

What should I watch out for in considering a used Allroad? Is there a standard checklist of items that should be reviewed with this car and that I should see on the maintenance records?

Example:

- When should the turbos be replaced
- The suspension system
- Electrical system issues
- clutch

Final question on pricing:

Given most people really don't appreciate this car....

Does anyone have any advice on getting the best deal from Audi dealers?

It seems like most people leased these models so there are a number of them now off lease at various dealers. Most have been on their lots for months. Any insider opinions from ex-audi sales or dealer staff would be much appreciated.

Here are three examples of cars that I'm looking at:

- 1. An 03 manual. coming off a lease with 47,000. The car was serviced the entire time at the dealer selling the car and I have the major service records which as far as I can tell look pretty good. Asking price $22995

-2. An 04 manual also coming off a lease with 39,000. I don't have the service record yet. $25995

-3. an 05 manual also off lease with 36,000 as well. $32995

All these dealers cleverly seem to have a pricing scheme that is very similar - It also seems that there is not much interest in these cars as all of them have been for sale since August or earlier.

I'd appreciate all the help I can get in sealing the deal on one of these. I'm looking for the best price on a manual Allroad with less than 50,000 miles and dealer or other warranty.

Thanks in advance

T.
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Are these cars CPO? Just curious as it might explain why the pricing schemes are similar. In Sept I bought an '03 Auto, 2.7T for $23K with 33k miles on it. I don't have much experience with it yet, but I do feel like the air suspension is finicky. I've had a leak in mine and replaced one of the rear springs, but still leaking somewhere. These are definitely niche cars, but they're kinda scarse up here in New England. Where are you located?

 

I'd recommend buying the latest possible with the best maintenance history. Audi Certified would be the best. I've had my 2004 Tip 2.7T for a long time (50k miles this week). No issues and I'm very satisfied.

These do tend to be niche cars but I've see LOTs in Minnesota and Vermont. When I bought it I was considering the Audi (used, certified) or a Subaru Legacy (new). The Subbie is a great car for up North but was no where near the car the Audi is.

 

As far as turbos, a lot of people have 2.7's with over 100k on original turbos. Frequent oil changes, letting the car warm up before gunning it, and letting cool down for a few seconds after a hard drive all go a long way towards turbo longevity. Also the turbos seem to last longer on tip cars.

Not sure about the suspension... it's definantly tweaky I've noticed.

 

Thanks for the help Everyone:

Does anyone have any further insight on the pricing?

Looking at the model years there's big jump from 0/04 to 05 cars with the same mileage.

Are there any ex-car dealers who are willing to help?

follow up?

Is there a best time to buy:

- Example between Christmas & New Years? or after?

or does it even matter?

Price of an additional warranty? How much?

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Thanks in advance.

 

In 04 they took care of the torque converter problem that was causing tranny failures... the fact that 05's tend to be going for a lot more might suggest that the 04 is the better buy. I have an 03 with 43k and it hasn't had any major problems thus far. I paid 24 for mine with a small warranty. As far as a warranty goes, are you going to modify the car? If not, a good aftermarket warranty that covers most of the car costs over 3k for ~48k miles from what I've seen. Statistically speaking you will loose money on average but who knows, you could get some turbos out of the deal! I'm sure you know aftermarket warrantys are a numbers game, and those numbers always favor the issuing company.

 

Well I bought my 04 allroad, with Tiptronic, certified and the full Audi care maint plan for $27,000. Car had 25,000miles, pristine condition. loaded, and the only problem with it when I bought it, was it was strangely missing the rear wiper blade. They replaced it and off she goes. we love the car. Best time seems to be the end of the month. I am very close with the manager at my local Audi, and have bought 3 cars there in the last 6 months. (Allroad, A6 2.8l, & A6 4.2L) and have been able to get 2 of them at the wholesale price, one on his intake price. the 4.2L he showed me the intake forms and his system and didnt charge me a dime more than he paid for it a week prior, ran it through the shop twice and gave me a warranty. Now mind you I am not personal friends with them, just give them my business and references. They seem to be the most driven by numbers, NOT necessarily profit per deal. They are willing to even take a hit sometimes just to get the sale, because they can usually make it up on another sale. for example: 2001 A6 4.2L loaded, 71,000miles, $12,000 given on trade to previous owner. sold to me for $12,000 - my trade of an 01 A6 2.8L with 103,00miles. He gave me $7000 for my trade (which is fair as we went on the auction site to see what it would bring and $7k was high for it) then he gave me the warranty (possible risk for him if anything has problems) and then ran it through the shop twice and ended up having to spend $300 internal cost to replace some secondary hose. But he has my service business, my business on a replacement for the allroad when that warranty is up, and references. I referred an attorney frommy firm to him and he just bought a new A8L.

So my experience is build a relationship with them, let them know that is not the last time they will be collecting your money, (even if you have no intention on having dealer perform work, but I prefer them since it is usually warranty) and the end of the month is when they are looking to make their sales goals. And if you dont like a salesman, talk to the manager and deal straight with them. That made the difference for me since they are salary and do not make commission, so if it is an "in-house" deal, there is no salesman to pay a commission. That is how I have bought the last 3 at my local Audi dealer, and I think I have gotten decent deals. If they arent then hopefully someone here will speak up,, and I will shutup and stop offering my poor deal-working-mojo (if they are poor deals) with others.

 

Good points on the dealer relationship. I've bought 2 Audis within the last year and the dealer knows I could be a potential life long customer.