Reliability: B8 Avant vs new Allroad

[rushbikes]

I've been looking at picking up a lower mileage B8 Avant or the new Allroad with low mileage and need some advice...

My main concern is reliability. Owners & technicians, what are some of the common problems that rear their heads with each of these cars? Are some model years more problematic than others? Which of these models do you feel will be more reliable?

Been driving a brand that starts with B and ends in W for the past several years and think I'm ready to add an Audi to the family garage.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

I've been looking at picking up a lower mileage B8 Avant or the new Allroad with low mileage and need some advice...

My main concern is reliability. Owners & technicians, what are some of the common problems that rear their heads with each of these cars? Are some model years more problematic than others? Which of these models do you feel will be more reliable?

Been driving a brand that starts with B and ends in W for the past several years and think I'm ready to add an Audi to the family garage.

Both these cars mainly come with the same power plant and drivetrain. There's very little differences between the model years for the most part, but keeping up with general maintenance should avoid a lot of headache as with almost any Audi. As far as reliability they are about the same.

Jason

[treginginco]

I've had my '13 allroad for two and half years now. The only issue I've had was an electric steering rack that was defective, but that was early on and also impacted A4's / A5's and some A6's. It was replaced --- no problems since.

I developed a little rattle in the rear hatch that was "fixed" under a TSB - I will be going back soon to have it looked at again as it has returned.

I'm at 48k miles ------ the AR has been awesome and I love this thing.

[rushbikes]

Thanks! Any advice on common issues w the Allroad or Avant to keep eyes peeled for when used car shopping?

[Samsonite]

I've definitely heard of oil consumption issues on some B8's. I have also heard to stay away from the 2009.

[dropshadow]

Both these cars mainly come with the same power plant and drivetrain. There's very little differences between the model years for the most part, but keeping up with general maintenance should avoid a lot of headache as with almost any Audi. As far as reliability they are about the same.

Jason

Wrong. The 2.0T in the allroad is a newer engine than what was offered in the A4 Avant here. It's flex fuel E85 compatible. That may not mean much to you if you don't plan to mod, but the APR tune makes a big difference in these cars. The newer motor also addressed the earlier 2.0T's oil consumption issues.

[rushbikes]

Thanks for the clarification. Sounds like the engine differences won't impact reliability then, as I intend to keep everything bone stock.

[Unit1Evangelion]

Ohhhh you don't say about the E85??? Thanks for the update. I was looking into the same thing but now I think I will snag me an Allroad for sure for that conversion. APR shows 318hp/388tq with Stg1 tune on E85. Not bad numbers.

[dropshadow]

Ohhhh you don't say about the E85??? Thanks for the update. I was looking into the same thing but now I think I will snag me an Allroad for sure for that conversion. APR shows 318hp/388tq with Stg1 tune on E85. Not bad numbers.

No conversion necessary. E85 ready from the factory, all you need is the tune.

[Unit1Evangelion]

No conversion necessary. E85 ready from the factory, all you need is the tune.

Even better news.

On a side note, I noticed you have owned a some what extensive line of recent Audi models. From the B7 Avant and up which do you prefer?

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Wrong. The 2.0T in the allroad is a newer engine than what was offered in the A4 Avant here. It's flex fuel E85 compatible. That may not mean much to you if you don't plan to mod, but the APR tune makes a big difference in these cars. The newer motor also addressed the earlier 2.0T's oil consumption issues.

I said "mainly" the same with very few differences. I didn't say exactly the same. If you want to get picky. It's still a 2.0L turbo engine with a timing chain. Whether or not its E85 compatible will have no effect on reliability.

Jason

[dropshadow]

Even better news.

On a side note, I noticed you have owned a some what extensive line of recent Audi models. From the B7 Avant and up which do you prefer?

I miss the B7 Avant because I did the most customization to it, but my plans for the allroad have me more excited about it. The first S4 was kind of a disappointment, as was the B8 Avant. My B8.5 S4 was a great car, and I miss some things about it, but I'm excited to dig into the allroad more than anything.

I said "mainly" the same with very few differences. I didn't say exactly the same. If you want to get picky. It's still a 2.0T with a timing chain.

Jason

For the most part, you're right, but since the OP asked about reliability, you can't lump both engines together. There are differences in the newer engine that specifically address issues with the old one, oil consumption being a big one. So if I'm getting "picky" by directly answering the OP's question, so be it.

[Unit1Evangelion]

I miss the B7 Avant because I did the most customization to it, but my plans for the allroad have me more excited about it. The first S4 was kind of a disappointment, as was the B8 Avant. My B8.5 S4 was a great car, and I miss some things about it, but I'm excited to dig into the allroad more than anything.

I love my B7 Avant too. Going to be really hard to get rid of it especially since I love stick shift. I get so bored with autos. I have been looking into any new Avant, even the new S4 sedan to replace it. Or just flying down to Argentina to pick up an RS4 Avant and driving it back hahah.. But thanks, I will focus searching more on the Allroad, especially since I can get over 300tq just from a E85 tune... Just no damn Prestige's locally within my range.

[sk8rat6587]

Do the 2013 allroads have the updated e85 2.0T or was that just 2014-2016?

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[bluefox280]

Early 2013 model year units had the newer 2.0T but we're NOT E85 compliant.
Best way to check is grab the VIN and check with your local dealer on seeing if it's a flex-fuel vehicle.

I have a mid-year 2013 Allroad and it is E85 compliant.

- Erik

[sk8rat6587]

Gotcha. Sounds good. Starting to look for an allroad and want to make sure I get one of the e85 compliant variants. Probably only going to do stage 1.

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[dropshadow]

Probably only going to do stage 1.

Famous last words.

[f_399]

Famous last words.

From what I have read, stage 1 to 2 probably isn't worth it. 1 to k04 probably?

[Audi Junkie]

I had a mid-year 2013 that was E85. I added APR and the thing would wail. I have 2012 Avant now, and the engine is fairly different. I still run a jug of E85 to perk up a tank once in a while, and for the good cleaning effect of it. In PA, E85 is rare, but is common in many places south of here. In FL it was only $2.25, and E15 at 88 octane was common as well as E0 87!

Various grades of ethanol in high octane are coming to most stations across the USA, and new engine designs are being developed to use it. The added evaporation cooling of ethanol is a big help in keeping the charge condensed.

The volumetric differences for injector pulses etc matter when running higher amounts on E in normal engines, but a little extra E, like 2 gallons in a tank, won't affect anything or throw a code.

Aside, but related, I use a shot of 2-cycle oil in my fuel....ask me why. One of the benefits is protecting the fuel system from corrosion by ethanol....