Paul3.2A4avant

I drive about 40,000 miles a year and usually keep a car for 3 years. (Except my '96 A4 that had so many problems I traded it in at 49,000 miles before the warranty ran out) I'm trying to justify buying such an expensive car while knowing as a "luxury" car it will depreciate rather quickly as the miles add up. (I know...cars are an expense, not an investment) So, I'm thinking my options are to drive it for 1 1/2 years and trade it while it still has a high value or "drive it into the ground" for about 5 years and 200,000 miles. Do you think the ar will hold up well for 200,000 miles? Thank you for your feedback!

treerun

(well basically) I'd look to A6 reliability figures in the Consumer Reports. If what you want is a pretty much the fastest, sleekest most unique and distinctive sports wagon on the market thats the AR.

If what you want is all out durability I'd buy a Outback H6 for 10-15k less.

Paul3.2A4avant

The 6 cylinder outback is one of many good cars that isn't offered with a manual transmission. Others include the 4Motion Passat, Acura TL Type S, Acura MDX, A6 Avant and the list goes on...I have to admit the allroad has it all. Great looks, great motor, 6-speed stick, quattro, and more. Despite the high price tag I'm going to have to go order one. Thanks for your input!

Finman

at least not mine...We've driven around for now 100,000 miles with the check engine light on, because 3 separate dealers and one independent garage could not find out why the 4th cylinder would misfire repeatedly. On the last visit it was finally diagnosed as a bad cylinder head or bad valves...either way $2200! No help from Subaru even though regional reps were involved from 35k and the fault code has been exactly the same every time. Well, screw it, it still runs (slow as ****, but still runs). Wheel bearings at 30,000 miles, oil leak, and some other things (electrical). Only point is Subaru is not bullet-proof either, although I do think, overall, it is a fine brand...just below Honda and Toyota. We just got a sucky one.
The CR bad-reliability is based primarily on '98 Avants and '00 2.7Ts. The allroad is unproven.

I agree, though, with your assessment, Outback is good for 200,000 especially over a short time...just depends on how much you want to spend over 5 years $31k (Outback) or $45k (allroad)...both are going to be worth nothing at the end of 200k.

Finman

The TL-S is coming with a stick soon.

Paul3.2A4avant

All that for $30K would really be a great car. I do have to admit Acura did a great job on the MDX. (My wife's vehicle)

treerun

Not ONE problem to be had - their reliability is legendary, just check Consumer Reports.

treerun

WTF is a TLS? Another sake burner?

BSteely

I remember reading that the Allroad's chassis pan is made from sheet steel 20% thicker than the A6's. Also, the distance between spot welds along the seams is shortened, so there are more welds throughout. This will add to longterm reliability. The car should stay nice and tight for 200,000 miles if it just sees normal road duty.

Paul3.2A4avant

It is a dressed up Accord with every "option" standard, except nav, for about $30K.