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<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

A6 ALLROAD

<p>The Audi Allroad is a halfway house between an estate and an off-roader.</p>


Used Audi A6 Allroad 2000 - 2005

<p>Whether an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> Allroad makes financial sense depends on what other cars you're considering. Compared with 4x4s such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>, the Allroad looks like a bargain, but next to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc70/estate/used-review/n918">Volvo XC70</a> or the standard A6 Avant it's dear.</p>

<p>It's much the same story with fuel economy and insurance. Fair enough, things look favourable if you compare the Allroad with cars such as the X5 and XC90, but on the other hand, it is both less fuel-efficient and more expensive to insure than the equivalent A6 Avant.</p>

<p>Look at repair costs, and the picture's even less favourable. According to figures from Warranty Direct, not only are average repair costs on Audis among the highest - above BMW and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volvo">Volvo</a>, and only just below <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a> – the hourly labour rate at dealers is also very high for servicing.</p>

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The Audi Allroad is a halfway house between an estate and an off-roader.


<p>Each of the four engines comes with just one trim level, but at least it's generous, with a good selection of luxury and safety equipment fitted as standard. Pretty much the only options you mighy try to find are an automatic gearbox, electric sunroof, leather upholstery and sat-nav.</p>

<p>Engine-wise, by far the most sensible options are one of the two turbodiesels, preferably the more powerful 180bhp version. Not only are they more economical than the petrol engines, their stronger low-down pull is just what you want in a car that's likely to be carrying heavy loads or towing. And, as if that wasn't already enough to sway you, they're also in lower insurance groups.</p>

<p>That's not to say the two petrol engines are bad, though. On the contrary, both rev sweetly and perform well, even with an automatic gearbox. It's just that they do nothing to justify their higher running costs.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

<p>If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.</p>

<p>Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.</p>

<p>Our experience with the Audi A6 suggests the brakes and suspension are the main areas of trouble. Overall, though, Warranty Direct says problems on Audis are not too frequent. Plenty of other makers' cars are worse, although notably BMW and Mercedes are better.</p>

<p>Only one recall has affected the Allroad; on cars built before February 2001, there could be a problem with the driver's-side wiper. The only other word of caution is that, if the four-wheel-drive system does need work, it will require specialist attention, so make sure it's in good nick before you buy.</p>

<p>There are also no specific reports for the Allroad in JD Power surveys, but owners of the A6 are generally pretty happy. It finished in the top 40 in 2005 and 2006, and consumers report that, mechanically, the A6 is no worse than average and its build quality is excellent.</p>

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<p>The Audi Allroad is basically an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/estate/review/n17864">A6 Avant estate</a> with pumped up suspension and four-wheel drive, and shares the good and bad points of the car it's based on.</p>

<p>The build quality, for a start, is excellent, and there's plenty of room inside for five passengers. There's also an enormous boot, so it'll take family life in its stride.</p>

<p>Don't think of it as a full-on off-roader, however. Yes, the clever air suspension does give it some ability away from Tarmac, but plenty of other cars are more capable if you really need to get off the beaten track.</p>

<p>Stay on the road, though, and you'll soon realise the Allroad's not great there, either. Although none of the versions are short of performance, the ride is no better than reasonable, and the handling lacks the sharpness you'd find in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>.</p>

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Used Audi A6 Allroad 2000 - 2005 reliability

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Used Audi A6 Allroad 2000 - 2005 review

Our experience with the Audi A6 suggests the brakes and suspension are the main areas of trouble. Overall, though, Warranty Direct says problems on Audis are not too frequent. Plenty of other makers' cars are worse, although notably BMW and Mercedes are better.,Only one recall has affected the Allroad; on cars built before February 2001, there could be a problem with the driver's-side wiper. The only other word of caution is that, if the four-wheel-drive system does need work, it will require specialist attention, so make sure it's in good nick before you buy.,There are also no specific reports for the Allroad in JD Power surveys, but owners of the A6 are generally pretty happy. It finished in the top 40 in 2005 and 2006, and consumers report that, mechanically, the A6 is no worse than average and its build quality is excellent. 

What to look for when buying a Audi A6 Allroad 2000 - 2005, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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