C5 Allroad to C6 Allroad?

[Grimsby Ranger]

Hi All

Has anyone upgraded from the C5 Allroad to the C6 Allroad and if so what are your thoughts on the difference? Has it been worth it?

I've had an 04 Allroad for a couple of years now and really like it, it's done plenty of miles (115,000) but still drives great, I'm wondering if to upgrade to the C6 version with less miles before the C5 starts to give me some hefty bills. Any experience between the two would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[WesleyP]

Guess what...I just have! I've had my 02 reg 2.5Tdi for three years now, but a 56 reg 3.0 C6 came up for sale, I had the money available so went for it! Still got the old one...just MOT'd and its on Ebay if anybody interested! I was intending on keeping the C5 till next year...but took the opportunity. To me the C6 is in a higher league, more luxurious and refined than the C5. Mine is the 3.0, drives very well, and had virtually all what I wanted on it apart from AMI or Ipod connection. It also has the retractable towbar, as we have a caravan, I'm assuming it would have cost a fair bit to get one fitted. Fuel economy is so much better. Mid 30's compared to mid 20's. To be honest I do prefer the more rugged look of the C5 at times..the C6 does look more like a sophisticated estate. Go for one with the colour screen sat nav...anything else looks a bit basic. I've got the Bose stereo, fantastic sound. It is a bigger car...so a little more care required to get used to it. Getting back into the C5...to be honest I thought it was a great car but it does seem a bit agricultural now....but that is progress.

[Grimsby Ranger]

Thanks for the reply, was thinking a reply would say similar. I've heard rumours that the C5 version is better off road but can't find much evidence to prove that's the case, also like you I prefer the look of the C5 model. I think it's time to take a C6 version out and have a try, I'm not desperate to get rid of the C5 version so can wait for the 'right' C6 to come along. Thanks again, much appreciated.

[adamss24]

The c5 is a better off-roader than the c6 + the c6 is too expensive to take for a play in the mud ! Granted the 3.0 tdi engine is a better, more modern engine but the bills are also higher as well. I can fully rebuild a c5 engine for under £1500 using good quality aftermarket parts yet it will take 3 times as much to rebuild a similar 3.0Tdi. Also the chain set-up on the c6 is rather complicated and very expensive when it goes wrong (Not IF but WHEN !), the c5 cambelt set-up is good for 80k but i replace it every 50-60k.
The gearbox in the c5 is much more reliable compared to the c6 auto which is higher maintenance + require a oil change every 50-80k if you want it to last. Dealer will tell you the 'box is filled4life, but the life of the gearbox is much longer if you change the oil !
Also the c6 is rather complicated with many, many gizmo's which will break sooner or later costing thousands to repair : EPB motors, steering column, intake manifolds, EGR, throttle valve, just to name a few.
I use my c5 for towing duties only and it copes admirably, when it breaks i would just take it apart and sell it as spares !

[gupsterg]

My first Audi has been my current A6 Avant... I do luv it but I am a low mileage pleasure driver

I gotta agree with adammss24... besides mechanics the C6 seems more module software orientated and from my finding unless you go 09 onwards a C6 may have software and production issues...

Again not saying every A6 older than a 09 plate is bad, but myself being a newish owner (11mths) without manufacturer or dealer support very costly compared to C5 IMO... and if your asking why I buy C6 then is I couldn't find a C5 in appropriate condition mileage to buy... plus I'm a tech freak and when sat in C6 I don't think C5 would have cut it

To date spent £2k on my car, mine is an A6 Avant Quattro 3.0 TDi... getting chain rattle issue done this week a £2k fix at Audi specialist garage...
I think I'd be selling body parts if chain fix and all past work had been at dealers

I will upload my excel spreadsheet with costs tomorrow to this post...
Again I really like my car but I did read a review before buying which I think had a line line this

Ownership cost can be high