OT: VW atlas

[jh_on_the_cape]

It does not have air suspension, that was an option.
ball joints and tie rods and stuff will have to be done. but it drove tight so I think I have some time on these.
And I am going to roll the dice and not do the timing chain.
this one has fresh brakes and battery. will need tires.

Originally Posted by pasadena

Depending on the engine, you will have some major services due at 100k.
Suspension components usually will need replacement as the ball joints and/or air suspension give up around this point.

If those costs dont bother you, there usually is not much else that goes wrong besides the usual random things.

Otherwise, you can put the money into a lower mileage one. I guess it depends on what you find acceptable.

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by jh_on_the_cape

Thanks. I think I am going to get a 2008 Audi q7 with 109k on it.
Drove well, and it's dirt cheap. MPG sucks is my only issue.

Is that stupid? I like buying cars with 100k on them for cheap, accepting the fact that I will pay for a few repairs or expensive maintenance items, and driving to 200k miles. but the q7?

Q7 is a lovely vehicle. I'm a long term Audi guy, typically buy them at around 100K. Seems like much of the debugging happens before that.

Air suspension, btw, is pretty robust on almost everything but the allroad. Very helpful if you're towing.

I can recommend a good private mechanic in Hyannis, around the corner from the Audi dealer. I've used him a couple of times now.

Sent you a PM.

[CDollarsign]

Originally Posted by C40_guy

Q7 is a lovely vehicle. I'm a long term Audi guy, typically buy them at around 100K. Seems like much of the debugging happens before that.

Air suspension, btw, is pretty robust on almost everything but the allroad. Very helpful if you're towing.

I can recommend a good private mechanic in Hyannis, around the corner from the Audi dealer. I've used him a couple of times now.

Sent you a PM.

I had a 2004 allroad 2.7T and that car was a nightmare. Between burning oil and leaky airbags - not a fun vehicle to own long term.

[pasadena]

Originally Posted by CDollarsign

I had a 2004 allroad 2.7T and that car was a nightmare. Between burning oil and leaky airbags - not a fun vehicle to own long term.

That car was the worst Audi for reliability.
Oddly, as problem plagued as it is, most of the other models are pretty reliable

[CDollarsign]

It was super cool before all the problems... I would kill for a A6 wagon in the US.

[ceolwulf]

I'm really considering an older A6 wagon. The shortage of wagons on this side of the puddle is really unforgivable.

Otherwise possibly a JDM Legacy wagon or maybe I be brave (foolish) and get a Nissan Stagea.

I want a wagon though. I don't like SUVs but I want more usable space. Sedans are silly.

[josephr]

Originally Posted by Birddog

Have you read this?
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volkswagen/atlas

Originally Posted by BikeNY

I find it amusing that the Atlas is classified as a midsize SUV.

funny...they also rate a Buick over a Toyota! WTH???

[palincss]

You might want to consider seeing if an Alltrack has enough space for your needs. It'll hold one of my bikes (60 cm, full fenders) with all wheels on just fine - not quite as much space as my E39 BMW wagon had, but only a couple of inches less - and I know I'd rather have a new Alltrack (in fact, I do have a new Alltrack!) than a used A6.

[bigman]

bought a caddy escallade on eBay
It was still under manufacturers warranty, would not waste my time to go see the car in Houston from NYC
Seller offered to reimburse me for trip if I bought it, I scoffed.
all was perfect, would do it again.

[FlashUNC]

German SUV? Unless its a Unimog, not interested.

[choke]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

German SUV? Unless its a Unimog, not interested.

Not even an original Geländewagen?

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by choke

Not even an original Geländewagen?

No way. Unimogs 4 Lyfe.

[choke]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

No way. Unimogs 4 Lyfe.

Eh, Unimogs are cool but I'd rather have a Pinzgauer.

[jamesau]

Other points for the OP to consider:
1) All 2018 VWs come with a 6-year, transferrable warranty.
2) The Atlas uses VW's MQB platform/architecture; this is what's used on Golfs and Passats. The Atlas is the largest vehicle that employs this platform. This suggests it may not be as heavy duty as other competitors in the segment.
3) Atlas is built in the US

About a 10 year old Q7...
I'm sure it's great when it's working. You should do serious homework on the particular vehicle you're looking at and that year Q7 in general to find out about the more common issues and costs.
Also, ask yourself if you need to depend on (trust) this vehicle for important trips for you and your loved ones. It's one thing to break down near home midweek on your way to get groceries. It's another thing if you're relying on it for a long-planned family vacation or weekend travel at night during subzero weather in the boondocks or bad parts of town.

Good luck!

[BikeNY]

Originally Posted by CDollarsign

I had a 2004 allroad 2.7T and that car was a nightmare. Between burning oil and leaky airbags - not a fun vehicle to own long term.

I had one of those Allroad 2.7Ts as well, in a 6 speed manual no less! It was a very fun and practical car, but the fuel economy and reliability sucked, as mentioned. It was based on the A6 of the time, so decent size and very luxurious. The newer Allroad is based on the A4 wagon, so smaller, but also better fuel economy. Honestly, I'd take the VW Alltrack over the Audi Allroad right now. Cheaper and available with a manual transmission.

Sounds like the OP is interested in a much bigger vehicle. If I was in the market for a car that big, the Atlas would be toward the top of my list. The warranty is a big plus as well.

I've had many Audi and VW vehicles over the years(10+), and have been very happy with all of them(except maybe the above mentioned Allroad). I'm currently driving a 2015 Golf Sportwagon TDI, unfortunately, the last VW TDI ever. The family car is an Audi Q7 TDI, lease will be up soon, and will be replaced with a new VW Tiguan.

I think I'm done with Audi. The new VW vehicles have more than enough features and luxury these days, I just don't need all the extra bells and whistles for double the price.