Quicksand is a non-Newtonian fluid (like silly putty) that behaves like a solid until it is gently stressed and suddenly it flows like a liquid. The result is a surface that looks like sand, but a person (or large animal) who attempts to cross its surface will suddenly find himself sinking into a jello-like ooze and any attempts to swim or thrash around will only cause you to sink deeper. The harder you fight, the deeper you sink into the briney depths, but if you stay calm and move slowly you can float at the top until your screams are heard by others. I can not think of a better analogy for picking up a high mile Audi from the early 2000s. Find this 2002 Audi Allroad
currently bidding for $3,850 with a few hours to go.
Under the hood is Audi's twin-turbo 2.7 liter V6, pushing 250 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque into all four wheels. The All-Road is softer and heavier than the B5 S4 that it shares a powerplant, but it offers added off-road capability and a much more luxurious ride. It doesn't change the fact that any major maintenance on the 2.7T is serious pain and will cost you beaucoup bucks if you take it to an Audi dealer.
The inside of this Allroad looks good for a car with 100k miles on the odometer and Audi's interior quality from this era is second to none. The stubby shifter peaking up between the seats is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and will provide hours of entertainment.
See another way to haul the family around in class...quickly! tips@dailyturismo.com
~ Alert.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've heard an Audi compared to a non-Newtonian fluid but it's the perfect analogy for the Allroad! Just a minor correction though: the Allroad is based on the C5 chassis (A6/S6), not the B5 (A4/S4/Passat).
ReplyDelete" I can not think of a better analogy for picking up a high mile Audi from the early 2000s."
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Up there with the stuff on Sniff Petrol!
If there were any logic and justice in the world, this car would have harmed Audi's reputation more than the unintended acceleration debacle. These were a perfect 10 on paper and a 2 in reality. Just shoddy, shoddy engineering and manufacturing. And yes, I'm sure that someone will chime in saying "I've had mine since new and it has 300k miles with only oil changes and the left turn signal bulb needing replacement----remember, people have seen Yetis too...doesn't make it common or normal.
ReplyDeleteAhh the Audi outback. Such a shame that these and the S4's are such a nightmare to maintain. At least with the manual box you've eliminated 50% of the 100% guaranteed to fail parts. If someone gave me one of these (I sure as hell wouldn't buy one) I would pull the engine and do the turbos/o2 sensors/timing belt/ and clutch on day one. Get it all over with and then enjoy it without having to pull the engine every two months. Such a far cry from the bulletproof C4 S4/6 cars.
ReplyDelete