Audi A6 estate Vs Freelander

[Steve L]

We are considering changing our caravan which will necesitate changing the tow car.

Our new van is likely to be in the 1800Kg upwards bracket.

Being reluctand to go to a large 4X4 which would not be practical as a solo car for us I have come up with a couple of options.

The Audi A6 estate either 2wd or as the all road version and 2.5 Diesel.

or

Landrover Freelander TD4

I would be looking at pree 2001 cars to keep road tax down.

Has anyone had experience of these vehicles and can offer advice on tow capacity, fuel consumption solo and towing and reliability issues.

Having bee a Renault fan for over 24 years, I am reluctant to swap from a marque that has never let me down, but unfortunately with only the Espace diesel on offer as a tow tug, I am forced to consider other vehicles.

Father in law had an espace 2.2 diesel but was very disapointed with fuel consumption, he was getting under 30mpg round town and about 25mpg towing. also there are several electronic reliability issues which need a main dealer to fix.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Steve L.

 

[Gumbo]

I can't offer much to this but, I do know the A6 is a prestige vehicle with lots of bells and whistles

 

[Conquerorman]

Hi Steve, I tow a twin axle Swift with a Audi Allroad 2.5 Tdi.It tows very well indeed, It has air suspension which means you can alter the height if required [recommended for towing]. It's aheavy car [1900 kg] but has more car like handling than a 4x4. Mine has tiptronic transmission, it has bags of power and i'm getting 21 mpg towing and mid thirtys solo on a long run.

Hope this helps

John

 

[RogerL]

If you're looking at older vehicles, the Audi has design quality, build quality and dependability - the Freelander doesn't.

A bit like chalk and cheese, really.

 

[7of9]

If you enjoy breaking down a lot, go for the Freelander..... I briefly thought about one of these, did some research, and finally came to my senses when I saw one arrive on site on the back of a breakdown truck.

 

[Irishrebel]

My previous car was an 1999 A4 2.5 TDi saloon 2wheel-drive, and it pulled a Bailey Senator twin axle to France and back with no problems. Those engines ARE powerful and heavy.

BUT, while I'm sure Audis are far superior to Freelanders, I did find that once I got into high mileage, occasional bills came in. Most annoying was breaking down at Dover on way home, and finding that Red Pennant are good, but their contractors run away (literally!) when they know you've to get back to Northern Ireland!

After about 4 days' nightmare, we got home (before our towed car and caravan), to find it was just a loose wire. Simple thing, but if you don't get a good mechanic, they can get confused fixing Audis. They're great, but they're complex. Trick is to find a good independent mechanic who knows his job, NOT a main dealer. I know one and have used him for about 20 years, even though I have moved 30 miles away.

At 174000 miles, I decided to sell, but now have an ABS fault that HAS to be fixed to MOT and sell it.

I bought a Merc, never thought I would, but just love it: 1998 (yes, older) E300TD estate Auto (146000 miles) with LOADS of torque for towing, and great family car. Was advised to buy the 300, not 320, 96-98, NOT newer - excellent cars.

Pros:

easy (lazy) to drive

More reliable at this age I am assured

Tons of torque

Rear wheel drive

Max. braked tow weight for my model is 1900kg!!

Best auto gearboxes ever

More people seem to be able to fix them than Audis

Really comfortable, but then again, so was A4

Cons:

mpg down from 41 to 32 (Audis are good for mpg - 2.5 got 45 at 60000 miles age)

handling not same (much bigger car!)

My Audi had the Bose option stereo!!

more sought, thus more expensive for age, though all say will last longer. Got mine with 3 months' warranty (helped to tidy up small faults) for

 

[dan1]

I have a 1999 A4 Avant 2.5tdi Quattro and would recommend it to anyone as a tow car so i'm sure the A6 would be a good buy.

The 2.5 diesel engine is very powerful delivering loads of torque.

One word of warning, when these engines go wrong, they cost a fortune. mine cost me

 

[Steve L]

Ouch, that was expensive Dan.

What went wrong?

I have already discounted Volvo's when i bought our current Laguna estate.

Mercedes sounds a good choice but unfortunately the badge means that you have to pay a lot for an average car. I raely would not like to spend moare than 5K on a car that I'd use as a tow tug and dogs kennel and tool shed for work.

I'm still earing on the side of Audi mainly down to rugged build quality. Also having a rally bread 4 wheel drive system also helps.

I don't particularly want a full blown 4X4 as I would rarely use it's full capability so would feel guilty as such about using a vehicle that unnecessarily putting a large carbon foot print on the earth.

Steve L.

 

[Gary_374358511]

I had a Freelander a few years back and it struggled to tow our 15ft 750kg van. The gearing was way to low.

I had it for 8 months when, at 35,000 miles, the head gasket went and cost me an arm and a leg. I was advised by the guy from Landrover who dropped my repaired car back to me that he see's 4 to 5 of these each week and advised me to get shot of it because it could go at any time again.

That being said, this was the 1.8 K series petrol engine. Different kettle of fish with the TD4 but I also had a lot of mechanical problems which affect both models.

Upon googleing Landrover forums, I would never have any model of Landrover again.

Just my experience but I would go for/Love and audi.

Cheers

Gary