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Subaru Outback vs. Audi Allroad repair/maintainence costs

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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
Question:

Let's say there are two used wagons. an outback from the 00-03 range and an audi allroad from the 00-03 range. both have the same amount of miles, look the same, etc. how much would one be paying in terms of repairs for each vehicle? for example, would the audi really cost a ton more than an outback for each part that needs to be replaced?

btw, this is in the under 10,000 dollar range i'd be looking.

any insight would be great.

thanks.

ps- i have had an 03 outback before. it had a good amount of things that needed to be repaired i have to say.
Jun 3 2010 11:14AM
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Willard
Posts: 5117 - Karma: 429
whatever is cheaper
Jun 3 2010 11:17AM
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teleTay
Posts: 2320 - Karma: 186

the subaru will be hella cheaper pretty much any japanese car will be german cars are very expensive to pay for on any repairs or maitnence

Jun 3 2010 12:59PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
audi is synonymous with high maintenance..
Jun 3 2010 1:02PM
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NW_Rider
Posts: 2580 - Karma: 314
The subi is gunna be way cheaper. On a 10,000 dollar budget, don't get the allroad. Even though the allroad is one of my fav cars ever, the 2.7 biturbo is one of the most extremely difficult motors to work on and very expensive. Heaven forbid anything goes wrong with the turbos, those things are buried in the engine bay.
Jun 3 2010 1:20PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
Let's compare just PART prices of a few common parts using Rockauto for pricing and using the cheapest option available...

Altenator
2003 Audi Allroad- $192.79
2003 Subaru Outback- $125.90

Wheel Bearing
2003 Audi Allroad- $72.89
2003 Subaru Outback- $31.79

C/V Half Shaft
2003 Audi Allroad- $73.89
2003 Subaru Outback- $42.79

So not only are parts around double the cost on the Allroad, but Audi repairs are notorious for high labor costs as well.

Dependability-wise, Audi and Subaru rank the same in JD Power rankings, but Subaru has an edge with greater powertrain reliability.
Jun 3 2010 1:40PM
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brittt
Posts: 98 - Karma: 40
i drive an outback. subaru all the way..idk about prices and all that
Jun 3 2010 5:35PM
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NW_Rider
Posts: 2580 - Karma: 314
Awesome input, I enjoyed reading how thorough you were in answering his question.
Jun 3 2010 5:36PM
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ShredTheGnarnia
Posts: 2544 - Karma: 79
yeah same here, that changed my whole perspective on the subject!
Jun 3 2010 5:39PM
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spencer*p
Posts: 440 - Karma: 20
When driving an audi, an outback isn't even comparable. Subarus feel too "tinny" and I don't really feel as safe in one as I do in an Audi. I have an a4, but have quite a few friends with the AllRoad.
Jun 3 2010 8:57PM
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Slinger1x1
Posts: 8853 - Karma: 66
Audis will be more expensive for sure
but i like audis a lot
Jun 3 2010 9:01PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
Although it's not quite on the same level as an Audi, the Legacy Outback is not nearly as tinny as some of the other Subaru's.

To the OP, for the price you are looking at, buy a good, low mileage Outback as opposed to a high mileage Audi. Odds are it will be a much wiser way to spend your money, unless the Audi is what will really make you happy.
Jun 3 2010 10:36PM
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spencer*p
Posts: 440 - Karma: 20
I never had the chance to test drive the Legacy, it definitely appealed more to me, but I could only find base model outbacks. So what SkierX is saying may very well be true.
Jun 3 2010 11:23PM
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pomme-de-terre
Posts: 3915 - Karma: 703
oooo you know what else is tinny? "litter bin"

Jun 3 2010 11:27PM
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PadDONski
Posts: 186 - Karma: 25
What ever one that most comfortable for passengers to cruise in. Need a lot of back seat space so people can be comfy for late night food runs.
Jun 4 2010 12:02AM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,684
Jun 4 2010 12:12AM
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lexich
Posts: 92 - Karma: 83
I've only had my audi for a month, and have spent close to $700 on maintenance. Parts and tools are super expensive for it. All in all it is a great car buuuut I hope you know how to work on a german made car or expect to pay alot in labor too!
Jun 4 2010 12:25AM
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josh.
Posts: 3469 - Karma: 42
im going to assume you bought a 90's A4, and those have everything break on them right around now, so naturally it's going to be expensive. a newer allroad will be fine for another ten years or so, even more if your really on top of maintenance.
Jun 4 2010 12:59AM
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