Long time lurker, first time poster.

I was dead set on a used GTS for a few months now, once I sell my MB W140. I was positive I made a great choice for my next part time vehicle. Then, I saw the new version of the Audi Allroad and think it looks pretty fantastic. Swap the wheels for something a little more sporty and the car looks pretty great.

A quote from a Rennlist post I read earlier was: "The allroad is an amazing car, but maybe the most expensive car to keep on the road". I am not sure that refers to the current version. Audi has made solid strides in their reliability.

Anyway, I know I am asking a loaded question here, but what is the better choice for a second car that hauls an 80-lb dog in eastern PA? A CPO Allroad at $33K, or a 2009 GTS?

TIA

Shannon

 

The Allroad is a capable car, but a COMPLETELY different experience from a GTS. I would never touch an Audi without a solid warranty. Even with a warranty, I would dump the car before it expired...They are getting better, but nowhere close to the reliability of a Porsche.

It would be a no-brainer for me- the GTS hands down, but I'm biased as I have had 6 Porsches over the last 28 years.

Cheers,
TomF

 

I think Audis get bad rap. I put 90K mostly city miles on a Audi 2.7T and had only one repair, at about 70K. My CTT at 65K miles has a considerable list of major and fairly $$ repair; thankfully under warranty. I love the CTT but would never touch a used Cayenne without CPO warranty.

 

well we have a porsche AND an audi...I guess we are screwed! :-)

For, OP, I can say my wife's A6 is a very, very impressive vehicle with the 3.0t motor and 8 speed transmission. that car is a luxury interior on a sports platform, and outruns my cayenne S. no issues for her in that car....2k miles more under warranty then I am sure the car breaks the first mile out of warranty lol. at this point we are probably porsche/audi for life.

I think the last few years models haven't had the lifespan yet to see if audi has addressed their previous reliability issues, but so far so good for us. going to price 3rd party warranties in the next 2 months before she hits 50k miles though lol.

we test drove a BMW 5-series, MB E class, and the Audi. The Audi and MB crapped all over the BMW, and between the Audi and MB it was a matter of preference of my wife. Both of those cars impressed me. But the refined exterior but aggressive front end of the Audi, and the operation of the infotainment system, is what sold us.

 

Both great choices for daily drivers. The GTS is special and the allroad while luxurious and well sorted is more milquetoast to me. After several years and seeing a bajillion audis on the road the cayenne seems more unique — I also think they are more versatile as actual SUVs. While in traffic, bad weather or on a long trip you may appreciate the higher seating position. The Audi will get better fuel economy and have much better Nav unit though. I personally don't care about dash technology but I know it's important to some people.

 

It was the old 2.7T allroad with the air suspension that was the most expensive audi to own. That 2.7T was an awesome motor, but needed a lot of attention. The air suspension was horrid. It's amazing to go form that air to a Cayenne/Treg air, which is really solid.

The allroad is a car. It's got a small motor, but more space. The interior is better than the 09 GTS, though maybe not as high quality feeling since the Cayenne should have an all-leather interior. The cayenne's trunk is tinny. My wife's old A4 wagon has a bigger trunk.

Resale will be better on the Audi, it will be cheaper to own, better gas mileage, more space, more modern interior (but not as high quality feeling - if that makes any sense), and it has just enough ground clearance to get to get you through more places than a normal car (if that's important to you). The chassis on the GTS will feel more sorted in the corners, compared to the Allroad. The Cayenne has near 50/50 weight distribution, a super stiff chassis, and the air suspension is really solid.

Very different experiences and ownership rewards.

You said what's a better buy to haul a dog. If it's a second car that isn't a long-term purchase, and you're hauling a dog in the trunk - get the Allroad, hands down. Cayenne's are reliable, but not cheap to own. You either want it, or you don't. The people on the fence with them are the ones that have poor ownership experiences because the costs seem a bit ridiculous. You'll really like the Allroad. It's not as bespoke as the old Allroad, but it's a damn good car. We considered one for my wife, and it's still an option, to be honest.