19 Feb 08
Audi A6 (1997-2004)
Prices: From £1,500, but £5000 gets a good 2000/2001 example.
Engines: 1.8, 2.0, 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 3.0 and 4.2 petrol; 1.9, 2.5 diesels.
Watch out for: Ignition coil problems with 1.8 turbo; multitronic CVT and Tiptronic auto gearbox failures; faulty suspension and wheel bearings; fuel pump and timing belt troubles; electrical faults.
For: Plain styling that's ageing well; nice diesels; refined and well-equipped.
Against: Not as reliable as it should have been; dull to drive.
RS6 apart, secondhand A6 saloons just get cheaper and cheaper and everyone wants the estates. The four-door A6 is a good-looking car, though, even if it is just a posh Passat. It's a quick, quiet and cosseting car that has a well-designed cabin layout to go with all the necessary creature comforts. It really is ideal for long-distance motoring.
Diesel models are especially economical, and the A6 generally costs less to run and maintain than comparable 5-Series and E-Class models. It's by no means sporty, but it should give good service.
