USED Audi A6 Avant (97 - 05)

My car

This car has a nice, solid ride, with an impressive engine, but its responsiveness is lacking and its handling is less than expected when compared with a BMW 3 Series.

However, it is good for all-round refined driving.

Watch out for higher than average insurance, but strong image and desirability should help maintain resale values.

It achieves good fuel economy of about 50mpg.

My car

I bought this as a pre-registered (31st, March 2005) Final Edition with Multironic and metalic paint with 75 miles on the clock in May. I bought it at £5200 under list and it has now done 750 miles. .

Traction control and ABS light remained on and a new unit was fitted. This in turn caused the driver's airbag warning light to illuminate but after fitting a new wiring unit, this problem was solved.

My previous car was a BMW 328Coupe auto. Although the Audi does not have the performance of the BMW it is certainly no slouch and I am pleasantly surprised with the performance.

My wife certainly thinks the Audi is more comfortable and at low speeds quieter on the road. It's the first time I have had a diesel and apart from the intial ignition it follows the route of many modern diesels in being quiet and refined.

When carrying passangers the Audi really comes into it's own with bags of room for passengers and luggage alike.

My car

This is by far the best car that I have ever owned or driven in a period of 50 years' driving.

I find the adverse comments regarding the car's handling as most misleading.

After years of driving other cars, I changed to Audi in 1982 and have never regretted it.

All my Audis have been reliable with minimal maintenance costs other than normal servicing. The service from the Audi dealer has been excellent.

My car

It has loads of space, it's comfortable and well put together. It has a strong engine, and no problems with the manual gearbox.

The clutch still going strong (but for how long?). It has had lower wishbones replaced by previous owner.

The electrics are good - although the passenger front electric window is sometimes temperamental.

Servicing costs not astronomical (and there is good customer service at the dealer). It's cheap to run and averages 47mpg at 150,000 miles.

The only downside is the road-holding - it's a bit of a lumbering elephant on country roads, though perfect for motorway dual carriageway driving!

It's a pleasure to own - recommended (although I may test a Passat/Octavia/Superb next time.)