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Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

It's an immensely capable, reliable business or family car with a great load area

Used Audi A6 Avant 1997 - 2005

Don't worry about unexpected repair bills if you get a good A6 Avant and look after it. They're pretty reliable.

You'll notice the cost of servicing, mind, although it will be cheaper than an E-Class Estate, if not quite as cheap as a 5 Series Touring. Insurance won't leave you skint, either.

An <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> A6 Avant is dear to buy, but it will pay you back when you resell it. A tidy example will always find someone willing to pay decent money for it. That said, the 4.2 V8 petrol models lose their value quickest.

Diesels shrink the cost of long journeys. The 1.9 TDIs will return high 40s to the gallon, and the two 2.5 TDIs close to 40mpg. The four-cylinder petrols are good for around 30mpg, the V6 petrols mid-20s and the V8s 20mpg or less.

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It's an immensely capable, reliable business or family car with a great load area


We'd buy either of the 2.5 V6 turbodiesels - so much pull always on tap, yet miserly with fuel. They came with an optional automatic gearbox, and it's worth finding one, because it works so well with the 2.5's broad-shouldered pull.

The many petrol V6s are also refined and strong but can't match our favourite diesels for fuel efficiency. The 2.0 and 1.8T turbo four-cylinder petrol engines are okay, but not strong enough for towing.

The 1.9 TDI (with 110, 115 or 130bhp) is the most frugal but lacks the sheer muscle of the 2.5 TDI. V8 petrol versions, including the red-hot S6 and white-hot RS6, are effortlessly fast but drink fuel at a frightening rate.

All models have climate control, alloy wheels, electric windows, four airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes. That's enough for us, but there are plusher SE, quattro and Sport models if you want to spend more.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.

Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.

The Audi A6 Avant has a well-earned reputation for reliability. It's solidly screwed together using proven, good-quality parts and the engines will run and run without a problem if serviced properly. So that's the first thing to look for: a full service history.

However, pay particular attention to the suspension. This is the area that gives most trouble, according to data from independent warranty providers Warranty Direct.

You should have a good look over the rear suspension, especially if the car has been used regularly for heavy hauling duties.

Likewise, a car with a towbar should prompt you to check that the gears engage smoothly, without any slip from the clutch, and to look for any signs of a knackered engine, especially on four-cylinder cars.

Test all the electrics (the windows and warning lights particularly) and look for signs of heavy use in the loadbay and cabin. The A6 Avant is well built, but not indestructible.

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Whether covering long distances in hushed, relaxed calm or transporting flat-pack furniture, the Audi A6 Avant will get the job done in style.

The luggage area is easily accessed and roomy – bigger than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/estate/review/n34">BMW 5 Series Touring</a>'s, if not quite as capacious as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/estate/used-review/n489">Mercedes E-Class</a>'s.

The rear bench swallows three in comfort and there's masses of space up front. All sit in a smartly designed, solidly constructed cabin, where the controls are laid out neatly and logically. No rival has a cabin as good as this.

The engines are all smooth and respond strongly without needing to be revved too hard. Combine that with the almost total lack of wind and road noise, and you're left with a refined cruiser.

The ride quality may get under your skin after a while, though – the A6 feels unsettled and fidgety. The handling is stodgy, too, although four-wheel-drive quattro versions are slightly better.

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Used Audi A6 Avant 1997 - 2005 review

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Whether covering long distances in hushed, relaxed calm or transporting flat-pack furniture, the Audi A6 Avant will get the job done in style.,The luggage area is easily accessed and roomy – bigger than a BMW 5 Series Touring's, if not quite as capacious as a Mercedes E-Class's.,The rear bench swallows three in comfort and there's masses of space up front. All sit in a smartly designed, solidly constructed cabin, where the controls are laid out neatly and logically. No rival has a cabin as good as this.The engines are all smooth and respond strongly without needing to be revved too hard. Combine that with the almost total lack of wind and road noise, and you're left with a refined cruiser.The ride quality may get under your skin after a while, though – the A6 feels unsettled and fidgety. The handling is stodgy, too, although four-wheel-drive quattro versions are slightly better. 

Read the definitive used Audi A6 1997 - 2005 review from What Car?. We tell you what you need to know before you buy.

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Used Audi A6 Avant 1997 - 2005 review

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