Item: Used Audi A6 1997 - 2005
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

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Saloon

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

Ride aside, the Audi A6 is one of the classiest executive cars you can buy.

Used Audi A6 1997 - 2005

The 4.2 V8s, hot S6 and scorching RS6 will be costly. Driven hard, they're heavy on fuel, brakes and tyres. And if you aren't going to drive them hard, you'd be better off with our chosen 2.5 V6 diesel, which is far more economical.

Servicing an A6 will cost about the same as a BMW 5 Series, but less than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/s-type/saloon/used-review/n403">Jaguar S-Type</a> – so not cheap, but acceptable. Get the work done outside <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a>'s dealer network. Warranty Direct data suggests a good independent garage could be as much as 40% cheaper.

Insurance is par for the course, while the four-cylinder petrols give around 30mpg, the petrol V6s just under 30mpg and the V8s less than 20mpg. Another reason we favour the 2.5 diesels are their 35-40mpg, which the 1.9 diesel stretches to the high 40s.

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Ride aside, the Audi A6 is one of the classiest executive cars you can buy. 


There are more than 50 versions to choose from, including the four-wheel-drive quattro versions, which are less stodgy to drive.

The ones to go for were made from August 2001 onwards. These cars handle better and the firmer suspension eliminates some of the fidgety nature of its ride.

The wide range of engines begins with two four-cylinder petrols, a 2.0 and turbocharged 1.8 T, and also includes four petrol V6s (2.4, 2.8, 2.7 turbo and 3.0) and a 4.2 V8. Diesels include a 1.9 and two 2.5 V6s, and they became more powerful over the course of the car's life.

None of the engines is bad, but steer clear of the four-cylinder petrols because the V6s are better. The V8 is fast, but thirsty, and the best all-rounders are the lower-powered 2.5 V6 diesels.

We'd take the basic trim. It's plush enough to prevent you spending extra for SE or Sport trim. Start your search at Audi dealers and prestige specialists.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

There's very little to worry about, provided the car has been serviced on time by people who know what they're doing and who use decent parts.

A full service history - either at Audi dealers or specialist Audi independents - is absolutely essential. Without it, you're taking the risk of landing yourself with some expensive repairs in the future, as well as saddling yourself with a car that will be significantly less desirable when you decide to resell it.

Ignition coil trouble afflicted the 1.8T for a while, but all should have now been sorted, most while still under Audi's three-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Suspension is by far the most likely area to give trouble on an A6 saloon, according to claims made by Warranty Direct customers. So listen out for clunks, overly soggy handling, an unforgiving ride and noisy wheel bearings. The fuel and electric systems can also occasionally be iffy.

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Neatly presented, solid, trustworthy, admired, a good all-rounder and blessed with strong, confident looks – the Audi A6 is all of those things.

It's a smart bit of kit, too, with plenty of eqipment, a classy, well-built interior and stylish looks. There's acres of space up front and ample room for three in the rear, as well as the largest boot in its class.

However, the A6's weak area is its comparative lack of poise and agility on the road. If you want a sharp drive, go for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> instead. The A6's steering is lifeless, the car feels stodgy through corners and the ride is unsettled.

Still, the engines – and there are plenty to choose from - are strong and refined. With no wind or road noise to speak of, the A6 cruises at speed in a hushed, effortless way.

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Used Audi A6 1997 - 2005 review

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

Neatly presented, solid, trustworthy, admired, a good all-rounder and blessed with strong, confident looks – the Audi A6 is all of those things.,It's a smart bit of kit, too, with plenty of eqipment, a classy, well-built interior and stylish looks. There's acres of space up front and ample room for three in the rear, as well as the largest boot in its class.,However, the A6's weak area is its comparative lack of poise and agility on the road. If you want a sharp drive, go for a BMW 5 Series instead. The A6's steering is lifeless, the car feels stodgy through corners and the ride is unsettled.Still, the engines – and there are plenty to choose from - are strong and refined. With no wind or road noise to speak of, the A6 cruises at speed in a hushed, effortless way. 

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Used Audi A6 1997 - 2005 review

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