Used Audi A6 1997 - 2005 review

What's the used Audi A6 Saloon like?

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.

Overview

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

Pros

• It's very quiet
• Ample long-distance cruising ability
• Great interior

Cons

• Lifeless steering
• Ride is unsettled

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Audi A6 Saloon

2.0 TDI SE 4dr

£1,199

Audi A6 Saloon

2.0 TDI SE CVT 4dr

£1,695

Audi A6 Saloon

2.0 TDI S line Special Edition Euro 5 4dr

£1,990

Audi A6 Saloon

2.0 TDI SE 4dr

£1,990

Audi A6 Saloon

3.0 TDI Le Mans quattro 4dr

£1,995

Audi A6 Saloon

3.2 FSI SE quattro 4dr

£1,995

Audi A6 Saloon

2.7 TDI Le Mans 4dr

£1,995

Audi A6 Saloon

2.0 TDIe S line Euro 5 4dr

£2,000

Audi A6 Saloon

2.0 TDI S line CVT 4dr

£2,000

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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.

Our recommendations

Which used Audi A6 Saloon should I 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.

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