100 thousand km test: what is a used Audi A6 worth if it costs like a VW Polo? | Business

The automatically raising and lowering screen above the center console is mesmerizing. It disappears into a special pocket, and when you press a button, it rises again in a second with almost no noise. Again and again… Even after eight years and more than 110,000 kilometers, there is no stalling, squeaking or jerking – isn’t this technology amazing?

It really is, but it is unfortunately expensive. The manufacturer’s quality controllers, unable to ensure reference reliability, refused such a screen in later C8 generation models. And in our almost eight-year-old A6 station wagon, does everything already work flawlessly?

How much did an 8-year-old Audi A6 cost

Let’s try to find out. In Germany, a used car lot in the town of Bokel, near Bremen, is asking almost 17,000 euros* for a station wagon made in 2014.

By comparison, the special “ultra” equipment alone for the model version with the 2.0 TDI engine cost more than 23,000 euros* that year. Fortunately, it’s still in the car and, more importantly, it works perfectly: navigation system, sensors, parking assistant, Bluetooth connectivity, power lift and close tailgate, adaptive suspension with ground clearance, automatic control of LED lights.

We tested everything and made sure it works without any problems. But if something breaks, then replacing some elements with new ones can significantly thin the wallet. Drivers who hear the cost of repairing LED headlights often find themselves grasping at straws by trying to find solutions online. The most that the masters of specialized companies can do is to disassemble the lamp housings, check the connections and contacts, remove moisture from the inside and put everything back together. Unfortunately, individual light modules cannot be replaced.

However, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is quite reliable. It worked flawlessly during our test drive. In addition, only after sitting down to analyze the technical characteristics of the car, we noticed that it is not a classic “automatic”, but an automatic double-clutch gearbox.

And the Tiptronic eight-speed automatic transmission with hydrotransformer was only available in versions with the V6 TDI/300 hp engine. Although the bad reputation of the DSG gearbox is not gone, this is not always the case. By the way, the A6 that once participated in the long-term test had a manual gearbox, which never let us down. So the Premium class station wagon is really reliable in this aspect.

However, the front-wheel drive A6’s grip on wet asphalt is not enough – the front tires slip hopelessly. Not even careful dosing of power helps, so when it comes to ride comfort, this should not happen even for a used car of this class. Especially since we have no complaints about him anyway.

The low noise level is a little misleading, which makes it doubtful that the 190 hp engine is too weak for this A6 station wagon.

But it is enough to glance at the speedometer, where to your surprise you see the arrow reaching a speed of 220 km/h, and all doubts are instantly dispelled.

However, we found one drawback: when driving in a straight line, the steering wheel tilts slightly to the right. This is not a manufacturing defect, we would say, it is more related to chassis problems. After releasing the accelerator pedal, Avant pulls noticeably to the right, which tells only one thing – the ends of the steering rods or the hinges of the suspension have already worn out.

By the way, this problem is also mentioned in the technical inspection (TÜV) reports. Be that as it may, the few details listed do not spoil the overall picture – the used Audi A6 is a valuable purchase.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Audi A6 is a reliable, well-built car. Except for tempting additional equipment, which can be very expensive to repair. Therefore, we recommend looking at models with a more modest configuration, the operation of which will not bring unpleasant surprises.

The Euro 6 compliant EA288 engine is clearly free of any illegal software. The timing belt needs to be changed only after reaching 210,000 kilometers

As new: dashboard and seats with almost no signs of wear

Seats with leather upholstery, but adjustable with mechanical controls. Not the best option for a luxuriously equipped A6 station wagon.

Trunk

Although the trunk capacity could be larger, for example, as in Škoda Superb, the existing one is usually enough. Special mention should be made of the practical strap holders.

This is the second Audi A6 test

In 2014, the Audi A6 Avant passed the long-term test with the highest rating of “6-“. Back then, the 2.0 TDI/177 HP engine impressed with its sufficient power reserve and moderate appetite for fuel. Just before the end of the test, the manifold seal burned, which immediately changed the sound of the exhaust system.

There were few complaints after testing the sporty 3.0 TDI/326 HP model in a long-term test. The average fuel consumption of the entire test was 9.8 l/100 km, which is two liters more, but we must not forget the sporty characteristics of the car, which everyone really liked on long trips.

Aerodynamic noises

Despite the double glazing, at 150 km/h you can hear the wind whistling in the area of ​​the front pillars. The noise is eliminated by adjusting the door hinges.

Front LED lights

No headlights? New ones cost 2500 euros! You are lucky if only the power supply unit, which costs about 150 euros, is broken.

Expensive air suspension

The front shock absorbers with springs form one unit (1160 euros), the rear springs can be changed separately (333 euros).

Exhaust manifold gasket

The A6 that took part in the long-term test caught fire after 100,000 kilometers. This is a well-known problem with cars with higher mileage.

Auto Bild tip: What are the other alternatives?

Mercedes E 220 BlueTec (type S212):

• 170 hp
• since 2014
• from 10,000 euros.
• Rating 4.

BMW 520d Touring (Type F11):

• 190 hp
• since 2015
• from 10,000 euros
• Rating 4.5.

Škoda Superb Combi (type 3V)

• 2.0 TDI (190 HP)
• since 2015
• from 14,500 euros
• Rating 4.