Buy used Audi A6 cars from trusted dealers
The first generation of Audi A6 was actually borne of the Audi 100, being a facelift of the fourth generation of that model which was then designated as the A6 in 1994. Since then, the A6 has gone through a number of different generations, with the 2018 released fifth generation being the latest incarnation.
It is now an established executive class model renowned for blending a high level of technology with high build quality. The A6 is available as both a saloon and estate configuration, with the German maker invariably referring to the estate version as the ‘Avant’. The Avant version is also available with off-road/SUV setup as the ‘Allroad’, which features a higher ride-height, more rugged body styling, wheel arch protectors etc.
All generations of the A6 to date have also featured either front-wheel drive or Torsen-based four-wheel drive, otherwise known as the Audi quattro system.
For those looking for a second hand Audi A6 there is generally a plentiful supply of both saloon and estate models available, although the diesel is by far the most popular choice for Audi A6 buyers with these being in far more plentiful supply than the much harder to find petrol version.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Audi A6
The A6 tends not to hold its value quite as well as the more compact A4, so opting for a used A6 can offer a significant saving over buying new. Having said that, expect to pay more for a second hand A6 Avant, as these are more costly when new and, as a result, low mileage examples of the estates also tend to come at a premium.
In terms of running costs, there is a good reason why diesel is the preferred choice for most A6 owners with the diesel versions offering far better mpg whilst still delivering plenty of performance.
As always with executive models, you may find that a number of the used Audi A6 you find on the market have been run as company cars and could therefore come with high mileage. Both the Multitronic and S tronic automatic gearboxes have been known to develop issues on high mileage vehicles and having these replaced is a costly job, so bear this in mind if looking at an A6 with one of these types of transmission.
As always, check the service history carefully, especially on higher mileage vehicles. The diesel engines in the A6 can get greedy on oil when older, so dipping the oil and checking that it hasn’t been allowed to run low can be a good indicator of general good maintenance too.
Some A6 owners have previously experienced issues with fuel gauges reading empty when there is fuel in the tank or finding that the electronic parking brake doesn’t release when it should. However, both of these issues are apparently resolved with a software update from Audi.
If you’re considering buying a second hand Audi A6 then it could also be worth looking at some of the alternative models in the same executive class too. These include the BMW 5 Series, which is also available in saloon or estate forms, as well as the Mercedes E-Class. Other, slightly less well known alternatives that you might also wish to check out include the Lexus GS and Skoda Superb.
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