Buying Guides

Audi A6 (1997-2004) Buying Guide

Pictures shown may not represent exact model specified

by Richard Dredge

A fabulously understated car, the second-generation A6 now looks dated but is still very capable. In Avant form it's also especially capacious and some of the engines fitted are truly great. While the ultimate is an RS6, in the real world a 2.5TDi Avant is one of those rare cars that's a truly superb all-rounder.

Get an exact warranty quote for this car with Warranty Direct

We Like	We Don't Like
Image Great diesels Capacious Avant Refinement	High running costs Lacklustre dynamics

Key Dates
5/97	Second-generation A6 introduced in saloon form only.
2/98	Avant (estate) goes on sale.
2/99	4.2 quattro arrives.
6/99	Thirsty 2.7T quattro now offered.
8/99	S6 is here.
11/99	1.8T quattro joins range.
8/01	1.8T Sport arrives in front-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive forms. 2.0-litre petrol engine also appears, while 3.0 petrol engine supersedes the 2.8-litre unit.
3/02	Astonishingly capable (and thirsty) RS6 goes on sale.

Checklist
Heavy oil consumption can afflict 2.4 litre V6. Electric windows often fail. Wheelbearings can give trouble, so listen for noises as you corner. Fuel pumps fail, leading to car not starting. Timing belts can snap on 1.8-litre 20-valve engines, wrecking the engine in the process. A new belt is needed every 60,000 miles along with a water pump. The 1.8 20v unit also suffers from weak air-flow mass sensors. Passenger door locks fail when the sound deadening gets into the lock mechanism. Poor accident repairs are sometimes made without using galvanised panels.

Checklist

Heavy oil consumption can afflict 2.4 litre V6.
Electric windows often fail.
Wheelbearings can give trouble, so listen for noises as you corner.
Fuel pumps fail, leading to car not starting.
Timing belts can snap on 1.8-litre 20-valve engines, wrecking the engine in the process. A new belt is needed every 60,000 miles along with a water pump.
The 1.8 20v unit also suffers from weak air-flow mass sensors.
Passenger door locks fail when the sound deadening gets into the lock mechanism.
Poor accident repairs are sometimes made without using galvanised panels.