Rock-Solid Used Car: Audi A6 - The Car TÜV Swears By!
Recommendable Automobile: The Audi A6
The Audi A6 is a hit at TÜV, boasting only minor flaws in the primary inspection. Often preferred as a corporate whip, its impressive longevity is a bonus, as repairs can cost an arm and a leg.
Now you're probably wondering, why talk about the Audi A6 like it's a luxury vehicle when it technically falls into the upper mid-size class? Well, let's just say, it performs at a level most luxury vehicles would envy! The "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2025" rates it as a used car "that can only be recommended."
A6 History:Introduced to the public in 2011, the fourth generation of this star underwent a facelift in 2014, introducing refreshed design, additional features, new engines, and transmissions. In 2018, the fifth generation made its grand debut, making a splash with refinements and updates until it stopped production in 2025.
Body & Variants:The A6 is available as a five-door station wagon, four-door sedan, and less common coupe (A7). There are also Allroad variants of the Avant station wagon, designed for off-road adventures, and the powerful S6 and RS6 sports versions.
Dimensions (according to ADAC):
- C7: 4.92 to 4.98 m x 1.87 to 1.94 m x 1.44 to 1.47 m (L x W x H); Boot volume: 530 to 1680 l
- C8: 4.93 to 5.00 m x 1.89 to 1.95 m x 1.46 to 1.47 m; Boot volume: 530 to 1535 l
Affordable Electric Gets a Thumbs-Up from ADAC:
Strengths:The drive shafts, steering system, and steering joints have excellent durability across all model years. The lighting and braking systems also fare well. The report concludes, "Few cars are as defect-free as the A6 across all model years."
Weaknesses:But not everyone follows the trend. A6s from the fifth generation onwards may have issues with axle suspensions, springs, and dampers from the fifth MOT onwards. Older A6s may have misaligned low beams. Defective exhaust systems also seem to crop up at the third MOT. The fifth generation also shows noticeable oil loss from the engine and transmission at the first check.
A6's Reliable Reputation:The A6 earns high marks for reliability, with only the automatic transmission in models first registered in 2012 and generators (2018 to 2020) experiencing minor breakdowns.
Engine Specs:
- Fourth Generation: Gasoline (4-8 cylinders, FWD/AWD) & Diesel (4-6 cylinders, FWD/AWD); Horsepower ranges from 132 kW/180 PS to 445 kW/605 PS.
- Fifth Generation: Gasoline (4-8 cylinders, FWD/AWD) & Diesel (4-6 cylinders, FWD/AWD); Horsepower ranges from 180 kW/245 PS to 463 kW/630 PS.
Resale Value:According to the German Automobile Trust (DAT), the A6 holds a generally good to very good resale value. As an example, a used car may fetch €10,406 for a 2014 A6 Avant 2.0 TDI (4-cylinder), with 100k miles under its belt.
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Enrichment Data:When buying a used Audi A6, specifically focusing on the fifth generation (C7, produced approximately from 2011-2018), it is crucial to be aware of some common issues. For instance:
- Engine and Turbocharger Issues
- Turbocharged engines, like the 3.0 TFSI V6, may have oil consumption problems or timing chain tensioner failures.
- Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) vanes may fail/clog in diesel variants.
- Transmission Problems
- Slippage and hesitation can occur in the automatic transmission, either due to Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DSG/S-tronic) faulty solenoids or other issues.
- Electrical and Electronics Faults
- Electrical issues, particularly with the hybrid system and adaptive cruise control, are not uncommon.
- Multimedia system freezing or needing resets is another issue to watch out for.
- Sensors and Emission Components
- Faulty Mass Airflow and Oxygen sensors can cause engine running issues and emissions failures.
- Catalytic converter failures may occur, sometimes due to poor fuel quality or aggressive tuning.
- Fuel System Issues
- Low pressure fuel pump failures and clogged fuel injectors can lead to rough running or starting issues.
- Diesel variants may develop clogged or faulty fuel components over time.
- Interior and Convenience Features
- Problems with seat heating/cooling systems and rear window liftgate motors should be noted.
- LED headlights can suffer from dimming or water ingress, resulting in failures.
- General Wear and Maintenance
- Regular oil changes and the use of high-quality fuel are essential to prevent excessive oil consumption and maintain engine longevity.
- Timing chain tensioners are a weak point in some engines and are prone to failure as mileage increases.
When purchasing a used Audi A6, focusing on these areas during a pre-purchase inspection can help avoid some of the more common and costly issues associated with the fifth generation Audi A6.
- Electrical vehicles within the Audi models, such as the Audi A6, have gained recognition within the industry for their impressive characteristics.
- Transportation options, like the Audi A6, are influential in maintaining a desirable lifestyle, especially when it comes to car-maintenance needs.
- The Audi A6 undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets the required standards, with rates varying due to its automotive pedigree and specifications.
- The Audi A6, falling under the category 'Vehicles of heading 8702', has demonstrated consistent reliability in finance assessments, making it an appealing choice for many.
- As for the inspection reports, the Audi A6 has shown resilience in areas like drive shafts, steering systems, and steering joints, particularly in the fifth generation models.
- Despite its luxury connotations, the Audi A6 maintains a competitive edge in the used car market, with favorable rates and a generally good to very good resale value.
- The fifth generation Audi A6, produced approximately from 2011-2018, showcases advantages in areas like engine performance, with horsepower ranging up to 463 kW/630 PS in some variants.
