A history lesson…
Audi’s direct BMW 5-Series rival is a car which exudes quality. It’s one of the best-made cars the brand makes and, if you give it a chance, can show you why it’s a fantastic alterative to the aforementioned Beamer.
The A6 is like a mid-size saloon for executives to blast up and down the motorways of the country while they do business. It’s a car made for those who put comfort over sport; a car with a lot of luxury and not too much corner ability.
2011 saw the end of the A6 which has been with us since 2004, but the new version is being introduced and seems to be an evolution of its predecessor.
Bang for your buck
Audi used quite a lot of aluminium to keep the A6’s kerb weight down, but even with the light metal the A6 is actually a quite a heavy car. It’s thick, comfortable and very well put together, so if you fancy feeling enclosed from the rest of the world, the A6 is the car for you.
The A6 usually retails for slightly less than the 5-Series, so you probably do get a little bit more for your money, but it’s still a relatively expensive saloon aimed at those with a decent chunk of money in their bank account.
Audi’s engines are always incredible, so don’t worry about which power plant you go for; it’ll be superb.
What you’ll pay
Used A6s represent a brilliant buy for anyone looking for that luxury look and feel on something of a budget. You’ll have to shift out around £6,250 for an 04-plated 2.4 SE, while the more sport-derived S-Line model will set you back another £600 over that.
What to check
As long as you ensure your A6 has a comprehensive service history, there should be no real issues with the car. Audi knows how to build a reliable car and the A6 is no different. Just use your common sense and you should be fine.
Parts
A clutch assembly is around £150, while front and rear brake pads should be £65 a set. A radiator is a more sobering £140, so not too bad but not great, either.
How it drives
On the road, the A6 is superb. Think of it more as a long-distance tourer than a B-road blaster, but neither the less the A6 will inspire almost every time you jump in. Its suspension is nicely sprung, comfortable and, above all, perfectly damped. If you want something a little sportier, the A6 S-Line is the car for you. That car won’t be great for your back but it will get you round corners quicker
If you need some serious power in your life, there is a super-saloon RS6 available, but expect to pay an unbelievable amount per month for petrol and basic running costs. Its engine is powerful enough to restart dead planets, so bare that in mind!
Other than that, the A6 is just a great driving car; maybe not as dynamic as the 5-Series, but a great alterative.
