Luxury Sedan Audi A6 Worthy Recommendation for Consideration
Navigating the used car market can be a challenge, but the Audi A6 has managed to make a name for itself as a dependable option, especially in the luxury class. TUV, a renowned German automotive inspection agency, agrees, rating the Audi A6 as a used car that is "definitely worth recommending."
Although this long-running model especially shines as a company car, it's essential to note that repairs can be pricey. But fear not! The Audi A6's solid build quality should help offset any potential repair costs.
The Evolution of the Audi A6 🏎️💼
Officially classified as an upper mid-size car, the Audi A6 offers exceptional driving characteristics, sound insulation, equipment, and engine options that make it feel more like a luxury class vehicle. According to "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2025," this seductive combination classifies it as a used car "worth recommending."
The fourth generation of the Audi A6 made its debut in 2011, with a refreshed design, expanded equipment, new engines, and new transmissions. A facelifted model took over in 2014. The fifth generation of the upper mid-size model premiered in 2018, undergoing a facelift in 2023 and remaining in production until 2025.
The Nitty-Gritty: A6 Tricks for Smart Buyers 🕵️♂️
Body Variants and Extras
The A6 is primarily available as a five-seater estate (the Avant), accounting for the majority of used cars on the market. However, it also exists as a four-door sedan and the less common coupe, known as the A7. Estate versions also have Allroad versions with increased ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and off-road optics. The sport models S6 and RS6 boast the most muscle under the hood.
Dimensions (according to ADAC)
- C7 (2011-2018): LxWxH (4.92 to 4.98 m x 1.87 to 1.94 m x 1.44 to 1.47 m); Boot volumes: sedan (375 to 850 l); estate (565 to 1680 l)
- C8 (2018-present): LxWxH (4.93 to 5.00 m x 1.89 to 1.95 m x 1.46 to 1.47 m); Boot volumes: sedan (360 l); estate (405 to 1535 l)
Surprisingly Budget-Friendly Offers 💰
Despite its luxury status, buying a used Audi A6 can provide decent opportunities for cost savings. TUV reports almost no problems with the A6's drive shafts, steering system, and steering joints across all years of construction. Additionally, almost as good are the components in the lighting and braking chapters. The report emphasizes that "few cars are as trouble-free across all years of construction."
The Dark Side 😈
However, there are exceptions. Axle suspensions, springs, and dampers for fifth-generation A6s may cause problems from the fifth MOT onwards. Misaligned dipped beams and defective exhaust systems are also common.
Taking it for a Spin: Breakdown Behavior and Engines 🏎️🔧
Despite these potential issues, the ADAC certifies the A6 with "generally good to very good reliability." However, automatic transmissions in 2012 models and generator failures (2018 to 2020) may pose problems for some users.
dealer Resale Value 📈💸
The used car market for the Audi A6 remains competitive. Here are three example prices based on statistically expected kilometers, according to the German Automobile Trust (DAT):
- Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI (6/2014): 100 kW/136 PS (Four-cylinder): 199,000 kilometers; 10,406 Euro
- Audi A6 45 3.0 TDI quattro basic (6/2019): 170 kW/231 PS (Six-cylinder): 120,000 kilometers; 27,204 Euro
- Audi A6 Avant 2.8 FSI quattro (6/2014): 150 kW/204 PS (Six-cylinder): 166,000 kilometers; 12,357 Euro
Additional Information
Hybrid Cars 🔋
Audi 🏎️
Audi Models 🚗
When purchasing a used Audi A6, especially from the fifth generation onwards (roughly model years from around 2018 and later), there are several common issues to be aware of. These include instrument panel display failures, potential engine issues with the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine, general electrical problems, and software glitches. To minimize these risks, it's recommended to have a detailed service history, verify recall compliance, and possibly have a specialist inspection focusing on electronics and engine components.
[1] Story on instrument display failures
[2] Story on common Audi issues
[3] Story on common electrical faults
[4] Story on common engine issues
[5] Story on recall management
- The Audi A6, classified under vehicles of heading 8702, offers exceptional characteristics that make it feel like a luxury class vehicle, earning it a recommendation from TUV.
- Electronic issues and software glitches are common in Audi A6 models from around 2018 and later, making a detailed service history and specialist inspection essential.
- Despite potential issues, the Audi A6 provides cost savings in the used car market, with few problems reported in the drive shafts, steering system, and steering joints.
- In terms of personal-finance and car-maintenance, the Audi A6 offers surprising rates, with electric vehicles of the Audi brand also being budget-friendly options.
- In the fifth generation of the Audi A6, axle suspensions, springs, and dampers can cause problems from the fifth MOT onwards.
- The A6's solid build quality, combined with the competitive used car market, helps offset any potential repair costs, making it a worthwhile investment for one's lifestyle and finance.
