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<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p>A used A6 gives you a lot of car for the money, yet it's good to drive, reliable and needn't cost a fortune to run.</p>


Used Audi A6 2004 - 2011

<p>The 2.0-litre diesel has an official average of 44.8mpg, compared with the 2.0-litre petrol's 34.5mpg - but be sure you'll cover enough miles to make the extra cost of the diesel worth paying. The 2.7-litre diesel is respectable at 40.9mpg, with the 3.0 V6 at 35.3mpg. These beat the rest of the petrol models, with the 2.4 V6 managing just 29.1mpg.</p>

<p>High emissions mean road tax cheap isn't cheap on any model, but a 2.0-litre TDIe diesel introduced in mid '08 is by far the cheapest to run, it emits just 139g/km of CO2 and covers 53.3mpg.</p>

<p>Servicing costs are typical for this type of car, but there are plenty of specialist independent garages who will save money. For cars that are three years old and over <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> dealers have fixed-price servicing, along with set prices for replacing standard parts, such as brake pads, which represent decent value.</p>

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A used A6 gives you a lot of car for the money, yet it's good to drive, reliable and needn't cost a fortune to run.

<p>The diesels are best: they are far more common than the petrols, and hold their value better. The entry-level 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI performs well in such a large car. If you want more performance, then the smooth 178bhp 2.7-litre V6 is the next best option, with the 233bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel the quickest, but also the rarest.</p>

<p>Consider a petrol model, though, if the price is right. The turbocharged 2.0-litre has 165bhp, then there are three V6s and two V8s with between 177 and 345bhp. The 2.0 and smallest V6 are the best options.</p>

<p>Quattro four-wheel drive is an option with the mid-sized engines and standard on the largest. While it does improve handling and traction, it doesn't make an already accomplished car an awful lot better. The automatic gearboxes are smooth and feel well matched to the engines.</p>

<p>Opt for SE trim and you'll get a good kit list, including climate control, CD player, four electric windows and cruise control. The S line adds stiffer suspension and racier cabin detailing. Metallic paint is essential for good resale value - as is sat-nav and leather seats on anything larger than a 2.0-litre model.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

<p>Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.</p>

<p>The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes.</p>

Executive

<p>The Audi A6 has a good reputation for reliability, yet there are some problems that have cropped up.</p>

<p>The air-con is surprisingly susceptible to faults, with roughly a quarter of cars needing attention. Check that it blows icy-cold air and that there are no damp or musty smells.</p>

<p>The diesel engines can get through oil between services, so it's vital to check them regularly. Inspect the oil level and see when the car was last serviced.</p>

<p>Gremlins in the electrical system strike in almost 40% of cars. The engine's ECU can also cause problems, so look for warning lights on the dashboard or a sudden drop in performance.</p>

<p>Some whatcar.com users have also complained about the rear wheels rubbing on wheelarches when the car is loaded, although this appears to effect S line cars only. Tyres can be expensive to replace, too.</p>

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<p>If you're looking to travel in business class, but want to stick to an economy budget, the Audi A6 has all you need in a saloon at a sensible price.</p>

<p>The A6 manages to blend refinement with a sporty drive. Its firm suspension allows nimble handling, with plenty of grip, but it can feel unsettled on bumpy roads. The light steering may feel unusual at first, but it does make low-speed manoeuvring easier. Wind and road noise are kept at bay - even at motorway speeds. You rarely hear the engine unless you're in a vocal V8 version.</p>

<p>There's generous head- and legroom inside for four adults; the fifth seat is best reserved for children because of a high transmission tunnel. The boot is suitably cavernous and, on some models, the rear seats fold down. Fit and finish are flawless, with high quality materials.</p>

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Used Audi A6 2004 - 2011 reliability

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Used Audi A6 2004 - 2011 review

The Audi A6 has a good reputation for reliability, yet there are some problems that have cropped up.,The air-con is surprisingly susceptible to faults, with roughly a quarter of cars needing attention. Check that it blows icy-cold air and that there are no damp or musty smells.,The diesel engines can get through oil between services, so it's vital to check them regularly. Inspect the oil level and see when the car was last serviced.Gremlins in the electrical system strike in almost 40% of cars. The engine's ECU can also cause problems, so look for warning lights on the dashboard or a sudden drop in performance.Some whatcar.com users have also complained about the rear wheels rubbing on wheelarches when the car is loaded, although this appears to effect S line cars only. Tyres can be expensive to replace, too. 

What to look for when buying a Audi A6 2004 - 2011, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Audi A6 2004 - 2011 reliability

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