Audi A6 Allroad - Audi A6 estate advise / info please
Discussion
Hi guys,
My mrs is pregnant and early next year we should have a little one joining us.
Between us to we have 2 useless cars when it come to carrying 3 people and baby gear: she has a Nissan Figaro (for those who do not know it, it's this car that looks like it has been made in the 50, but is actually from the 90, based on a Nissan Micra chassis) that only has 2 tiny seats at the back and the smallest boot ever… My car has a big – ish, but only has 2 seats and is not economical: TVR 500 Chimaera.
So basically we will have to get a family car.
We both do no mind having something old –ish, but fancy something that has quite a big boot, is spacious, comfortable, safe and I guess I would like something that has a bit of oompfff….
We leave in London so do not do many miles during the week, just a guess go to the supermaket and maybe one or 2 runs a week to see friends.
So we need a car for when going away for the day / weekend and I guess maybe touring in France a couple of times a year.
I quite like the "Audi A6 Allroad" and know that you can get a good one from 2003 / 2004 for 4 or 5,000 GBP.
So here are a few questions to "Audi A6 Allroad" out there:
Would you recomand to but the "Audi A6 Allroad" or the equivalent "Audi A6 Estate"?
In guess for the 5,000 GBP we will get one with 100,000 to 130,000 or more miles. Is there something that can baldy go wrong / is there something that I really should be watching out for => I will more that likely get on with a good service history (maybe from a dealer).
Basically, please give me advise / good thing about the car / bad things about it / reliability issue / why you would recommend the "Allroad" or Rather the "estate"
I think they exist n manual an automatic, which one would you recommend, etc…
Any advise / comment, etc… Would be welcome.
Thanks, nest regards, Frenchie
(PS, I am off course keeping the TVR…)
My mrs is pregnant and early next year we should have a little one joining us.
Between us to we have 2 useless cars when it come to carrying 3 people and baby gear: she has a Nissan Figaro (for those who do not know it, it's this car that looks like it has been made in the 50, but is actually from the 90, based on a Nissan Micra chassis) that only has 2 tiny seats at the back and the smallest boot ever… My car has a big – ish, but only has 2 seats and is not economical: TVR 500 Chimaera.
So basically we will have to get a family car.
We both do no mind having something old –ish, but fancy something that has quite a big boot, is spacious, comfortable, safe and I guess I would like something that has a bit of oompfff….
We leave in London so do not do many miles during the week, just a guess go to the supermaket and maybe one or 2 runs a week to see friends.
So we need a car for when going away for the day / weekend and I guess maybe touring in France a couple of times a year.
I quite like the "Audi A6 Allroad" and know that you can get a good one from 2003 / 2004 for 4 or 5,000 GBP.
So here are a few questions to "Audi A6 Allroad" out there:
Would you recomand to but the "Audi A6 Allroad" or the equivalent "Audi A6 Estate"?
In guess for the 5,000 GBP we will get one with 100,000 to 130,000 or more miles. Is there something that can baldy go wrong / is there something that I really should be watching out for => I will more that likely get on with a good service history (maybe from a dealer).
Basically, please give me advise / good thing about the car / bad things about it / reliability issue / why you would recommend the "Allroad" or Rather the "estate"
I think they exist n manual an automatic, which one would you recommend, etc…
Any advise / comment, etc… Would be welcome.
Thanks, nest regards, Frenchie
(PS, I am off course keeping the TVR…)
We have a yaris and the economical car, and Chim (only the baby 400) for fun days) and an A6 2.7T Avant for family/load lugging etc.. ('99 reg - so older than what you're looking at)
I have no complaints with the Audi, fantastic in the snow, re allroad or avant - I would question whether you need the ground clearance? - if so, fair enough, if not, its another thing to go wrong (the variable height suspension).
Complete opposite the Chim, but remarkably competent.
I have no complaints with the Audi, fantastic in the snow, re allroad or avant - I would question whether you need the ground clearance? - if so, fair enough, if not, its another thing to go wrong (the variable height suspension).
Complete opposite the Chim, but remarkably competent.
Choccy suspension on Allroads, no economical (quattro) option (even the 2.5 weasel struggles to much better 30MPG), 2.7T and 4.2 both go like stink and cost peanuts to buy.
I am nothing to do with this dealer but can vouch for the car:
http://www.dieselspecialistsales.co.uk/used-cars/a...
I am nothing to do with this dealer but can vouch for the car:
http://www.dieselspecialistsales.co.uk/used-cars/a...
Edited by Dr G on Saturday 13th August 19:09
An Audi A6 saloon will cost less than an Avant / Allroad and they have massive boots - some even have drop down rear seats. A 1.9TDI will be cheaper to maintain than a 2.5 and feels just as quick TBH and will return 60mpg on a run. The only downside is that they're FWD only and if you want an auto, have multitronic (which I would advise caution).
Alternatively, an A4 1.9TDI comes as a Quattro and an Avant will be in your budget.
Echo Dr G's comments about petrol models - they're not shifting any more because they are seen as being thirsty.
I would also recommend you look at Skoda Octavias, VW Passats and Volvo V70s which are, as good as an Audi A6. If you need AWD, Volvo also have the XC70.
Alternatively, an A4 1.9TDI comes as a Quattro and an Avant will be in your budget.
Echo Dr G's comments about petrol models - they're not shifting any more because they are seen as being thirsty.
I would also recommend you look at Skoda Octavias, VW Passats and Volvo V70s which are, as good as an Audi A6. If you need AWD, Volvo also have the XC70.
Sorry this is completely off topic and not what you asked but do have a look at Octavia Estates, I just sold a 2005 octvaia vrs estate with 60k miles on and great condition for just a smidge over £3k. Market has seemingly collapsed and Skodas have been very hard hit indeed. (which is a shame for me) A lot of car for your money.
Sorry, about that, hope someone has some A6 advice for you soon...
Sorry, about that, hope someone has some A6 advice for you soon...
Congrats on impending arrival 
I have an A6 3.0 quattro sport avant (they're all auto with that engine) and it's great for carrying loads of gear about, although the boot isn't the most practically shaped ever. There's a bit too much wheelarch intrusion really. We can get a Bugaboo Cameleon in it without any trouble, but some really wide pushchairs would take up the whole boot and then some if you want to pull the cover over it!
I'd avoid the Allroad - too many horror stories on build quality for my liking!
If you're not planning on doing many miles you'll be able to pick up a low miles petrol A6 with a 'proper' tiptronic box for peanuts. I would 2nd the earlier comment about the multitronic - it's a hateful thing which will cost you an arm and a leg when it breaks, which it invariably will! Just make sure if you're looking at an auto that it's a quattro as they're all tiptronic boxes
If you don't mind a manual then a late plate 1.9tdi should fit the bill.
I would recommend having a look at a later shape A4 avant (B6/7 models) as the boot is a better shape and the rear seat space ought to be adequate for a rear facing infant carrier. The B5 rear legroom isn't adequate for a rear facing child seat to go in unless your front passenger has had their legs removed!
Word of caution on all Audis of this vintage - Isofix wasn't necessarily standard fit, but if it has a passenger airbag cut off switch in the glovebox then Isofix should be there. Despite Audi not knowing about it at the time, you can retrofit Isofix for about £50 a side in the back. You wouldn't be able to fit a rear facing child seat in the front without the cut off switch though. You want Isofix - it's great
Adrian
I have an A6 3.0 quattro sport avant (they're all auto with that engine) and it's great for carrying loads of gear about, although the boot isn't the most practically shaped ever. There's a bit too much wheelarch intrusion really. We can get a Bugaboo Cameleon in it without any trouble, but some really wide pushchairs would take up the whole boot and then some if you want to pull the cover over it!
I'd avoid the Allroad - too many horror stories on build quality for my liking!
If you're not planning on doing many miles you'll be able to pick up a low miles petrol A6 with a 'proper' tiptronic box for peanuts. I would 2nd the earlier comment about the multitronic - it's a hateful thing which will cost you an arm and a leg when it breaks, which it invariably will! Just make sure if you're looking at an auto that it's a quattro as they're all tiptronic boxes
If you don't mind a manual then a late plate 1.9tdi should fit the bill.
I would recommend having a look at a later shape A4 avant (B6/7 models) as the boot is a better shape and the rear seat space ought to be adequate for a rear facing infant carrier. The B5 rear legroom isn't adequate for a rear facing child seat to go in unless your front passenger has had their legs removed!
Word of caution on all Audis of this vintage - Isofix wasn't necessarily standard fit, but if it has a passenger airbag cut off switch in the glovebox then Isofix should be there. Despite Audi not knowing about it at the time, you can retrofit Isofix for about £50 a side in the back. You wouldn't be able to fit a rear facing child seat in the front without the cut off switch though. You want Isofix - it's great
Adrian
HiAsAKite said:
I have no complaints with the Audi, fantastic in the snow, re allroad or avant - I would question whether you need the ground clearance? - if so, fair enough, if not, its another thing to go wrong (the variable height suspension).
I know the AllRoad has its faults, but... it's difficult not to respect the old thing. Mine looks pretty much as good as new, ten years old. Even though I rarely use the full extent of the height adjustment it's extremely useful when you suddenly find you do need it, and the AllRoad is excellent off road, in my experience it puts many 'proper' off-roaders to shame. But if you know you're never going off road I'd stick with an A6 quattro.
I'll add as well to my previous post that a standard A6 with quattro is still a country mile better than most cars at dealing with snow and ice, if fitted with decent tyres. I could power slide the A6 out of junctions if I felt the urge, whereas my S8 just felt like it was waiting to kill you thanks to the over-enthusiastic ABS and massive tyres! The A6 would happily drive anywhere round here where BMW owners would have to leave the car at home as they couldn't back it out of their parking space (kid you not, watched them try!)
The only extra issue to be wary of with an Allroad over an A6 avant is the air suspension. This eventually will go wrong but easily fixed, budget £500 a corner. Take this into account when buying.
I bought an 05 Allroad 4.2 V8 Limited edition a year or so ago, I only do 3000 miles a year in it, and it's fantastic.
I bought an 05 Allroad 4.2 V8 Limited edition a year or so ago, I only do 3000 miles a year in it, and it's fantastic.
I did look at a few A6's but decided on the A4 Avant in the end.
I would really reccomend this car as it has a good boot and carrys my family around no prob'
Power is great on the 2.0 tdi s-line and has really good mpg.
I still recommend the A4 even though mine is having a few problems...read my thread and help me everybody
But stay away from the 2.0 tdi 05-55 plate blb engine code ones as they can give you oil chain problems, not sure if the A6's had the same engines at that time or not
I would really reccomend this car as it has a good boot and carrys my family around no prob'
Power is great on the 2.0 tdi s-line and has really good mpg.
I still recommend the A4 even though mine is having a few problems...read my thread and help me everybody
But stay away from the 2.0 tdi 05-55 plate blb engine code ones as they can give you oil chain problems, not sure if the A6's had the same engines at that time or not
Hi guys,
And thanks to all of you who have contributed.
I have already made some decision:
1) we do not need the ground clearance, therefore we will not go for an Allroad (to avoid the variable height suspension going wrong and having to pay 500 GBP - unless we find something really special) and will go for an Estate (not sure of the exact names they have: quatro / etc...).
2) do not really need 4 x 4, but think it is a good option: safety / snowy roads / I do go snowboarding once / twice a yer (usually fly the the resorts though...)
3) we will go for an automatic (my girlfriend drives and automatic at the moment and said that she would want one again: driving in London. etc...). From having looked at your post there are various "automatic options", so I will have a look into this ...
4) I will go for a diesel or maybe a small petrol engine (not the 4.2L: this is going to be a family, it needs to be economic-ish, and I have the TVR for fun...).
So the questions are:
- A4 or A6? I was thinking A6 as though that it was a bigger car with bigger boot, but someone suggested that the A4 boot was as good for loading (A6 boot having a strange shape...).
- Diesel or petrol? => diesel is more expensive: price / liter, you get more MPG from a diesel / that a petrol... but i seams that the diesel is more expensive to maintain and apparently there are good bargains out there for the petrol....?
So if you cane help:
- give me details on A4 vs A6
- diesel vs petrol and which engine would you recommend for diesel or petrol...
we will be looking to spend 4 - 7 grand on the car...
Thanks again, Frenchie
And thanks to all of you who have contributed.
I have already made some decision:
1) we do not need the ground clearance, therefore we will not go for an Allroad (to avoid the variable height suspension going wrong and having to pay 500 GBP - unless we find something really special) and will go for an Estate (not sure of the exact names they have: quatro / etc...).
2) do not really need 4 x 4, but think it is a good option: safety / snowy roads / I do go snowboarding once / twice a yer (usually fly the the resorts though...)
3) we will go for an automatic (my girlfriend drives and automatic at the moment and said that she would want one again: driving in London. etc...). From having looked at your post there are various "automatic options", so I will have a look into this ...
4) I will go for a diesel or maybe a small petrol engine (not the 4.2L: this is going to be a family, it needs to be economic-ish, and I have the TVR for fun...).
So the questions are:
- A4 or A6? I was thinking A6 as though that it was a bigger car with bigger boot, but someone suggested that the A4 boot was as good for loading (A6 boot having a strange shape...).
- Diesel or petrol? => diesel is more expensive: price / liter, you get more MPG from a diesel / that a petrol... but i seams that the diesel is more expensive to maintain and apparently there are good bargains out there for the petrol....?
So if you cane help:
- give me details on A4 vs A6
- diesel vs petrol and which engine would you recommend for diesel or petrol...
we will be looking to spend 4 - 7 grand on the car...
Thanks again, Frenchie
I have a 03 A6 1.9tdi Avant. Bought it for £4k at christmas with 107k on the clock. I really can't fault it, save for the fact that the lacquer is peeling off, but I knew that when I bought it and just haven't bothered doing anything about it yet.
To my eyes the A4 and A6 have similar sized boots, but where the A6 really excels is in the rear passenger room - in a few year's time do you want a toddler kicking you in the back?
1.9tdi is brisk enough (130bhp), although I 'only' get about 39mpg on my blast to and from work (back roads, and tend to push on). On longer runs I tend to get between 45-50mpg.
Sat Nav is crap though - but is on most cars of that vintage, so get a tom tom. Radio is excellent (Bose) and it is a nice place to be on a long journey.
To my eyes the A4 and A6 have similar sized boots, but where the A6 really excels is in the rear passenger room - in a few year's time do you want a toddler kicking you in the back?
1.9tdi is brisk enough (130bhp), although I 'only' get about 39mpg on my blast to and from work (back roads, and tend to push on). On longer runs I tend to get between 45-50mpg.
Sat Nav is crap though - but is on most cars of that vintage, so get a tom tom. Radio is excellent (Bose) and it is a nice place to be on a long journey.
If you're definitely going for an automatic, AVOID anything that's front wheel drive only as it'll be the multitronic box (it's a CVT constantly varying transmission) and is known to fail if the oil isn't changed at 40k intervals and even if it is the clutch packs go, or the ECU which lives 'wet' inside the box is also prone to problems which involves stripping the box to get at it!
If you stick to quattro 4 wheel drive models you'll know it's a 'proper' automatic box.
My 3.0 petrol isn't bad on fuel - you can achieve 30mpg on a run (we drove it to Italy and back just after finding out my wife was pregnant!) and around 25mpg around town. Not sure what the 2.7T petrol will do but probably not great on fuel...
The 2.5 diesel is the only other option aside from the 1.9 (which I don't think was available with quattro, but worth checking) but is a bit of a weak engine in terms of fuel economy, noise and reliability. If you can find a mint low miler then it'd be worth considering.
There's a few to consider on auto trader and here.
If you do go for the A4, you can get a newer shape 2.0T petrol with quattro although it'd be higher miles. That ought to be reasonable on fuel as a compromise. A4 also has the 3.0 petrol and 2.5 diesel options.
Worth comparing boot shapes - mate has an A4 estate and he can get pretty much the same amount of stuff in his boot with the seats in place. It is tighter in the back for legroom but not really a worry unless you're keeping the car more than 4 years or so.
Whatever you get - you will want Isofix in the back, so you need to be looking at 2002/3 cars at the oldest and physically checking they're present in any case. Our 2004 A6 3.0 quattro Sport Avant had them from the factory, but many do not. Message me if you want to know what to look for to check and I'll point you in the right direction.
If you stick to quattro 4 wheel drive models you'll know it's a 'proper' automatic box.
My 3.0 petrol isn't bad on fuel - you can achieve 30mpg on a run (we drove it to Italy and back just after finding out my wife was pregnant!) and around 25mpg around town. Not sure what the 2.7T petrol will do but probably not great on fuel...
The 2.5 diesel is the only other option aside from the 1.9 (which I don't think was available with quattro, but worth checking) but is a bit of a weak engine in terms of fuel economy, noise and reliability. If you can find a mint low miler then it'd be worth considering.
There's a few to consider on auto trader and here.
If you do go for the A4, you can get a newer shape 2.0T petrol with quattro although it'd be higher miles. That ought to be reasonable on fuel as a compromise. A4 also has the 3.0 petrol and 2.5 diesel options.
Worth comparing boot shapes - mate has an A4 estate and he can get pretty much the same amount of stuff in his boot with the seats in place. It is tighter in the back for legroom but not really a worry unless you're keeping the car more than 4 years or so.
Whatever you get - you will want Isofix in the back, so you need to be looking at 2002/3 cars at the oldest and physically checking they're present in any case. Our 2004 A6 3.0 quattro Sport Avant had them from the factory, but many do not. Message me if you want to know what to look for to check and I'll point you in the right direction.
Adrian E said:
If you do go for the A4, you can get a newer shape 2.0T petrol with quattro although it'd be higher miles. That ought to be reasonable on fuel as a compromise.
We have a B7 2.0T Quattro Tip, never really see anything above 30, even on a run. Long term average is around 27/28.Ours is currently showing 82000 miles and drives and looks like new. Matching tyres on each corners are a must and a 4 wheel alignment is advisable.
Adrian E said:
. Not sure what the 2.7T petrol will do but probably not great on fuel...
The 2.5 diesel is the only other option aside from the 1.9 (which I don't think was available with quattro, but worth checking) but is a bit of a weak engine in terms of fuel economy, noise and reliability. If you can find a mint low miler then it'd be worth considering.
There's a few to consider on auto trader and here.
Worth comparing boot shapes - mate has an A4 estate and he can get pretty much the same amount of stuff in his boot with the seats in place. It is tighter in the back for legroom but not really a worry unless you're keeping the car more than 4 years or so.
Whatever you get - you will want Isofix in the back, so you need to be looking at 2002/3 cars at the oldest and physically checking they're present in any case. Our 2004 A6 3.0 quattro Sport Avant had them from the factory, but many do not. Message me if you want to know what to look for to check and I'll point you in the right direction.
I've had a 2.7T S4 and it was ok on fuel. Rubbish around town but 30mpg on a run. A6 with this engine probably not quite as good.The 2.5 diesel is the only other option aside from the 1.9 (which I don't think was available with quattro, but worth checking) but is a bit of a weak engine in terms of fuel economy, noise and reliability. If you can find a mint low miler then it'd be worth considering.
There's a few to consider on auto trader and here.
Worth comparing boot shapes - mate has an A4 estate and he can get pretty much the same amount of stuff in his boot with the seats in place. It is tighter in the back for legroom but not really a worry unless you're keeping the car more than 4 years or so.
Whatever you get - you will want Isofix in the back, so you need to be looking at 2002/3 cars at the oldest and physically checking they're present in any case. Our 2004 A6 3.0 quattro Sport Avant had them from the factory, but many do not. Message me if you want to know what to look for to check and I'll point you in the right direction.
I think you can get a 1.9TDI quattro.
Rear legroom on an A4 of 2000/2001 vintage is rubbish - no room for a rear facing child seat behind a tall front seat passenger.
Isofix was an option on B5 A4s (1997-2001) and can easily be retrofitted for about £80 if you want to.
frenchie TVR said:
Hi guys,
My mrs is pregnant and early next year we should have a little one joining us.
Between us to we have 2 useless cars when it come to carrying 3 people and baby gear: she has a Nissan Figaro (for those who do not know it, it's this car that looks like it has been made in the 50, but is actually from the 90, based on a Nissan Micra chassis) that only has 2 tiny seats at the back and the smallest boot ever… My car has a big – ish, but only has 2 seats and is not economical: TVR 500 Chimaera.
So basically we will have to get a family car.
We both do no mind having something old –ish, but fancy something that has quite a big boot, is spacious, comfortable, safe and I guess I would like something that has a bit of oompfff….
We leave in London so do not do many miles during the week, just a guess go to the supermaket and maybe one or 2 runs a week to see friends.
So we need a car for when going away for the day / weekend and I guess maybe touring in France a couple of times a year.
I quite like the "Audi A6 Allroad" and know that you can get a good one from 2003 / 2004 for 4 or 5,000 GBP.
So here are a few questions to "Audi A6 Allroad" out there:
Would you recomand to but the "Audi A6 Allroad" or the equivalent "Audi A6 Estate"?
In guess for the 5,000 GBP we will get one with 100,000 to 130,000 or more miles. Is there something that can baldy go wrong / is there something that I really should be watching out for => I will more that likely get on with a good service history (maybe from a dealer).
Basically, please give me advise / good thing about the car / bad things about it / reliability issue / why you would recommend the "Allroad" or Rather the "estate"
I think they exist n manual an automatic, which one would you recommend, etc…
Any advise / comment, etc… Would be welcome.
Thanks, nest regards, Frenchie
(PS, I am off course keeping the TVR…)
My mrs is pregnant and early next year we should have a little one joining us.
Between us to we have 2 useless cars when it come to carrying 3 people and baby gear: she has a Nissan Figaro (for those who do not know it, it's this car that looks like it has been made in the 50, but is actually from the 90, based on a Nissan Micra chassis) that only has 2 tiny seats at the back and the smallest boot ever… My car has a big – ish, but only has 2 seats and is not economical: TVR 500 Chimaera.
So basically we will have to get a family car.
We both do no mind having something old –ish, but fancy something that has quite a big boot, is spacious, comfortable, safe and I guess I would like something that has a bit of oompfff….
We leave in London so do not do many miles during the week, just a guess go to the supermaket and maybe one or 2 runs a week to see friends.
So we need a car for when going away for the day / weekend and I guess maybe touring in France a couple of times a year.
I quite like the "Audi A6 Allroad" and know that you can get a good one from 2003 / 2004 for 4 or 5,000 GBP.
So here are a few questions to "Audi A6 Allroad" out there:
Would you recomand to but the "Audi A6 Allroad" or the equivalent "Audi A6 Estate"?
In guess for the 5,000 GBP we will get one with 100,000 to 130,000 or more miles. Is there something that can baldy go wrong / is there something that I really should be watching out for => I will more that likely get on with a good service history (maybe from a dealer).
Basically, please give me advise / good thing about the car / bad things about it / reliability issue / why you would recommend the "Allroad" or Rather the "estate"
I think they exist n manual an automatic, which one would you recommend, etc…
Any advise / comment, etc… Would be welcome.
Thanks, nest regards, Frenchie
(PS, I am off course keeping the TVR…)
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff