A6 2.0 TDI or A6 3.0tdi

[steeevvvooo]

Basically, I'm torn between an A6 s line 2.0 tdi (2005), very little options, or an A8 3.0 tdi Quattro (2004) that has TV, sat nav, heated seats etc. I'm coming from a 3.0 Z4 with some toys for reference!

Obviously the A6 would have better economy, while the A8 would have more gadgets and a more comfortable ride.

My question is... what sort of MPG do people get on a motorway run (sensible speeds!) in an A8 3.0 tdi quattro? I realise around town it might be a bit thirsty, but what are they really like on an open motorway? Also, would the A8 be a money pit in terms of servicing/repairs etc (both have around 80-90k on the clock)

I do some weekend town driving, and a 500 mile round trip every month or so. Total about 8k a year so not huge miles.

Cheers in advance guys!!

[chard]

Yup A8 could be a money pit expect mid 30's on a run, 10 mpg better in the A6. PD 2.0 TDI engine is the sensible choice.

[Dilligaf10]

I have an A8L with the 3.0TDi and cannot fault it in any way. Superb cruiser, better handling than my old A6 with the same engine.

Have averaged 39mpg for the last 20k miles and on a run over 40 is normal cruising in Lane 3 most of the time. Mine has now done 125k and no major problems. Service intervals are about 20k and cost about £400 - £500 at a main dealer.

Tyre choice is critical for noise levels although I am picky because of the work it does. (See profile).

Immense presence on the road, quick enough to surprise a lot of people. Remap if you need more.

Pads last about 40k and discs about 80k. Cheaper to get Brembo replacements which are exactly the same as Audi genuine I am led to believe. Vast boot and enough toys to keep you amused for hours. Took me 3 months to find them all and I am in it all day, every day. You get out as refreshed as when you got in it.

Test drive one, you won't want anything else.

Oh by the way did I say I liked them!!!

[Northern Munkee]

I'm also wondering the same would the 2.0 tdi have the horses and the torque to pull an A6, I have the 1.9 TDI 130 PD in my Golf Mk IV and it's plenty enough for that, but a 2.0 tdi 140 in something as big as an A6, there is a 170 2.0 but not it seems many used, and I'm now considering a very nearly new Skoda Superb with the 170 2.0 TDI, but you know, I'd rather have a used A6...

[steeevvvooo]

Cheers for the responses guys. Part of the reason for selling the Z4 was to get something cheaper to run, and part was wanting something bigger/more comfortable. It seems both the above would tick both boxes, although to different extents.

Is there anywhere online you can search what options a car has by entering a reg number? I've called the seller on these cars and they're a bit unsure on what is on the car (was late last night) so wanted to check it out myself if possible.

[blueg33]

A have a 3.0tdi A6 there is no way I would have gone for the 2.0. Its a very good car indeed and averages 35 mpg and 42-44 on a motorway run. 3.0's also have the benefit of quattro. Beware 19 inch rims as the rubber is pricey and on a quattro you normally need to change all four at once.

[Dr G]

3.0 A8 all the way chap, get yourself a good specialist and buy with good history. 2.0tdi in an A6 is not enough unless you want to sit at 70mph all day every day or are used to driving a box with a 1 litre engine.

Audi can tell you the spec, give service history a call on 0870 010 5671.

[steeevvvooo]

Thanks for that. Seems the A8 is well specced, but had services at 19k, in 2005, then again in 2005 at 23.5k (?!), then last one on record at Audi was 2007 at 59k

So...
2 services close together?
36k between services 2 and 3 (unless there was an independent, which I doubt on a 3 year old car like this?)
And due another 10k miles ago (again, unless an independent was involved?)

hmmmm...

Seems a bit odd. Think a call to the garage is in order…

[blueg33]

steeevvvooo said:

Thanks for that. Seems the A8 is well specced, but had services at 19k, in 2005, then again in 2005 at 23.5k (?!), then last one on record at Audi was 2007 at 59k

So...
2 services close together?
36k between services 2 and 3 (unless there was an independent, which I doubt on a 3 year old car like this?)
And due another 10k miles ago (again, unless an independent was involved?)

hmmmm...

Seems a bit odd. Think a call to the garage is in order…

Things like brake fluid changes and filter changes are fixed interval whereas the rest is variable, so maybe the fixed interval items werent done, and it went back for those.

[steeevvvooo]

Well, I’m back to square 1. It just didn’t stack up so I’m leaving it. 2 services according to the book (not 3 as Audi said so maybe they’ve lost one ) in 90k miles, and they have the cheek to advertise it as full history! Last one over 30k miles ago as well.

Doesn’t feel right so I’m walking. Thanks for all the advice though.

[Jack_and_MLE]

I would go the A6 with the 3ltr TDi

(my next car)

jack

[clonmult]

Dr G said:

3.0 A8 all the way chap, get yourself a good specialist and buy with good history. 2.0tdi in an A6 is not enough unless you want to sit at 70mph all day every day or are used to driving a box with a 1 litre engine.

Audi can tell you the spec, give service history a call on 0870 010 5671.

I've got the standard 1.9TDI in my 2001 A6 Avant, its easily got enough poke for normal daily driving. Not sure how the 2.0 compares though.

[blueg33]

clonmult said:

Dr G said:

3.0 A8 all the way chap, get yourself a good specialist and buy with good history. 2.0tdi in an A6 is not enough unless you want to sit at 70mph all day every day or are used to driving a box with a 1 litre engine.

Audi can tell you the spec, give service history a call on 0870 010 5671.

I've got the standard 1.9TDI in my 2001 A6 Avant, its easily got enough poke for normal daily driving. Not sure how the 2.0 compares though.

2004 A6 onwards is a bigger heavier car though. Current A4 is as big as the 2001 A6.

[Tame Technician]

I wouldnt want a 2.0 TDI.

A8 will be a nicer car to drive, masivly.

A6 with 3.0TDI would be somwhere in the midle.

[Escort2dr]

I have a 2006 A6 Avant 2.0tdi; performance is adequate but can feel sluggish when wanting to overtake swiftly. I had the same engine in a Passat and had that remapped, which made a massive difference and improved the fuel consumption.

I only have a 2.0 because I need 40mpg so I am not out of pocket with company fuel rates, but it turns in 50+mpg regularly. Given the choice though, I would have the A8.

[xxplod]

2.0L in an A6 is underengined. It sits naturally in the A4.
I used to regularly drive a 3.0 TDI Quattro and liked it a lot. In an A8 it would be a great choice. There's plenty out there, keep looking.

[siren69]

Just last week I had an A6 2.0tdi as a loaner whilst our A6 3.0tdi was in for service.
Was shocked at the difference in performance.
it felt exactly the same acceleration as our defender.
To be fair it was aoto as well, but after that would never consider the A6 as a 2.0tdi

[Dr G]

Yeah, multitronic destroys what little performance there is.

[Dilligaf10]

xxplod said:

2.0L in an A6 is underengined. It sits naturally in the A4.
I used to regularly drive a 3.0 TDI Quattro and liked it a lot. In an A8 it would be a great choice. There's plenty out there, keep looking.

Mine will be up for sale in the near future.

Looking to replace with a newer one

[steeevvvooo]

Dilligaf, how soon is "near future"? May be interested if it's imminent...

I've seen a 2.7 tdi quattro, loads of kit, and would cost next to nothing to change from my current car. Only issue is, it has 120k on the clock.

Lots of debate on the +100k mental barrier, and I think I'm suffering from it at the moment.

Is this some basic survival instinct (saving me from bankruptcy) or am I being soft?