A6 Avant 2.0tdi

[djmx5]

Hi all, I've been lurking in this forum for a while and find it a great source of info. You guts seem to know your onions!

With that in mind, any known issues with the current A6 Avant 2.0tdi SE spec that I need to know?

I have read via whatcar.co.uk some worrying reports from owners who report heavy oil consumption, premature clutch failure and poor engine performance.

I have a 98 A3 1.8 with 100k miles which has behaved great over the 5 years i have owned it and naturally expect the same from a newer car.

Lokking at an 06/07 model with between 20-30,000 miles from Audi dealer, there seems plenty of choice between £14-15k.

Cheers
D

[HBA4345]

HI djmx5, problem with checking out forums for known issues of cars is that most people go on them looking for a solution to a problem, not very many people sign up just to say 'My car is great and there's nothing wrong with it' so you get a bit of a skewed view.

From my research before settling on my A6 saloon there were issues with the rear wash wiper fitting on the avant tailgate failing and letting water into the electronics bays, also issues with the multitronic gearbox having problems. these were the two that stood out.

All my local dealer had in used aproved were 2 lt models, and they were trying very hard to sell me one, got offered a 08 with only 9k on the clock for 14.5k.

But they were all very basic, no leather, no toys, obviously lease or hire vehicles, and I wasn't that keen on a 2 lt as the A6 is a big heavy car. Which is why I held out for a 2.7 tdi quattro for the same money, just a little older but with all the toys, MMI high nav, xenons, front & rear PDC, blutooth, leather etc. etc. I just had to drive 120 miles to get it!

You'll never be able to guarantee you're getting a perfect car, even buying from new, but I guess that's what the warranties are for.

[paul b]

As the above poster says, on a forum you're bound to hear more horror stories than you are rave reviews.

I've not owned the new shape A6, but having read about them on here for a while, check that there is no serious vibration through any part of the rev range. Also ensure all the electronic gizmos work. Some 2.0 TDIs have been known to leak coolant, all you can do there is just look for coolant residue running down the head.

After all that, happy motoring!

[djmx5]

Thanks to you both for the response.

Yes I agree that forums do tend to focus on the negative points of the issue at hand but I guess that is the one of the benefits and reasons why folks turn to them. Should we rely solely on the warm words of comfort from a salesman?

Interesting you make mention of the water ingress to the avant tailgate...... I will research that further. I had already decided against the multitronic as I prefer a manual, though, also, there are some threads on this forum by less than contented multitronic owners. The advice about coolant is also something I shall watch out for as is the engine vibration.

With regard to the 'toys' and electronics..... why have Audi replaced the simple yet effective traditional handbrake with an electronic 'gizmo' that increases the likelyhood of failure? INMHO I fail to see the benefit, other than to Audi who will no doubt rake in more of our cash when the bits go wrong.

HBA4345.....as always the advertised price is merely the starting point for negotiation...... but I'm sure you new that anyway.

Anyhow thanks again to you both
D

[HBA4345]

Oh yes, the electronic handbrake, I spent a good 20 seconds looking at the centre tunnel trying to figure out what the heck I was missing when I first test drove one. It's the first time I've ever had to ask someone where the handbrake had gone!

It feels strange at first but it's actually a very neat system and I got used to it very quickly. I like the fact that you don't need to manually disengage it when moving off.

Not having the big lever sticking out of the centre tunnel also makes for much cleaner lines and better use of the space (got to have room for all those MMI buttons )