Buying Audi A4/A6

This is it

Im looking to buy an A4/A6 in the next few months. Budget around 20k, less if possible.

I'm wondering about models, extras, things to watch out for etc. I'd prefer an auto but will take a manual if needs be. I think I'd be ok with the A4 but would love the space, and I presume extra comfort, in the A6. At times I'll have two isofix, double buggy, and all that comes with twins so the boot being big is essential.

Most models on Done Deal are SE and S-Line, with a couple of Black Edition, then some are Ultra models but I think that's to do with emissions? Some have digital cluster, I see mention of virtual cockpit but maybe that's for new models.

Mileage would be very low since I work from home, probably 150km a week tops with trips being 20-30km each way and generally on regional roads.

Anyway, nay advice or tips appreciated!

User1998

Is an Audi A6 or Audi A4 really the right car for someone doing less than 8,000km a year? Presumably you’re planning on buying a diesel since there are practically no petrol ones out there?

This is it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122263504#Comment_122263504

No idea if it's the right car, but they're cars that I really like. Had looked at plenty of others but the A6 is a lovely looking car in my opinion. Checked out others like S60, 5 series, Superb but liked the Audi's over them. Would also love a Kodiaq or RAV4 but they won't be in my price range.

*Edit* plenty of petrol A4s around but wouldn't bother me either way

XsApollo

there are a few 2016- 2017 1.4 TSI A4’s on done deal with low enough mileage, also a couple of Avants which I what I would buy.
might be hard enough find one with an auto.

Here is one.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-luxury-executive-estate-w-parking-camera/36678810

This is it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122263544#Comment_122263544

Thanks for that. Not a huge fan of the Avant but maybe a test drive or seeing it up close would change my mind.

In general I presume it's the S-Line I should be looking at in any of the models?

goochy

Jap imports petrol imports a3 ??

User1998

Usually in this scenario I would recommend something Japanese like a Toyota or Honda but if you rather Audi I think a petrol automatic A3 would be a better option considering your low mileage.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/36787306

XsApollo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122263633#Comment_122263633

Well if you want space for buggies and stuff the if you are getting an A4 then avant would be better, A4’s aren’t big.

well if you want an S-line then sure, you will pay more for one tho.

I have the facelift C7 A6 s-line myself.
Nice big and comfy , I have 300k up on mine and it’s still nice.
im not sure would you get a low mileage one for 20k tho.

Paul MCM

I have an A6 Sline and would really recommend the car, well once you are doing enough kms for a diesel.
this was my first automatic and I would never go back to manual so fully recommend going for automatic.

XsApollo

another thing the A6 is out since 2011 and there wasn’t much of change interior wise in that time.

The A4 you would be looking at would be new from 2016, saying that I haven’t been in or driven that A4 before.

_Kaiser_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122263870#Comment_122263870

The A6/A7 interior changed with the C7 model and it's a definite step up to be fair having owned 2 C6-gen A6's (2005 and 2010) and my current C6 A7 (2012). Note also that the A4/A5s seem to inherit the previous gen A6s interiors as well - so a mid 201x A4 will have the same interior as the 2005-2010 A6.

OP: Lovely cars and will go for hundreds of thousands of km if looked after properly. I would strongly recommend either a facelift 2010/11 A6 (last of that model so all the kinks worked out) or a C7 A6/A7 - in any case go for the 3.0 TDI Quattro if you can (far better than the 2 litre and you want to avoid any autos in that smaller engine as the multitronic gearboxes were rubbish I gather)

Mine have all been S-Line spec, 2 of which came from the UK so lots of extras as well.

XsApollo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122263939#Comment_122263939

the C7 came out in 2011 which is what I was saying, it didn’t get much interior wise since it came out.

The 2016 A4 is a totally different interior to the C7 and C6 A6.

This is it

Going by the above am I right in saying there's little between a 2013/14 A6 and a 2016/17 A6? Maybe look for a decent 2014 S-Line or Quattro?

@User1998 I've twins on the way, whatever about an A4, I definitely don't think we'd manage with an A3

XsApollo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122264056#Comment_122264056

The C7 A6 came out in 2011 and ran up until 2018.

They get a mid cycle refresh, most call them facelifts.
The A6 got its facelift in 2014.

The main difference between them exterior wise are the DRLs, headlights, rear tail lights and the Exhaust tips , the exhaust tips are the sort of rectangle ones on the facelift and round ones on one side only on the non- facelift.

Interior wise the facelift got better infotainment screen and screen in the dash and a different gear stick.

Engine wise, the non facelift had 177bhp 2.0 TDI and the facelift got the 190bhp tdi and the ULTRA name.

The 190BHP also got the new Audi DSG gearbox , the previous 177bhp have a CVT gearbox. The CVT gearbox was problematic in the C6, I’m not sure how it fared in the C7.

Now they non facelift also got the 190BHP engine and gearbox in 2014 and ultra name before the facelift, which can be noticed with the round exhaust tips but there is one each side, not 2 on one side like the 177bhp.

If you are going up to the 3.0 tdi I think they had round exhaust each side also.

Depending on the power output of the engine I think the more powerful 3.0tdis had a ZF gearbox, I’m not sure what gearbox they had in the pre facelift.

So yea, if you can get a facelift one they are nice and the 190BHP 2.0tdi with a dsg is nice to drive, they need gearbox oil every 60k and don’t like when they don’t get it so try make sure you can get one that’s had that serviced when it’s supposed to.

They ain’t cheap when they go wrong.

Mines still going at 300k but it gets the oil changed every 60k or less.
It’s around 150 euro for the oil.
I’ve replaced the DMF in mine and that wasn’t cheap either.

You will pay more for a Quattro or 3.0TDI.

goochy

Would prefer a high spec. Superb saloon or estate . Audis like vw over rated.

Buddy Bubs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122264056#Comment_122264056

No the A6 was pretty much the same interior from 2011 until 2018 when the new one came out. I had one and loved it.

No bad thing really, the interior is generally very good and very usable but the infotainment is a bit dated compared to what is available today. It's very comfortable and functional though.

It's built very well, it's better built than the etron I have now, I just think the materials used were a bit nicer back then.

Anything from a 142 reg got a new gearbox, 190bhp, lower emissions and possibly a very slightly updated interior.

Id possibly stay away from it though if doing lots of short journeys like that.

kakayako999

hi :)

sligopaul

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a4-2-0-tfsi-mega-speclow-mileagewarranty/36995499

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122264178#Comment_122264178

the OP specifically asks about Audi A4 and A6.

I doubt they would consider the Poor man’s car of choice

goochy

a superb is far from being a poor mans choice - its an intelligent choice unlike your choice of words !😀

XsApollo

how is an Audi a6 over rated compared to a Skoda superb?

This is it

I have looked at Superbs but I think the A6 looks much nicer, inside and out.

Any thoughts on the S90? Not many around and most have pretty high mileage.

I suppose I'm not locked on buying an A4/A6 but I want something comfortable, plenty of room in the back and the in the boot, and looks nice.

bazz26

OP, you say you have twins on the way, well unless you go estate then an A4/A6 or any saloon type car is going to be useless to you. The aperture opening of a saloon boot will be narrow/awkward and you will struggle to get the likes of a twin buggy or stroller along with the rest of the baby stuff into a saloon boot.

This is it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122272037#Comment_122272037

Yeah, that's a fair point. I've a Tucson currently that'd we plan on keeping, that would be used primarily for the kids.

Wildly Boaring

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122264167#Comment_122264167

Apollo has said it here on the gearbox.

The auto is basically a dsg. Dunno when it goes up to a ZF box but I've a 3.0 a7 245bhp and it's a 7 speed stronic.

Make sure these are serviced.

I didn't, Chanced a cheap car with no history on box, good history on redst of car.

Learn from my mistake... It's all big money.

Whatwicklow

Only the bitdi had the zf (and the rs6)

If its not bitdi and is 8 speed then it's multitronic and the dullest gearbox known to man. Single reason I sold a c7a6 black edition.

Get the avant, #wagonsforthewin

Toots

OP my husband has a 2020 A4 saloon and it’s a gorgeous car but if you’re expecting twins it’ll be no use to you at all. My daughter’s buggy will fit into the boot… just. It has to be completely dismantled, wheels off and everything, to fit in the opening, whereas my smaller hatchback allows me to just fold it down and fire it into the boot. If you’re going for the A4/A6, definitely go for the Avant. Another tip I’d give is, if you’re going car shopping and know anyone with a double buggy or even a large single would would let you have a lend of it for a few hours, bring it with you and test out loading/unloading it from the boot.

fabvinny

My wife has a 2019 A4,Automatic. Its a beautiful car to drive,but its not great as regards boot space if you have twins on the way!

Also,shocking low to the ground! Driving it is lovely,but getting in and out is not if you are 6 foot or over!!

DaveyDave

If you get a diesel with DSG gearbox it will need servicing, I think the interval is every 3 years and it will cost ~€300.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122273611#Comment_122273611

DSG service is only €100 or so from a gearbox specialist

DaveyDave

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122273712#Comment_122273712

Where's that? A friend of mine had a nightmare trying to get hers done. Went to a gearbox specialist and quoted €250 for oil and €150 for filters but ended up not doing filters because they're "internal"

Nobody would touch it, even called 3 Audi dealers and they didn't know what gearbox it was and were all giving different prices. One said it didn't need filters.

Ended up going to a lad who did coding to get it done.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122273794#Comment_122273794

Autotranz on the Greenhills Road. €100 + VAT for fresh oil. It was a 7 speed DSG sealed unit so they didn’t do the filter.

XsApollo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122273712#Comment_122273712

oil alone for that gearbox in the Audi is over a 100 euro.

There are no filters to be changed in it tho.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122274714#Comment_122274714

Well thats the price I paid for a 7 speed DSG VW Golf. Same gearbox surely?

XsApollo

what year is the golf ?

There are a few different types of DSG

DL382 which is what’s in A6’s came out in 2014 with the ultra, i think it was Audi only gearbox? Although I think I read before was used in the phaeton also?

Don’t think was ever used in the golf.

goochy

Am I thr only one who thinks a high spec superb is as good as an A4 / A6 ? Was in a basic spec 2016 A4 avant a while ago and friends basic spec superb is a much nicer car

XsApollo

Yes

This is it

I'm starting to think now I should just get another Tucson or similar 😂

I really want an A6 but if it's not practical then it might not be worth it. I'll bring the double buggy with me and check out the boot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122275468#Comment_122275468

Yes it seems you are. A4 and A6 are very different cars.

A6 avant boot is huge. Go have a look at one. Cant beat driving one to make up your mind.

XsApollo

the boot. In the A6 is big.
You should get an avant tho , they are nicer than the saloon even tho I own a saloon myself.

Most people who consider a a6, consider the 520d and the e class merc. They are all 70k€ plus cars new.

Rare to see superb or tucson being placed in the same category.

The a6 avant is a do it all car. 1000ks on a tank of diesel. With 5 adults and a boot that would take a double buggy plus luggage and shopping. 2017 review below

https://youtu.be/9MqrMGHdG3U?feature=shared

_Kaiser_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122275913#Comment_122275913

There was plenty of space in the boot of my A6's to be fair, though I never tried to get a double buggy into it. That might be a challenge with any saloon.

You could try the A7. Being a "sportsback" I find there's no problem with loading anything into it but the steep angle of the hatchback means long/tall loads can be an issue unless you put the rear seats down (not an option with kids or rear passengers obviously).

What about something like a Q5/Q7 if wanting to stay in the Audi family. More expensive to run but the latter is the size of a tank (having had one for a few days) with acres of space. Not sure what the Q5 is like in that regard though but obviously it's smaller.

This is it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122276243#Comment_122276243

Thanks for that! I'd say you're looking big money for Q5 and Q7. It's really the look of the A4 and A6 that I like, the A6 in particular. Kinda why I'd steer away from the Avant, it takes away from the look IMO.

As above, if I was going the SUV route I'd probably go for a RAV4 (newer model) or a Kodiaq, really like the look of both of those.

Already mentioned but it would be rare enough I'd have the kids in this car, the Tucson will be used generally, but I'd definitely need to be able to get the double buggy in for the few times I need to. As Toots said, I'll bring the buggy and take one for a test drive I think, at least I'll know then.

kermitpwee

The Avant is a way better looking machine than the Saloon, pure Alpha the Avant

paddydriver

OP.. if your bending down fastening child seats in back seats of an A6 then better have a good back as its tight enough to bend on in. Boot is decent.. can fit 2 x 10 bags of footballs and lots of other crap too handy enough.

I've a 2017 A6 Black Ultra 190 Auto Black Edition w/Tech Pack with only 55Km on it - Nice car and a good drive, but want rid of it as I need to go back to a regular 1.4 petrol manual now as I've 3 x kids will be starting to drive in coming years - €24-5k and its yours 😀

Wildly Boaring

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122273712#Comment_122273712

430 for a quattro stronic with 7th gear ballycoolin.

330 or 350 for a 2 wheel drive.

DaveyDave

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122275164#Comment_122275164

The Golf 7 speed wet clutch is the DQ380 (6 speed is DQ250), I was surprised to learn Audi seem to use mostly different gearboxes.

Personally I wouldn't touch a saloon for a family car. I was surprised at how narrow the boot opening is on the A6, it might be big in terms of storage litres but putting bulky items like large prams or kids bikes in seems like it would be a challenge. Avant all the way.

Whatwicklow

Joe blogs of the street will never see a professional dsg service for €100, double at best. I did my Dq250 recently and the oil alone was €90 filter another €15.

Yeah Right

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122276397#Comment_122276397

The avant looks like a hearse. More Omega than Alpha.

I've an A6 saloon s-Line ultra black edition, no issues getting a full pram into the boot along with everything else. Car is a gem. Manual diesel and I've put about 30k kms on her in almost 6 years. Only ever had to clear the DPF twice in all that time with low enough mileage. 2 people in my family have superbs and the only thing I'd be envious of is the double boot thingy where you can open it like a saloon or like a hatchback.

A6 is higher spec and better quality in every other department, far as I can see. More room in the back of a Superb, but not much and sure I'm never sat in the back of my own car anyway. By a strange coincidence, herself drives a Tucson and we have all the angles covered between the two cars.

I love the audi. Every time I sit in it, I say to myself "I f**king love this car". Worst thing about it is having to deal with the main dealers for repairs/maintenance.

This is it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122288335#Comment_122288335

Yep, this is what I was was thinking. We'll have the Tucson for the majority of travel with the kids, it's the rare occasion that they'll be in the second car so it being lower, or it maybe not being as easy to store a double buggy, isn't really an issue, once it actually fits then it's fine, it'll be a handful of times a year they'll be in it.

I've looking at various models and a Quattro just won't be in budget unfortunately.

Maybe something like this

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a6-2-0-tdi-s-line-manual/36731597

_Kaiser_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122288401#Comment_122288401

The problem with the A6 in my experience is the spec is so variable - I spent a lot of time looking for something equivalent to my previous A6 and it was very hard to get.

In that one the cloth manual seats would put me off as would the lack of rear tinted windows. Glovebox would need to be checkes as it looks "off". It's also a 2L manual which wouldn't suit me. The mileage is very low for its age though which is in its favour

If the kids are secondary for this car I would suggest either an older but higher spec A6 or look at an A7 which has the 3L TDI and higher base spec as standard. They're also a little rarer on the roads too and positioned by Audi as in between the A6 and A8. Very fond of my one!