The latter engine is raved about by A6’s owners, though a model with the 2.8 or 3.0-litre V6 will be better on fuel and cheaper to maintain. The V8 engine seems to be another fairly reliable choice, and the boosted six should be considered mainly by enthusiast drivers who don’t mind paying more for maintenance in exchange for an exciting powerplant.
If test-driving a model with the 2.7 litre engine, especially with higher mileage, approach the vehicle assuming the turbochargers are worn out and need replacement. A check by a certified Audi mechanic familiar with the vehicle can prove otherwise. Avoid any used 2.7T-powered model that puffs oily smoke at startup or while driving, or that accelerates less quickly or smoothly than expected. If you’re mechanically inclined, pull the ‘charge pipes’ off the engine and check for excessive oil if you don’t know what a charge pipe is, ask a mechanic to help.
Other A6 powerplants look to be fairly solid, though they should be inspected for oil leaks, fluid levels and condition, and any stored ‘check engine’ codes which can be pulled from the vehicle’s computer system. These codes can indicate a problem with a sensor, and may not always cause the ‘check engine’ light to illuminate as evidence.
As it tends to go with German cars from this era, the most likely problems will tend to be electronics, wiring and computer related. Check the stereo, CD-changer, driver computer, instruments, lights, power seats, and climate control for proper operation. If any system isn’t working as expected, be sure to determine why. Ask the seller if they’ve had any electronics-related problems fixed in the past, and be sure to obtain any service records that may be applicable.
Note that several complaints regarding automatic transmission failure have been documented, too. Though this problem seems far from widespread or problematic, a check over of this component by a technician is advised, too. If you’re unsure of the vehicle’s maintenance history, budget for a full fluid change and tune-up.
Ultimately, the A6 should prove an exceptional vehicle where luxury and performance is concerned, though shoppers are advised to opt for an extended warranty where possible to prevent bearing the brunt of any potentially expensive electronic repairs that may be required. The A6 is an attractive car for a variety of reasons, but inexpensive repair bills aren’t one of them.
If you find a good deal on an A6 that fits your needs, don’t forget that investing in a full pre-purchase checkup might save you pricey headaches down the line.
If test-driving a model with the 2.7 litre engine, especially with higher mileage, approach the vehicle assuming the turbochargers are worn out and need replacement. A check by a certified Audi mechanic familiar with the vehicle can prove otherwise. Avoid any used 2.7T-powered model that puffs oily smoke at startup or while driving, or that accelerates less quickly or smoothly than expected. If you’re mechanically inclined, pull the ‘charge pipes’ off the engine and check for excessive oil if you don’t know what a charge pipe is, ask a mechanic to help.
Other A6 powerplants look to be fairly solid, though they should be inspected for oil leaks, fluid levels and condition, and any stored ‘check engine’ codes which can be pulled from the vehicle’s computer system. These codes can indicate a problem with a sensor, and may not always cause the ‘check engine’ light to illuminate as evidence.
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| 2004 Audi A6 (Photo: Audi) |
As it tends to go with German cars from this era, the most likely problems will tend to be electronics, wiring and computer related. Check the stereo, CD-changer, driver computer, instruments, lights, power seats, and climate control for proper operation. If any system isn’t working as expected, be sure to determine why. Ask the seller if they’ve had any electronics-related problems fixed in the past, and be sure to obtain any service records that may be applicable.
Note that several complaints regarding automatic transmission failure have been documented, too. Though this problem seems far from widespread or problematic, a check over of this component by a technician is advised, too. If you’re unsure of the vehicle’s maintenance history, budget for a full fluid change and tune-up.
Ultimately, the A6 should prove an exceptional vehicle where luxury and performance is concerned, though shoppers are advised to opt for an extended warranty where possible to prevent bearing the brunt of any potentially expensive electronic repairs that may be required. The A6 is an attractive car for a variety of reasons, but inexpensive repair bills aren’t one of them.
If you find a good deal on an A6 that fits your needs, don’t forget that investing in a full pre-purchase checkup might save you pricey headaches down the line.
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