1998 Audi A6 Avant SE review from UK and Ireland

Whining gearbox

Starting problems

Engine oil leak

Erratic temperature gauge

Stereo failed

Stone chips

A fantastic engine that will easily do 50+ mpg and 120+mpg - not at the same time, of course.

A fantastic car that was a comfortable and quiet drive - although not that sharp in the handling department.

The interior was really well designed (but not particularly hardwearing), and the dashboard lit up like Blackpool illuminations. Oh and the stereo is fantastic even in the non-Bose set-up.

However, and here's the rub, the gearbox is the Achilles hell on these cars. Watch out, if the gearbox whines in any gear, during over-run when you take your foot off the gas, then the pinion bearing (s) are shot! This, not surprisingly, requires a gearbox strip down and is not really a DIY job, as the differential needs to be set up correctly upon rebuild, or further problems will arise. Cost approximately £2000.

Changed the glow plugs, but made no difference - I resorted to shorting out the wires on the (newly replaced) glow plug relay. I suspected an engine management issue. Cost - I didn't ask!!

One of the sump gaskets was leaking - yes folks there are two sump gaskets as the boys from Ingolstadt have design the engine with a split sump. I changed the easy one, only to find it was the upper gasket that necessitated removal of the oil pump, drive, other bits 'n' bobs etc etc. Cost of easy gasket £25, cost of upper plus labour, I didn't ask!!

Changed temp sender - still no luck, cost was £25.

Stereo packed in, cost from dealer, £300, I paid £80 from a ICE dealer.

Stone chips too are a big problem, particularly on a dark coloured car.

Would I buy another? Yes definitely! But I'll get a lower mileage model next time.