1996 Audi A6 TDI Avant review from Germany
"Comfy economic long distance runner"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
There were a few problems that were related to the Audi dealer's maintenance.
Lost the left indicators (twice) at high speed because they were not properly fixed.
Experienced increasing vibrations during a nightly ride on the Autobahn. Suspected failure of the wheel bearings, but apparently one of the front wheels was loose, all of which occurred after servicing the front disc brakes (Sic!).
Replacement of one of the nine bulbs in the dashboard required the dismantling of the steering wheel, the disconnection of the airbag unit and some other minor parts - this is too complicated as bulbs may always fail.
However the free Audi breakdown service was excellent in curing the problem and the garage tried everything to rule out the problems.
Oil consumption nearly nil during service intervals.
General comments?
Very comfortable and economic long distance runner. Taking into account the empty weight of 1700 kg and the automatic gearbox, fuel consumption of about 7.5 litres/100 km at 150 kph with the air conditioning engaged is reasonable.
Large, spacious interior.
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| The A6: Quality materials assembled by skilled Audi employees who are paid a real living wage |
Great tourer, easy to do distance in |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 turbo diesel 5 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 115000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Audi 80 |
| Date of Entry | 12th June, 2001 |