Used Audi A6 2004 - 2011 review

If you're looking to travel in business class, but want to stick to an economy budget, the Audi A6 has all you need in a saloon at a sensible price.

The A6 manages to blend refinement with a sporty drive. Its firm suspension allows nimble handling, with plenty of grip, but it can feel unsettled on bumpy roads. The light steering may feel unusual at first, but it does make low-speed manoeuvring easier. Wind and road noise are kept at bay - even at motorway speeds. You rarely hear the engine unless you're in a vocal V8 version.

There's generous head- and legroom inside for four adults; the fifth seat is best reserved for children because of a high transmission tunnel. The boot is suitably cavernous and, on some models, the rear seats fold down. Fit and finish are flawless, with high quality materials.

The 2.0-litre diesel has an official average of 44.8mpg, compared with the 2.0-litre petrol's 34.5mpg - but be sure you'll cover enough miles to make the extra cost of the diesel worth paying. The 2.7-litre diesel is respectable at 40.9mpg, with the 3.0 V6 at 35.3mpg. These beat the rest of the petrol models, with the 2.4 V6 managing just 29.1mpg.

High emissions mean road tax cheap isn't cheap on any model, but a 2.0-litre TDIe diesel introduced in mid '08 is by far the cheapest to run, it emits just 139g/km of CO2 and covers 53.3mpg.

Servicing costs are typical for this type of car, but there are plenty of specialist independent garages who will save money. For cars that are three years old and over Audi dealers have fixed-price servicing, along with set prices for replacing standard parts, such as brake pads, which represent decent value.

The diesels are best: they are far more common than the petrols, and hold their value better. The entry-level 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI performs well in such a large car. If you want more performance, then the smooth 178bhp 2.7-litre V6 is the next best option, with the 233bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel the quickest, but also the rarest.

Consider a petrol model, though, if the price is right. The turbocharged 2.0-litre has 165bhp, then there are three V6s and two V8s with between 177 and 345bhp. The 2.0 and smallest V6 are the best options.

Quattro four-wheel drive is an option with the mid-sized engines and standard on the largest. While it does improve handling and traction, it doesn't make an already accomplished car an awful lot better. The automatic gearboxes are smooth and feel well matched to the engines.

Opt for SE trim and you'll get a good kit list, including climate control, CD player, four electric windows and cruise control. The S line adds stiffer suspension and racier cabin detailing. Metallic paint is essential for good resale value - as is sat-nav and leather seats on anything larger than a 2.0-litre model.

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