Which old avant to buy

[Rooster2212]

I’m looking for a family car. My current job gives me a 2021 330e touring, I’m leaving and won’t get a company car next, I’ve enjoyed the touring style so will be looking for an estate.
I’ve decided I want to keep the purchase under £10k to buy cash as I don’t like finance.
I’ve also decided I now enjoy autos haha
So I’ve got a couple narrowed down, but all are 3-4.5 hrs from me, willing to travel but doing my research before I take a few days off work to travel to see a few.

£6k 2005 A4 3.0 tdi sline
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...

£9k 2007 A4 3.0 tdi s line (probably a bit expensive just because the miles are low)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110278...

and two 2010 A6 3.0 TDI special editions
£9k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111099...
£7.5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111179...

can anyone give some weight to these options. I do have a soft spot for the A4 avant s line, with a roof box I assume it will be all the car a family can need?
But is the A6 such a better car, nicer to be in and drive that it’s worth getting it if you can get the car for the same price? It was so much mor expensive to buy new I’d assume so?
I assume all cars have the same ZF tiptonic? Good gearboxes.
I would like to think I would map either car to open up the v6


look forward to the advise!
Cheers!

[six wheels]

I have a 2009 A6 Avant Le Mans - same 3.0 V6 diesel.

It is an excellent family car and I’m content with it.

Worth mentioning it’s certainly not a scalpel and the auto box is very dim witted. Or at least mine is.

Very good car though.

Mine is on about 135k and I’m about to refresh the very tired suspension which should stop it crashing over bumps.

[shtu]

Rooster2212 said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111099...

Of the 4, I'd look at that one. Later car, unmodified, and a higher spec than the other A6 you've linked - at a glance, electric-adjust seats, interior storage, MMI3G instead of 2G on the other.

The A6 is not a car for throwing around on B roads, so "better to drive" is very subjective - the running gear and suspension are the same on both A4 and A6.

Watch out for the road tax - there was a period the A6 TDis were silly money to tax, some later ones were better.

[Rooster2212]

six wheels said:

I have a 2009 A6 Avant Le Mans - same 3.0 V6 diesel.

It is an excellent family car and I’m content with it.

Worth mentioning it’s certainly not a scalpel and the auto box is very dim witted. Or at least mine is.

Very good car though.

Mine is on about 135k and I’m about to refresh the very tired suspension which should stop it crashing over bumps.

Thanks, I assumed it would be a great family car! I am really trying to go test drive one but getting one near me is hard to find. I don’t expect it to be an exciting drive - does concern me how bad though because I currently drive a 2021 330e msport and to be honest it’s properly boring to drive so I’m not coming straight from a race car.

How dim witted are we talking for the gearbox? I used to own a E39 530i with the auto (I think 5 speed ZF?) that didn’t phase me, actually liked it - or maybe The memory is blurry and i forgot how bad?

[Rooster2212]

shtu said:

Rooster2212 said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111099...

Of the 4, I'd look at that one. Later car, unmodified, and a higher spec than the other A6 you've linked - at a glance, electric-adjust seats, interior storage, MMI3G instead of 2G on the other.

The A6 is not a car for throwing around on B roads, so "better to drive" is very subjective - the running gear and suspension are the same on both A4 and A6.

Watch out for the road tax - there was a period the A6 TDis were silly money to tax, some later ones were better.

Yeah I have been keeping my eye on the tax, I think I’m looking at the later variants which are reduced, £315 I think they are.

Understand it’s not a B road basher. By better to drive I mean, NVH levels and a more enjoyable daily. Or will it be very similar to the A4 with the same engine I might as well save £3k and get the low mileage A4 S Line. I also assume the A4 3.0 TDI isn’t going to be much fun to drive the B roads either! But as a cheap daily … should have poke and sound good with the v6

[stevemcs]

I don't think either A4 or A6 are b road blasters and if you find the 330 dull then ether Audi will put you in a coma.

The comfort of the A6 would push me in favour of a nice SE estate, preference would be quattro to get the torque convertor box over the multitronic however the multironic isn't that bad. We had a 2.0TFsi multitronic A4 and it wasn't a bad car, the 2.0 petrol is a good engine when working. The seats were awful though. Would an E Class or 5 Series be an option ?

[ads_4116]

I agree with stevemcs. If you go for a quattro, you get the torque convertor gearbox which is pretty good from my experience (owned many of these and thankfully never had an issue). However, 2wd versions get the multitronic box which have a history of falling apart - had a 2wd A6 with this (usually the transmission control module fails causing no drive), plus the multitronic is a cvt so it "moo's" when you accelerate if that makes any sense which is not to everyones taste. The quattro torque convertor box seems to be more reliable as long as you get the box serviced on time (not sure when and how often though). Also, note that the power outputs are different on the 3.0 V6 diesels depending on the year of the car. For your budget, I would probably look at an A6 3.0 Tdi V6 Quattro Auto Avant Le Mans edition (which is usually a very high spec).

[Dr G]

Hunt out the best C6 A6 Avant you can.

They're bloody good cars and properly maintained will do big miles.

[six wheels]

Rooster2212 said:

Thanks, I assumed it would be a great family car! I am really trying to go test drive one but getting one near me is hard to find. I don’t expect it to be an exciting drive - does concern me how bad though because I currently drive a 2021 330e msport and to be honest it’s properly boring to drive so I’m not coming straight from a race car.

How dim witted are we talking for the gearbox? I used to own a E39 530i with the auto (I think 5 speed ZF?) that didn’t phase me, actually liked it - or maybe The memory is blurry and i forgot how bad?

With the gearbox I’ve found a few times if I want to accelerate fast into a roundabout, it pauses for a split-second before going.

Perhaps if I did more miles I’d learn to drive around it. Or maybe Sport mode would remove that occasional hesitation.

In fairness to any A6 you look at, your current car will be over a decade fresher.

What is do find quite fun is taking absolute liberties with the traction. Even with poor tyres it isn’t phased by rain and doesn’t spin.

It’s a good car. The A4 was too small for me with a car seat. Perhaps you have a similar situation.

[Welshbeef]

A certain Chris Harris took on a ropey S4 Avant.

3,0 Ltr V6 supercharged.
Chipped it and got it I think to 9 seconds to 100mph down from 11/11.5 seconds.

Very decent car.


Note you can also consider the S6 - but that might be the V10 which will have a drink problem

[ads_4116]

six wheels said:

With the gearbox I’ve found a few times if I want to accelerate fast into a roundabout, it pauses for a split-second before going.

Perhaps if I did more miles I’d learn to drive around it. Or maybe Sport mode would remove that occasional hesitation.

In fairness to any A6 you look at, your current car will be over a decade fresher.

What is do find quite fun is taking absolute liberties with the traction. Even with poor tyres it isn’t phased by rain and doesn’t spin.

It’s a good car. The A4 was too small for me with a car seat. Perhaps you have a similar situation.

With that "pause" at a roundabout issue, I had exactly the same issue on a previous 2013 A4 B8 2.0 TDI quattto avant auto. I took it to an Audi specialist who used VCDS to remove something within the gearbox software settings. Apparently, when you come to a standstill, the standard operation of these gearboxes is that they automatically go into neutral whilst stationary (even when you're in D in the gearbox), nothing shows that you're in neutral, its just the box quietly goes into neutral whilst stationary in D. And then when you drive off, or release the brake pedal, the gearbox re engages drive and then you're off. That's where the pause is between going from neutral to drive. Anyway, from what I was told, there's a setting in VCDS to remove this feature which the garage did for me, which meant that the box now stayed in drive/gear when stationary. Made a huge difference meaning no hesitation at roundabouts. This was about 2 years ago, I no longer have that A4. Might be worth looking into that if you still have the A6.

[six wheels]

ads_4116 said:

With that "pause" at a roundabout issue, I had exactly the same issue on a previous 2013 A4 B8 2.0 TDI quattto avant auto. I took it to an Audi specialist who used VCDS to remove something within the gearbox software settings. Apparently, when you come to a standstill, the standard operation of these gearboxes is that they automatically go into neutral whilst stationary (even when you're in D in the gearbox), nothing shows that you're in neutral, its just the box quietly goes into neutral whilst stationary in D. And then when you drive off, or release the brake pedal, the gearbox re engages drive and then you're off. That's where the pause is between going from neutral to drive. Anyway, from what I was told, there's a setting in VCDS to remove this feature which the garage did for me, which meant that the box now stayed in drive/gear when stationary. Made a huge difference meaning no hesitation at roundabouts. This was about 2 years ago, I no longer have that A4. Might be worth looking into that if you still have the A6.

That is hugely helpful and something I will look into. Thank you.

[Rooster2212]

stevemcs said:

I don't think either A4 or A6 are b road blasters and if you find the 330 dull then ether Audi will put you in a coma.

The comfort of the A6 would push me in favour of a nice SE estate, preference would be quattro to get the torque convertor box over the multitronic however the multironic isn't that bad. We had a 2.0TFsi multitronic A4 and it wasn't a bad car, the 2.0 petrol is a good engine when working. The seats were awful though. Would an E Class or 5 Series be an option ?

I do think the new 330e is dull, but I appreciate its ability to take me to the destination in comfort! But I won’t miss it at all, maybe the new BMW cars have lost their ‘driving machine’ basics unless you get a truly sporty one I.e. not the 2.0 hybrid called a 330e!

I really did want to get an E61 530d/535d but their interiors are not very nice. I don’t know much about the e class but their estate looks like a hearse from outside…

I’ve considered an A4 2.0 TFSI too. The engine looks strong, it’s in some big cars so should be ok to tow a 1300kg caravan once or twice a year in small trips.

[Rooster2212]

ads_4116 said:

I agree with stevemcs. If you go for a quattro, you get the torque convertor gearbox which is pretty good from my experience (owned many of these and thankfully never had an issue). However, 2wd versions get the multitronic box which have a history of falling apart - had a 2wd A6 with this (usually the transmission control module fails causing no drive), plus the multitronic is a cvt so it "moo's" when you accelerate if that makes any sense which is not to everyones taste. The quattro torque convertor box seems to be more reliable as long as you get the box serviced on time (not sure when and how often though). Also, note that the power outputs are different on the 3.0 V6 diesels depending on the year of the car. For your budget, I would probably look at an A6 3.0 Tdi V6 Quattro Auto Avant Le Mans edition (which is usually a very high spec).

Absolutely, I had a Camry CVT for a few years (company car in Aus) and it was good for what it was, smooth and quiet, but I would never buy one! I dont mind a ZF and Quattro is a must - why else buy an Audi!?

[Rooster2212]

Welshbeef said:

A certain Chris Harris took on a ropey S4 Avant.

3,0 Ltr V6 supercharged.
Chipped it and got it I think to 9 seconds to 100mph down from 11/11.5 seconds.

Very decent car.

Note you can also consider the S6 - but that might be the V10 which will have a drink problem

I would love an S6, but don't particularly fancy a repair bill of a highly strung V10!

There is an A6 with the 3.0T available but it does have the chain rattle on start up - seller claims its done it for 20k miles but I have been told by a local VW mechanic to be cautious of that...

[Rooster2212]

Dr G said:

Hunt out the best C6 A6 Avant you can.

They're bloody good cars and properly maintained will do big miles.

Good to hear, are you talking most A6's or the 3,0TDI specifically... I would also consider the 3.0T but only one is available (not advertised anymore but I am in contact) and the timing chain rattle is making me a bit hesitant to go for it. You read some parts of the net and they claim it can not be an issue with regular oil changes, others say its a ticking time bomb.

[swampdonkeygj]

I ran a 2011 A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Special Edition from 67k ish to 155k. Loved that car. The only negatives were the crank pulley breaking at 130k, and the EGR needed sorting at 150k. The engine itself felt fantastic when I sold it, but the suspension was getting tired. I'd had it remapped at 68k.

I've since bought another one, a 2010 this time, but its exactly the same car, just in a different colour. This one has Bose which is a worthwhile option to seek out, but wouldn't be a deal breaker.

They have the ZF 6 speed tiptronic gearbox.

Edited by swampdonkeygj on Tuesday 30th November 11:20

[Rooster2212]

swampdonkeygj said:

I ran a 2011 A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Special Edition from 67k ish to 155k. Loved that car. The only negatives were the crank pulley breaking at 130k, and the EGR needed sorting at 150k. The engine itself felt fantastic when I sold it, but the suspension was getting tired. I'd had it remapped at 68k.

I've since bought another one, a 2010 this time, but its exactly the same car, just in a different colour. This one has Bose which is a worthwhile option to seek out, but wouldn't be a deal breaker.

They have the ZF 6 speed tiptronic gearbox.

Edited by swampdonkeygj on Tuesday 30th November 11:20

Thanks. I take it the 2011 would be the newer shape, C7 and the 2010 would be similar to the two I posted in the links? If you had the C7 and bought a C6 can I assume they are not that much different? Would you remap again, or would you buy one remapped already like the 2010 £7500 special edition I posted a link to?

[swampdonkeygj]

Mine were both the C6. I am considering getting this one mapped again, but haven't got round to it yet. I was doing around 25k per year when I had the previous A6, whereas in this one I've done 8k in the year I've had it.

Of the two A6's you've shared the links for, the £9k one has the MMI 3G and Bose, and electric boot, whereas the £7.5k one has what looks like MMI 2G and DSP sound system (the basic one). The mileage also goes in the £9k ones favour.

This was my old one...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by swampdonkeygj on Tuesday 30th November 13:17

Edited by swampdonkeygj on Tuesday 30th November 13:21

[Rooster2212]

swampdonkeygj said:

Mine were both the C6. I am considering getting this one mapped again, but haven't got round to it yet. I was doing around 25k per year when I had the previous A6, whereas in this one I've done 8k in the year I've had it.

Of the two A6's you've shared the links for, the £9k one has the MMI 3G and Bose, and electric boot, whereas the £7.5k one has what looks like MMI 2G and DSP sound system (the basic one). The mileage also goes in the £9k ones favour.

This was my old one...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by swampdonkeygj on Tuesday 30th November 13:17

Edited by swampdonkeygj on Tuesday 30th November 13:21

I wont be too fussed about MMI3G vs 2G as I'd use a phone holder or just upgrade to an android system (which the £7500 car actually has been upgraded to)
Also electric seats are not an issue unless they were memory (which neither are), as I see it they are set and forget - the odd time my misses may drive its quicker to reset using manual than waiting for the electric to adjust if not memory.
Bose would be nice to have but I imagine a 10 year old car will need speakers refreshing soon?? I have some high end speakers in a box I never used on my old Supra - they could go in.
Electric boot is a nice addition I do like that feature.

So I guess the question is.... Is 115,000 miles worth a £1500 premium over 137,000 miles, with android upgrade and a remap.


Bottom line I guess I will take from this thread though, as I asked Av avant vs A6 avant and everyone's commented on the A6's which I am assuming means everyone would suggest go for an A6 not an A4.