Faults:

New disks and pads fitted. These then destroyed when ABS unit applied one front brake for no reason with no warning lights. Blew master cylinder also. No faults found by Audi dealer.

4 months later Same thing happened this time after dealer finding no problem (could replicate it happening, but find nothing wrong "it's doing it, but is impossible - especially with no warning lights"!) referred back to Audi Germany - ABS unit and computer kaput.

Door micro-switch failed.

Multiple air-flow meters failed.

Temperature unit sender failed.

Brake pipes failed.

Electric mirrors failed.

VERY uneven idle dealer can't cure.

& numerous minor issues (climate control, lights etc)

General Comments:

Bags of room.

Solid.

Unreliable. My BMW 320i cost less in repairs for the 14 years I had it, than the A6 has cost in any one of the four years I've had it - never again!

Faults:

Drivers door electric window failed.

Passenger door electric window failed.

Automatic transmission not smooth.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable car. I bought it for its size, to carry 2 adults, 2 children in baby seats, in comfort with lots of room for luggage. In all these areas it has been excellent.

We have used it for one long 6 hour drive to and from Donegal. On Irelands improving roads the journey was very comfortable.

I used it for towing a trailer filled with refuse, to the local dump and although it pulled the trailer with ease the petrol consumption was very bad, you could nearly see the needle moving.

Fortunately I dont have to pay for petrol.

The interior is fabulous and the seats are very comfortable. The sound system with the 10CD player is excellent too.

Its not a high performance car, I don't have the Turbo engine, but its very comfortable and relaxing to drive.

The boot is massive. Difficult to fill.

Petrol consumption is about 400 miles for a tank of petrol. It currently costs about 60 euros to fill the tank.

I have found this car to be an excellent family car, relatively inexpensive to buy (I bought it when it was 4 years old). From what I could see a VW Passat of the same year was only about 1k euros less, but with a lot less build quality.

Faults:

Window regulator failed - Driver electric window - resulting in overstraining the motor to wind the window up.

Rear passenger window motor became faulty - causing the motor to become erratic at winding the window up.

Shock absorber buffer worn on rear suspension - exposing shock absorber shaft.

General Comments:

Touch wood, the car has been reliable bar the above problems mostly covered by an independant warranty.

It's the basic specification model, with a CD changer and arm rest added. So no computer display fade problems for me.

Being the 1.9TDi 110BHP it's not the fastest car on the road by any means, but it has enough performance to keep me happy. I had a 150BHP Rover 200 previously and I'd say the Audi is overall much more flexible to drive.

Being diesel it's quite economical. The most economical car as far as fuel goes that I have owned. The worst I've had so far is 45 miles per gallon (with the air conditioning on almost constantly and furiously rushing to get to work on time). The best I've had is 50 miles per gallon (no air conditioning and taking my time).

Insurance quotes from some companies are a bit scary (I'm 24 years old which doesn't help). But I managed to reduce the cost by shopping around a lot. Now I am paying sensible money.

The problems I've had in the 3 months or so I have owned the car have all been sorted. The car is a high miler so you would expect some problems I guess. The "buffers" were worn exposing the shock absorber shaft, but £27 for new buffers and a mate with tools put that right quite easily. The window motors were replaced under warranty (cost to the warranty company of £300). The window regulator was partly funded by me and partly by the garage the car was purchased from (resulting in a bill of £85 for me to pay). Two new tyres at £37 each (budget brand), could have paid £49 for branded tyres, but didn't see the point.

I've had a few cars in the 7 years I have been driving. I am hoping the A6 Avant proves to be reliable and as useful as it's understated, but imposing presence suggests. That way it should last a good few years before needing big money.

In summary: Comfortable yet not sloppy. A bit sluggish off the mark, but a great cruiser. Stacks of space. Smart, elegant looks without being brash or "look at me". Put a private plate on it and it fools people into thinking you're a lot better off (foolish peasants!!!).

Faults:

Immobiliser problems leaving me stranded. Fixed by dealer reprogramming it (£60) but then happened again - as a prospective purchaser was looking to buy!! Slight flat spot on acceleration, which the dealer couldn't trace. Other items were wear & tear. Dealers make an effort - at a price!!!

General Comments:

Good all-round executive car. 1.8T engine good, reasonably smooth for a 4 cylinder. Good economy. Build quality excellent.