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.

Faults:

There was a leak in the engine after about a year of ownership, but the warranty covered it. Otherwise, it would have been a $1000 default to fix. Besides that and a minor recall, it has been reliable and never broken down.

General Comments:

This car is very luxurious and comfortable. The cabin has extreme quality and a satisfying interior design. The $1,500 premium leather was well worth the money because it added to the luxury.

The "Cold Weather Package" was a smart move for living through cold winters. It includes not only a ski sack, front and rear heated seats, but a heated steering wheel as well.

Another wonderful point of this car has got to be its safety. My A6 was equipped with the "Enhanced Safety Package" which included Xenon HID headlights and rear seat mounted side impact airbags. The headlights greatly improved visibility in bad weather while adding a touch of sportiness.

The sound system was another raving point of the A6. The $1,200 Bose premium sound was well worth it. It was a 200 watt increase over the standard stereo and include a hidden sub-woofer in the trunk. It also included a six disc CD changer.

The pickup is excellent and steering is very responsive. The big seller for Audi is their "Quattro" all-wheel drive. It wasn't any different in my case because I do a lot of snow driving. What else can I say other than it is a thoughtfully designed and impressive automobile.