AUDI A6 1.9 TDI 130 5dr Multitronic (2001)

Audi A6 1.9 TDi Review - Reasonably frugal but lots of repairs

Nice ride, lots of space inside and really comfy. Good for the dogs, nice big boot and the cage fits in easily. Reasonably low bumper as well so the dogs can easily jump in the back, when they want to that is.

The Audi A6 1.9 TDi is really smooth on the motorway, which is where I mostly use it so it's been good to me all round. Takes bumps well and keeps the noise well down inside. Got plenty of poke in it for a diesel and it's good and frugal, but could maybe do with a bit more bite.

Obviously it's a big beast so don't expect to be turning it on a sixpence or parking in a supermarket without a fair bit of to-ing and fro-ing. The visibility is decent enough. My Audi A6 1.9 TDi did have parking sensors when I got it second hand, but they packed in a while back and I never bothered getting them fixed. I don't actually think the dealer would have bothered with it, they seemed to try and shirk every other claim I tried to make under the warranty they gave.

There have been a fair few other problems as well with our Audi A6. The multitronic gearbox is notorious. It's a clever bit of kit when it's working but it seems like it was released a bit prematurely. I've had my fair share of hassle with it, and it's needed replacing once for me. I wouldn't be surprised if the original owner had it done before me.

The radio is a bit rubbish, struggles to keep Radio 2 for some reason. I'm not too bothered about that, and I suppose you can always upgrade that sort of thing yourself.

Other problems include some odd leaking that I haven't really been able to track down beyond just somewhere in the rear door. Also the paint job is a bit flaky, bits come off too easily. I buff it out myself usually, but it's something to look out for, especially potential little rust spots round the wheel arches. Still it's done over 200k now, so I suppose a few repairs are ok. Generally my Audi A6 is marching on, still returning good fuel economy etc.