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It's fair to say Audi's A6 Avant changed the way we think about big estate cars. Prior to its launch, estates were rather unsexy blocks that were a far sight less desirable to most than the saloon car upon which they were based. The A6 Avant was different. It was the first estate car that really seemed better looking than the hatch it was based upon. What's more Audi weren't shy in developing the car either, offering a number of excellent turbodiesels, powerhouse S and RS versions and even the Allroad offshoot. Although you can buy cars that look a good deal more modern, the A6 Avant is still a class - and very desirable - act.
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What you get
A6 Avant buyers generally don't want to cart grandfather clocks about - which is just as well for with a boot capacity of 455 litres, the A6 has less room in the back than most estates from the next class down. But then, the company's executive estate cars have never been huge capacity carriers in the Volvo mode. In varying degrees, style has taken precedence over space.
The key is in getting the balance between the two just right and in the latest A6 Avant, we'd suggest that the designers have hit the mark almost perfectly. Audi like to describe the car as a 'five-door coupe'. Most would simply agree this to be the most handsome estate you can buy; certainly, it's better-proportioned than its awkward-looking German rivals.
Part of this has to do with the fact that Audi has done more than just add a box-shaped rear end and tailgate to the back of its A6 saloon. Ingolstadt did the job properly, developing a completely new windscreen and different door pillars to give the design the right balance. The roofline's higher too, giving more headroom at the rear.
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What to look for
The avant is generally a pretty tough customer with a solid interior and a rust proof body. The only real issue is to look out for ignition coil problems on the early 1.8T engines as this can prove problematic. Fortunately Audi has got its house in order when it comes to back ordering this part.
The quattro system is reliable and well proven but it's best not to allow a local spannerman to fiddle with it. The complexity of the car should be enough to ensure you insist on an A6 with a cast-iron service history and, at this stage, Audi dealers are still likely to have the best examples. The premium they charge may be well worth your peace of mind.
Interiors are hard wearing and well designed, much like the rest of the car. As for corrosion, with an Audi you're pretty safe and there's a lengthy anti-perforation warranty to reassure you (ensure any conditions have not been breached by previous owners).
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Replacement parts
(based on a 1999 1.9 TDI SE Avant - ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £150. Front and rear brake pads should be about £65 a set. A radiator is about £140, an alternator about £235 and a starter motor £160.
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On the road
A6 Avant performance is certainly more than adequate; both at the pumps (where the 1.9-litre TDi averages 40mpg) and on the test track - where even the 1.8T makes 60 in 9.4s on the way to 136mph. To be fair, however, V6 power suits the car better. The 2.4-litre unit is impressively refined and far less frantic, recording 9.1s and 141mph. Stretch if you can to the gorgeous 2.8 V6, 2.7T or V8 4.2-litre models which, in desirable quattro form, answer tractional questions that rivals haven't even thought about. The A6 Avant is certainly a lighter, more agile car than its predecessor and feels it to drive. Audi claims a 35kg reduction in weight compared to the previous model - one reason why the fuel consumption figures are around 7% better across the range.
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Overall
There's little not to like with the A6 Avant - it's genuinely a very complete car. Newer rivals may be a little edgier looking but few possess such a broad array of talents. The 2.8-litre petrol and 2.5-litre TDi engines remain the pick of the bunch although the RS6 Avant must be sampled once in your life.
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