Used Audi A6/100 2.5 TDI: Worth Buying?

Good morning, everyone!

I have now made the difficult decision to sell my Passat 3B 1.9 TDI sedan.
for sale and to acquire a station wagon similar to an Audi 100/A6 with a 2.5 TDI engine.
I need the combination for professional reasons.
Definitely an older model, mainly due to the cost.
My question to the group of Audi drivers:

Which construction years are recommended?
Up to what mileage?
What should you pay attention to when making a purchase?
Are there any websites where I could find valuable information?

Thank you in advance!

PS: If you're interested in my car, please check mobile.de.
(Zip code: 2; Year of manufacture: 1997; Price up to: €8,000; Mileage: up to 200,000 km)
It's a white Comfortline model!
Or directly about me!

Red DI at the rear?

Someone is cheating .

Regards,
arne

Hi,
Starting in 1994, it's called the A6. Then, the 85 kW engine has more torque at lower RPMs and meets Euro 2 standards (but can be retrofitted). In return, the bumpers are fully painted.
VAG-Com is not working on the initial models.
Mileage is not necessarily a deal-breaker, but often the numbers provided are completely fabricated.
With higher mileage, certain parts, such as shock absorbers, should naturally be replaced at around 200,000 km.
Timing belt is a must-check. The rear brakes are prone to issues. Otherwise, there aren't any major weaknesses. So, check everything you would normally check when buying a used car.

Hi!

Valuable information?

The search function almost always helps with these topics!


Best regards: Marko

Hi there,
In my opinion, the C4 is a car that I can wholeheartedly recommend. I once read something about certain weaknesses, such as faulty alternators, being eliminated from vehicles manufactured from 1995 onwards, but I suspect that most of the cars still on the road today have been retrofitted anyway.
The later production years (from mid/late 1996 onwards) usually already have a relatively good level of equipment, because the station wagon was still being produced in the old design until mid-1997, while the sedan already had the new design. Presumably, this was intended to boost sales somehow.
So far, I haven't had any bad experiences with this car (A6 C4, manufactured in 1996, AEL engine, 240,000 km total mileage, of which 140,000 km were driven by me in the last 4 years). The front wheel bearings needed replacement at 180,000 km, and the shock absorbers at just under 200,000 km. Otherwise, with a calm driving style (around 130 km/h), the fuel consumption is slightly over 6 liters, and I've never averaged more than 7.5 liters (city, short trips, winter).
It's definitely worth considering the 6-speed transmission, not only because it protects your ears and reduces fuel consumption, but also because there are rumors that the 5-speed transmissions are less durable and tend to make noise prematurely.
Replacing the timing belt is something you should take seriously (it's better to shorten the interval if you don't drive much and the belt is getting old). And definitely replace all the tensioning components, as well as the water pump, at the same time.
Otherwise, the car seems to be quite reliable, which also explains the relatively high "unofficial" export rate to the East. The C4 TDI still ranks highest in its class according to sales figures...

Regards,
Olli.

olli wrote:

vulnerable light machines

I don't know anything about susceptibility; maybe a new one was already installed, but probably not, because I replaced the brushes and regulator at 140,000 km.

olli wrote:

Otherwise, the car seems to be quite reliable, which also explains the relatively high "unofficial" export rate to the East.

This is also due to the relatively good ground clearance and long suspension travel...

I also own an A6 C4 2.5 TDI with a 6-speed gearbox and 140 horsepower. I'm now approaching 200,000 km. I bought it used with approximately 120,000 km on the clock, and the timing belt etc. were all new at the time.

I can only confirm the rear brakes; they seize up quite quickly! Ideally, if you properly maintain your car, you should make sure they are working correctly every year .
At least before every technical inspection (TÜV)!

Otherwise, I haven't had any problems so far, and you can even manage with the 6 liters if you drive at a relaxed pace.
Okay, I'm currently facing a problem, but I'll start a separate thread for that.

Thank you all!
The answers are very helpful and reinforce my decision!

@ Arne: The DI is red because I had it chipped = 120 HP - okay, 5 HP too much, I should have also needed the 'T' in red!