LIKE most upper end cars and despite holding its value better than most, the Audi A6 is much more affordable a few years down the line.
And as long as they have full service history, older cars with high mileage can be an absolute bargain and still not cause any problems.
Audis all have excellent build quality and, of course, even the more ordinary of them have that sporting feel and drive beautifully.
A good saloon or Avant estate could be just what you are looking for but drive it for a few miles to make sure you like it.
The A6 has a bewildering array of different engine and trim options – the majority with an automatic gearbox, but since 2002, petrols have ranged from 1.8 to 5.0-litres and 150 to 571bhp.
Diesels are all turbos and range from a 110bhp 1.9 to a 3.0- litre with 236bhp.
All have good to superb performance, excellent handling and road-holding and marvellous refinement. But some ride better than others so drive a few.
Interior
Inside the quality of fit and finish should still be good even five years down the line.
All have hard-feeling but comfortable seats, a high level of equipment including traction control, electric windows and mirrors, auto headlights and wipers, climate control and a multi-function steering wheel. All are very refined and have excellent rear legroom.
FAST FACTS
Audi A6
Price: Pay about £6,800 privately for an ’05 05-reg SE, or £11,800 from a dealer for an ’07 07-reg S-line
Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 10 seconds
Combined mpg: 46
Insurance group: 24
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: BMW 5-Series