Good Afternoon-

I have always been a big fan of the Audi line, and I am just starting my search for a used vehicle. I was originally thinking an A4, but I want something a little bigger. My main concern is that I am on a semi-tight budget. What are the maintenance costs for an A6 from the years of 1999-2001 like? I heard they are very expensive to fix?

Any thoughts?

Hey there,

I have an 01 A6 4.2 with about 193,000 kms on it.

First thing to know about Audi ownership (IMO) is that you're going to need to be prepared to maintain it. It's not a car you wait to break. Maintain it, and it will take care of you and last a long time. My car is a testament to that... People frequently think it's 5 or 6 years newer than it is.

You'll want to find out what maintenance has been done on the car that you're considering buying. The timing belt has to be done in around the 150,000 km mark. That service will set you back anywhere from $1500 - $2000, depending on what else they find while they're in there.

Audis are complicated vehicles (some say over-engineered), and as such there's lots that can break and require repair. But, as I said... take care of it, and it will take care of you.

Going back to your original post - my best advise: If you're on a tight budget, an Audi isn't a good choice. I've spent far more on this vehicle than any other that I've owned in the past (this is the 14th or 15th car I've owned). Does the drive, comfort and performance balance out to the expense? Tough call there for myself.

Best of luck!


Steve
www.sdphotography.ca