The A6 is a favorite among luxury car enthusiasts for its larger-than-average body, excellent handling, and precision Audi performance.
However, most car owners are concerned about the costs of owning a luxury brand. All other things being equal, luxury brands cost more to maintain than other cars.
On average, you can expect to pay about $900 per year to maintain an Audi A6. This comes out to a 10-year maintenance cost of a bit over $9,000.
The A6 is slightly more expensive to maintain compared to other cars in its class, and it is also more expensive than the total average annual car maintenance cost in the US of $700.
There are a lot of factors that go into maintenance costs for the A6. So we put together this comprehensive guide on Audi A6 maintenance costs. We will cover costs for the A6 and compare it with costs for its similar competitors.
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Maintenance Costs By Part
On average, you can expect to pay about $900 per year to maintain an Audi A6. This figure is based on the 10-year average maintenance cost of an Audi A6 at $9,300.
The Audi A6 has a 2-year maintenance cycle, meaning that you will likely pay more on even the number of years that you own the car.
Moreover, most owners will have to make at least one significant repair within the first five years of owning the car.
Below is a list showing the most common A6 issues and the estimated price to fix them
Brake calipers. $500
Brake rotor disc. $550
Air filter. $130
Pressure regulator. $430
Door handle. $250
Intake manifold gaskets. $240
Window motor/regulator. $1,200
Headlights. $190
According to CarEdge, you have about a one out of four chance that you will have to make some major repairs within the first five years of owning the car.
This probability goes up by about 5% for every year that you own the car. So, by your fifth year of ownership, the odds you will need to make some major repair will be over %50.
A6 Maintenance Costs vs Similar Cars
| Make/Model | Average Annual Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Audi A6 | $920 |
| Mercedes Benz Class E | $1,200 |
| BMW 5-Series | $1,300 |
| Cadillac CT5 | $900 |
| Jaguar XF | $1,000 |
| Tesla Model S | $500 |
| Lexus GS | $600 |
| Maserati Ghibli | $650 |
| Volvo S60 | $750 |
| Porsche Panamera | $1,200 |
| Hyundai Genesis | $600 |
Compared to other cars in its class, the Audi A6 stands slightly on the higher end of the spectrum.
It is not as expensive as consumer favorites the Porsche Panamera or the Mercedes Benz E-Class but is a good chunk more expensive than the comparable Lexus GS, and Hyundai Genesis.
The Audi A6 is more expensive to maintain than the national annual average maintenance of $700. However, the A6 is a luxury class vehicle, so it’s expected to have higher maintenance costs than economy-brand cars.
Factors that Affect Maintenance Costs
Engine type
The most obvious thing affecting maintenance costs is whether you have a gas or diesel engine. All other things being equal, diesel engines are more expensive to maintain than traditional gas engines.
This is because diesel engines have more complex parts and have more demanding maintenance requirements.
Engine size
The second most obvious thing that affects maintenance costs is the engine size. The current-generation A6 has 11 different engine configurations, including diesel and traditional gas models. Engine sizes range between 1.9cc to 3.9cc.
Age of your car
The age of your car will also affect costs. A6s have a two-year maintenance schedule, with further maintenance every four and six years. That means you will have to pay more for maintenance during those years.
Car condition
And of course, your car’s condition can affect maintenance costs. If you drive your car very hard and take rough terrain frequently, then you will probably have to replace thighs like brake pads and tires more often.
The Audi A6 is a German-based manufacturer of Audi’s full-size car, first released in 1994. The A6 originally started as a continuation of the Audi 100 line and was a member of the C-4 series.
All Audi A6s utilize front-wheel drive or Audi’s proprietary Quattro 4-wheel drive system. The Audi A6 offers both traditional unleaded and diesel engines, as well as featuring a wide range of engine sizes from 150 to over 300 PS. Smaller engines utilize a 4-cylinder inline setup while larger engines have a V6 configuration.
The most current generation of the A6 was released in 2018 and features 4 gas engine models, 3 hybrid engine models, and 5 diesel engine models.
All A6 models come with either an automatic 8-speed Tiptronic transmission or a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission.
The A6 is a popular car and for good reason. It has a large body, spacious cabin, and German precision performance. Like any luxury car though, it will need regular care and maintenance.
Audi A6 Pros and Cons
Pros
Lots of choices
The current generation A6 has 12 different versions to choose from. That means you have a ton of choice when it comes to engine design and size. You can choose a smaller gas engine or the larger 3.9cc diesel engine model.
Secure Handling
Audi is known for its precision handling, especially the 4-wheel drive Quattro system. Despite the larger full-size body, it is maneuverable and turns on a dime.
It also has that characteristic steering sensitivity that German engineering brings.
Comfortable Interior
Similar to the Benz Class E, the Audi A6 has a spacious interior with comfortable seats. The 21-inch rims and high-performance suspension system provide a smooth ride with little vibration or shaking.
There is also a power lumbar system in the driver and passenger seat so you can adjust your chair.
Powerful V6
If you get a larger V6 engine, then you also get set up with the S-Tronic 7-speed clutch. The 3.0-L V6 can produce up to 335 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque, up there with other high-performance luxury vehicles.
The A6 engine can manage a 0 to 60 in just under five seconds.
Looks good
If there is one thing that Audi knows, it’s style. The German auto manufacturer is known for its attractive mid and full-size sedans, complete with the trademark Audi faceplate and sleek body design.
Cons
Few physical controls
The current generation A6 features several screens and touchscreen controls with relatively few traditional physical controls.
So if you are not that tech-savvy, you may find the touchscreen controls to be a bit confusing or aggravating. You can find another luxury sedan with physical controls if that is more up your alley.
Price
Audis are probably not as expensive as BMW or Porsche, but they still cost a premium. Specifically, you will have to spend a significant amount on major repairs. Audis have unique parts and require a specialist mechanic due to their design.
Limited cargo space
Given its size, the A6 has relatively limited trunk space. It has a volume of 13.7 cubic feet, which is smaller than most other full-size sedans. The main advantage of the storage boot is that the lip is very low, which makes loading heavier objects easier.
Not that sporty
The A6 is definitely a sporty car, but it is not as sleek as some of its rivals, such as the Lexus GS or the Mercedes Benz Class E. That being said, you should definitely draw some attention when your A6 cruises down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Audi A6 maintenance cost?
On average, it costs about $900 a year to maintain an Audi A6. The A6 is slightly more expensive to maintain than other cars in its class, and it is also about $200 more expensive than the average annual maintenance costs for all cars.
How often should I get maintenance on my Audi A6?
The Audi A6 has a standard 2-year/20,000 miles maintenance schedule, however, it requires minor maintenance at least once per year. Every two years, you need to replace the filters, brake fluid, and brake pads.
Once every 40,000 miles, you will need to replace the spark plugs and your fluid transmission.
Is the Audi A6 reliable?
The Audi A6 is less reliable than other comparable brands of cars. According to RepairPal, it has a reliability rating of 3.5, indicating below-average reliability.
Experts estimate that you will likely have to make one major repair within the first five years of owning the car.
How often will I have to repair an A6?
It depends mostly on how you drive the car, but most people will have to get at least one major repair within the first five years of owning the car.
The most common issues include brake calipers, rotor discs, pressure regulators, door handles, and intake manifolds.
Final Words
The A6 is a crowd favorite and for good reason. The sleek design, superior handling, and powerful engines are all reasons this German car has worldwide appeal.
However, all that power comes with a price tag. Fortunately, maintenance costs for the A6 are not that high, all things considered.
It is even cheaper than a good number of similar cars in its class. As always, make sure that you get quotes from several mechanics so you can get the best possible price.
