Quick answer
A used Audi A6 C7 starts from €5,000 and C8 from €25,000 in Lithuania. According to WHEELSTREET data, the C7 3.0 TDI quattro is the most popular configuration but watch for Dieselgate-affected units and air suspension failures (€1,500-3,000 per corner). The C8 is more refined but significantly pricier — budget €1,500-2,500/year for maintenance.
The Audi A6 is one of the most elegant executive saloons, combining technological innovation, a premium cabin and the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system. In the used market the A6 offers an opportunity to access a premium car at a more accessible price. But like all premium cars — it requires thorough inspection and commands higher running costs.
Generations Overview
C6 (2004–2011)
The classic generation, available at very budget-friendly prices.
Price: 5,000–15,000 €
Recommended? As a budget option with the 2.7/3.0 TDI — yes. Requires careful pre-purchase inspection given age.
C7 (2011–2018) ⭐ Most Popular in the Used Market
Updated platform, MMI navigation, more efficient engines.
Price: 15,000–38,000 €
Strengths:
- quattro AWD — comprehensive all-wheel capability
- 2.0 TDI Ultra (190 hp) — economical and reliable
- 3.0 TDI 272 hp — powerful and efficient
- MMI Touch navigation with good graphics
- Avant estate — spacious 565 L boot
- S6 version (4.0 TFSI) — sporting flagship
Problems:
- 2.0 TFSI (EA888) — oil consumption issues on early versions
- 3.0 TDI (EA897) — piezo injector failures
- DSG S tronic 7 — fluid change MANDATORY every 60,000 km
- MMI system — older units can develop screen failures
Recommended? Yes — with 2.0 TDI Ultra or 3.0 TDI EA897 (from 2015) and full service history.
C8 (2018–present) ⭐⭐ Most Modern
All-new MLB Evo platform, 48V mild-hybrid, pilot driving modes.
Used price: 38,000–75,000 €
Strengths:
- 48V MHEV mild-hybrid standard — lower fuel consumption
- Virtual Cockpit Pro — fully digital instrument cluster
- Traffic Jam Pilot — semi-autonomous driving up to 60 km/h
- Best-in-class ADAS systems
Best Engines
Diesel (Recommended)
2.0 TDI 190 hp Ultra (C7, EA288, from 2015) — best choice for economy. Reliable, 5–6.5 l/100km. Highly recommended.
3.0 TDI 218/272/320 hp (C7, EA897) — powerful 6-cylinder diesel. Good choice with full service history. Check piezo injectors.
2.0 TDI 150/163/204 hp (C8, EA288 evo) — modernised version. Efficient and reliable.
3.0 TDI 286/340 hp (C8) — most advanced diesel with MHEV system.
Avoid:
- 2.0 TDI EA189 (C6, early C7) — Dieselgate series, avoid
Petrol
2.0 TFSI 180/252 hp (EA888 Gen3, from 2015) — improved version, lower oil consumption.
3.0 TFSI Supercharged (C6/C7) — reliable supercharged engine. Higher maintenance costs.
Avoid:
- 2.0 TFSI EA888 Gen1/Gen2 — oil consumption problems
Known A6 Problems
1. DSG S tronic Fluid Change
The Audi A6 with DSG (S tronic) requires a fluid change every 60,000 km — regardless of the manufacturer's stated interval. Many owners skip this — it's the most common cause of transmission failure. Fluid change: 200–400 €. Transmission repair: 2,000–5,000 €.
2. 3.0 TDI Piezo Injectors
The 3.0 TDI's piezo injectors can fail after 150,000–200,000 km. Symptoms: rough running at idle, smoke, increasing fuel consumption. Single injector replacement: 400–700 € (part) + labour. Diagnostics are mandatory.
3. quattro System Maintenance
The quattro AWD system requires differential oil changes every 60,000–80,000 km (front, rear and centre differential). Neglected oil can cause differential failure. Fluid change (per differential): 150–300 €.
4. Air Suspension (if equipped)
Some C7/C8 A6 models came with adaptive air suspension. Comfortable, but can fail:
- Air compressor: 300–600 €
- Air bag: 400–800 €
- Control unit: 500–1,500 €
Check before purchase that the car sits level and the suspension works in all modes.
5. MMI Navigation
Older C7 MMI systems (particularly HDD navigation units) can have slow loading and screen failure issues. Test the navigation before buying.
What to Check Before Buying
- ✅ VIN history check — imported from Germany, Austria, UK
- ✅ Engine identification — EA288 or EA189? (Dieselgate check)
- ✅ OBD diagnostics — engine, transmission, quattro, airbag fault codes
- ✅ DSG fluid change history — every 60,000 km
- ✅ quattro differential oil history
- ✅ Piezo injectors (3.0 TDI) — diagnostics
- ✅ Air suspension (if equipped) — verify all height positions work
- ✅ MMI system — screen, navigation, audio system
Prices in Lithuania (2026)
| Version | Year | Price (€) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| C7 2.0 TDI Ultra | 2014–2018 | 15,000–28,000 | Best economy buy |
| C7 3.0 TDI quattro | 2012–2018 | 18,000–35,000 | Powerful AWD |
| C7 2.0 TFSI | 2014–2018 | 14,000–25,000 | Petrol |
| C7 Avant 2.0 TDI | 2013–2018 | 16,000–30,000 | Estate |
| C8 2.0 TDI | 2018–2022 | 35,000–55,000 | Most modern |
| C8 3.0 TDI quattro | 2018–2022 | 42,000–68,000 | Flagship |
Audi A6 vs Rivals
vs BMW 5 Series (F10/G30):
- BMW: sportier driving, A6 more elegant
- A6 quattro — better AWD in winter than BMW xDrive (mechanically)
- BMW maintenance slightly more expensive
- Similar long-term reliability profile
vs Mercedes E-Class (W213):
- Mercedes: more comfortable and quieter
- A6: more modern technology integration
- Similar maintenance costs
- Mercedes E-Class has better residual values
vs Volvo V90/S90:
- Volvo: safer and more comfortable
- A6: better driving dynamics with quattro
- Volvo: lower maintenance costs and better service network in LT
Our Recommendation
Best buy in 2026: Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI Ultra or 3.0 TDI quattro, 2015–2018, EA288/EA897 engine (not EA189), mileage 80,000–140,000 km, full service history, price 18,000–30,000 €.
Budget alternative: C6 3.0 TDI with full history — higher maintenance costs, but a good engine.
Categorically avoid:
- EA189 2.0 TDI (Dieselgate)
- 2.0 TFSI Gen1/Gen2 (oil consumption)
- DSG without fluid change history
The Audi A6 with quattro is an excellent choice for a buyer who wants a premium executive saloon with genuine AWD capability for winter conditions. Thorough pre-purchase inspection and verified service history are non-negotiable.
FAQ
Is the Audi A6 reliable?
The C7 with EA288 2.0 TDI Ultra (from 2015) is genuinely reliable. The C8 with MHEV is also solid. The 3.0 TDI EA897 is good but requires piezo injector checks at high mileage. Avoid EA189 (Dieselgate) and any examples without DSG fluid change history.
Does Dieselgate affect A6 reliability?
The EA189 engine (Dieselgate software) was updated with a recall fix. It doesn't directly reduce mechanical reliability, but it's important to confirm the update was applied. More importantly, avoid the EA189 series if possible and prefer the cleaner EA288 (from 2015).
Is quattro worth it on the A6?
In Lithuanian/Baltic winters, absolutely. Quattro adds 2,000–4,000 € to the used price but provides real all-weather traction benefits. For year-round driving — it's worth every euro.
Looking for a verified used Audi A6 in Lithuania? WHEELSTREET sources and inspects A6 models from across Europe. Contact us for a free consultation.
You might also find useful:
- 🚗 Audi listings at WHEELSTREET — verified Audi A6 models with warranty
- 🔍 Car sourcing service — we find the best Audi for your budget
- 🏆 Audi reliability guide — in-depth Audi reliability analysis
- 💰 Leasing calculator — calculate your monthly Audi A6 payment
WHEELSTREET ☎ +370 610 33377 | wheelstreet.lt
