Old high spec A6 vs new mid spec A6

leonffrench

Hi all. I'm currently agonising over which car to buy. It's definitely an Audi A6 Avant I want and it's a 2011/2012 I'm looking at. The model changed in 2012 so the 2 I have it narrowed down to is a 2011 old shape A6 Avant Le Mans Edition. Highest of high spec with not too high mileage. The other is a 2012 A6 Avant SE with similar mileage. Good spec and features comparable to the Le Mans simply because it is the newer model but the car itself is mid range for the newer A6. The Le Mans is S line so has the bigger alloys etc and the newer one is more comfort model with less stylish looks. The main concern I have is that the older shape would look very outdated in 2/3 years, maybe it already does considering the price. Appreciate all your opinions if you have had either of these cars.

bazz26

The current shape A6 is about to be replaced with a new model so if you can hold off a while then prices of 2012 models should start falling. The older model will start dropping significantly too given it will be two generations back. Personally I'd go for a S Line all day long over a SE irrespective of which generation they are.

leonffrench

Thanks. I also read that the last year that a particular model car is made is usually the best because all the niggly issues and faults have been ironed out over the life span of the car whereas the first year of a new model hasn't had enough time for these issues to come to light. How true that is for a well built car like an Audi I'm not sure

Theboinkmaster

I'd also only buy an S-line in the A6, SE looks very dull and basic.

Kevin Finnerty

I drive a remapped C6 Le Mans avant. Very happy with it with over 250kkm on the clock. I know it's dated looking but not a concern. My biggest issue are the 19s, can be heavy to shod if doing all 4 at once.
Some people won't buy anything less than S line, others are adamant the SE is an easier ride. Horses for courses.

leonffrench

Kevin Finnerty wrote:

I drive a remapped C6 Le Mans avant. Very happy with it with over 250kkm on the clock. I know it's dated looking but not a concern. My biggest issue are the 19s, can be heavy to shod if doing all 4 at once. Some people won't buy anything less than S line, others are adamant the SE is an easier ride. Horses for courses.

I drive for a living so the comfort would be nice but also want it to look decent. The newer model has leather and sat nav etc like the Le Mans and is the same bhp so really only difference would be the smaller alloys and it doesn't have lowered suspension. Is there any other major differences between s line and se besides the above?

Kevin Finnerty

I've done the front discs on mine at 150kkms and they're looking to be done again soon. That's probably down to driving style, just check that there's no lip on the disc.
I don't like the reversing camera on my own, to think they couldn't have put a camera as standard in 10 is a joke imo.
After that can't say anything bad about it. Mine is manual, had heard bad stuff about earlier models' CVT gearboxes so stayed clear. Others might know better.
Best of luck, post it up if you buy.

leonffrench

Kevin Finnerty wrote:

I've done the front discs on mine at 150kkms and they're looking to be done again soon. That's probably down to driving style, just check that there's no lip on the disc. I don't like the reversing camera on my own, to think they couldn't have put a camera as standard in 10 is a joke imo. After that can't say anything bad about it. Mine is manual, had heard bad stuff about earlier models' CVT gearboxes so stayed clear. Others might know better. Best of luck, post it up if you buy.

Thanks for the advice I'll keep an eye on the discs. Think I'll go and drive both but I'm swinging towards the Le Mans. Could also get a nicer and bigger set of alloys for the se. Will post up what I get.

bazz26

Just remember if you drive for a living and/or tend to drive on crap roads, you will be replacing tyres regularly and 19" tyres are not cheap.

leonffrench

Well I ended up buying a 2011 A5 Sportback S-line from England. Flying over to collect it Thursday and getting ferry back. Worked out no cheaper than over here but getting a much nicer car. Thanks everyone for advice

Kevin Finnerty

BOL. Hope it goes well for you over.