6 years later and owning the 2012 A6 3.0T was one of the best choices I made. At 140k miles it’s been very solid, with only one major failed component (alternator at 110k). Thanks for helping me make the right choice Tom!
Honey Love good job, it’ll save you tons of money. I personally don’t believe people that aren’t mechanics or know at least the basics, should own a German car. They can be great cars (except Benz) but the owner needs to know what they’re dealing with and do constant maintenance checks
11 years later.... And RUclips shows me this as a suggested video. I've been a subscriber for years, but not quite that long. Keep up the great work, Tom!
@@zureai I drive a 2013 Audi A6 Prestige, 182,000 miles. (Not Flexing). I love it, only issue I've had with it was it was leaking oil a couple years back but that's been resolved.
I can't stand people that don't have the car and make negative comments . I have the 2012 Audi A6 s-Line and the car is amazing. I had a 2011BMW 535i X- drive and was not impressed I sold it . I like the Audi far more.
THANK YOU for bringing up the whole MMI scroll issue. I have an '07 Q7 and to this day, I screw up the scrolling because in my mind it's backwards. The scrolling characteristics should be a user definable in the car
hey just curious as to which car you have? and can you change the way the knob goes? We are in the market for a new car and the way that knob works could be annoying if counterclockwise goes down...
I think Mercedes and Lexus were the first to shamelessly copy the LED lights from Audi. They still look better on the Audis though. I like these new ones on the A6 that look like one continuous light rather than individual bulbs. Very eye catching.
It has 325lbft of torque, you failed to mention that when you talked about it's hp. You said "it has loads of torque." That tells me nothing about how much torque it has. I know its a small thing but many car reviewers only mention hp
@mlps93 that's absolutely true, Europeans are far ahead of us americans IMO I think the sad numbers are about only 6% of the cars being sold as manuals in USA, when in Europe and Asia it's pretty much the opposite. Hell, even most SUV's in EU are offered as manuals!
That's wrong. Audi didn't copy "Angel Eyes" from BMW or at least not that I know of (but you can get them for nearly any car from a tuner shop), or wich Audi model has it?
@razioth they usually have manual in EU and Asia north americans dont know how to drive manual so 99% of car manufactures dont even bother offering it as an option
can you guys share w/ me some great advise...b/s I'm stuck at choosing which is the best car...I'm comparing between E350 coupe 2012 vs Audi A6 sedan 2012 vs Audi A4 2012...please I really do need that suggestion...
42 grands for a FWD car? No thanks. Is the 3.0T at least AVAILABLE with a manual transmission? If not this car really isn't for car enthusiasts, but it still seems to fill casual drivers needs quite nicely. Oh and nice review BTW!
Believe it or not some people favor comfort over sporty handling. Skinny tires aren't very comfortable as you can feel the bumps more and it is more easy to damage the rims in potholes- of which there are plenty where I live.
@FarnorthNS11 actually it differs. Acceleration in RWD is better a lot but handling is better in FWD. Audi Quattro combine both of this archiving best handling on any type of road whether its snow, dirt, sand or asphalt. audi didn't keep developing for 20 year in vein + BMW & Mercedes 4 wheel drive systems is nothing beside quattro.
Exceptionally well, as most non 2.0T Audi’s are. Not to take anything away from the 2.0 TFSI and TSI, they’re good enough engines, but they just aren’t as durable as the 1.8 and 1.4 I4s, or the V6s and V8s. This 3.0T-based vehicle will be far above average for German reliability. And I do think it’s telling that I recently sold my trusted C5 A6, which has driven well for 18 years and no significant problems. Just shy of 120,000 miles on the 2.8L 30V V6, with Quattro, and the 5-speed automatic. Significant service was limited to one CV axle that needed work, one rear wheel bearing, and two flex pipes on the exhaust. These have been holding up just as well. Admittedly the electronics are something I’d look out for in the future, but mechanically they’re quite solid. The Supercharged and N/A engines really help reliability as well, as few Turbocharged German cars are very reliable.
Within reason, yes. I don’t know your age, or who you are, so it would be difficult to give a difinitive answer. If you’re a working individual with a good, sustaining job, then yes, these can be had for excellent prices nowadays, and maintenance isn’t outrageous for what you get. The value, luxury, performance, and safety propositions are all there. If you’re a student, I’d be weary as maintenance can still cost a fair amount, and without proper money to back them, it’ll fall into disrepair quickly. These cars are reliable, and they can run for a long time, but they require attentive maintenance, and preventative maintenance. Best advice - understand you financial situation, understand your mechanical capabilities or knowledge. If you cannot afford this vehicle twice over, it won’t be advisable to purchase one. If your mechanical knowledge extends to only oil changes and brakes, you may find yourself in over your head. If you’ve got both in check, however, you’ll find these will be an excellent vehicle that will serve you well for a long time. Just do not, absolutely do not get a 2.0T model.
Without accounting for other necessary expenses, I’d still say that’s pushing it. It is your money, and it’s your decision, but I would advise to wait and save. Don’t finance, don’t lease, don’t do anything of the sort. Wait and save until you have enough to purchase the vehicle outright, and then some for maintenance, and make sure you aren’t waiting for lights or maintenance intervals - do things before they need to be done, keep the vehicles washed and cleaned, make sure they’re treated right. Once they are, they’ll treat you right.
yup of course Europe does it right, but I was talking about here in North America (mainly in Canada and USA) about ~93% of the cars sold are autotragic, that's quite sad.. It is hard to find manual used cars especially on luxury models like BMW, Infiniti, Audi, etc. I love Europe for having almost only manual transmissions
@razioth Man, thats Audi Quattro and not any FWD or 4WD. This means the best handling and torque. I don't know a way to hate this car. Its very very suitable for driving a lot specially @ night.
There are no gearboxes better than the ZF 8HP with BMW's programming. Better as far as suspension goes is subjective. Audi's suspension is better at controlling pitch and roll sensitivity and has higher bump sensitivity. BMW's stuff is better at everything else that doesn't involve wafting. I own a 2011 550i M Sport and although it has many things I don't like, it drives like a car I do love.
It's actually easier to press over there than on it's old location which was opposite. The great thing about those interiors is they put the buttons and knobs where your arm and hands relax. When you sit in a chair to relax your arms aren't directly beside your legs, you have them a little more spread out. I just changed my car from the previous design interior where there was a separate start and stop button by your leg. I now see things that didn't seem to be a big deal and some things that were a bit of a design flaw, improved. Things are familiar, but better and I didn't really feel that I had issues...except the shifter. The shifter on the previous generation had a sport mode when you pulled it towards you one more notch beneath "D". Well, that made it difficult to access the drink holder and I would bang my hand on it because it was in the way. The newer one is spring loaded, like when it is in full manual mode. One pull down and it returns to center and puts it in sport mode. Pull down again and it returns to center, back in drive mode. In reality, there is no need to touch it. Pull the "-" paddle on the steering wheel and the car goes full manual. If you stop driving aggressively, it goes back into drive after about 5 seconds by itself.
@DrivenCarReviews well the BMW 5-series at least OFFER it. Even the 400hp 550i (twin-turbo v8) is offered with a 6-speed stick (with steptronic as an option)! Manual doesn't mean it has to be a track car.. it's just cheaper and usually more reliable but most of all : more fun I'm eager to see the new S6, what engine will it have since the S4 already has the 3.0t? Probably a v8 if you ask me..
"looks boring"? what do you thinks looks cool then? its the most badass car in this segment and probably in general. there is nothing boring by no ones standarts. never heard anyone who knows something about cars saying so. maybe something is wrong with your taste but audi can't produce cars for the 1% of people who are "different"
you should buy the a6 if you are looking for a a bit better performance. if you step on the accelarator in the 5 series theres a big gap in the throttle response both cars are great but, the audi is a more powerful. And I think the interior is better.
@vydo5454 oh ok because re-using good innovative ideas are a bad thing? No one is "copying" until they use the same design, but yeah gotta thank Audi for being one of the first companies to use them
"While the current A4/A6 might look somewhat similar"? Are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong, I love Audis, well actually I love all of them 3: Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW! But man, Audi, rushed into lunching new models more often than BWM and Mercedes, and all of their cars look 90% similar, not like you said: "might look". They actually look the same! They are still beautiful cars though, but I expected more from Audi! Maybe it's just me!
yeah haha thanks im putting a video up today. i earned it though i got straight a's and my dad gave it to me. just put in work and you get good results. too many americans are getting dependent on the government and others instead of themselves. lol.
I just don't see the 25k extra in getting this car. I don't see the "wonderful interior" other than the rim choices and led lights, I just do not see it. And seriously, 60k for a 4 cylinder 211 horsepower, cvt??
@MrPedroso88 you're saying the "best" car is because of a damned 0-62 time? which models are you even comparing? because i doubt a 535i would take over 6 seconds to 100km/h imagine a 550 or 540, also, audi has a big advantage because it's AWD, what about the 100-200? But then again it doesn't mean anything, defining which car is best takes way more than just stupid numbers, sorry.
1990's Audi's were an understatement: the car, even back then was ahead oh it's time when it came to exterior lines and design, but the transmissions had terrible reputations. Now out the the German big three it appears Audi is setting the bar when it comes to German technology. Oh how I love a good comback story;~)
6 years later and owning the 2012 A6 3.0T was one of the best choices I made. At 140k miles it’s been very solid, with only one major failed component (alternator at 110k). Thanks for helping me make the right choice Tom!
Rob Monticchio I’m looking at a 2012. Has 100k miles would you recommend I get it?
@@honeylove4074 you got it?
LiL Loco No I ended up getting a Lexus is350
Honey Love good job, it’ll save you tons of money. I personally don’t believe people that aren’t mechanics or know at least the basics, should own a German car. They can be great cars (except Benz) but the owner needs to know what they’re dealing with and do constant maintenance checks
I’m thinking about getting a 2014 Audi A6 for 18k with 40k miles with the bumper to bumper warranty
11 years later.... And RUclips shows me this as a suggested video. I've been a subscriber for years, but not quite that long. Keep up the great work, Tom!
11 dislikes from those who couldn't afford the 3.0 and settled for the FWD 4 cylinder.
Fast forward 10 years people are so soft that they can’t emotional handle seeing seeing a thumbs down.
Specially in 2022 with this California gas pricing)))
Great review... even in 2022. I am buying a 2012 A6 Quattro Prestige with only 62k mi. This really pushed me over the top.
Comment what you’d like, but leave racism out of it..
What's it at now
@@zureai At least in my area I see them for $12,500 - $25,000 depending on the type, edition and stuff like that.
@@EncryptingJava Yeah they are still up there in price. But I’d say it’s worth it if you got money for maintenance lol
@@zureai I drive a 2013 Audi A6 Prestige, 182,000 miles. (Not Flexing). I love it, only issue I've had with it was it was leaking oil a couple years back but that's been resolved.
Audi saw the potential of LED lights on car since 2003
I can't stand people that don't have the car and make negative comments . I have the 2012 Audi A6 s-Line and the car is amazing. I had a 2011BMW 535i X- drive and was not impressed I sold it . I like the Audi far more.
THANK YOU for bringing up the whole MMI scroll issue. I have an '07 Q7 and to this day, I screw up the scrolling because in my mind it's backwards. The scrolling characteristics should be a user definable in the car
Study hard > Get a good job > Earn good pay cheque > Audi A6
Or have a pretty face and marry a rich one :P
Or just wait a few years till they depriciate to peanuts :)
Love your reviews Tom, keep them coming!
To clarify, only the base FWD A6 has a CVT transmission.
Props to Audi for setting the trend on the DRLs
@razioth No manual on the A6. Not meant to be a car for track day. Maybe the S6....
Audi interiors used to look (and operate) so much better before touchscreens took over all functions
"It shines when the sun doesnt"
That's such a sexy car
Just bought one for $8000 with a rebuilt title and only 110,000 miles on it in 2021.
How's it going for u? I'm looking at one also with 86k on the dash, same year 2013
my dad is getting me this for my 16th birthday im so excited!
Excellent review! Very objective, fun to watch and informative. Keep it up!
This will smash its competition.
They are press vehicles supplied from the manufacturers. Sometimes I go to press launches. It's pretty common in this business.
The BMW 3,5, and 7 series also have rear end that look the same. What is your point??
no this car looks great in real life and easy on the eye
Thank you for another nice work Tom.
hey just curious as to which car you have? and can you change the way the knob goes? We are in the market for a new car and the way that knob works could be annoying if counterclockwise goes down...
Hey Tom, great review. What's your favorite all-rounder in this segment? (I want to feel the road under the wheels more than ultimate cushy ride)
My dad have one and it's really beauty car and awesome interior awesome car!!!!!
What is the name of the colour of Car under review?
I think Mercedes and Lexus were the first to shamelessly copy the LED lights from Audi. They still look better on the Audis though. I like these new ones on the A6 that look like one continuous light rather than individual bulbs. Very eye catching.
Does the night vision come with the base model?
what color is this? its nice. I have the a6 2012 its a pretty great car, but its a custom one with 2.8 liter engine.
I believe you have aged better than the Audi, my friend!
Those stats you throw up at the end seem a bit off 12k cars in 91 and 108k in 2012?
Audi's sales to the US alone in 91 were 21k
I love the A6 over the other brands in it's class
Wow I thought this was for 2021 lol, still looks good today.
Anybody watching this in 2020 knows that 2 ply is worth more than the whole car. Lol
How or where do you acquire all these cars to test drive?
you have an error on the user interface. If u turn clockwise it scrolls down actually . Ive had a few audi's , and it works fine.
Awesome. You're gonna love this ride.
@razioth It is a quattro so that means its all wheel drive
It has 325lbft of torque, you failed to mention that when you talked about it's hp. You said "it has loads of torque." That tells me nothing about how much torque it has. I know its a small thing but many car reviewers only mention hp
@DrivenCarReviews How would you say this A6 compares to the new GS you recently drove?
Great review! It covers the whole car!
drivenCarReviews do u have the new 2012 BMW 6seires gran coupe reviwe?
what colour is the car you tested?
@mlps93 that's absolutely true, Europeans are far ahead of us americans IMO
I think the sad numbers are about only 6% of the cars being sold as manuals in USA, when in Europe and Asia it's pretty much the opposite. Hell, even most SUV's in EU are offered as manuals!
That's wrong. Audi didn't copy "Angel Eyes" from BMW or at least not that I know of (but you can get them for nearly any car from a tuner shop), or wich Audi model has it?
@razioth
they usually have manual in EU and Asia
north americans dont know how to drive manual so 99% of car manufactures dont even bother offering it as an option
Im fired up anout the Montrus Knights, Couvers Splits, Dearpeake Parks, and Clinton East End Habadashers in major leauge baseball.
can you guys share w/ me some great advise...b/s I'm stuck at choosing which is the best car...I'm comparing between
E350 coupe 2012 vs Audi A6 sedan 2012 vs Audi A4 2012...please I really do need that suggestion...
@minibus1351 he didnt say first he said pioneered, aston martin doesn't exactly sell cars to the "average" consumer
one more day ill probs put a vid up.
42 grands for a FWD car? No thanks.
Is the 3.0T at least AVAILABLE with a manual transmission? If not this car really isn't for car enthusiasts, but it still seems to fill casual drivers needs quite nicely.
Oh and nice review BTW!
This car looks awesome.
saw one of this on Craigslist for $13500...is that a good deal?
Believe it or not some people favor comfort over sporty handling. Skinny tires aren't very comfortable as you can feel the bumps more and it is more easy to damage the rims in potholes- of which there are plenty where I live.
Do you heard of something like RS6 MRC800 850 hp? 380km/h+ and 22s to 300 km/h...
@FarnorthNS11 actually it differs. Acceleration in RWD is better a lot but handling is better in FWD. Audi Quattro combine both of this archiving best handling on any type of road whether its snow, dirt, sand or asphalt. audi didn't keep developing for 20 year in vein + BMW & Mercedes 4 wheel drive systems is nothing beside quattro.
Now .. five years later, how reliable is it?
Exceptionally well, as most non 2.0T Audi’s are. Not to take anything away from the 2.0 TFSI and TSI, they’re good enough engines, but they just aren’t as durable as the 1.8 and 1.4 I4s, or the V6s and V8s. This 3.0T-based vehicle will be far above average for German reliability.
And I do think it’s telling that I recently sold my trusted C5 A6, which has driven well for 18 years and no significant problems. Just shy of 120,000 miles on the 2.8L 30V V6, with Quattro, and the 5-speed automatic. Significant service was limited to one CV axle that needed work, one rear wheel bearing, and two flex pipes on the exhaust. These have been holding up just as well. Admittedly the electronics are something I’d look out for in the future, but mechanically they’re quite solid. The Supercharged and N/A engines really help reliability as well, as few Turbocharged German cars are very reliable.
@@DarrenPersad do you think this is a good first car?
Within reason, yes. I don’t know your age, or who you are, so it would be difficult to give a difinitive answer.
If you’re a working individual with a good, sustaining job, then yes, these can be had for excellent prices nowadays, and maintenance isn’t outrageous for what you get. The value, luxury, performance, and safety propositions are all there.
If you’re a student, I’d be weary as maintenance can still cost a fair amount, and without proper money to back them, it’ll fall into disrepair quickly.
These cars are reliable, and they can run for a long time, but they require attentive maintenance, and preventative maintenance.
Best advice - understand you financial situation, understand your mechanical capabilities or knowledge. If you cannot afford this vehicle twice over, it won’t be advisable to purchase one. If your mechanical knowledge extends to only oil changes and brakes, you may find yourself in over your head. If you’ve got both in check, however, you’ll find these will be an excellent vehicle that will serve you well for a long time.
Just do not, absolutely do not get a 2.0T model.
@@DarrenPersad thanks for the answer, I'm 36 I earn 800 dollars a week,but I only pay 5 hundred in rent.
Without accounting for other necessary expenses, I’d still say that’s pushing it. It is your money, and it’s your decision, but I would advise to wait and save. Don’t finance, don’t lease, don’t do anything of the sort. Wait and save until you have enough to purchase the vehicle outright, and then some for maintenance, and make sure you aren’t waiting for lights or maintenance intervals - do things before they need to be done, keep the vehicles washed and cleaned, make sure they’re treated right. Once they are, they’ll treat you right.
Is it me or does the driver look cramped in the front seat? Lol...put the seat back a little..
No. You have to prove that you have some sort of media reach. I already worked for a Seattle TV station so I was given a try.
yup of course Europe does it right, but I was talking about here in North America (mainly in Canada and USA) about ~93% of the cars sold are autotragic, that's quite sad.. It is hard to find manual used cars especially on luxury models like BMW, Infiniti, Audi, etc. I love Europe for having almost only manual transmissions
I wonder how the RS6 will be
is it turbocharged and supercharged?
Supercharged
the S6 is here, and its around the price of the 550i, it has a better gear box, better suspension and a 4.0L engine that makes 420 bhp.
I don't want to be rude but you are 31 years old. How can you ask this question?
i seen this car in person yesterday for the first time, i almost had a heart attack.
Its like me.. pics/vids just dont do it justice haha
@razioth
For less yet loaded, you can get the Audi A4 with Quattro for $39k, but its smaller - compared to the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series.
@razioth Man, thats Audi Quattro and not any FWD or 4WD. This means the best handling and torque. I don't know a way to hate this car. Its very very suitable for driving a lot specially @ night.
I wish they put the Bi-Turbo 3.0 diesel & Quattro. :-(
There are no gearboxes better than the ZF 8HP with BMW's programming. Better as far as suspension goes is subjective. Audi's suspension is better at controlling pitch and roll sensitivity and has higher bump sensitivity. BMW's stuff is better at everything else that doesn't involve wafting. I own a 2011 550i M Sport and although it has many things I don't like, it drives like a car I do love.
If you listen hard at 1:50-1:52 when he says driving dynamics can be changed.
Can u plug an aux cord or usb in this car?
Why is the start button over by the passenger?
It's actually easier to press over there than on it's old location which was opposite. The great thing about those interiors is they put the buttons and knobs where your arm and hands relax. When you sit in a chair to relax your arms aren't directly beside your legs, you have them a little more spread out.
I just changed my car from the previous design interior where there was a separate start and stop button by your leg. I now see things that didn't seem to be a big deal and some things that were a bit of a design flaw, improved. Things are familiar, but better and I didn't really feel that I had issues...except the shifter.
The shifter on the previous generation had a sport mode when you pulled it towards you one more notch beneath "D". Well, that made it difficult to access the drink holder and I would bang my hand on it because it was in the way. The newer one is spring loaded, like when it is in full manual mode. One pull down and it returns to center and puts it in sport mode. Pull down again and it returns to center, back in drive mode.
In reality, there is no need to touch it. Pull the "-" paddle on the steering wheel and the car goes full manual. If you stop driving aggressively, it goes back into drive after about 5 seconds by itself.
VW is still the main brand.. The style looks good I like the VW cc better tho
And they just hand over press cars just like that?
@DrivenCarReviews well the BMW 5-series at least OFFER it. Even the 400hp 550i (twin-turbo v8) is offered with a 6-speed stick (with steptronic as an option)!
Manual doesn't mean it has to be a track car.. it's just cheaper and usually more reliable but most of all : more fun
I'm eager to see the new S6, what engine will it have since the S4 already has the 3.0t? Probably a v8 if you ask me..
"looks boring"? what do you thinks looks cool then? its the most badass car in this segment and probably in general. there is nothing boring by no ones standarts. never heard anyone who knows something about cars saying so. maybe something is wrong with your taste but audi can't produce cars for the 1% of people who are "different"
you should buy the a6 if you are looking for a a bit better performance. if you step on the accelarator in the 5 series theres a big gap in the throttle response both cars are great but, the audi is a more powerful. And I think the interior is better.
2022 yes im gonna buy 1
@vydo5454 oh ok because re-using good innovative ideas are a bad thing? No one is "copying" until they use the same design, but yeah gotta thank Audi for being one of the first companies to use them
Yeah !! i agree when he said that most car are COPYING audi LED .
If I am an old rich guy I probably would buy it
Well, you will be old some day. Hopefully you'll be rich too.
"While the current A4/A6 might look somewhat similar"? Are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong, I love Audis, well actually I love all of them 3: Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW! But man, Audi, rushed into lunching new models more often than BWM and Mercedes, and all of their cars look 90% similar, not like you said: "might look". They actually look the same! They are still beautiful cars though, but I expected more from Audi! Maybe it's just me!
yeah haha thanks im putting a video up today. i earned it though i got straight a's and my dad gave it to me. just put in work and you get good results. too many americans are getting dependent on the government and others instead of themselves. lol.
The hell is this recommended?
I have the 2012 audi 16 3.0 L supercharged prestige package
Gorgeous car
Love It ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Of Course theres a manual, at least in Europe I don't know about other regions.
u sure?
do u have a twin
Montage :)
thanks funky3ddy
I just don't see the 25k extra in getting this car. I don't see the "wonderful interior" other than the rim choices and led lights, I just do not see it. And seriously, 60k for a 4 cylinder 211 horsepower, cvt??
Im getting one!!!
If you know your cars, you can easily tell the difference.
@MrPedroso88 you're saying the "best" car is because of a damned 0-62 time?
which models are you even comparing? because i doubt a 535i would take over 6 seconds to 100km/h
imagine a 550 or 540,
also, audi has a big advantage because it's AWD, what about the 100-200? But then again it doesn't mean anything, defining which car is best takes way more than just stupid numbers, sorry.
1990's Audi's were an understatement: the car, even back then was ahead oh it's time when it came to exterior lines and design, but the transmissions had terrible reputations. Now out the the German big three it appears Audi is setting the bar when it comes to German technology.
Oh how I love a good comback story;~)
im thinking about buying one but am saudi and i dont want any more stereo types of us
AWESOME
I agree 100%
@go0504333770 thats only the 550i. the S6 will be up against the 550i and the RS6 (if they make one) will be competing with the M5