1998 Audi A6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$34,250 to $36,500

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.1

avg user rating

(22 reviews)
1998 Audi A6 Preview summaryImage

A Cinderella story. Its stepsisters, the A4 and A8, having already received makeovers and rave reviews from admirers, the Audi A6 was feeling left out and wished hard that she would be pretty enough to take to the ball. A tired engine and dated look left her sitting alone by the garage hearth. Finally, in 1998, a fairy godmother granted the A6's wish and dressed her up with more sophisticated lines and a more powerful engine to update its previously inadequate horsepower. However, only the sedan was redesigned in 1998. The wagon maintained the 2.8-liter, 172-hp V6 and would not get its chance to attend the ball until 1999.

The 1998 A6 gets a new 2.8 V6 engine upgraded to 200-hp. All A6s have only automatic transmission, and while the wagon keeps the 4-speed, the sedan gets a 5-speed Tiptronic that switches between auto and manual. Some say it is still not enough power for the size and weight of the A6, but it is adequate for highway cruising. A firmer suspension mirrors that on the A4 and, combined with the light steering action, maintains Audi's reputation for a responsive, precise, predictable driving experience that brings not only a well-balanced ride, but the security that has earned the A6 high crash test ratings. The 1998 A6 gets more legroom and more standard features, including a trip computer, wood trim, dual climate control, and headlight washers. Weather packages add heated seats or a solar sunroof which helps power a cooling fan.

Outside, the 1998 Audi A6 receives more rounded edges to lend an air of sophisticated European flair. Like the A8 it gets more aluminum in its body, making it even more sturdy and durable. Long front overhangs seem to affect ground clearance. Owners love the firm control and quiet smoothness of being behind the wheel of an A6, and the quattro AWD is a favorite feature for its strength in snow and ice. The new styling and elegant interior also earn high praise from owners who like to travel in style. Sluggish acceleration, flimsy cupholders, and a long list of expensive repairs by unhelpful dealers top the complaint list.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1998 Audi A6

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by Anonymous
Dec 19, 2012
This 1998 Audi A6 has been my daily driver as a Real Estate Agent in Canada since I purchased as a 2 years old (lease back) in 2000 for $35,000 CAD. I had driven Acura's up to that point but fell in love with the Audi's (unusual) interior colour, handling and style. Since I purchased it in Winter, I quickly fell in love with the all weel drive system. Needless to say, given the 200,000+ KM I have put on this car, I have generally loved it. However, you can't drive an aging German luxury car without a little hate in your heart. On average, to maintain this car in top shape, I have spend $1,500 a year for the last 5 years, a surprising amount of that on tires (heavy car). Parts sourced through my mechanic are quite cheap since the Audi has benefited by the long and continued use of this platform by VW. The car is in the shop a couple of times per year over the last 5 mostly with replacing aging plastic hoses and chasing down oil leaks. Not terrible perhaps for a 14 year old car but painful since I'm stuck driving my wife's (boring) Toyota. I have now purchased a newer A6 (2-14) but still use this car for personal use at it fits like an old glove. As you may have seen from the pictures, have also attempted to keep this car up to date with modern electronics, while keeping the beautiful stock look of the interior, which I feel remains it's strongest feature. I have added a Phatbox 120GB music system, Garmin Nuvi 7690 and XM radio (professionally installed). I feel this car still compares well with anything on the road less than $40K, and I still get constant compliments on it as I drive customers around! In summary, a well maintained late model A6 C5 platform is an excellent investment for a relatively inexpensive German luxury vehicle - but find a good mechanic to check it out carefully and be ready for some frustrations along with your smooth daily drive.Dec 19, 2012
by Dustin L
May 23, 2011
Performance: Quick acceleration, great stopping power, and german touring car handling Build Quality: at 160,000 miles all it needs is control arm bushings Appearance: Few dents and scratches, interior still in top notch shape Cost of Ownership: V6 with full time AWD gas milage is my only complaint Fun Factor: Very fun car with amazing luxuryMay 23, 2011
by Walter B
Dec 08, 2010
Best car I ever owned. It is really now fully broken in. Smooth and quiet even after over 100000 miles. There are a few problems. The heated steering wheel no longer works and the engine light is permanently on. It can still get 30 mph on the highway.Dec 08, 2010

1998 Audi A6 Pricing

Original MSRP
$34,250 to $36,500
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags

Audio System

Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Sunshade: power rear window

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Moonroof: power · Sunroof: solar panel

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags

Audio System

Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Sunshade: power rear window

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Moonroof: power · Sunroof: solar panel

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (4)