The "Retirement Spec" 2005 Audi A6 TDI That's Greener Than a Tesla!?

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Today, I drive another bargain basement car - a 2005 Audi A6 Avant 2.7 TDI, and talk about why not only is it a good car, but for its owner it might also have been the greenest option he could have chosen.
#Audi #A6 #TDI
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[@captgutter]

The fact that you review cars from ALL sectors, ALL values and ALL flavours is precisely why you are my favourite KZbinr. I love digging through your back catalogue for videos I have missed. You have NEVER posted anything uninteresting. Please, keep them coming.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Jason!

[@YounesLayachi]

Agree. This speaks to us automotive heads who are/were interested in all things automotive, not just the latest and craziest hyped up supercars

[@Scouter98]

62k miles? It looks like a construction workers workhorse that has 500k km and been rolled back no less than twice lmao

[@izoyt]

city driving and parking does that, you could be gentle and careful as much you want, but you will end up with bumps, scratches etc sooner and later by others. i hate that, having non functional suv driver (woman with issues) next to my parking space, for example. makes you mornings worse, when discover new damage on paint regularly.

[@Scouter98]

@@izoyt Is the comprehensive insurance situation just as bad as it is with mandatory insurance in the UK? Here on the continent most cars that are

[@Thanos.m]

@@Scouter98 most people in the UK do have fully comp insurance the thing is with they way the insurance system works it is not worth claiming for small little bumps as loosing your no claims discount will likely cost you more than just paying out of pocket to fix stuff and older cars like this the most minor of scratches will write them off instantly.

[@lars3418]

My first thought as well. I was shocked how worn out the interior and paint can look after 62k. Our 2011 passat has about 73k miles on it (highline) and carries around my family. We live in a big city where 90% of the driving is done. It looks like a new car compared to this.

[@irreversiblyhuman]

Mate! So true! Also, who the hell ate that spring!

[@darranwhelan5745]

Yes I have a A6 c6 as well. I got it as a demo model in January 2011 and it has not missed a beat after 455,000. There is not a creak or rattle from it. They are fantastically well build.

[@Chrissy-H]

I had a 3.0TDI S-line Quattro version of the same car, Its my favourite car I've ever owned. Remapped it had huge torque and did 38mpg, a backbox delete actually released a surprisingly nice v6 noise, and some lowering springs and stiffer rear anti roll bar made it a little bit sharper whilst not ruining its ability to barge its way across the country. What a thing, built like a tank too. I'd buy another in a heartbeat, its a complete bargain!

[@geoffb3240]

I bought a new 318D in 2016 - it has done 26k miles so far. It is reliable, comfortable and practical; i.e. all the car I'll ever need. I look after it, it does 50mpg and it will last me until they take my license from my cold, dead hand! I think that is greener than new EVs every 5-10 years will ever be.

[@organiccold]

A reliable BMW.......

[@bumfluffmcregor3730]

Or until ulez comes to you

[@sammerry7706]

Untill they make factories run on rainbows :p

[@schanche1965]

I bought a 1996 Audi A4 1.9tdi auto last May it's currently on 163,000 miles and currently doing 1000 miles/wk It drives like a new car and returns 44mpg, I'm a big old Audi fan

[@Jack-lo1uc]

3,800 miles a year! Why would you buy a diesel??

[@ToyotatechDK]

I have a 2007 2.4 V6 Avant and it’s such a joy to drive. The quality jump from the C5 to C6 is unbelievable.

[@Scouter98]

As a C5 2.4q owner i must ask where that jump in quality exactly is

[@ToyotatechDK]

@@Scouter98 I’ve had several C5’s. They are great cars but especially body parts are a lot more rust resistant on the C6.

[@Scouter98]

@@ToyotatechDK funny that you mention rust. Yeah, C5s have rusting fenders and the doors are prone to rust because of a unfortunate door design that traps moisture. However, i have never ever seen a C5 that would need to have the rocker panels (or thresholds as some say) replaced because of rot, which is the issue for the vast majority of C6's that drive on salty roads. So to summarize C5's rust where you can see it, but its the other way around on the C6, that's why so many are getting scrapped these days.

[@neilturner6749]

@@Scouter98 I was working for Audi when the C6 replaced the C5 and we all felt there was a big drop in cabin quality and loss of overall perceived solidity with the model change, so I see where you’re coming from. What you don’t see as a new car driver/owner though, is what’s happened underneath, so with hindsight maybe Audi spent that saved money elsewhere and wisely on durability and longevity?

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

The C6 A6 are such solid cars. In my opinion they’re more solid and well built than the newer cars. It just has a bank vault heavy feel that hasn’t really been replicated since in my opinion. Top quality.

[@1revwilly]

I just recently discovered this channel a few weeks ago and I have watched a whole bunch of your videos. This has now become one of my absolute favorite channels! Some of the cars reviewed here are not available where I live in Canada and our steering wheels are on the wrong side, etc. :-) but I love your commentary, wisdom and maybe most importantly of all, your awesome British humor! I was born, raised and still live in rural Newfoundland, Canada and my ancestry is British. I actually feel more British than Canadian, oops, don't tell my neighbors! lol :-) Anyhow, this video is absolutely awesome, as well as is all of your content! Keep up the great work James and hopefully your audience continues to grow!

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

James is the man !

[@marijnmolenaar2848]

Watch the T-roc video, it's a banger

[@barrettwbenton]

First a beeping T-ROC, now a clinking A6; I think you're onto a new motif here. (Absolutely agreed on the run-it-till-it-can't-run-no-mo' philosophy, which IMO is the most eco-friendly.)

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

This is my kind of car. Really reminds me of my 2012 V70, right down to the terrible fuel economy.

[@eirik_halvorsen]

I totally agree with what you just said. I work with tires in 🇧🇻 and we keep and store the wheels/tires for about 2000 people. I have SO MANY times pulled out perfectly fine wheels and put them in the back of a leased car which is about to be returned. The car often looks brans new to me. A couple of hours later customer returns with the supposedly latest version of the same car, even the same colour! Fossil, hybrid or electric, we humans consume WAY TOO much to make this world ANY better. 🥺

[@jaiallen8674]

I recently purchased a 2005 A4 2.0 TDI S-Line with Bose (Saloon). The last owner had it since new (17 years), with every single receipt, service invoice and MOT kept. 2 keys and all of the books! Best part, only 95k miles for a 17 year old car. She has been very well kept, no rust (only 1/2 dents). Last 2/3 MOT’s, completely clean with no advisories. Only paid £2,750. Best value for money car I have bought to date and the previous owner has taken very good care!

[@charliewalters536]

Hooray the 2.7tdi. A6 estate..2 wheel drive !! I had one for about 8 years. An absolute joy.!! Better mileage than the 3.0 quattro, and much nicer to drive than the 4 cyl 2.0. So much a part of our family, that we had to lie to the kids when we sold it - they still think that our new BMW has the old car's gearbox in it..! It was hopeless / hilarious around corners, but an absolute missile on motorways. The 2 wheel drive version chewed its front tyres ..... every 4 months..!! Did love it, though. We sold it at about 200,000 miles.

[@TheKatWeasel]

I have to say you’re not wrong with your with your analogy of older diesels, I had an M57 330d which was the most refined diesel I’ve had the pleasure of driving. Sold that to get back into something a little older but also diesel, so managed to find a manual 325tds touring e36 and well, a lot less refined, more thirsty and a whole heap slower… but apart from that I absolutely adore it! Also, mega rare with a manual.

[@bradleyrichards7618]

228k miles on my 07 A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro in the family since new - 4,000 mile Euro road trip planned with the dog May super confident it’ll be fine. Completely agree with keeping old cars on the road instead of new EVs taking over

[@markdoyle6414]

I drove around Fife recently I was blown away by the rubbish littering every road, I live in the Highlands of Scotland it it's spotless compared to Fife. Really takes away from the experience of visiting places. I thought that level of littering was a thing of the past.

[@Hali88]

it seems to have gotten worse, at least in my rural corner of England. I don't know who these people are but new cans and wrappers appear almost every day

[@craig148]

I suddenly want an old Audi barge. A healthy reaction in a world of SUVs?

[@LiamE69]

The maths on keeping low milage old cars going being better for the environment is undenyable. EVs only win once past a significant mileage and in comparison to a new ICE car..

[@majoriix]

Love the appearance by the Rover 75!😄 I have such a big emotional attachment to them

[@jamessheehy4895]

You’ve become the uk doug for old tat I absolutely love hearing about these old cars i’ve got a mk5 golf tdi 3 door and i love it cheap motoring is the best

[@Oli_Hudson]

Re the rear wiper - in VW group cars, if your wipers are on full or intermittent, when you select reverse, the rear wiper will come on. Handy feature!

[@robcottonrallying]

same with BMW too

[@shanepatrick641]

Same with Ford!

[@MaveRick01]

I love how many similarities this car has to my A3 from 2011. The steering quirks are present and the tires also have a lot of profile for good comfort since it's a basic spec. It has 236k km on the clock but it has a recently revised gearbox, engine and clutch. I'm willing to drive it until it has 350k 😊

[@MichaelFlatman]

Yeah the rear of this looks very similar to the A3 5dr 2004-12.

[@mariusnenu]

I had a 58 plate C6 for nearly 6 years. Bought it approved used with warranty when it was 8 years old, for a fraction of its new price. It has been a tremendous car, family car, holiday car, runabout car... all things to all men. I also looked after it very well and looked heaps better than this one , inside, out, and underneath when I sold it a year ago with 110k miles on the clock. The only thought I had in my mind when driving it was:"What a fabulous car!" It really was a fabulous car. Needles to say the current owner loves it as well.

[@MrJE728]

Have had a C6 and now drive a C7 from 2014. Manual, 2.0 TDI is bulletproof. Run it on HVO diesel (not approved for it, but works like a charm)

[@glennmartin2403]

Such a hum drum car that I have no real interest in but I elected to watch because you always deliver a great narrative. This one punches high - you’re on gold class form here! You are the star rather than the car - good man!

[@Only_Ameen04]

James is the type of guy who willingly turn around when he saw slighty interesting thing on side of the road

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

I really enjoyed that bit. Who hasn't turned around at some point to look at something interesting? Lol

[@JB-xd9dr]

Great review. Thanks Jay. I owned a similar A6, but the Quattro, manual, 2000 spec. A remarkably accomplished car. Absolutely loved it. Best car ever owned. However after 10 years I had to sell it because of the emissions regulations. I was living in Berlin and the city emissions regs would have required v costly modifications to the engine that were not sensible given the then value of the car. Otherwise it was a keeper for sure. The diesel tech back then was not good regards emissions, eg no DPF exhausts so it really did chuck out some black stuff, etc. So perhaps there should be a cut off regarding diesel engine age and how long they should be kept. I’m now running a Skoda Superb, 2L diesel DSG. 12 years old, 141k miles. Better emissions etc. Going as good as ever, and will keep to the end. Fabulous. Cheers.

[@eagle_and_the_dragon]

I bought an 11 plate A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI Quattro back in December. Somebody had a good eye when it was originally specced: Night Blue with Dual Tone leather interior. It's a cracking thing when it gets in a straight line, and was a blessing in the recent snow. MPG is perhaps a little disappointing, I'd be interested to see what improvements can be made in that department. Insurance was also a complete blue baller. £1800 for a 21 yr old with 1 yrs no claims.

[@tommytee8387]

The 2.7 is an absolute joy..we have a 2008 A4 saloon..it never skips a beat and returns close to 50mpg on a run…

[@Barbarian75]

Regarding 'previous gen of diesels not being economical'. I had Toyota Carina E with 2.0 NA diesel. It was one of the early car, made in 1992. It had only 72bhp, but was doing close to 47mpg on the motorway easily. Of course, it weighed only 1,160 kg only; so that was a factor as well. But the diesel engine itself was agricultural. Loud and shaky.

[@horacio2603]

I have a keeper (a more modest one, btw..) a 2003 307 SW with just 113.000 Km in the clock. I bought her a number of years ago and intend to stick to her for good. At the moment I have 2 other vehicles (minivans I need for work) This video of yours reminded me my own story with my Peugeot.

[@Mark-and-Jane]

I really enjoy your older car videos, they make me happy that because I'm poor I've saved thousands on depreciation etc. 😊

[@madmatt5661]

I've had my vauxhall combo van 14 years its 17 years old with nearly 140k on the clock used every day for work

[@grayfool]

Couldn't agree more. Buy a car and keep it. Best way to be planet friendly. We had a Corolla for 5 years, changed to a Carina which we kept for 12 years. Then got the wife's dream car, an LS400, which we kept for 13 years and would probably still have if we hadn't retired to a hotter bit of the planet. All were great and very reliable being Toyotas. Do I want to spend £50K on a new electric car? Not ruddy likely thank you very much.

[@baggierols73]

Trouble is, if no one buys new cars then the economic impact on car producing nations would be massive

[@grayfool]

@@baggierols73 Maybe they would have to look at making new cars better value. Prices are now utterly crazy.

[@baronvonjo1929]

@@baggierols73 They need to make affordable cars then.

[@grayfool]

@@baronvonjo1929 Lighter, less complicated, more efficient, and less destructive to the planet. That would be a good start.

[@jessicabruno2820]

Yes James I think you are exactly right on the eco friendliness of actually keeping the thing and running it until it doesn't run anymore. The problem with this whole electric car push other than what you outlined in your last video on the subject is that people will happily try out and foist any solution to any problem as long as that solution involves actually buying something, then another one, then another and then another because let's face it we only care about saving the planet in a way that keeps our economy is in good shape. The economy is mother, the economy is father and rampant unchecked consumerism is a giant hug in a blanket of giggling cute children. It's not destroying the planet, of course not. Don't be absurd.

[@ianfrost3529]

I have brought a 2006 transient blue Mercedes 320cdi 115k with FSH for less than 2k. I am averaging 35mpg. It’s great and even in a car park my eye always goes back to my car

[@MP-Fin]

My aunt bought a new A4 1.9tdi new in 2003. She sold it just before the pandemic with over 500.000km and it's still going. We know this because a relative bought it. She did mostly long distances with it.

[@itchyscratch3829]

That's the car I have. Currently running great at 262,000 miles (421648km). I'm hoping to reach many more miles, I've seen one with 500,000 miles on it (804672km) still running ok. KZbin 'car throttle' channel.

[@ReeceT20]

As a long time viewer I personally love to see what weird wonderful things you can get for 30k and under, there's always something surprising in there, and the fact that it's now diesel golf money is even more interesting

[@3wheeler1000]

I've just purchased a 2001 A2 with 67000 miles on it. Its not perfect, and needs some work, but once done (its a 1.4 petrol) will be a great envornmental car to look after. Bangernomics verging on Classic ownership. Just on that boundary.

[@itchyscratch3829]

Yes the A2 is an up-and-coming classic. It was ahead of its time when it came out. Lightweight aluminium body, small outside dimensions but big feel inside, quirky styling that still looks good now. Still see one or two around on my commute.

[@elta6241]

That's what I did. I got a 2014 A3 that I got a discount on and have kept it ever since. It has been a great servant. There is nothing more environmentally friendly than getting a car, looking after it and keeping it a long time.

[@shanepatrick641]

Totally agree!

[@organiccold]

I have two of these, both 2008! An S6 5.2 V10 and a 2.0tdi. The S6 has 98k miles ant the tdi has 162k miles. Apart from an egr and front suspension top arms in the tdi and two front locks and some vacuum leaks in the S6 they both have been really amazing cars, well built, comfortable, good quality materials used. This car was over engineered. They don't built like this anymore as no one will want to pay the price they will cost if they do that. I

[@sidewayslu]

I've got a 3.0 TDI Quattro. Best car I've ever owned. So reliable, have driven it for over 60'000km in 2 years and didn't have to do a single repair. Drives so smooth. Will probably never sell it.

[@essentialmtb8683]

I do love vw/audi group cars from that era. I have 2008 seat altea 1.9 tdi with 130k miles on it and I love it as Jay was saying the little touches like the rear window screen wiper and stuff just lovely cars

[@chrisgrundy4515]

100% agree with you, owning and keeping a car is a joy and a privilege. I have owned my c Max since 2015, I bought it 18 months old with 22k. It has now done 120k and it still reliable comfortable and economical. Why burden yourself with finance deals every 3-5 years? It makes no sense to me. I can't think of a car that is built these days that will drop to bits in 3 years so why swap all the time? I have no plans to change mine. It's getting wax oiled in the summer 😎

[@jon_273]

In 2007 I bought a three year old Lupo TDI and my mum is still driving it now over 100k miles later. It has been incredibly cheap to run and simple to maintain. I think we have extracted more value from that car that we will ever get from anything newer.

[@bentullett6068]

This was the reason I chose a SEAT Ibiza, though its a Spanish built car it's pretty much VW/Audi product overall. I have had mine 10 years and covered over 74,000 miles, and major issues I have had are the sping collapsed like on this car on the front suspension. It may need some front and rear anti roll bar bushes as they are now having the common squeak found on all old VW cars and I think it will soon require a new exhaust backbox shield as the tin worm has infiltrated it. Overall though its a solid, dependable car

[@robloxfan4271]

For the 4 years ive had my leon from new, i can say ive had no mechanical issues at all! Only issue was an infotainment glitch , which a factory reset i did myself fixed.

[@izoyt]

last golden era of no bs cars, everything was done to purpose 100%, specially on audi. strong, non common rail tdi engines also, i remember i could go with a4 1.9 tdi 230km/h easily.

[@jessicabruno2820]

No BS cars, well put. I miss them.

[@pl1068]

I still have my 2003 Audi A4 1.9TDi Manual Avant Sport that I bought in Chelmsford in 2006 after Woolworths had finished with it. It’s been all over Europe, done a lap of the Nurburgring and then I shipped it from Greece to New Zealand, she now has 232,000 miles on the clock. I’ve had a few window regulators replaced suspension and discs, plenty of cambelts with the obligatory water pumps but she is still on the original clutch. Will never part with her.

[@itchyscratch3829]

Great! Mine is the same car (2004) and I'm on 262,000 miles. There's one on youtube "car throttle" channel that had 500,000 miles on it still running ok. I'm hoping to get 300k+. I'm investing in a timing belt kit soon, I have faith she has loads of miles left, engine hasn't skipped a beat! Like you say, some of the other stuff needs attention after 19 years, but it's DIY do-able! Puts some much younger cars to shame!

[@pl1068]

@@itchyscratch3829 your so right, the pump duse diesel will go for at least one person’s lifetime.

[@drewwagar]

I have a similar philosophy. My daily is a 2008 Audi A4 Avant TDI (B7 Model 170 2.0L) with 95k miles. It's been well looked after and virtually unblemished. It's beautifully made, comfortable, economical and a lovely understated design which (I think) still looks smart. Mine is a non-quattro model too, as it just isn't necessary 99% of the time. Being a late model S-line it has all the bells and whistles from 2008 - and they all still work. It's as economical as anything modern in its class, is more practical than an SUV and costs pennies to run by comparison with a finance deal - I'll be keeping it as long as I can to extract the maximum value from it. I can see my next daily being an EV, but not for a long time.

[@yorkshiremike5083]

I picked up a 2010 Audi A6 saloon Sline retirement car in January of this year (my 5th A6) 34500 miles, Cambridge green metallic pearlescent, 2.0 tfsi with a manual gearbox. (Who bought 2.0 petrol manual A6's in 2020?) One owner and a run out model with lots of toys. The perfect PCP beater and good for another 150000 miles. The C6 generation was a highpoint for Audi in terms of design and quality of construction. All Audi's of that generation are good. I also ran a 2.7 C6 Audi allroad for a long time and those things are perfect motorway cruisers. Great review 👍

[@philipdodd2836]

We have my father in law’s 59 plate Toyota Avensis which he gave to us when he bought a new one. He could have simply kept this one, but after a long & not straightforward recovery from heart surgery, he promised himself a new top spec Avensis, so he bought one. Anyway, the 59 plate car was his from new & very lightly driven. We’ve had it since 2018 & it’s only just passed 40k miles. It’s well equipped, regularly serviced & functions perfectly well. Worth bugger all to anyone else but us. Why would we get rid of it? It serves us perfectly well & will continue to do so until it falls to bits, though being a Toyota it probably won’t.

[@ianmunday8540]

At long last, a review about MY car. I have exactly the same car (55/06), same spec, gearbox and engine and won’t part with it. 225k (trouble free 🤞🏼) miles. I bought it 12 years ago with 100k on it and it’s been great. Nice to watch your review extolling the benefits of this kind of motoring. I also have a mk 1 MX5 to remind me that driving can be FUN still. Love the channel, keep up the good work. PS. If it does go kaput, I’ll get a Honda Legacy that you also reviewed recently. 👍🏻

[@darrenhitchcox6345]

Another good video and very valid point about keep cars for long periods. I would have loved to have done that, but live in inner Bristol which has just introduced a one of there stupid ULEZ zones and meant I would have to pay £10 each time I wanted to move it. Schemes like ULEZ with be the death knell of many older car I fear.

[@ThexMJT]

Suspect that is the plan, price them off the road. Price owners into public transport or a new car, even if you can't afford a new car and public transport doesn't actually fit your life.

[@MisterMonsieur]

That's the point. New EVs can can drive themselves ... or refuse to let you drive them. _It's all about control, not climate!_

[@MisterMonsieur]

@@ThexMJT _It's all about control, not climate!_

[@ThexMJT]

@@MisterMonsieur Well it is about climate (making city air cleaner, which is a good thing) but the government has set stupid targets and no doubt tied funding to these stupid targets and also reduced funding to councils overall, so they need a way to generate this lost income.

[@cme2cau]

I think ULEZ will lead to a bunch of cars like this becoming available cheap to those who live outside the zones.

[@andreavacca9182]

My dad bought an Audi A4 Avant 1.9 TDI in 2003 and has been driving it everyday ever since. It's now nearing its retirement but it's amazing how i've pretty much grew up with just one car (i'm just a few months older than it) and i can't imagine my dad driving anything but that. It's going to be replaced soon by a Q3 Sportback, which makes sense, every personal car my dad ever had was an Audi.

[@benturp3492]

Got a 2007 3.0 v6 tdi A6 Allroad. 320,000 kms. As long as you keep up with maintenence they are amazing cars!

[@maceymunro7194]

Nice video mate. The commentary on this was your best work yet!!

[@Francisco-j1e]

20 yo car that never asked anything major is a given. I own a 2.0TDI and love it. A6 C6 from 2007 and i do regularly 55-61mpg

[@jackhawkins2758]

I know a woman who bought an MR2 mk2 brand new in ~1993, still owns and drives it daily as her only car. 30 years and well over 300k miles and its still going strong.

[@davidjames2910]

I have a 2010 VW Sharan which I bought 11 years ago as an ex-demonstrator. I've had to spend some money on it but that's fair enough after 85,000 miles and, because I did, it drives like new and does everything I want as brilliantly as ever, including shifting beds and bookcases and then, with a bit of re-arrangement, carrying 7 in comfort. I have no plan to change it.

[@davidjames2910]

@Teamgeist 3, and yes, I wanted it. I'm not sporty and like space.

[@robi4387]

Whoa whoa whoa whoa! 62,500 miles. If that Audi diesel was only a BMW 530 petrol I would buy it in an instant for £1,201.

[@PenryMMJ]

Nice car, and at least 27 billion times more practical than those hateful "urban on-roader" things.

[@kevinmountford4541]

Sold mine when a bought my 4.2tdi q7, it had 320.000 miles on the clock and five days a week carried me 98 miles to work and 98 miles back again. Very reliable. I realy miss it and would like another. I now work a lot closer to home with a small car to run around in.

[@petervirnuls7879]

I think the mistake people would make would be to assume all Audi A6s are as good as this one. My brother’s 2016 A6 was rendered useless by the need for a new manual gearbox, with repairs nudging5 figures.

[@dwarfshortage244]

Love the interiors of those old A6s.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Loved the stop for the Falcon though couldn't make out what kind it was. Where I live (Central North Island, New Zealand) we get both native Falcons (Kārearea) - which are endangered and mostly stick to the forests, but you see them occasionally hunting over fields - they are fairly small and shy - as well as the much larger Swamp Harrier (Kāhu), which is a common site on NZ highways eating dead possums, rabbits etc. Unlike the Kārearea, they are fearless and you'll often have to drive carefully around them whilst they stare you down, or they will just pick a whole possum up and fly off with it like it was nothing - again a spectacular bird. Totally agree with your take on how to do cars right - yes, keeping a car running as long as possible is better for the environment for sure - given the massive ecological footprint of manufacturing just 1 car, and it's such a shame that auto manufacturers have almost all gone down the 'consumable' route since the GFC, making cars that just won't last 18+ years anymore.

[@chestnut01111]

My father bought one of the last original shape V70's in 2000. I have it now and i have no intention of selling it ... Ever. In another 200 or so miles it will pass the 50,000 mile mark.

[@bayandamsweli2005]

I have a 2007 Ford Bantam (fiesta pick up in South Africa). A whole lot of things are broken but everything that needs to work, works. It’s market value is probably the price of a new flatscreen TV but it’s obviously worth a lot more to me than that. So I’ll run it to the ground, if that’s even possible. It’s my intention with every car I buy but the main reason for selling a car is that my needs change. Keep up the petrol head content.

[@sensationalfailure]

The way you run this channel is perfect. You've really hit the sweet spot.

[@richardjones2468]

I think it just makes sense from both the environmental aspect and ones personal finances to buy something decent and just keep it. I have a year 2000 Alfa 156 2.0 Twin Spark (manual) which I`ve had for 20 yrs and will keep forever as our daily driver. Apart from cambelt when needed, oil changes and tyres its cost in repairs and maintenance has been nothing - I do all maintenance myself , Washed and polished regularly it still looks new and is often admired still by random people. I believe in looking after what I`ve got. I smile to myself when those admirers climb back into their car that they have paid considerably more for that they will change out of for considerably less than they paid for it 3 years after purchase just because they were bored with it or they were conditioned to believe old means unreliability and high expenditure.

[@lunarzak]

I know someone who’s had a 307cc from brand new and still drives it to this day something like 120k on the clock

[@wizzyno1566]

Ive had two cars in 20 years. Honda Civic (250k then scrap) and Seat Exeo (150k so far), both diesels. Unlike Andy i've done 400,000 miles in those 20 years. Both bought nearly new. £20k total to buy, so 5p a mile.

[@tomwreford6624]

I particularly enjoyed the bottle noise😂. Excellent content as always James

[@BionicRusty]

Great video. 👍 I think I’ve landed on what I call my ‘retirement car’. A beautiful 2015 E Class Wagon. It’s lovely and suits me. Rides much nicer than my previous ‘tester’ cars (XC40, X1 and a shocking XF)

[@sellsidedream8766]

I get almost 60 mpg out of my 2020 version of this car. Love it.

[@neverthar]

What about a comparo of period german diesel estates? Doesn’t have to be mint, at least serviceable so to at least be honest without the rose tinted monocles

[@seinsmeld13]

My father keeps his cars for at least 10 years. When he sells his cars they are like new condition. I like to see someone hang on to their cars rather than buying a new one every two or three years. Keeping your cars for an extended period of time is much better for our environment. Cheers mate.🥶

[@alextoft9199]

My Dad isn't really an enthusiast. He got a Passat 2.0 TDI DSG Highline as a company car back in 2010. Similar to guy in this video he got given it when he left the company. Its on 300k now and still going. It's the most boring car in the world but I do admire it in a way. It fires up straight away, you put your heated seat on and the engine and gearbox take all the stress out of driving while doing 50MPG. Seats 4 comfortably and loads of space for other stuff. Perfect car for him and amazing motoring on a budget. 👍

[@maestroadam]

I had a '05 A6 3.2, drove it to 200k miles. Great car.

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, to try & keep a car on the road for as long as possible is my goal, don't see the point in getting rid of a good car, the newer car may have faults for a start! 🙏🙏

[@willochillo8448]

As an Audi A6 Avant driver myself (2009/2.0TDi170/S-line/C6 chassis)), I have to agree with many of Jay's reasons it's a great car. However, one of his complaints was about the rear end being unstable on bends; clearly this is only down to the ancient suspension and aforementioned mis-matched coil springs. I had a similar issue which was cured by new coils and dampers. Also, one has to consider he's driving an SE; if on the other hand he tried an S-line like I have (lower, stiffer suspension, lower profile tyres), I think he would have been utterly blown away by the awesome handling. I would add that of the 20 cars I have had (British, German, French, Italian), this my 4th Audi is the best. I intend to keep on looking after it for a long time yet, and with those xenon headlights, DRLs & achievable 50mpg - no reason at all to change!

[@Kmasse8]

We had an Audi A6 Avant 3.0TDI quattro tiptronic (2005-2018) that I had to sell at 285 000km due to moving abroad. It seemed to be in much better condition than this one (the brown leather looked new, no rust) even though we had a labrador retriever that didnt always dry carefully after swims. The shotgun was always hers (sometimes the hairs went through the control panel in the middle causing some off connection issues). It was a great car, the only bigger repair was the air suspension (cost 3850 euros to change some pillow etc). Lovely car, perfect for longer trips to the summer cottage.

[@Grayxyz]

Guy over the road from my mum had an aquamarine P reg Toyota Celica. I'm fairly sure he had it from new or nearly new. He finally got rid of it last summer with 197k on the clocks when it developed a leak in the fuel tank that would have required taking half the car apart to fix. He did everything himself on that car, including working on the engine internals on his driveway.

[@GloveBag]

I drive a 2006 a4 avant 3.0tdi quattro, there's no better all rounder for me, mapped to 290bhp/680nm and over 50mpg on mway

[@nitrovent]

Speaking of the roof: you can have luck with french cars. We have a '06 Peugeot 206cc and that electric folding roof just works.

[@charliewalters536]

Do you have to negotiate with it? does it ever go on strike?

[@nitrovent]

@@charliewalters536 No. Only when the battery was almost dead after the winter it was slow as hell. This is our second 206CC and the roof has the least issues. The first one had the weirdest electrical ground issues though. Wouldn't stop the motor when tuning off ignition when radio and/or lights where still on. Never found the ground issue but replacing the broken rear light bulb fixed it..

[@happyjohnwalks]

Those bottles rattling away, too funny! 😂

[@bennygerbus9318]

This reminds me of my dad who had his 2007 VW Passat from nearly new till it’s engine quit at around 150k miles

[@baronvonjo1929]

That would piss me off. My 4Runner is about to be 24 this year and just reached 220,000 miles last week. So proud of it. I want my cars to last a long time cause I get really attached.

[@Swiss4.2]

What engine did he have? My dad had a Touran with the 1.9 TDI, he sold it at 230k kms but I checked and it now has 400k and still going strong on its original engine.

[@AndyfromSurrey]

Good video & I agree with you. Buying a car & running it into the ground is the way to go. Obviously, if you live in a city then the diesel isn’t great, but don’t scrap it, part exchange it as would then be relocated to an environment where it can live out its days. The worst thing we could do is scrap all the ice cars and buy electric instead. I don’t know what the figures are, but an amazing amount of CO2 is emitted building cars, so if you scrap them this CO2 was wasted. My mum has a 22 year old 2.0 petrol Golf with 50k on the clock and has talked about getting rid to get an electric car instead, I have had to explain that as she now does around 100 miles a month that keeping the car is the greenest option.

[@JamesAHall101]

My dad has had an '05 Cooper (in bright yellow no less) since new which is on about 25k miles. It did 10k of those in the last 5 years while my brother used it as a runaround.

[@cosminmoflic8319]

Great review. Not a fan of diesel but once we tolerate 5% more ethanol for 10% worse mpg I do understand why people would still drive old diesels.

[@GarethGolding]

Similar story here. I bought a brand new Vauxhall Insignia estate in 2011 with absolutely no consideration for resale value. 1.4T petrol, met brown, rear blinds (young children), wheel trims and no bluetooth. I still have it now with 57k on the clock. Sort of still has warranty due to the Vauxhall lifetime warranty they were flogging at the time. I'd imagine it would just get written off if anything major went wrong though. I have started thinking about replacing it before it starts becoming trouble, but I like not spending money.

[@zloychechen5150]

Having no BT sucks.

[@Vikturus22]

The 3.2 petrol v6 is also a amazing engine! Im about to buy another A6 3.2 as these are amazing cars for the money, I had my first one from 37000km and put 200,000km on it before it got written off.

[@christiantaylor924]

I have a 2010 Final Edition A6 Avant which I have owned virtually since new. It is still a joy to drive and although it has 106k on the clock it looks as good as new. I have had the 19inch alloys refurbished at least 4 times and both bumpers resprayed. It is always serviced at the excellent Audi Service Centre in Carlisle and therefore is meticulously maintained. It has never let me down- touch wood- and other than the air-conditioning needing to be repaired last year- painfully expensive- it has never had any problems. Due to its longevity it has so far been the best value car I've ever owned and I really couldn't fault it.

[@petervirnuls7879]

I love cars like this. I’ve got an 850 Tdi. My son has a Carlton 2.3TD. I’ve got an S8 D2 to look at, and a couple of petrol Carltons and a Viceroy to restore and fiddle with. Cheap motoring and like owning several Lego sets. Almost free motoring, and I can have loads of fun buying other things

[@zloychechen5150]

mmm... 850..

[@petervirnuls7879]

I have to say, a well sorted petrol 2 litre Carlton with an autobox and no catalyst from new is hard to beat. The 850 is quite good, but time has rendered some breakages difficult to fix. eg ACC, leaks, rust, expensive timing belt. The ride of the 850 is OK, but not as good as a Carlton. The steering and handling are far worse though

[@Bmovie5000]

Thanks for the wonderful review! I reside in Canada and am currently seeking an A6 Avant of this vintage. A6 models let alone Estates (wagons) are pretty rare as they were only sold here as high spec loaded models, with the 3.2l gas v6 and later the 3.0l turbo. All had the quattro drive. I watch your channel and drool over the myriad of estate cars available.

[@paulcliffe8168]

Audi called their estates, Avant.

[@itstheterranaut]

Great cars. I too drive an older 2.0TDI Avant, and similarly just cant think of a good reason to change it- apart of course from Glasgow's impending LEZ, which will make meetings difficult. Also: 100% on that road, which I know well both from cycling and driving. The roads of Scotland are strewn with junk. It saddens me.

[@micvasselin6369]

A few years ago, I had a 2007 Audi A6 Avant and really loved it. Unfortunately it was the underpowered 2.0 TDI which had to work harder due to the weight of the car. Apart from that, I really enjoyed driving it and it was a really practical car at the time.

[@EastCoastSteam4468]

I have the Golf Mk5 estate with the 2.0 TDI engine. The engine is fantastic. If you want to test drive the little cousin of the A6 you'd be welcome.

[@stephentaylor8200]

I’ve driven a slightly younger version with a cvt gearbox (supposedly big trouble) for the last 14 years, covering 150,000 miles of mostly stop start traffic commuting in the SE. It’s currently on around 190,000 miles and hasn’t had a single issue worth mentioning. The body work has a few blemishes but it’s been looked after mechanically and has repaid the effort and expense many times over. The interior has held up extremely well. It’s started first time every time for 14 years and done everything I’ve ever asked of it without complaint. In this time friends have replaced their car 3 or 4 times, but I can’t think of much, if anything I could replace it with that would do a better job. A great car.

[@ln5747]

Interesting, I also have the CVT multitronic, 2011 2.0tdi owned since 50k miles now on 125k. Everyone describes it as multichronic as it's allegedly unreliable but keep seeing people with large mileages. Apparently they are better after 2008. I thought about changing mine to avoid a large bill (5k + for a new transmission) if it goes wrong but now I think I'll run it as long as I can. Would love to get it to 200k miles.

[@scottramage925]

In 2016 my dad bought a 2013 E220 CDI with 90k on the clock. Currently, I'm using it. Currently has 211k on the clock. It's needed a clutch, an intercooler pipe, and consumables. It's a brilliant car and quite unusual, being a manual. He has an S class for daily duties but when that's broken the E class is always there as a stand in, and has, touch wood, always worked. Excellent car.

[@Phuc_Yhou]

2007 Audi A6 Avant Quattro 3.0tdi S-Line Le Mans Special Edition, 250k, used as a work van for 2 years, 45mpg on the m-way, fast, comfortable and reliable, loved it. 😎

[@poosnip]

Got one . C6 Quattro lemans …. Urban miles! 22mpg auto .…. It hurts but I love it … the old girl needs to go soon. Lovely looker though .