Audi S6 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

The performance version of Audi’s executive vehicle, the Audi A6, is called the Audi S6. In 1994, shortly after the “A6” moniker replaced the “100” nameplate, it went on sale.

New body covering and badging were the only noticeable modifications between the original S6 and the departing, original Audi S4 (C4) (Ur-S4).

The S6 is the most potent A6 trim in some areas where the even higher-performance RS6 (also based on the A6) is not marketed.

The Audi Quattro four-wheel drive (4WD) system, which is Audi’s signature feature and is standard on all “S” models, is installed in the S6, employing the Torsen-based permanent 4WD.

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Audi S6 Best and Worst Years

The finest and worst years of the Audi S6 are hotly debated. The best years to purchase an Audi A6 are 2023, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2017, and 2010. The worst years to avoid buying an Audi A6 are 2019, 2013, 2012, and 2003. According to a review, 2000 was the Audi A6’s weakest year because of severe engine problems that investors had to deal with and transmission problems. It is preferable to purchase the final model year of an outgoing design rather than the first of a new design, claims a forum post. As a result, the ’16-’18 (also known as C7.5) might be a reliable option. Out of 31 Audi models, the S6 ranks third in terms of reliability, and over 20 model years, owners have filed one complaint, primarily regarding gearbox problems. The 2017 and 2018 Audi A6 is, according to, for now, the best option for individuals looking to buy a used vehicle.

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The Best Years For The Audi S6

The most significant years for the Audi S6 are still being determined based on the search results that have been supplied. There are some signs of solid model years, though.

According to a review, the 2022 Audi S6 is among the most significant value model years for the S6, with the 2018 and 2021 model years also offering a good value.

It is preferable to purchase the final model year of an outgoing design rather than the first of a new design, claims a forum post. Hence, ’16-’18 (C7.5) might be a reliable option.

According to an analysis, the best years to purchase an Audi A6 are 2023, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2017, and 2010. Last but not least, the S6 is the third most reliable of the 31 Audi models, and owners have reported one fault over 20 years, mainly with the transmission.

The Worst Years For The Audi S6

What do people believe to be the worst years for the Audi S6? There are sure signs of troublesome model years, though.

The worst year for the Audi A6 was reportedly 2000 due to serious engine problems that plagued investors and gearbox problems. According to a review, the worst Audi A6 years to stay away from are 2019, 2013, 2012, and 2003.

Out of 31 Audi models, the S6 ranks third in terms of reliability, and over 20 model years, owners have filed one complaint, primarily regarding gearbox problems. In addition, seven recalls have been issued for the 2001 Audi A6 over the years, according to a review.

Finally, based on the volume of complaints, some of the worst years for the Audi A6 include 2014, 2016, 2013, and 2019.

How Safe is an Audi S6?

The Audi S6 is a safe vehicle to drive, thanks to its numerous safety features. The NHTSA only did one rollover study, which rated the S6 with a perfect score of five stars.

The NHTSA gave the A6 a five-star rating overall, and we have no reason to believe that the S6 will receive the same rating after a thorough evaluation.

According to an evaluation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the A6 and S6 received the coveted 5-star rating for their remarkable performance in crash testing.

Driver-side small overlap frontal ratings are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) based on a test by Volkswagen/Audi for frontal crash test verification.

Vehicles that have undergone crash testing are rated by the NHTSA on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars denoting the highest level of injury protection and one star denoting the lowest.

How Reliable is Audi S6?

The Audi S6’s dependability is a subject of debate. The Audi A6 has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it 8th out of 30 luxury full-size automobiles. Significant repairs are uncommon for the A6 due to the average severity of repairs and the rarity of serious difficulties.

According to a review, the S6 is the third most reliable of 31 Audi vehicles, and owners have reported just one fault over 20 model years, primarily transmission-related.

Nonetheless, there isn’t a dependability rating for the Audi S6 because there needs to be more information. According to a forum post, it is preferable to buy the final model year of an existing design rather than the first of a new design; therefore, ’16-’18 (also known as C7.5) may be a reliable option.

The latest S6 and A6 models with numerous screens inside and other features may also fall under the category of Audis being somewhat unstable due to faulty electronics, another claim made by the manufacturer.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.

Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new.

It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

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Audi S6 FAQ’s

Which Audi S6 year is the best?

Our top choice for the S6’s finest model year value is the 2022 Audi S6. With the 2022, you would only pay, on average, 100% of the cost when the car was brand-new, and 100% of its useful life would still be left. The S6 is also appealing in the 2018 and 2021 model years, and both offer a fair price.

Are 2013 Audi S6s trustworthy?

Performance 4.6. Financial value 4.5. External design 4.5. Dependability 4.5.

How durable are Audi S6s?

Audis, if properly maintained, may easily drive for over 200,000 miles.

What Audis are the most dependable?

It’s also the most dependable Audi you can purchase. In the What Car? dependability assessment, the A3 outperformed the Volvo V40, Ford Focus, and even the Honda Civic with a 93.6% reliability grade. The A3 has less well-known issues, yet it is more reliable than other Audis.

Is the 2014 S6 trustworthy?

Value for the money: 4.5 for performance. External design is 4.1. Reliability is 4.6. 4.2.