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Hello all,

I'm looking to buy an A6 C7 Avant facelift. Given my budget of £10k, only the diesel Ultra variants are within reach. I've read a lot about the potential headaches that come with AdBlue, and I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worth getting an AdBlue equipped car at all.

We have a small petrol hatchback for short trips, so the estate would mainly be used for family holidays and longer journeys. While it might clock 7-8k miles a year, it would spend much of the time sitting unused. Would I be likely to experience AdBlue crystallization or other issues with this pattern of use?

I've considered petrol and Euro 5 options from other brands, but I'd really like to go for an A6 if I can make it work.

I don't actually need Euro 6 or diesel, but all the other cars I've shortlisted have their own issues, so nothing's perfect I guess.

5 hours ago, JB23 said:

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Hello all,

I'm looking to buy an A6 C7 Avant facelift. Given my budget of £10k, only the diesel Ultra variants are within reach. I've read a lot about the potential headaches that come with AdBlue, and I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worth getting an AdBlue equipped car at all.

We have a small petrol hatchback for short trips, so the estate would mainly be used for family holidays and longer journeys. While it might clock 7-8k miles a year, it would spend much of the time sitting unused. Would I be likely to experience AdBlue crystallization or other issues with this pattern of use?

I've considered petrol and Euro 5 options from other brands, but I'd really like to go for an A6 if I can make it work.

I don't actually need Euro 6 or diesel, but all the other cars I've shortlisted have their own issues, so nothing's perfect I guess.

Hi the only problems that occur with adblue crystals is when its out of the container thats over two years old or its been sitting in the car for over two years which is nigh on impossible, any way whatever you get treat it to a bottle of crystal dissolver [Forte] is good, these cars do not like cheap adblue and especially supermarket fuel, if you want total peace of mind with adblue buy a Peugeot or a Citroen they use pats fluid, ELOYS.

Steve.

Echo Steve's comment regards Forte product. I now add to every AdBlue top up.

Regards AdBlue, then Audi had a spate of issues with AdBlue pumps. Either the tank, pump or integrated circuit board, but either way its expensive repair.

I hear what you're saying regards not needing Euro 6, but suspect legislation will come along anyway to force Euro 5 off the road with increases to road tax, etc.

7-8k miles is okay mileage wise. Avoid short run trips and change the oil and filter potentially sooner to keep engine in tip top condition. I've run all my diesels on Edge 5w30. As long as its within VW specification.

@Stevey Y Thank you for the 

13 hours ago, Stevey Y said:

Hi the only problems that occur with adblue crystals is when its out of the container thats over two years old or its been sitting in the car for over two years which is nigh on impossible, any way whatever you get treat it to a bottle of crystal dissolver [Forte] is good, these cars do not like cheap adblue and especially supermarket fuel, if you want total peace of mind with adblue buy a Peugeot or a Citroen they use pats fluid, ELOYS.

Steve.

Thanks for the Forte tip, it's reassuring to hear there are products to prevent potential issues with adblue

19 minutes ago, spartacus 68 said:

I hear what you're saying regards not needing Euro 6, but suspect legislation will come along anyway to force Euro 5 off the road with increases to road tax, etc.

Yes this was in the back of my mind as well. I guess a Euro 6 will give us a bit of future proofing.

Forte also make a diesel conditioner treatment. Useful if emissions are high. Used to swear by it to get an old A4 2.5TDI quattro through its MOT. Add to tank with quarter full or direct to fuel filter, which was easier when it was in engine bay, then drive it like you stole it. Diesel filters now under driver's side. Whatever you go for, just make sure it has good history and avoid cars on long service regimes every 18k miles as damage already done.