AS long as they have full service history, quality older cars with high mileage can be an absolute bargain and still not cause any problems.

Despite holding its value better than most, the Audi A6 is much more affordable a few years down the line.

All the company's products are well built and of course, even the more ordinary of them drive beautifully and have that sporting feel.

A good saloon or Avant estate could be just what you are looking for but drive it for a few miles to make sure you like it.

The A6 has a bewildering array of different engine and trim options - the majority with an automatic gearbox, but since 2002, petrols have ranged from 1.8 to 5.0-litres and 150 to 571bhp.

Diesels are all turbos and range from a 110bhp 1.9-litre to a 3.0-litre with 236bhp.

All have good to superb performance, excellent handling and road holding and marvellous refinement. But those without sport suspension are much more comfortable.

Inside the quality of fit and finish should still be good even five years down the line.

All have hard-feeling but comfortable seats, a high level of equipment including traction control, auto headlights and wipers, climate and a multi-function steering wheel.