Hello all,
I’m looking into buying a used Audi A6 Avant 2.0TDI, however, my daily basis need is a very short commute to work (less than 10km each trip).
Is it a bad idea to have a diesel engine for such short trips? Could I have problems due to not reaching ideal operating temperatures?

 

In general, a modern 'clean diesel' TDI will develop issues with emissions control systems over time , as they are designed to be most efficient at normal operating temp, and the way they operate and purge/regenerate their DPF (diesel particulate filter) is when you drive at moderate engine speeds for a longer amount of time steadily, and at moderate engine speeds, such as in highway/autobahn/interstate driving, etc., or even just holding lower gears while driving more slowly, etc. A lot depends on the climate and terrain of your commute, as well as how often you are able utilize the TDI for more extended driving.

I'd really suggest you talk to some local TDI owners in your particular part of Sweden to get the 'low-down' from actual owners where you will use the vehicle. Probably though, a hybrid type powertrain might be a lot more efficient if your commute is relatively short and/or you do a lot of stop and go, and slower driving...that's where regenerative braking really shines, and why hybrids do much better in that driving dynamic compared to petrol or TDI engines alone. A plug-in hybrid with decent capacity should easily be able to go that short distance without firing up the petrol engine, but you have the engine available as well for varying conditions and longer trips.

Happy shopping!