Audi A4: Your Tough, Mile-Munching Friend with a Few Quirks
Luxury Sedan Audi A4 Outperforms Standard Vehicles, Offering Superior Quality
Listen up, car hunters! If you're in the market for a used midsize ride, the Audi A4 might be just the ticket. But before you hop into this "mile muncher" with over 30% more resistance than your average vehicle, heed this advice.
Thanks to its frequent use as a company car, you'll likely encounter Audi A4s with high mileage—and that's not always a red flag for this Ingolstadt beauty. According to the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2025", this car may still be worth your hard-earned dough. However, tread carefully: A pre-purchase check from professionals is a must!
The Fifth Gen A4: A Quick Synopsis
This A4 generation hit the scene in 2015 and received a facelift in 2019. The makeover brought modernized engines, infotainment, and assistance systems. Audi added mild-hybrid systems and modernized its tech offerings too!
Body and Variants: A4 Sedans, Wagons, and More
Since time immemorial, the A4 has been offered as both a four-door sedan and a five-door Avant estate. The Avant model also comes in an Allroad variant, which boasts increased ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and wider wheel arches. Speed demons can opt for the high-performance S4 and RS4 versions or choose a gasoline-powered g-tron model. For those seeking a coupe or cabriolet, Audi offers those under the A5 series.
Dimensions and Storage Space
Length: 4.73 to 4.78 m * Width: 1.84 to 1.87 m * Height: 1.40 to 1.49 m
Meticulous planners will appreciate the sedan's boot space, ranging from 480 to 965 liters, while the Avant offers a generous 505 to 1,510 liters (or 415 to 1,415 liters for the CNG version).
Strengths: A4's Shining Spots
The A4 excels in roadholding and ride comfort, thanks in part to the options for sports suspension and adaptive dampers. Standard equipment runs the gamut from an emergency braking assistant to voice recognition, with enticing options like LED lighting and a partially autonomous traffic jam assistant. The chassis, steering system, steering joints, and drive shafts are typically hitch-free, with exceptional lighting and braking performance.
Weaknesses: Audi's Common Concerns
Age definitely affects the A4's seven-year-old models, leading to a four-fold increase in reports of axle suspension defects during the third vehicle inspection. It's wise to have the springs and dampers checked before you commit to a purchase. Fortunately, the ADAC considers the midsize Audi a "consistently very reliable" vehicle with no notable breakdown hotspots.
Engines and Pricing
Choose from a variety of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas options, ranging from 110 kW/150 PS to 331 kW/450 PS. The dealer selling price for various models is as follows:
- A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0 TDI Base (06/2016) - 14,123 euros
- A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI g-tron Base (6/2018) - 16,839 euros
- A4 40 2.0 TFSI S-Line (6/2021) - 26,140 euros
Now, let's dive a little deeper into potential issues you might encounter when buying a used Audi A4.
Enrichment Data
When it comes to A4s, some common problems include:
- Engine Problems: Costly to repair, with an average bill of about £1,300.
- Transmission Issues: Automatic transmissions can exhibit hesitation during acceleration.
- Electrical and Dashboard Issues: Problems with the digital dashboard display, console, erratic lights, and failed tail lamps.
- Fuel System Recalls: Recalls related to fuel leaks from the fuel rails.
- Suspension and Steering: Issues with the rigidity of the shock absorber fork due to manufacturing errors.
- Airbag Securing Bolts: Not torqued correctly, potentially leading to safety hazards.
- Coolant Pump Failures: Overheating and failure caused by moisture entering electronic components, potentially leading to fires.
Model-Specific Considerations:
- High-Performance Models: Be cautious of signs of excessive wear, such as high-pitched whining sounds.
- Transmission Type: Awareness of the type of transmission used in the model of interest—some Audi A4s have conventional automatics, while others use double-clutch or CVT systems.
General Tips:
- Test Drive: Always take the car for a spin to identify any immediate issues.
- Check Service History: Ensure that regular maintenance and any recall repairs have been completed.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Look for signs of wear or needed repairs before purchasing.
When considering a used Audi A4, be mindful of potential issues with its engine, transmission, electrical components, fuel system, suspension, airbag securing bolts, and coolant pumps. Additionally, high-performance models may require extra scrutiny for signs of excessive wear, and it's essential to know the type of transmission used in the model of interest before making a purchase. To ensure optimal buying decisions, always test drive the vehicle, check its service history, and inspect the vehicle for any visible wear or needed repairs.
