Navigating Your Used Audi A4: A Mile Muncher With a Gorgeous Ride
Reveals Exceptional Performance: Audi A4 Surpasses Typical Vehicles, Offering Superior Driving Experience
In the ever-expanding used car market, the Audi A4 shines as a "mile muncher" that exceeds the typical vehicle by a whopping 20-30%. Endorsed by the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2025", the Ingolstadt-manufactured mid-size car is a reliable choice—but there's one crucial piece of advice buyers should heed before making a purchase.
The A4's High-Mileage Mission
With a penchant for frequent use as company cars, used Audi A4 models notoriously clock up high mileage mileage, which might be a deal-breaker for other makes. However, this TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read) report has a silver lining—high-mileage A4s aren't necessarily cause for concern. So, don't be put off by the odometer count!
The Five Golden Rules for Buying a Used Audi A4
Seasoned car experts suggest the following five vital factors to be mindful of when scooping up an A4:
Model History
The fifth generation of the legendary A4 joined dealerships in 2015, gracing us with a refreshed look in 2019. The facelift included revamped engines, updated tech, and new mild-hybrid options.
Body and Variants
The A4 has been offered as a four-door sedan and five-door Avant since time memorial. The Avant variant comes in the Allroad version, which boasts increased ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and fenders to the max. For those who crave a bit more speed, there are high-performance S4 and RS4 versions, while the "g-tron" badge denotes a natural gas/benzene engine. In case you were wondering, these sexy coupe and cabriolet models are marketed as the A5.
The Pros and Cons of the A4
Strengths
The Audi A4's road handling and ride comfort are top-notch, especially if you've opted for the sport suspension, adaptive dampers, and some other fancy gadgets—like emergency braking assist and voice recognition. In terms of suspension, the steering system, and drive shafts, you'll find that the A4 inspection (HU) causes no major headaches.
The lighting chapter is unfazed by the A4, consistently speeding ahead with good ratings. Ditto for the braking chapter, where the hoses, discs, and function of both the foot and parking brake are given the green light. The A4 has a rare habit of not losing oil, making exhaust gas testing (AU) a breeze. You'll be hard-pressed to find a single complaint about the A4's exhaust system, according to the report.
Weaknesses
Though the A4 boasts a sleek ride, it isn't without its flaws. After seven years, A4s are four times more likely than average to encounter axle suspension issues during the third HU, with increased quotas appearing even earlier. Be sure to have the springs and dampers inspected by a workshop before reaching a decision.
The A4's Reputation for Reliability
Reliability
The ADAC breakdown statistics rank the midsize car from Ingolstadt as "consistently very reliable." Inquiring minds are told that there are no discernible common breakdown points.
Engines
The A4 offers an impressive selection of engines, including gasoline (four- and six-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive), diesel (four- and six-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive), and natural gas/G-Tron (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive) options.
Dealer Pricing, ADAC Dimensions, and More
Here you'll find dealer pricing, ADAC dimensions, and a few other nifty facts relevant to your used Audi A4 shopping adventure:
- Dimensions (According to ADAC): The A4 measures 4.73 to 4.78 meters in length, 1.84 to 1.87 meters in width, and 1.40 to 1.49 meters in height. The trunk volume ranges from 480 to 965 liters for sedans and 505 to 1510 liters for Avants (natural gas version: 415 to 1415 liters).
- Reliability: As per ADAC, the mid-size car from Ingolstadt performs "consistently very reliably." No notable breakdown points are identified.
- Dealer selling price according to German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers—three price examples:
- A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0 TDI Base (06/2016); 110 kW/150 PS (Four-cylinder); 172,000 kilometers; 14,123 euros
- A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI g-tron Base (6/2018); 125 kW/170 PS (Four-cylinder); 98,000 kilometers; 16,839 euros
- A4 40 2.0 TFSI S-Line (6/2021); 150 kW/204 PS (Four-cylinder); 60,000 kilometers; 26,140 euros
Audi A4: What to Look Out For
Though specific TÜV and ADAC reports aren't mentioned in this tidy little guide, rest assured that doing a thorough vehicle inspection, checking for recall notices, and being mindful of common issues will pave the way to finding a reliable used Audi A4. Happy hunting!
Enriching Your Knowledge: Common Audi A4 Issues
While comprehensive TÜV and ADAC reports aren't detailed, here's a heads up on some common Audi A4 concerns:
Common Issues in Used Audi A4 Models
- Engine Problems:
- 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI Gasoline Engines: Known for issues such as stretched timing chains and excessive oil consumption, typically becoming apparent after 80,000 to 120,000 kilometers.
- Carbon Buildup: Direct injection engines can suffer from carbon buildup on the valves, requiring costly repairs.
- 2.0 TDI CR Diesel Engine: May experience problems with high-pressure fuel pump failures, especially in models with 150-190 horsepower (except newer versions).
- Other Issues:
- General Wear and Tear: Don't forget to check the condition of tires, brakes, and suspension.
- Recalls and Reliability Reports:
- Perusing recall databases like the German KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) can shed light on any recall history for the model.
- TÜV reports often evaluate reliability based on various factors, including maintenance costs and common faults.
- Given the high mileage that Audi A4 models frequently accumulate, particularly due to their popularity as company cars, it's essential for potential buyers to consider their impact on the automotive industry's finance and transportation lifestyle.
- As an individual interested in owning a used Audi A4, knowledge of the industry can help make informed decisions about the car's potential maintenance and repair costs.
- When shopping for a used Audi A4, factors such as the specific model's history, engine type, and common issues should be taken into account to ensure a reliable, cost-effective choice that suits one's lifestyle and preferences in both personal transportation and investment in the automotive sector.
