A PRELOVED Audi A4 could be a match made in heaven, a moral conundrum or an expensive nightmare. The appeal is obvious — luxurious, beautifully styled, quality ride — but buy with caution and avoid the engines with known, serious oil consumption issues.
In the US and UK there have been class actions against Audi over high oil consumption and, sometimes, entire failure in the pre-2012 2.0-litre petrol engine.
Good news is the range of A4s in Australia in 2008-16 was vast. You can go for one of Audi’s brilliant diesels or target another petrol engine (anecdotally the pre-2012 1.8-litre can also chew through oil).
That said, the 2.0 and 3.0 diesels used in this A4 were VW items and so might be tainted by Dieselgate.
Then there are flawed transmissions in some A4s, namely the “multitronic” constantly variable transmissions and “S tronic” dual-clutch auto.
You may think it best to steer clear altogether but this would be a shame as you can find excellent examples with cracking good engines, quattro all-wheel drive and one of the finest cabins in the business.
Owners of A4s that haven’t had any issues often report the much-loved prestige mid-sizer is the best car they’ve owned.
What’s known as the B8 generation included the tough Allroad wagon and sporting S4 and RS4 versions. We’ll focus on the more common sedan and Avant (wagon).
Launched in April 2008, the A4 came with two petrol engines (1.8 TFSI and 3.2 TFSI) and two diesels (2.0 TDI and 2.7 TDI), backed with a six-speed manual, CVT or six-speed auto. The seven-speed dual clutch auto arrived soon after.
Wider use of lightweight materials, the new direct-injection engines and slippery bodywork delivered improved fuel efficiency across the range. Top-spec tech included Audi’s MMI infotainment, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
The engine line-up was constantly reshuffled and revised. There are also 2.0-litre turbo and 3.2-litre supercharged V6s plus a 3.0-litre turbo diesel (up to 176kW/500Nm).
Audi’s excellent quattro all-wheel drive generally was mated to higher output engines than the front-drivers. It may be prudent to avoid pre-November 2011 petrol 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines. Audi changed the production tolerances of the pistons and rings after this date to remedy the oil leak issue.
When healthy, the 2.0 is a brilliant engine so a 2012 and later A4 2.0 TFSI with quattro would be one to aim for.
The V6s are certainly satisfying but the 3.0-litre turbo diesel with its torque-rich thrust and economy would be my pick.
As for A4 specification, the inclusions and options are vast and varied. All will have alloy wheels, leather interior, cruise control, auto lights and wipers and decent audio — there’s no poverty A4 of this vintage.
Kit improved throughout the model’s life, the bigger engined cars adding more generous specification.
Prioritise A4s whose first owner ticked the options boxes generously. You’ll find some with TV reception, advanced navigation, Bang & Olufsen audio, adaptive cruise control, sunroof, rear camera and lane keep assist.
Keener drivers should chase A4s with the Audi Drive Select and adaptive damper options or sportier S Line grades. Highly desirable would be a rare 2013 1.8 TFSI Sport Edition with sports suspension and seats.
Avants are harder to find and have fewer drivetrain variants but are hugely practical and, arguably, even sharper looking than the sedan.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Avoid any A4 that doesn’t have a meticulous service record (preferably from an Audi main dealer), that has its oil light come on during your test drive or with black smoke from the exhaust.
There may be some appeal in a pre-2012 example that’s had the petrol four-cylinder replaced.
Cars with CVTs shouldn’t be jerky when pulling away. Also check its operation on a hill start — some owners report their A4s roll backwards before the gearbox engages.
The dual-clutch S tronic auto has meant expensive problems for many. Walk away from cars that have difficulty engaging gears or change aggressively, or if the gearbox warning light is on.
Prioritise any A4 that has had a recent major service with Audi or a trusted specialist, or has any warranty remaining.
There have been a few recalls mainly for minor items, with the largest being the October 2015 recall for some diesel A4s with the cheat software.
IAIN SAYS
2.5 stars
These A4s have been tarnished with oil consumption issues and the emissions scandal, on top of potential CVT and dual-clutch gearbox problems. Buy selectively and objectively — find the right A4 and it’s a beautiful and rewarding used car.
OWNERS SAY
RICK FALKINER: I bought a used 2009 Quattro Avant and was impressed with the cutting-edge technology and beautiful fit and finish. After three years it started consuming oil, then the dual-clutch gearbox had problems — Audi fixed both free even though the car was out of warranty, probably because I had always serviced the car with them. I’ve since updated to a new A4. I’d highly recommend one but make sure you have the service history.
MATTHEW FACEY: I moved to a 2011 A4 after a few BMWs and couldn’t be happier. It has the 2.7-litre diesel, which wasn’t part of the emissions recall, and it’s economical and very quick when I get to open it up. My wife and I love the cabin — it’s just pure class and has tons of gadgets. We’ve had no problems with it, although servicing and tyres have been expensive. It’s worth it, though.
TRISTAN: I have a 2014 2.0 TFSI Quattro Avant. I know the older engine was notorious for oil consumption with a number of recalls being done. Mine is the B8.5, which has the newer Gen3 engine, and I can honestly say I’ve had no issues with oil consumption. It drives beautifully and you can tell it’s been designed to highway cruise. My only gripe is that the dual-clutch gearbox can be clunky sometimes, particularly in low-speed applications, but it doesn’t detract from the overall drive enough to bother me.
THE EXPERTS SAY
Larger and lighter than the previous A4, the B8 series nearly matched the A6 sedan for space.
This generation sold nearly 23,000 examples, including 1800 in the run-out year.
Sedans comprise the majority of used listings and manuals just a fraction. Accounting for six out of 10, the 2.0TFSI is the most common. The scarcest is the manual 2.0 turbo diesel.
The base 1.8-litre manual front-driver from 2008 ($50,900 new) can be had for as little as $10,900. The top-of-the-line 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel quattro with six-speed auto ($86,056 new) is now worth $18,600.
For 2015, the base A4 with CVT ($57,000 new) is now $30,450. The flagship sedan, the turbo four-cylinder quattro with dual-clutch transmission ($68,700 new), now fetches $36,650.
Among rivals, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS retain value slightly better. For 2008 examples, the BMW 3 Series is a little more affordable. Showing its age by 2015, the A4 doesn’t retain its value as well as the 3 Series and Jaguar XE. — Red Book
AUDI A4 2008-16
PRICE NEW $50,900-$86,056
SAFETY 5 stars
ENGINES 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 118kW/250Nm or 125kW/320Nm;
2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132kW/155kW or 165kW/320Nm (or 350Nm);
3.2-litre V6 turbo, 195kW/330Nm;
3.0-litre V6 supercharged, 200kW/400Nm;
2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 105kW/320Nm or 130kW/380Nm;
2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel, 140kW/400Nm;
3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, 150kW/400Nm or 176kW/500Nm
TRANSMISSION 6-speed man, 6- or 7-speed auto, CVT; FWD/AWD
THIRST 4.8L-9.3L/100km
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