Used Audi A4 Buying Guide
The Audi A4 is a cornerstone of the compact executive class, prized for its beautifully finished cabin, refined motorway manners and the practicality of the Avant estate. On the UK used market you will mainly find two generations: the B8 (2008-2015) and the B9 (2015 onwards), the latter facelifted in 2019 with sharper styling and updated infotainment. Both make excellent used buys, but the two generations have quite different things to watch for, so it helps to know which era you are shopping in.
Engines and trims
The engine everyone knows is the 2.0 TDI diesel, and for good reason: it dominates the used market and suits high-mileage drivers well, with the later “ultra” versions especially economical. The 3.0 TDI V6 adds effortless pace, usually paired with quattro all-wheel drive. On the petrol side, the 1.4 TFSI and 35 TFSI make fine entry points on the B9, while the 2.0 TFSI (40 and 45 TFSI) delivers smooth, brisk performance; later B9 cars add mild-hybrid assistance. Gearboxes span a good manual, the S tronic dual-clutch and, on front-wheel-drive B8 automatics, the Multitronic CVT.
B9 trims run from SE and Technik through Sport to S line, with Black Edition adding dark styling and Vorsprung including nearly everything. B8 buyers will see SE, SE Technik and S line most often. Cars optioned with the Technology Pack (Virtual Cockpit, upgraded MMI) and adaptive suspension are worth a premium, and S line cars ride better when fitted with the no-cost comfort suspension option some buyers specified.
What to check before buying
On B8 petrols, the early EA888 2.0 TFSI has a well-documented appetite for oil caused by its original piston-ring design; ask directly about top-up frequency and look for evidence of the rings having been replaced, and listen for timing-chain rattle on a cold start. B8 diesels of the 2009-2015 era are EA189 units affected by the emissions recall — confirm the fix status and that the car drives cleanly. The Multitronic CVT on front-drive B8 automatics is the other known weak spot: shudder, slurring or warning lights on a test drive are reasons to walk away, and regular transmission oil changes are essential.
The B9 is a much stronger proposition mechanically, but still test any S tronic gearbox for smooth, prompt shifts at low speed, and on mild-hybrid cars make sure the stop-start system behaves. On all A4s, check the electric handbrake, every MMI function and the air conditioning, inspect Avants for tailgate and load-bay wear, and insist on a coherent service history with the correct oil specification used.
Running costs
A 2.0 TDI ultra is the economy champion and keeps fuel bills close to those of much smaller cars on a motorway commute. Petrol models cost a little more to fuel but avoid diesel-specific maintenance such as DPF and AdBlue attention. Insurance sits in the middle groups for the class, rising with engine size and quattro. Franchised servicing is priced at premium-brand levels, but the A4’s popularity means independent specialists are plentiful and parts supply is excellent. Budget for gearbox oil services on automatics and tyres on larger S line wheels.
Verdict
A well-sorted A4 is one of the most complete used executive cars you can buy, and the B9 in particular has few vices. The safest picks are a post-2015 2.0 TDI or 2.0 TFSI in Sport or S line with full history; approach early B8 2.0 TFSIs and Multitronic cars with more caution. Choose carefully and the A4 rewards with years of low-drama, high-quality motoring.
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