Model:
2009-14 Audi A4
Vehicle type:
Sedan or wagon
History/description:
With winter here, many used-car shoppers are after something fuel efficient, upscale and equipped with the added confidence of all-wheel drive.
The last-generation Audi A4 fits the description as a used-car buy that’s easy on fuel, easy to service and available as either a sedan or station wagon (which Audi calls Avant).
This generation A4 ran from 2009 to 2016, meaning some newer used copies may still be available with remaining factory warranty.
Features included navigation, push-button ignition, automatic climate control, heated seats and washer-equipped xenon lighting.
Most used models in this generation came with a two-litre, four-cylinder, turbo engine, good for 210 horsepower. A 3.2-litre, 265-horsepower V6 was available. A six- or eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, paired with Quattro AWD is the most common driveline configuration.
What owners like:
Owners report positively on fuel efficiency, a quality feel to the cabin, unflappable traction in the snow and tidy handling. Top-notch performance from the xenon headlamps is also reported.
What owners dislike:
Some owners wish for better fuel mileage, more rear seat legroom and a more straightforward central command interface.
The test drive:
If you’re set on an A4 with all-wheel drive, double check to be sure the unit you’re considering has it, as Audi did sell certain A4s from this generation in a front-wheel drive configuration. Look for the “Quattro” decal on the trunk-lid or grille for verification.
Once you arrive for a test drive, spend the first 15 minutes or so running through every and all features of the vehicle that run on electricity, including the remote keyfobs, all lighting, all windows and door locks, the stereo, the climate controls, and seat adjustments and their heating functions. Any issues with functionality should be assessed by an Audi technician before you buy.
Note that a weak or old battery may cause headaches across numerous systems and that software updates applied by the dealer may be available to help correct various problems. If any electronic issues are noted, an assessment of the battery and charging system is a good place to start.
For maximum confidence, have the A4 you’re set on subjected to a pre-purchase inspection at an Audi dealer before you buy. This takes about 60 minutes and can uncover a plethora of issues that may be difficult to detect otherwise.
Common problems reported by owners are typically easy to diagnose and repair. The primary include failing fuel injectors, bad fuel pumps and bad ignition coil packs. If any of these are acting up, you may experience difficulty or failure in starting the engine, uneven or poor performance, or a rough or struggling idle. A check-engine light may or may not be illuminated as well.
Note that the absence of a check-engine light should not be taken to mean the vehicle is trouble free and that a professional diagnostic scan, as part of the above-mentioned PPI, should be completed. Keep your eye on the oil level of your A4 by checking it often and keeping it topped up. Some owners of earlier models have reported oil consumption issues which may stem from a bad batch of piston rings that were covered in a recall. Monitor oil levels often and closely. Note that this problem is less prevalent on newer used copies of the A4 and that while some owners have reported problems, most have not.
During ownership, be sure to fuel your A4 exclusively with high-quality fuels (many enthusiasts stick with Shell V-Power) and to change the engine oil, filter and spark plugs at or (preferably) prior to the intervals outlined in the owner’s manual, and never any later. Use only factory-specified parts and fluids when servicing your A4.
A technician should inspect the coolant level of the A4 you’re considering as well and check for the presence of any fluid leaks. Low coolant levels or a visible leak could both be indication of a dying water pump.
Finally, note that a slight vibration in the steering wheel during low-speed steering is considered normal by many owners, though heavier vibrations, especially at higher speeds while travelling in a straight line, could be the result of a bigger issue and should be investigated.
The verdict:
A used A4 that passes a PPI with good marks can be bought with relative confidence. Stick to the A4’s maintenance and servicing requirements consistently to increase the chances of long and worry-free ownership.
