Used Audi A4

What to know before buying: Audi A4

From 4 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The B9 Avant offered front-wheel drive or quattro, manual or automatic transmissions, and 1.4–2.0-litre petrol or 2.0–3.0-litre diesel engines.[3]one sourceAudi A4 B9
• German inspection data show that 2015–2019 B9 cars had below-average defect rates for their age in most of the listed inspections.[3]one sourceAudi A4 B9
• For 2008 B7 cars, 66% passed the roadworthiness test first time versus a 51% average for cars of the same year.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• Owners disagree on upkeep: some call it expensive out of warranty, while another reports 250,000 km with routine servicing and one warranty sensor repair.[2]one sourceAudi A4 B9

Typical faults

• On B7 2.7/3.0 TDI V6 engines, chains and tensioners can stretch; their rear-engine location means the engine must be removed for replacement.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7

  150 000–300 000 km · 2004–2008 · 2.7 TDI V6, 3.0 TDI V6

• B7 2.0 TDI PD engines can suffer cracked cylinder heads; balance-shaft versions may also wear the oil-pump drive, causing oil-pressure loss and engine damage.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7

  120 000–250 000 km · 2004–2008 · 2.0 TDI PD

• B7 Multitronic condition depends heavily on oil servicing and use; from about 120,000 km, juddering or fluctuating revs can indicate trouble.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7

  120 000+ km · 2004–2008 · Multitronic

• For 1.8- and 2.0-litre turbo engines developed before 2013, the source flags oil consumption caused by coked oil rings allowing oil into the combustion chamber.[5]one source

  1.8 turbo petrol, 2.0 turbo petrol

• A B9 2.0 TDI owner reported failed right-mirror heating, rear ambient lighting and an occasional DPF warning before regeneration at 41,000 km.[1][3]Audi A4 B9

  41 000–41 000 km · 2.0 TDI 190 hp

Which engine and version to take

• The B7 1.9 TDI is rated reliable by one source, while an owners' forum recommends pairing it with a manual gearbox.[6][4]Audi A4 B7
• Discussing a 2019 B9, several forum users preferred the 2.0 TDI; one owner reported 250,000 km without engine trouble apart from a sensor replaced under warranty.[2]one sourceAudi A4 B9

What to avoid

• Approach the B7 2.0 TDI PD cautiously because of cracked-cylinder-head and oil-pump-drive wear risks.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• B7 2.7 and 3.0 TDI V6 models are risky because chain repairs may require engine removal; the source places the issue at 150,000–300,000 km.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• The forum advises against a 2002 A4 2.5 D with Multitronic, warning about both the engine and the notorious CVT as well as costly major servicing.[4]one source
• Treat 1.8- and 2.0-litre turbo engines developed before 2013 cautiously because coked oil rings can lead to oil consumption.[5]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a cold B7 2.7/3.0 TDI start, listen for rattling from the rear of the engine and check camshaft deviation values diagnostically.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• On a B7 2.0 TDI PD, check for coolant loss and oil-pressure faults, and ask whether the oil-pump drive has been replaced.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• When testing a B7 Multitronic, check for smooth acceleration and D/R engagement, and obtain the transmission-oil service history.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• On a B7 2.0 TFSI, check the oil level, idle quality and smoke after an extended idle.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• Have an authorised service centre check the VIN to confirm whether all recall campaigns affecting the specific B7 were completed.[6]one sourceAudi A4 B7
• For an older A4, verify timing-belt, fluid and filter replacement records; the forum describes a full 2.5 D service as expensive.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]audi-club.ru — A4 B9 - Технические проблемы и неисправности А4 В9 · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — Kuru Audi labāk izvēlēties. - Forums · forum
3. [3]auto.jautajums.lv — Audi A4 Avant B9 Univers ls 2015 - 2019 · forum
4. [4]iauto.lv — audi a4 2.5 D - Forums · forum
5. [5]brd24.com — Які проблеми можуть виникнути в Ауді A4 з вторинного ... · press
6. [6]autoradars.lv — Audi a4 B7 (2004 - 2008): problems and risks | AutoRadars.lv · press

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