Audi A4 Buyer’s Guide (1996-2016)
The Audi A4 is a great premium-performance car that does many things well and is enjoyable to drive all year.
The Audi A4 offers something for everyone seeking a small premium sedan, wagon, or cabriolet. For the economy minded, there’s the turbocharged four-cylinder car with front-wheel drive. At the other end of the spectrum is the high-powered V8 or supercharged V6 S4. Or, for an ideal mix of performance and luxury, the Quattro occupies the middle ground with upgraded engines, more features, and an all-wheel drive.
Used, the A4 offers a lot of value. It’s a rewarding car to drive with good handling and solid road manners. On the Teutonic spectrum, it’s not as light as a BMW or as heavy as a Mercedes-Benz. The styling holds up – even the oldest A4s still look clean and undated. Unlike many of its competitors, the A4 never put a foot wrong with its styling. It never screams, “look at me.” As a result, an older A4 makes a great option for anyone wanting a premium-performance car.
Audi A4 Model History
The current Audi A4 was redesigned in 2017, so we’ll focus our attention on the first four generations from 1996 to 2016. The first-generation models are more than 20 years old and may be hard to find in good condition. However, there are plenty of second, third, and fourth-generation models available.
First Generation B5 (1996-2001)
Known as the B5, the first-generation A4 saved Audi in the U.S. market. Borrowing the same platform as the Volkswagen Passat, it offered a mix of turbocharged four-cylinder and natural aspirated six-cylinder engines. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive was an option and could be ordered with a five-speed manual and a five-speed Tiptronic gearbox licensed from Porsche. For those looking for more performance, an S4 model included a twin-turbocharged version of the 30-valve 2.8-liter V-6 and made 250 horsepower.
Second Generation B6 (2002-2004)
The most noticeable thing about the second-generation Audi A4 is the Bauhaus styling. But real changes occurred under the skin. Audi moved the A4 to the larger, stiffer, and lighter B6 platform. A CVT transmission replaced the Tiptronic gearbox. The V6 engine increased to 3.0-liters of displacement with an output of 220 horsepower. And in 2003, Audi decided to get rowdy and stuff its new 339 horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 under the hood.
Third Generation B7 (2005-2008)
More of a refresh than a new model, the 2005 to 2008 B7 improved the A4 in several areas. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder replaced the 1.8-liter engine. The CVT moved over to the four-cylinder models, replaced by a new six-speed Tiptronic for the V6. For those wanting to row their own gears, a six-speed manual replaced the old five-speed. Engines got direct injection. Interiors received color-navigation displays and Bluetooth. Meanwhile, the S4, with its 4.2-liter V8, continued to eat BMW’s lunch.
Fourth Generation B8 (2009-2016)
An all-new, larger fourth-generation A4 arrived in 2009, sharing the A5’s platform. Five inches longer than the old model, it outgrew the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The wheelbase stretched six inches and the car more closely resembled its A6 bigger brother. A revised interior with improved infotainment systems also reflected the A6, and Audi Drive Select became an option. The 3.2-liter V6 became the standard engine until a revised 2.0-liter four-cylinder debuted. The six-speed manual and CVT carried on, but Quattros received a new eight-speed automatic in 2011. The biggest change occurred with the S4. A supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 333 horsepower replaced the 4.2-liter V8. Equipped with an optional seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it offered better performance, fuel economy, and was easier to service.
What to Look For
In terms of repairs and reliability, the Audi A4 has a few troublespots, most of which are minor with a couple of exceptions. According to Repair Pal, the most common issues are oil leaks from the valve cover and timing chain tensioner gaskets. Other things to watch include:
- Ignition coil, spark plug, or spark plug wire failure
- High-pressure fuel pump issues
- Carbon build-up on FSI and TFSI engines
- Water pump and/or thermostat failure
- Misc. vacuum leaks and sensor failures
All of the above issues are common on many cars, not just Audis or the A4. Moving over to the S4, look for the same issues. Thermostat failures seem to be more common, but the biggest worry is the timing chain. Replacing it is an engine-out repair. Parts average about $1,200 to $1,400 and labor runs $4,000 or more.
For this reason, you’ll occasionally stumble across an S4 at a fire sale price. Those cars are best avoided unless you have the money or skills to do the work yourself. Otherwise, the repair cost will likely exceed what you paid for the car.
What to Buy
There aren’t any specific models to avoid except for a cheap V8-powered S4. But if you’re looking for the sweet spot between usable performance, features, and operating costs, a later B7 or B8 with the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and Quattro AWD is hard to beat. They provide modern amenities and are not far off the pace of the V6. However, two golden rules apply when buying an A4 or any older premium car:
- Buy the best car you can afford.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection or PPI.
Look for cars listed by reputable dealers or from an owner with a comprehensive history. Check the vehicle history using a service like Carfax or AutoCheck. Condition matters much more than mileage. No matter how good the car looks, take it to a knowledgeable Audi mechanic and get a PPI. A bad A4 is a problem child that will test your sanity. But when you find a good one, you’ll have a great car that does many things well and is enjoyable to drive all year.
Photos: Audi USA & Reddit
Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums!
