Jay Simmons

I've had a 2001 A4 1.8T for about ten years now. Have loved it and have hated it, but mostly loved. It's a 1.8T oil sludging survivor and I've had to fix other things as well. It's at 170K miles and I'm looking into getting a newer one.

I'm looking at the 2008's and the 2009's and was wondering what to look for? 2.0T or 3.2??? I'm not a modder, so I'm not worried about the engine like that. But I've started to read a lot about the oil burning problems in the 2.0's. I don't really want another problem A4 and it looks like the 3.2's are a better engine.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Barrels41

Get the 3.2. My wife has a 2007 A4 3.2. I had a 2009 2.0 that used oil. My 2012 2.0 does not. 3.2 has no timing belt to change at 75,000. Not sure if 2.0 does but 1.8 did.

dk1

I'd say don't limit your options to one. There were few 3.2 models sold and this option was discontinued. There is a lot more feedback for 2.0 engines - at least we know what kind of problems it has.

Currently Audi will address issues with oil consumption on 2.0 engines even if your car is not under warranty. My service adviser told me that they will always change the seals and measure how much oil it actually consumes. If it consumes too much, they will change the rings (effectively rebuild the engine). In some cases, I was told, the entire engine would be replaced.

In any case, if you are considering an Audi with 2.0 engine, ask for the service records and see if oil consumption test was performed. If not, give a call to both your local dealership and Audi, tell them that you want to buy a used car and ask them if they perform the test and repairs at no charge if you have oil consumption issues in the future. Write down the VIN and have Audi look at records - see what they tell you about the car history. Make sure that car is not flagged as modified and there is nothing else unusual.

snagitseven

First off, if in the U.S., the 2009 B8 A4 was a major change from earlier A4s likea the 2008 B7. The B8 is larger, has a longer wheelbase, better ride and incorporated a great deal of newer technology. Second, the 3.2, which was only available in the 2009 model, was a time tested engine. The 2009 version of the 2.0T was a new design at that time and it took Audi another year or two to mitigate some of the various issues, i.e. the oil consumption.

When I compared the two back then, I found while the 3.2 was less fuel efficient, was a smoother, better sounding engine with more linear acceleration and faster overall. I just couldn't wrap my head around the 2.0T vs. the 3.2 - the V6 just felt better to me and glad I chose it. I actually miss my A4 3.2 - it was a great car. With over 35 cars over my lifetime, only my '13 A6 has made me smile more than my 2009 A4 3.2.

sivartk

That actually happened to a co-worker's 2010 A5 2.0 that was burning oil. My 2010 A4 2.0 doesn't burn any oil. I don't have the service records as I bought it used in 2012, so I don't know what (if anything) was done to fix the oil burn.

dk1

The dealer should know if oil consumption test was done on your car and if the previous owner serviced the car at a dealer those records should be available as well.

Audi Junkie

I had a 2010 Tiguan w/APR and 6M that burned zero oil. Time to upgrade, I got a 3.2 Q5 and was so happy with the choice, after driving the Tig for a year, wife got 2009 A4 3.2 w/44k. The car is excellent, and the engine responds to some TLC.

Foolswork2hard

Two engines pushing the same vehicle, the larger engine should age more gracefully.

I would avoid first year model as a general rule.

Good luck!

Nalod

I'd agree for 2009. Unless there is some validation the problem was fixed, or the car has the proper rings, I'd go with the 3.2.

Just logic.

Buckwheat

Latest 2.0T TFSI uses a chain driven cam system (I assume this is due to the variable cam lift/timing system) and does not require a timing belt change. However, chain drives do wear and do require replacement at some point...

that being said, it isn't that difficult a job on the A4, since everything is up front due to the longitudinally mounted engine. Changing the timing belt on the transverse mounted 1.8T MK IV VW's was a major nightmare for the home mechanic (my opinion, based on personal experience).