holtstevenm

I am looking at buying an Audi A4, and am looking for years to look at, and what options are good and which are not worthwhile.

Any advice would be great!

SMac770

The motor can have problems in any year, but 2014-2016 is your best bet to avoid many of the big engine issues. 2013 is decent too. There's still a recall for 2013-2016, for the "aux coolant pump" that has relevance to the turbo warranty.
I only look at prestige trim, but there was no prestige trim in 2016. I wouldn't bother with premium trim (rear seats don't even fold down in a premium). You'll find mostly premium plus out there, which is the mid trim.
You can search for the "audi order guide xxxx" for whatever year xxxx and see a lot about what the trims and option combinations where. AoA did some repackaging of features during 2013-2016, so what might need option X one year didn't another.
I also only look at the wagons; won't spend money on a four door with a trunk. So that's the "avant" for 2009-2012, and then they replaced it with the lifted "allroad" for 2013-2016.

holtstevenm

Thanks! This was very helpful. I am looking at the 2015-2016 model years. I only want the sedan, I don't like the allroad design personally. I love how Audi's handle and drive. I only found one trim for the 2016 Quattro, with just packages on top of that. Talk about confusing.

SMac770

There's three trims in general for Audi in America. Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Not every model every year has all three trims. For example, lower end combos might not have a Prestige trim, or higher end engine options might not have a Premium trim.
Now, what exists vs what you can find to buy might differ. And if you're looking at used sites or listings, you have to consider they have no idea what they are talking about regarding the vehicle configuration.
Check out the brochures. Auto-Brochures.com|Audi Car, CUV & SUV PDF Sales Brochure/Catalog/Flyer/Info 100 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 L Allroad Avant e-tron FSI MMI Q3 Q5 Q7 Q8 R8 R8 V10 Plus R10 RS4 RS5 RS7 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 SQ5 S Line TDI TFSI TT TTS RS W12
For 2016, it seems like they put some goods into the Premium trim. Brought back the fold down rear seats, and it has the rain sensing wipers. Looks like advanced key (keyless entry/start) was optional on Premium, as heated seats too. But you still miss out on auto-dimming mirrors without Premium Plus. As well as the options for the B&O audio and the sport package.
Oh, and we see what I was talking about. For the S4, there is no Premium, only Premium Plus and Prestige.
No idea why they nixed Prestige for the 2016 A4. It was the only trim with the Drive Select controls and the rear door sunshades available. One reason why I'd look at 2015 over 2016 myself.

5000S

I would go with the Premium Plus. It has most all options mentioned above. The Prestige has the adaptive headlights that turn with the
car as you turn. Just more problems with that, $1,750 per, when those fail. That is a big turnoff to me, with too many features not needed.

SMac770

The AFS headlights don't actually "turn". They just have cornering lights that turn on when the wheel is turned in that direction.

holtstevenm

Thanks guys! It is obvious you really like Audi. I was reading the forum on the extended warranty, and I am not sure there is any better all around package out there. I just wish they held their value better.

There are a few necessities I see I would have to have: Auto dimming mirrors, heated seats, mirrors, and rain sensing wipers. I like the keyless entry, but what do they mean by Advanced? The audio package if I can get it would be amazing, but probably a luxury. And what is the s - line exterior appearance?

I am finding I see no big advantage to a 2016, in fact the advantage may be the 2015 in several ways. The question though, Extended Warranty? I drive about 18,000 miles a year, so I will put plenty of miles on the car.