The Audi A4 has been Audi’s bestselling car since its introduction to the market years ago. The car itself has undergone very few changes over the years – most notably a facelift in 2005 and a few minor trim changes in 2006. Newer models tend to look more meaningful and sportier, but even the older 2002 models don’t look too dissimilar to their more modern counterparts. Thus, the Audi A4 has proven to be a popular buy on the used car market. If you’re looking for a car that’s got substance, style and reliability, then a used Audi A4 might just be the ticket.
Ideally, you’ll want to look for the more recent models – more specifically 2005 onwards. Not only was this the year that the major facelift was introduced (thus your car won’t look too out of place next to the latest Audi models), but it was also the year that Audi made revisions the mechanics of the car. They replaced the older 2.5-litre V6 diesel engine with a more frugal yet punchy 2-litre four-cylinder unit producing 138bhp, or a far more beefy 3 litre V6 diesel producing 233bhp. The latter cost upwards of £32,000 – a lot of money for the car you got, but there are a few of these used Audi A4 models here and there, just going to show that people were prepared to spend the money.
As well as upgrading the engines, Audi equally tweaked the suspension and steering settings to suit the increased power output. Modified four-link front suspension combined with new shock absorbers give the car a more rigid feel, but without making the ride any more hard than needs be. Inside the car, very little has changed over the years. Simple yet practical, the A4 has often been said to be too clinical in its design, but it is perhaps this clinical approach to design that has meant that the interiors of used models often stand the test of time. The A4 came with an enormous list of optional extras too, so when you’re on the search for an A4, you’re bound to find a vast array of differing specifications from model to model. Take each model as it comes and compare as you go along.
As you would expect from a used Audi, build quality is quite deservedly celebrated. Used A4s can run up 100,000s of miles without missing too many beats, although I wouldn’t recommend purchasing such an example. Keep yourself limited to 60,000 miles and under and you’ll be sure to get a car that’ll last you another couple of years without too much trouble, and certainly hardly any unwanted surprises.
