My GarageIs the Audi A4 a good used car?
Verdict rates it 3.9/5 overall, with reliability at 3.8/5 and running costs at 3.3/5. Shop 2017+ B9 first and treat 2008–2016 B8 as a records-only purchase.
Buyer's Guide · Audi A4 · Compact luxury sedan
Used Audi A4 Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Audi Reliability Guide, Best Used Audi Models and Audi Q5 Buying Guide.
The A4 is Audi's core sedan. The B9 (2017+) with gen-3 EA888 2.0T is the safest used pick; B8 examples need chain-tensioner history verified.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 3.9/5 · Good
- Reliability
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Best years
- 2017+ B9
- Years to research
- 2008–2016 B8
- Maintenance cost
- 3.3/5 · Average
- Parts availability
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Ownership cost
- 3.3/5 · Average
Bottom line: Yes, with records. Prefer B9 with gen-3 EA888 for the lowest-risk long-term ownership.
Shopping a specific A4?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Overall · All generations
★★★★★3.9/5
Prefer B9 (2017+) with gen-3 EA888. B8 (2008–2016) rewards records — verify tensioner service.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★3.8/5
Maintenance
★★★★★3.3/5
Parts availability
★★★★★3.8/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★3.3/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2017+ B9
Gen-3 EA888 tensioner and oil-consumption improvements.
Side by side
Audi A4 ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.9/5 | Good |
| Reliability | 3.8/5 | Good |
| Maintenance | 3.3/5 | Average |
| Parts availability | 3.8/5 | Good |
| Ownership cost | 3.3/5 | Average |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2008–2016 B8
Timing-chain tensioner failure on gen 1–2 EA888.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Timing-chain tensioner (gen 1–2 EA888)
- ✓Water pump around 80k on 2.0T
- ✓PCV valve on 2.0T
- ✓Direct-injection carbon buildup
- ✓Electronics (MMI)
Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Dealer service is expensive; independent VAG specialists cut costs substantially.
5,000-mile oil intervals and proactive fluid service are essential.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
EA888 tensioner history; oil condition.
Transmission
DSG/S-tronic or ZF 8HP fluid history.
Cooling
Water pump and thermostat age.
Electronics
MMI operates cleanly.
Modifications
Tuned cars are higher risk.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Refined interior, excellent Quattro AWD, quiet on the highway.
- • Real-world 27–31 mpg on 2.0T.
- • Records determine ownership cost more than mileage does.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Audi A4?
Yes, with records. Prefer B9 with gen-3 EA888 for the lowest-risk long-term ownership.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Audi A4?
Verdict scores it 3.8/5 for reliability and 3.9/5 overall. Buy from 2017+ B9 and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which A4 years should I avoid?
2008–2016 B8 deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Audi A4?
2017+ B9. Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a Audi A4 last?
A well-maintained A4 from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the A4 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 3.3/5 and parts availability 3.8/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used A4?
Focus on: Engine, Transmission, Cooling, Electronics. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common A4 problems?
Timing-chain tensioner (gen 1–2 EA888); Water pump around 80k on 2.0T; PCV valve on 2.0T; Direct-injection carbon buildup
Is 150,000 miles too much for a A4?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile A4 with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the A4's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Audi A4?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2017+ B9 first, treat 2008–2016 B8 as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.
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