Used Audi A4 for sale: everything you need to know
The Audi A4 is one of a trio of German cars that dominate the premium saloon market, along with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Each car has its strengths and its own unique image, with the A4 majoring on technology, build quality, and a slightly less ostentatious image than its two closest rivals.
While the current A4 has been around since 2016, we’re predominantly focusing on 2017-on models in terms of engines (when Audi adopted its number-based naming scheme), and 2019-on models for trim levels and specification, to keep things relatively simple. But any A4 is a good all-rounder, and their popularity means you’ve got huge choice when it comes to buying used.
Should you buy an Audi A4?
It’s hard to go wrong with an Audi A4. It has a great image, drives well, is relatively painless to own, and gives you enough options in terms of engines and trim levels that finding a version that suits you is a pretty straightforward experience. You’re not even limited to four-door saloons, since Audi still offers the ever-popular A4 Avant estate.
Its talents also split the difference between its two closest rivals, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s a little more comfortable and understated than the BMW, and a little more dynamic and less flashy than the Mercedes. Its interior is a particular strong suit, feeling well built and logically laid out, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system is easier to get to grips with than many, too.
Engine choice does look a little limited next to the BMW and Mercedes - there’s no plug-in hybrid for instance - but Audi’s petrol and diesel engines are strong and frugal, and the range-topping S4 actually makes a lot of sense as the V6 diesel available since 2019, a real executive express and more involving to drive than S4s of old. You should be able to get comfortable behind the wheel too.
As well as its two German opponents, others to consider in this class include the Jaguar XE and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The XE has a fantastic balance of ride and handling, and the Alfa is arguably even better for entertainment, though neither can quite lay claim to the Audi’s level of build quality, and neither offers an estate variant either.
What’s the best used Audi A4 model to buy?
There’s no need to look too far up the A4 range for a good all-rounder - even the most affordable A4s are talented vehicles, so a front-wheel drive model with a diesel engine (the 35 TDI is our pick) and Technik or Sport Edition trim will cover most bases for most people. If you’re not keen on diesel power then the 35 and 40 TFSI petrols are still frugal, while the S4 is a compelling sports saloon if you’ve got the budget - it’s very quick, but won’t cost you too much at the pumps either.
Used Audi A4 fuel economy and performance
- Audi A4 35 TFSI: The A4 range starts off with a 150PS 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Combined economy is quoted at 45.6mpg.
- Audi A4 40 TFSI: The same petrol engine produces 204PS in ‘40’ form, and gets a 7.1-second 0-62mph time. Economy is only a touch behind the 35 TFSI, at 44.8mpg.
- Audi A4 35 TDI: The first of the diesels uses a 2-litre, 163PS four-cylinder, getting from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and promising up to 58.9mpg.
- Audi A4 40 TDI quattro: Available with quattro all-wheel drive as standard, the 40 TDI makes the same 204PS as the 40 TFSI, and is actually a touch quicker, getting from 0=62mph in 6.9 seconds. Combined economy is 54.3mpg.
- Audi A4 S4 TDI: The S4 went diesel in 2019, packing a 3-litre V6 turbodiesel with 341PS. 0-62mph comes up in only 4.6 seconds, but official economy is still a decent 39.8mpg.
What used Audi A4 trim levels are available?
- The Audi A4 Technik kicks off the range with a generous standard spec including three-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and standard sat-nav.
- The Audi A4 Sport Edition features larger alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, and sports seats on top of Technik spec.
- The Audi A4 S Line steps up to larger alloys, sports suspension, and S Line-embossed leather seats.
- The Audi A4 Black Edition is based on S Line trim but features black exterior and interior styling features.
- The Audi A4 Vorsprung was the range-topper until 2019, and like other Vorsprung models in Audi’s range, features various optional features as standard equipment, including adaptive sports suspension, LED matrix headlights, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and Bang & Olufsen audio.
- The Audi S4 is mainly defined by its 3-litre V6 TDI engine, but also by S sports suspension, Super Sport seats, and a higher level of equipment than most A4s.
- The Audi S4 Black Edition takes the S4 and turns several exterior and interior elements black, but its specification is otherwise similar.
- The Audi S4 Vorsprung mixes the equipment from the regular Vorsprung with all the features from the sporty S4.
Used Audi A4 dimensions and boot size
The Audi A4’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4762mm
- Width: 2022mm (including door mirrors)
- Height: 1431mm
- Ground clearance: 138mm
The Audi A4’s boot space is:
- 460 litres (Audi S4: 420 litres)
Used Audi A4 road tax
The Audi A4’s price has gone up over time, just as it has with other cars, and this means that the later the model you’re looking at, the greater the chance you’ll be hit by a £600 annual vehicle tax bill, applicable to cars that cost more than £40,000 new. Those that slip under the £40k mark get a £190 annual bill, while pre-April 2017 A4s have VED based on CO2 emissions.
How much is it to insure an Audi A4?
An A4 35 TFSI in Technik trim starts at group 22, out of a maximum 50 groups, so insurance costs for this entry-level mode shouldn’t be too bad. Sport Edition jumps to group 24 and S Line to group 26, while there are small changes depending on engines. S4 models begin in group 42 - similar to its high-performance rivals.
