Used Audi A4 for sale: everything you need to know
The Audi A4 has long been part of a trio of German cars that dominate the premium car market. For nearly 30 years, it has gone head-to-head with the popular BMW 3 Series and the refined Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Audi’s appeal has always been based on high-tech sophistication. The Audi A4 isn’t as vibrant to drive as a 3 Series, nor as luxurious as a new Mercedes C-Class. However, it is more than a match for them in terms of cool-factor. Although this version isn’t in the first flush of youth, constant upgrades over the years mean it still remains competitive – and better value than ever.
Other rivals to the Audi A4 to consider include the Volvo S60 and the sporty Alfa Romeo Giulia as well as the Jaguar XE. Take a look at an Audi A4 for sale on heycar to discover just what’s on offer.
Should you buy an Audi A4?
The Audi A4 has always been an effortless car to drive. Its light controls and ultra-accurate steering give it a real feeling of precision, which nicely reflects the approach seen in the rest of the car. All the turbocharged engines are effortless and these days you don’t even have to worry about changing gear: automatic gearboxes are standard across the board.
A BMW 3 Series is more engaging, while a Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a more cosseting ride, but the Audi has a confident feel of its own, particularly in the high-output S4 diesel.
All models have a comprehensive infotainment system called Audi MMI. The touchscreen setup is easy to use, and there are additional physical controls in the centre, called MMI Touch, making it easier to operate on the move. Full connectivity (and sat-nav) is included as standard and the top-line Vorsprung takes things further still.
Although it’s not a prime focus for saloon cars, passenger space is decent, and the boot packs in 460 litres. Those who need more practicality can choose the Audi A4 Avant estate, which we’ve profiled separately.
One of the best aspects of the current Audi A4 is its sheer value for money. Whether you’re looking to buy or lease, it’s never offered so much as standard for the money. We think Sport Edition is looking particularly good value, given its fulsome standard spec.
Factor in the more standout styling of this facelifted Audi A4 range, and the appeal of Audi’s small executive saloon remains clear. It’s just a pity Audi doesn't offer a plug-in hybrid version, unlike its two key rivals. This limits the Audi A4’s appeal to those choosing one as a company car.
Audi honed this generation of Audi A4 when it facelifted the range a few years back. The interior was already impressive; the clever bit was overhauling the exterior, making it look more distinctive and upmarket. This is further enhanced by an array of sports-themed model variants.
Value for money is excellent, and the constantly-evolving engines universally offer a really compelling blend of power and fuel economy. Keen drivers will still hanker after a BMW 3 Series – and those seeking a tax-saving plug-in hybrid must look elsewhere – but for motorists who simply want a well-rounded four-door saloon with an upmarket badge and few weaknesses, the Audi A4 still cuts it.
An Audi A4 not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
What’s the best used Audi A4 model to buy?
For the majority of Audi A4 buyers, the front-wheel drive diesels will offer the best combination of performance and economy. They also make excellent motorway cruisers. All diesels are badged as ‘TDI’ and (from the 2019 facelift onwards) come equipped with an 'S tronic' seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
The entry-level Technik 30 TDI feels a little underpowered though, so if your budget can stretch up to the 35 TDI it’s a worthwhile upgrade since this engine gets up to speed more effortlessly and is more relaxing to drive. It’s our pick of the current range.
For drivers covering lower annual mileages - or keen to avoid diesel entirely - the TFSI petrols provide an excellent alternative, with superlative refinement and smooth acceleration. The equivalent Technik 35 TFSI has more power than its diesel counterpart, plus thanks to its standard manual gearbox (an auto is available) it's also the best value A4.
Choosing a favourite trim is easy since the Audi A4 comes very generously equipped as standard. If you must have leather seats and beefier styling, upgrade to a Sport, but the Technik comes with everything you'll need.
Used Audi A4 fuel economy and performance
- Audi A4 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel: Introduced when the A4 was first launched (and before Audi changed the way it names its engines) this 2.0-litre diesel has 150PS and comes with a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. It promised up to 74.3mpg at the time, although the way of measuring fuel economy has since been changed to be more real-world accurate. Some models were labelled "Ultra", which indicated that they came with low rolling resistance tyres.
- Audi A4 2.0 TDI 190PS diesel: This more powerful version of the original A4 diesel engine also comes with both gearbox options, and promised up to 72.4mpg.
- Audi A4 3.0 V6 TDI 218PS diesel: The larger diesel engine was a 3.0-litre V6. This is the entry-level version of that bigger engine, with 218PS. Available only with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, it promised 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and combined fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg.
- Audi A4 3.0 V6 TDI 272PS diesel: The more powerful V6 diesel came with 272PS. Available only with a eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, it promised 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds and combined fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg.
- Audi A4 1.4 TFSI petrol: Before the new naming convention came in, the entry-level petrol engine was a 14-litre turbocharged unit with 150PS and a six-speed manual gearbox. It delivered 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds and returned up to 53.3mpg.
- Audi A4 2.0 TFSI 190 petrol: The larger pre-name-change petrol engine was a 2.0-litre unit, and in this tune it boasts 190PS. Available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed S tronic automatic, it will hit 62mph in 7.2 seconds and return up to 55.4mpg.
- Audi A4 2.0 TFSI 252PS quattro petrol: The more powerful 2.0-litre engine comes with 252PS, quattro four-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. 0-62mph takes 5.8 seconds and it promises up to 47.9mpg.
- Audi S4 3.0 V6 TFSI petrol: The top-spec S4 was initially powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 354PS, which gave it a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds and fuel economy of up to 38.7mpg.
From mid-2017 Audi changed the way it names its engines and car models. That means cars made after this are named as follows:
- Audi A4 35 TFSI petrol: The entry-level Audi A4 petrol engine is a 2.0-litre turbo that produces 150PS. It comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox called S tronic, and is able to average up to 45.6mpg. CO2 emissions start from 145g/km.
- Audi A4 40 TFSI petrol: A more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, the 40 TFSI produces 204PS. The slick-shifting S tronic gearbox helps it accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and it’s still impressively fuel-efficient, with an average of up to 44.8mpg.
- Audi A4 35 TDI diesel: The entry-level 2.0-litre turbodiesel actually produces more power than the 35 TFSI petrol, with 163PS. It’s faster to 60mph as well, with the benchmark dash taking 8.2 seconds. Average economy of up to 58.9mpg is impressive. However, to cut CO2 emissions to less than 130g/km, Audi has shrunk the fuel tank from the regular 54 litres to just 40 litres.
- Audi A4 40 TDI quattro diesel: Another 2.0-litre turbodiesel paired with a seven-speed S tronic automatic, the 40 TDI comes with quattro four-wheel drive as standard. Zero to 62mph takes a fleet 6.9 seconds and economy remains impressive, with an average of 54.3mpg.
- Audi A4 S4 TDI diesel: Using a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, the S4 serves up a thrilling 4.6-second 0-62mph time, courtesy of its 341PS output. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The S4’s official fuel economy is 39.8mpg, with CO2 emissions of 185g/km.
From 2019, Audi added mild-hybrid tech to most of its engines to slightly improve fuel economy.
What used Audi A4 trims levels are available?
- The Audi A4 SE was offered from the A4's launch in 2016. Although the entry-level model it was still well equipped, with Xenon headlights, three-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as cruise control and rear parking xensors.
- The Audi A4 Sport was the next step on the A4 ladder before its facelift, with an enhanced MMI infotainemnt system with navigation, more supportive Sport seats and an upgraded sound system.
- The Audi A4 S line is a popular trim level among Audi A4 buyers, with the spec including LED headlights, larger 18-inch alloys, sport suspension and the S line-trademark embossed leather seats.
- The Audi A4 Black Edition builds upon S line grade with black-themed details outside and in, as well as black 19-inch alloy wheels.
- The Audi A4 S4 is the high-performance model, with all the features of the S-line plus much more power, and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheen designs, stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes. It also gets S-specific interior details including more figure-hugging seats.
The Audi A4 model line-up was overhauled at the end of 2019, with the revised range comprising the following:
- The Audi A4 Technik has a strong standard spec that includes three-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and standard sat-nav.
- The Audi A4 Sport Edition is an affordable way to get extra sports-themed equipment; the alloy wheels are larger, it has rear privacy glass and sports seats are added inside.
- The Audi A4 S line was retained, and followed the same formula with larger alloys, sport suspension and S line-embossed leather seats.
- The Audi A4 Black Edition builds upon S line grade with black-themed details outside and in.
- The Audi A4 Vorsprung was the top of the range model in 2019, although was later dropped from the 'regular' A4 range. It included adaptive sport suspension as standard, as well as LED matrix headlights, heated rear seats, a head-up display and a B&O sound system.
- The Audi S4 boasts high-performance S sport suspension, S Super Sport seats and a brace of other extras that mark it out as something special.
- The Audi S4 Black Edition is a ‘black pack’ makeover for the S4. The spec otherwise closely mirrors the regular car.
- The Audi S4 Vorsprung is a very well-equipped trim level that includes virtually everything as standard: Matrix LED headlights, adaptive S Sport suspension, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and more...
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
If the original buyer managed to spend more than £40k (which is about two thirds of the range) on their A4, then it will be liable for the showroom tax, from years two to six of ownership. All models registered from April 2017 onwards will pay the standard flat annual VED rate of £180.
For A4s registered before April 2017, you'll pay a lower rate based on NEDC emissions and no additional showroom tax. For example, a 2.0 TDI Ultra S tronic in Sport trim registered in 2016 will only cost £20 in VED.
How much is it to insure an Audi A4?
Audi A4 insurance groups start from a relatively affordable 22 (out of 50), for the Audi A4 35 TFSI Technik. The Sport Edition is group 24, but this jumps up to group 26 for the popular S line. It’s the same with other engines: the Audi A4 35 TDI Technik is in group 25, with the Sport Edition in group 28. An Audi A4 40 TFSI starts from group 27 and a 40 TDI sits in group 29. The performance-oriented Audi S4 starts with a group 42 car insurance rating.
Read our full Audi A4 review
