Older Audi A4 Automatic

Delvey

I am looking at picking up a A4 Avant Automatic. Looking at the early models, so around 2006, and Diesel.
The one I have seen has 140,000 miles on the clock, but with full service history. Is there anything particular to look out for with these models?

wokeye

If it's a 2.0 engine that came out around that time, the earlier car VAG prestige cars with that engine, had an oil pump drive that was designed to make the car quieter, that was prone to failure.  Cars not as prestigious, Skoda Octavia didn't have this part fitted, but I'm no expert. A re-designed part could be bought, but it was at the cost of the owner, to buy and labour charges.  If the part failed and ruined a major component they didn't want to know either,  just search on google.  I'd imagine a car with that mileage it has had it replaced, if it was affected.  VAG got a lot of bad press, like they have with the emissions scandal etc, nobody seem to care though.  I believe that there were other issues with this engine too.  The engine before,  the PD and the later CR (common rail) diesel engines are supposed to be better.

They make some nice cars, I've got a Golf GTD as a company car and its a great car.  Dubious company with bad ethics, but that's nothing new these days...

duffbeerdrinker

If I remember correctly, an A4 of that age will have a multi-tronic gearbox (essentially the same as a CVT gearbox).
They're not for everyone - I know I dislike the way they behave but you might find it OK.  Definitely arrange a test drive to see if you like it otherwise you'll need to look for a manual.

Delvey

It is the CVT box. As I will be commuting on the motorway in rush hour, a Auto will be less tiring on the legs than the manual. I have only driven the Citroen EGS semi auto, which was not too bad, but most people hate

zeppelino

Timing belt (if it’s 2l) needs changing every 80k miles. So bear that in mind

redaprilia

What could possibly go wrong LOL

Delvey

With the car having full service history, I imagine these issues will have been addressed.
Thanks
Thanks, it has been done at 79k, will be due again in another 30k.
Very helpful post, thanks

SteveTDCI

Cambelt is 80k or 4 years whichever comes first, gearbox oil service is every 40k, no time restrictions. We run a 2006 2.0tfsi multitronic for 2 years and it was ok, the TFSi is a better engine but not without faults, the gearbox i actually prefer, just get your head around the fact that it will accelerate without the revs rising.

Check all the doors unlock and the windows work, check the passenger side footwell for dampness, the body control module sits in a well and if the drain tubes under the battery gets blocked if floods the footwell.

window regulators fail, the front suspension is complicated and the top arms wear out (2 each side at the top)

The leather feels cheap in the SE and the seats made my back hurt, they are built well though. PD170's have issues with injectors and the DPF's hate short trips. I'd look for a C Class 270 cdi if it was me.

Delvey

Ended up buying a Toyota Corolla Verso, thanks for the advice

zeppelino

That’s different!