Used Audi A4 2000 - 2005 reliability review

The Audi A4 has a strong image, strong interior and even stronger ownership appeal.

More used reviews:

What should I look for in a used Audi A4?

Audi has a good reputation for producing solidly built cars and this one is no exception. The A4 has put in an above-average performance in previous JD Power customer satisfaction reports and came in near the top in What Car?'s Reliability Surveys.

However, it's not without its faults. There have been many reports of faulty air-con, which Audi will fix under its three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

We've heard of problems with the synchromesh on manual gearboxes, ignition coils on 1.8 turbo petrol cars and front suspension on a few higher-mileage examples. However, there's little else, although a small number of cars suffer minor electrical faults.

Diesel A4s often drink their way through a stack of oil when new, but consumption settles down once the engine has bedded in. Still, check for any damage caused by a first owner who was too lazy to inspect the dipstick often enough.

Used cars available now

In partnership with
AutoTrader logo
Audi A4 1.9 TDI SE 4dr

Audi A4

1.9 TDI SE 4dr

£990

Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 TDI SE 4dr

£1,690

Audi A4 2.0 SE 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 SE 4dr

£1,745

Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line Special Edition 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 TDI S line Special Edition 4dr

£1,895

Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 TDI SE 4dr

£1,990

Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 TDI S line 4dr

£1,995

Audi A4 2.0 SE 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 SE 4dr

£1,995

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition 4dr

£2,490

Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line CVT 4dr

Audi A4

2.0 TDI S line CVT 4dr

£2,495

About the writer

Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

Follow Stuart Milne on

Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

News & Advice

Sponsored

Best used executive cars (and one to avoid)

For those looking for a good executive car, here are your top 10 best options from the used market, as well as one to steer away from

Feature

What Car? Reliability Survey: Most and least reliable executive cars

In our annual Reliability Survey, we ask readers to rate the dependability of cars aged up to five years old. Here we list the most and least reliable executive saloons and estates

News

Deal of the Day: Lease a BMW 3 Series Touring PHEV from £329 per month

The 3 Series Touring is the practical estate version of BMW’s hugely-popular saloon, and you could lease one for a keen price with our deals

Feature

Every What Car? Car of the Year winner since 1978

Being named What Car? Car of the Year is the highest honour a new model can receive – here's every winner in the 47-year history of the award

See all latest advice