Item: Used Audi A4 Cabriolet 2002 - 2005
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

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Sports

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Posh, pricey and smooth, the Audi A4 Cabriolet looks good and does most things well – just don't expect a cracking drive.

Used Audi A4 Cabriolet 2002 - 2005

There's no reason why the Audi A4 Cabtiolet should cost you a fortune to run. They're expensive to buy, but lose value slowly, which keeps whole-life costs down. Servicing costs are as for other A4s, and middling for a compact executive car. Using a reputable Audi specialist rather than a main dealer slices a third off labour rates.

Spares are expensive and Audis aren't as reliable as you might expect, so set aside a sizeable budget once the car is a few years old. Insurance is no dearer than it is for an A4 saloon. The 1.8T, 2.0T FSi and 2.0 diesel fall within group 15, the 3.0 diesel and 3.2 petrol are group 17 and the S4 is group 20.

The 2.0 TDi is that rare thing, a soft-top that promises up to 44mpg, and the 3.0 TDi manages up to 35mpg. Of the petrols, the 1.8T and 2.0T FSi should return up to 33mpg, while the 3.2 posts 25mpg and the S4 20mpg.

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Posh, pricey and smooth, the Audi A4 Cabriolet looks good and does most things well – just don't expect a cracking drive.


Go for a model from 2006 or later, if your budget will stretch that far. Chassis modifications made it better to drive, while the 2.0T FSi engine that became available then is the pick of the line-up.

The 1.8 turbo engine that powers the cheapest model is also the most plentiful second-hand, as well as the best choice for keeping ownership costs sensible. There are also 2.0- and 3.0-litre diesels that are good but scarce second-hand, a 3.2 V6 with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system and the S4, the range's performance flagship.

Of these, we'd shy away from the quattro because it's an oddity (unless the extra traction 4WD brings is a must), and the S4 because the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a> has a similar price tag, but is much better.

All have an electric hood, air-conditioning, climate control, four airbags and stability control. The S4 also has a leather-trimmed cabin.

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What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top&nbsp;versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair. The Audi A5&nbsp;Cabriolet, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular A5&nbsp;– refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Convertible

The hood looks to be very tough, but check it's perfect before you buy, because a replacement costs well into four figures.

Faults in the A4's cooling system and electrical malfunctions are among the car's commonest problems, according to the What Car? Reliability Index.

Air-con systems are vulnerable, too, so check that it blows cold. The 1.8 turbo petrol has had a history of ignition coil failure, leading to poor starting and misfires, but by now most will have had replacements that, touch wood, are pretty reliable. All four must be changed at once, mind, otherwise problems reoccur.

Check also that cabin trim is complete and undamaged, because even smallish repairs can cost several hundred pounds.

Despite its quality image, Audi is placed a fair way down the index's make-by-make ranking. That said, the A4's above-average placing in JD Power surveys shows that owners generally like what they drive.

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The Audi A4 Cabriolet is good-looking and impressive, inside and out, leagues ahead of the old Audi Cabrio, which used a chassis and running gear dating from the 1980s.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> combines chrome highlights, high-quality plastics and plush fabrics to make an interior that begs you to spend time in it. Its electric hood operates tidily, but also keeps out the elements when you need it to.

There's proper space for four adults and – a rarity, this – enough room in the boot for their luggage. The dash is very clear, and the wheel and driver's seat adjust finely in every conceivable way. You can even raise or lower the roof on the move - but only at speeds up to 20mph.

The A4 Cabrio's not thrilling to drive, but it does everything competently, especially on models from 2006 onwards, which had suspension changes that made them more engaging to drive. The ride is composed, although deep ruts can catch it out.

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Used Audi A4 Cabriolet 2002 - 2005 review

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