BUYER’S GUIDE:

Audi A4 Mk3 FROM £6,000 Recently replaced compact exec now looks great value used

AUDI has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past decade as its range of models has taken the premium market by storm. While the brand has its detractors who say prices are too high and the cars lack real-world exclusivity, there’s plenty to recommend them – especially on the used market.

Take the third-generation A4, for example. This classy, premium compact executive saloon offers an overall package that many rivals can’t beat, with excellent ergonomics, superb usability, efficient engines and top-notch build quality.

As a used buy, the Mk3 A4 offers a huge amount of car for the money, especially as it was replaced late last year, but problems are more common than you might expect, so buy with care.

History

THE Mk3 A4 saloon arrived in February 2008, with 1.8 TFSI or 3.2 FSI petrol engines; diesel fans could choose between 2.0 TDI, 2.7 TDI or 3.0 TDI units. Buyers also had a choice of manual or CVT auto boxes. In June 2008 the Avant estate appeared, along with a 2.0 TFSI and a low-power (120bhp) 2.0 TDI.

An S tronic dual-clutch gearbox was offered with the 2.0 TFSI from February 2009; the four-wheel-drive A4 Avant allroad reached showrooms three months later, with 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI or 3.0 TDI engines.

By October 2009, the fleet-friendly 120g/km 134bhp 2.0 TDIE had arrived. A facelift in January 2012 brought minor style changes and standard stop/start across the range, plus revised suspension and steering.

The A4 2.0 TDI Ultra launched in April 2014 cut CO2 emissions to just 109g/km, and the new Mk4 A4 hit dealers in 2015.

Which one?

THERE are no engines or transmissions to avoid, although the rare 3.2 FSI is costly to run, while manuals tend to be more reliable. If you tow, it’s worth going for quattro 4WD; 3.0 TDI editions have this as standard.

All A4s are equipped with alloys and single-zone climate control, plus electric windows, an electronic parking brake and electrically adjustable door mirrors. SE trim adds a 10-speaker stereo, three-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and cruise control.

S line brings 18-inch alloys, lower, stiffer suspension (the standard set-up is optional), LED rear lights and sportier exterior details.

Alternatives

GERMAN brands have the compact executive market sewn up, and the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class are the A4’s toughest adversaries.

The BMW is the driving enthusiast’s choice, but both cars offer excellent build quality, a wide choice of engines and trims plus saloon or estate bodystyles.

An alternative option in this class is the Lexus IS. It comes only as a saloon and isn’t very involving to drive, but is ultra-reliable and the brand’s dealers tend to be superb. Standard equipment also leaves rivals trailing, plus on the latest version hybrid power is available.

The Volkswagen Passat is another great option. It offers the same engines and transmissions as the Audi, plus excellent build quality and top-notch practicality.

Verdict

WHEN we first drove the A4 Mk3, we said: “The A4 has evolved, and the latest model is an improvement in every area.”

Now the Mk3 has been replaced, you can buy one for less than £5,000. Even a oneowner car with fewer than 60,000 miles can be picked up for under £8,000. But running costs can be high and reliability isn’t always what you might expect of a premium brand.

Buying cars “The A4 offers an overall package that many rivals can’t beat, with superb usability and efficient engines”

THIS version of the A4 is showing its age, as it dropped out of our Driver Power satisfaction survey this year. It ranked 151st in the 2015 poll, with owners rating its build quality and in-car tech highest; it came 65th and 69th in these categories respectively. But scores in nearly every other area were outside the top 100.

YOUR VIEW

CARLA Paterson from Telford, Shrops, owns a 2010 A4 2.0 TDI. She told us: “It feels very safe and stable at speed, and is comfortable on long-distance journeys. The A4 is user-friendly and economical, too. So far my Audi has been reliable, and it’s surprisingly cheap to run now that I use an independent specialist for servicing.”

Lights

XENON headlights are fitted to a lot of these A4s; they’re standard on S line models. Replacement costs are high, though, so check they’re in good order.

Oil

SOME engines suffer from high oil consumption, especially the fourcylinder units. They can use up to a litre of oil every 1,000 miles.