Buying a used A4 Avant - what engine? | Ask Honest John

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Buying a used A4 Avant - what engine?

Thinking of buying an Audi A4 Avant around 3 to 4yrs old. I am faced with 1.9 TDI,2.0 TDI, 1.8 FSI or a 2.0 FSI.

I cover about 8-10 thousand miles a year and would hold on to a car for 8 years or so. What would be my best choice - I don't mind?

Asked on 3 August 2012 by Chas McKaig

Answered by Honest John

Not the 2.0TDI as that has been troublesome. The 1.9TDI was VAG's most reliable diesel. The 1.8TSI is chain cam and the 2.0TSI went chain cam from 2008/2009 (check by popping the bonnet). These engines can sometimes use a lot of oil.

You're probably better off looking at a SEAT Exeo ST as these are basically B7 A4 Avants, but with the newer, more reliable 143PS TDI engine, and you get a newer car for the same money.

Tags: buying used cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Select a few terms below

Similar questions

Which automatic is the most reliable?

Which five-year-old SUV has the most reliable automatic gearbox?

I paid the deposit on a used car - can I change my mind after 14 days?

On the 16th of March I went to see and test drive a Nissan at the West-Way Garage Stourbridge. My daughter test drove a Nissan Micra Visia. As it did not have air conditioning we were keen to buy a Micra...

Late service on car I'm interested in buying - should I still go for it?

I'm interested in buying a 2013 Peugeot 5008 1.6 THP. It was last serviced at 25000m in Feb 2015, and has now done 46000m. The selling dealer is offering to service it, but I'm concerned about the fact...

Related models

Audi A4 Avant (2008 - 2015)

Solid build quality throughout. Huge range of engines and specifications. Available with Quattro four-wheel drive. Frugal diesels. Well designed and user-friendly boot.