What oil does a 2004 Audi A4 use in the engine?

I’d go for a fully synthetic engine oil with a viscosity rating of 5W-40. The turbocharged 1.8-litre engine in that model is a pretty hard-working unit and quite a complex engine, so frequent oil changes are critical to its longevity. The brand of oil is not so important, provided you use a quality brand and not the Brand-X stuff sold at supermarkets and some online clearing houses. Don’t forget to change the oil filter at the same time; putting clean, fresh oil through an old, dirty filter makes no sense at all.

Audi A3 and A4 2010: Are they reliable?

Volkswagen is very quick to point out that the earlier transmission woes with its DSG gearbox have been fixed. Certainly, the later versions seem to be better, but the jury is still out on whether the fix has been a complete one. In any case, that’s no use to you as the cars made around 2010 are, indeed, the ones that were most affected by these troublesome transmissions. The smaller Audi models were the main offenders as some of those used the dry-clutch version of the DSG. The larger (and heavier) A4 tended to have the wet-clutch version of the same gearbox which wasn’t nearly as problematic. So that should be your golden rule here if you decide to take the plunge: Only buy a second-hand Audi with a wet-clutch DSG. Even then, we can’t guarantee that it will be all sweetness and light, but at least you’re a chance to side-step major problems. Audi actually recalled many of its models to deal with these gearbox issues at the time. The other thing to be sure of is that any used Audi you buy has a complete service history with no gaps or late services. These cars use high-tech engines that absolutely require clean oil and filters at regular intervals. A neglected Audi is a very good chance to be a pain in the wallet down the track. Like many second-hand prestige cars, these Audis are often cheap for a reason.

Should I buy an Audi A3 or A4?

It would pay to bear in mind, Tony that there’s an all-new A3 due in Europe next year (Check out Carsguide’s overage of the Geneva Motor Show when it happens) as well as a major upgrade of the A4 that will include new or comprehensively revised engines and mostly new body panels and interior. Is the heavily discounted A4 a dealership demonstrator? As that might explain why the A4, even though it’s the bigger car, has had its price slashed, despite having all that desirable kit thrown in. That said, the A4 lives in a market segment (mid-sized sedans) that is not doing terribly well right now (in Australia and elsewhere) so maybe Audi has too much stock of a car that has plenty of competition (Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series) in a struggling market. The bottom line, however, is to buy as much car as you need and don’t make the mistake of buying a smaller, cheaper car when it won’t easily do the jobs you have in mind for it. Again, though, the A3 is a pretty practical hatchback (or sedan) and owners don’t seem to complain that it’s underdone in any major way. So, drive them both, and see which one you like to pilot. And then start throwing offers at the salesman and see how much he or she is able to bend on either car. By the way, the virtual cockpit is brilliant technology.

Audi A4: replacement key cost

It generally depends on the variant and year. You can get more information on quick and cheap key replacments from dealers or automotive locksmiths here.

Are there any negatives in buying a repossessed car?

Check the status of the car on the Vicroads website. Providing there is nothing untoward about it, no money owing on it etc., there shouldn’t be any problem. If the registration has been cancelled it will require a current roadworthy certificate to reregister it.

High oil consumption in A4

At 1 litre per 1000 km your engine was already consuming too much oil, at double that rate of consumption it is way too much. VW/Audi engines have a reputation for using oil and need to be checked regularly to ensure you don't inadvertently cause damage by letting it run low. You could try appealing to their sense of goodwill and ask Audi to cover part of the cost of repairs, but as your car is seven years old I don't believe you have much chance of success.

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Audi A4 2008 Problems

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Audi A4 timing chain

Answered by CarsGuide 1 Mar 2012

No, I don't think it is asking too much given its age and low kays. What Audi has done by covering part of the cost is pretty much industry practice, but it's hard to swallow in some case when there has been such a catastrophic failure like yours. I would press your case, even consider taking it to the consumer affairs people in your state.

Engine

Used Audi A4 review: 2008-2009

12 Dec 2011 · by Graham Smith

If you want to succeed in the prestige car business in this country you need to field a competitive mid-sized model.BMW gets by on the back of its 3-Series, 'Benz depends on its C-Class, and Audi its ...

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