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Audi A4 2009 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2009 Audi A4? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2009 Audi A4 issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2009 Audi A4 in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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Used Audi A4 review: 2005-2016

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2014 Audi A4 as a used buy.

A major player in the trio of prestigious German cars Audi has become very strong in Australia in recent times. The Audi A4 is a midrange model that’s sold as a sedan, a two-door cabriolet and an Avant station wagon

A further variation is the A4 allroad quattro. Based on the Avant it has increased ground clearance, added body and underbody protection. This allroad isn’t as common as that of big brother A6 allroad, but is starting grab quite a bit of attention due to the release of the latest model.

While the shape of the A4 was nothing to get excited about in early years, it leapt forward in the style stakes with the introduction of the ‘single-frame grille’ in the B7 series from 2005. 

Interior design is a longtime hallmark of the Audi marque and the A4 has the sort of quality you normally associate only with top-grade furniture.

These mid-sized Audis are sold in a bewildering range of engines, with four, six or eight cylinders, fuelled by either petrol or diesel. Naturally, all the diesels are turbocharged, but an increasing number of petrol engines also get force feeding. The turbos are generally there to reduce fuel consumption, but some sporting turbo variants are set up to squeeze extra power out of the engine.

The big power V8 has a displacement of 4.2 litres and provides powerhouse performance for the very serious driver. Though the car will generally look after the driver, some of these V8s should probably be kept out of reach of inexperienced drivers as they can be stunningly savage at times.

Similarly there is a wide range of transmissions, mainly automatic, though some pure sports models do come with manual gearboxes. The automatic transmissions come as conventional torque-convertor units, as well as double-clutch and continuously variable (CVT) S tronic systems

Audi was an early adopter of tiptronic automatics, with the driver able to use manual-type overrides when they felt that was necessary. These have become increasingly common over the years and are worth the money if your budget is up to it.

Most Audi A4s use front-wheel drive, many of the high-performance versions use Audi’s all-wheel-drive ‘quattro’ system for improved handling and acceleration. 

Space efficiency isn’t as good as you would anticipate from a front-drive car and the back seat may not be suited to large adults if the front seats are set well back. Later models are better than the original ones - the B8 series arrived here in April 2008 and is larger in all dimensions. It’s still best to try the rear area during your personal road test.

The most recent Audi A4, now the B9 series, was launched downunder in February 2016 but we haven’t seen any on the used-car scene as yet.

The front-heavy mechanical layout makes for more understeer than we like in early models, but Audi answered criticisms over the years and later models are better balanced. That’s due mainly because of suspension changes, but also due to electronic assistance.

Insurance costs for the Audi A4 are often higher than average, even more of a loading if it’s one of the full-on sports variants. So if you are still young and/or inexperienced shop around carefully for that policy early in the purchase process. 

These modern Audis are complex machines and the amateur mechanic shouldn’t attempt anything more than the most basic servicing. Audi’s Australian dealer network is well established, though relatively limited. We have heard of no real complaints of parts availability or pricing. 

You may also care to look at the Audi A5 range of sporty models that share some mechanical components with the A4.The Audi S4 and RS4 sports are variants of the A4, though considerably more expensive. They feature added engine performance, revised suspension, steering and braking systems. 

Interiors feature quality materials and are built to a very high standard. Unless treated badly they should still be in good condition even when the car is many years old. 

An engine that has done a lot of work or which hasn’t been serviced correctly may prove difficult to start and blow smoke from the exhaust when accelerated hard. Get a professional’s opinion if there’s even the slightest doubt as repairs aren’t cheap.

If an A4 high-performance turbo engine has a high pitched whining sound it may have been thrashed. Again, be very wary. 

Automatics had problems in some earlier A4s. Check that all gear changes are smooth and quiet and that the transmission doesn’t change up or down unnecessarily. The Australian importer usually fixed cars under warranty, even outside the normal warranty period. 

Manual gearboxes are generally trouble free. Make fast third-to-second downchanges and listen and feel for crunching.

Audis have exceptional corrosion protection and are unlikely to ever give trouble. It’s still wise to have a good look over the car in case it has been incorrectly repaired after a crash.

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Used Audi A4 review: 2002-2013

For years Audi struggled to gain equal footing with BMW and Mercedes in Australia, but that has all changed and sales have been climbing at double-digit rates for several years now. Though the Audi range is extensive and growing even larger all the time the A4, with its smaller brother the A3 at its side, has generally been in the vanguard of the charge. 

The Audi A4, sold as a midsize sedan, Avant station wagon and two-door cabriolet. Its styling was on the dull side in early years but leapt forward with the introduction of the what Audi calls the 'single-frame grille' in the B7 series from 2005. 

Interior design is a longtime hallmark of the Audi marque and the A4 has the sort of quality you normally associate only with top-grade furniture.

These mid-sized Audis are sold in a bewildering range of engines, with four, six or eight cylinder engines, fuelled by either petrol or diesel. Naturally all the diesels are turbocharged, but an increasing number of petrol engines also get force feeding. The turbos are generally there to reduce fuel consumption, but some sporting turbo variants are set up to squeeze extra power out of the engine.

Six-cylinder engines use a 'V' arrangement and are sold as petrols or diesels, capacities range from 2.4 up to 3.2 litres. 

The big power V8 has a displacement of 4.2 litres and provides powerhouse performance for the very serious driver. Though the car will generally look after the driver, some of these V8s should probably be kept out of reach of inexperienced drivers as they can be stunningly savage at times.

Similarly there is a wide range of transmissions, mainly automatic, though some pure sports models do come with manual gearboxes. The automatic transmissions come as conventional torque-convertor units, as well as double-clutch and continuously variable (CVT) systems.

Audi was an early adopter of tiptronic automatics, with the driver able to use manual-type overrides when they felt that was necessary. These have become increasingly common over the years.

Most Audi A4s use front-wheel drive for greater space efficiency, many of the high-performance versions use Audi's all-wheel-drive 'quattro' system for improved handling and acceleration. 

However, space efficiency isn't as good as you would anticipate from a front-driver and the back seat may not be suited to large adults if the front seats are set well back. Later models are better than the original ones, but try the rear area during your personal road test.

The front-heavy mechanical layout makes for more understeer than we like in early models, but Audi answered criticisms over the years and later models are much better balanced. 

Insurance costs for the Audi A4 are often higher than average, with some companies adding a considerable amount to the premium if the car has a turbo engine, and even more of a loading if it's one of the full-on sports variants. So if you are still young and/or inexperienced shop around carefully for that policy early in the purchase process. Audi dealers should be able to point you in the right direction.

These modern Audis are complex machines and the amateur mechanic shouldn't attempt anything more than the most basic servicing. Audi's Australian dealer network is well established, though relatively limited. We have heard of no real complaints of parts availability or pricing. 

You may also like to consider the Audi S4 and RS4 sports variants of the A4. Though considerably more expensive, they do give you a lot more performance, both from the engine and the heavily revised suspension, steering and braking systems. But see the above note on insurance premiums before falling in love with one of these stunning machines.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Interiors feature quality materials and are built to a very high standard. Unless treated badly they should still be in good condition years down the track. If not, be suspicious of the A4's previous life.

An engine that has done a lot of work or which hasn't been serviced correctly may prove difficult to start and blow smoke from the exhaust when accelerated hard. Get a professional to check it out.

If you suspect an A4 turbo has been given a hard life listen for a high pitched whining sound. 

Automatics had problems in some earlier models. Check that all gear changes are smooth and quiet and that the transmission doesn't change up or down unnecessarily, or suddenly stop working. The Australian importer generally fixed cars under warranty, even outside the normal warranty period. 

Manual gearboxes are generally trouble free. Make fast third-to-second downchanges and listen and feel for crunching.

Audis have exceptional corrosion protection and are unlikely to ever give trouble. It's still wise to have a good look over the car in case it has been incorrectly repaired after a crash.

CAR BUYING TIP

Some paint colours fade more than others, reds and blues are the worst, with yellows not far behind. So you can use the condition of the paint as an initial guide as to how well a car has been looked after, and whether it appears to have been garaged most of its life.

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Used Audi A4 review: 2008-2012

NEW

High-riding wagons are the car of choice for a large number of motorists today. They come in a vast range of sizes, from small to massive, some built to tackle the toughest terrain on the planet, others masquerading as family transporters.

For those simply wanting family transport a regular wagon provides an option, one that doesn't come with the bulk of an SUV and is usually a better car to drive. Most carmakers offer a wagon in their range. It's usually a variant on their mid-sized model, like the Audi A4.

The A4 is an attractive car with clean lines and pleasant proportions, lacking the chunky box-like shape that sometimes give wagons an unattractive utilitarian look. It was based on the very competent A4 platform, most models were front-wheel drive, but there was also an all-wheel drive option, and there was a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

While the A4 sedan had a good-sized boot, the wagon offered more, particularly when the rear seats were folded, releasing a really useful space capable of swallowing a sizeable load and making it a more practical choice.

The cabin was a pleasant place to be, the fit and finish was of a high quality, the seats were comfortable and there was no shortage of room. Behind the prominent four-ringed badge was one of four optional petrol or diesel engines.

The petrol options were a 1.8-litre turbocharged four or a larger 2.0-litre variant, both of which offered an attractive combination of pep and economy.On the diesel side Audi offered a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection four and a 2.7-litre turbocharged V6.

The diesels were the economy leaders in the range, their combined consumption numbers falling on the low side of 7 L/100 km, their petrol-fuelled brethren on the upper side. Stir them along and the diesels not only delivered the sort of fuel economy most of us want, they could also move along at an impressive clip.

The transmissions were a CVT, a manual, and a dual-clutch DSG. Drive for most variants went through the front wheels, but there was also an all-wheel drive Quattro model offered.

NOW

Generally speaking Audis are solidly built and reliable, but that said, there are a couple of issues you need to be aware of when buying used.

The first relates to the dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Although most of the complaints we received about DSG gearboxes came from VW owners the same gearboxes were fitted to Audis. VW resisted suggestions that the DSG gearbox was troublesome for a long time, but pressure from owners eventually forced the company to voluntarily recall cars in 2013 to check them. At the same time Audi did the same, so if your chosen car has a DSG gearbox make sure it has been through the recall and checked as ok.

The second issue worth noting is oil consumption. Some VW engines, not all, use excessive amounts of oil, even from new. With that in mind it's worthwhile checking the engine oil every week. If your engine does use oil it's worth doing an oil consumption test and actually measuring how much it uses, and if it seems high take the results to an Audi dealer and have the engine checked.

Beyond that check for a service record to make sure your car has been maintained correctly as per Audi's recommendation. Reconsider your plan to purchase if you can't see a service record. Also check for crash damage and poor repairs.

SMITHY SAYS

Stylish, well-built, and practical family transporter that's a pleasure to drive.

Audi A4 Avant 2008-2012
Price new: $56,400 to $57,685
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 118 kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo, 155 kW/350 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 105 kW/320 Nm; 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel, 140 kW/400 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed man, 8-speed CVT, DSG, FWD, AWD
Economy: 7.4 L/100 km (1.8T), 7.3 L/100 km (2.0T), 6.0 L/100 m (2.0 TD), 6.5 L/100 km (2.7 TD)
Body: 4-door wagon
Variants: 1.8 TFSi, 2.0 TFSi, 2.0 TFSi Quattro, 2.0 TDi, 2.7 TDi
Safety: 5-star ANCAP

COMING UP

Do you own a Hyundai Santa Fe? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

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Used Audi A4 review: 2008-2009

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 A4, so when it comes time to renew these models there's an understandable level of nervousness among executives of the respective companies.

It was the turn of the Audi execs to feel the heat when the company revealed its new A4 in 2008. The company had established the credibility of the A4 over previous generations, but knew the on-going success of the brand depended heavily on the eighth generation model. The previous generation fell somewhere between the BMW and 'Benz. It didn't handle as well as the 3-Series and wasn't as comfy as the C-Class, but the B8 A4 was improved on most fronts, which was needed to keep pace with the competition.

Unlike its rivals the Audi is predominantly front-wheel drive with some premium four-wheel drive models. There was quite a selection of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from a 1.8-litre direct injection turbo four boasting 118 kW and 250 Nm to a 3.2-litre V6 petrol with 195kW and 330Nm powering the range-  topping four-wheel driver.

The base four came standard with a six-speed manual; the diesels were hooked up to a CVT, and the 3.2 V6 to a dual-clutch auto. With its engine moved back a little and the steering rack shunted forward the A4's handling was improved, although it was still not quite in the 3-Series league.

The ride was also found to be a little too hard for the class, especially when stacked up against the C-Class. Inside, the cabin was well fitted out and nicely refined, with little road or wind noise to upset the inner peace. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and there was plenty of head and legroom for those in the front and the back.

As befits a car in it class the A4 came with a decent list of gear, like climate-control air, auto headlights and wipers, leather trim, fog lights, alloy wheels, 6.5-inch colour info screen and a split-  fold rear seat.

IN THE SHOP

The eighth gen A4 is relatively new to the market, so there's little to report in the way of niggles or serious flaws. Right now it's important to find a car that has been well cared for and serviced according to the book.

Most on sale will be fresh out of a lease so should have been maintained, but check for a service record anyway. Oil changes are important with modern engines so make sure the oil and filter have been replaced at the correct intervals.

VW and Audi engines tend to consume a little oil, which makes it important to keep an eye on the oil level at regular intervals. The oil usage is minor and not an issue, but it has caught some people out before when they never bother to lift the bonnet. Make the usual checks for panel damage, that's poor panel alignment and mismatched paint etc.

Overall the A4 is a sound vehicle and not one to give serious trouble.

IN A CRASH

Five stars says it all, there's no higher rating available. To get the top tick of approval the A4 had eight airbags, ABS brakes, traction control and stability control.

UNDER THE PUMP

The choice of petrol and diesel engines gives buyers plenty of choice when it comes to fuel consumption. The best of the bunch is the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel at 5.8 L./100 km; the thirstiest is the 3.2-litre V6 that Audi claimed would do 9.0 L/  100 km. All petrol engines required 95-octane premium unleaded fuel.

AT A GLANCE

Price new: $50,900 to $88,500
Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol, 118 kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 105 kW/320 Nm; 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, 140 kW/400 Nm; 3.2-litre V6, 195 kW/330 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 8-speed auto, 6-speed auto. FWD and AWD
Economy: 7.2 L/100 km (1.8 TFSI), 5.8 L/100 km (2.0 TDI), 6.9 (2.7 TDI), 9.0 L./100 km (3.2 V6 Q), 7.4 L/100 km (2.0 TDI Q), 6.9 L/100 km (3.0 TDI Q)
Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Variants: 1.8TFSI, 2.0TDI, 2.7TDI, 3.2-litre FSI Quattro, 2.0 TDI Quattro, 3.0 TDI Quattro
Safety: 5-star ANCAP.

Not as sporty as the 3-Series, not as comfortable as the C-Class, the A4 fits somewhere in between. Worthy of a look.

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Used mid-range cars review: 2009

The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.

WAGONS

One's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.

The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.

The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.

The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.

SEDANS

One's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.

All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.

As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.

DIESELS

One's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.

Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.

Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.

SUVS

One's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.

Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.

While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.

How much is that badge worth, again?

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Complete guide to Audi A4 2009
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