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1996 – 2001 · 2 body styles available

B5

The 1996-2001 Audi A4 (B5 generation) marked the model’s first appearance in North America, replacing the Audi 80 and establishing a new benchmark for compact…

Body styles
SedanWagon

Audi A4 (B5) Buyer's Guide

The B5 A4 (1996-2001) was Audi's first modern compact executive sedan and introduced the world to the 1.8T engine. It's the car that established Audi's reputation for quattro AWD and turbocharged efficiency. The B5 S4 is a legend. Powertrain: The 1.8L turbo

4 known issuesRead the guide

2002 – 2004 · 2 body styles available

B6

The 2002-2004 Audi A4 B6 generation marked a shift toward a more sculpted, upscale design and a quieter cabin compared to its predecessor. Available as a…

Body styles
SedanWagon
Model years

Audi A4 (B6) Buyer's Guide

The B6 A4 (2002-2004) was a shorter generation that focused on refinement. It had a more premium interior, updated styling, and introduced the controversial CVT (Multitronic) to front-wheel-drive models. The B6 S4 introduced the 4.2L V8 — a masterpiece.

4 known issuesRead the guide

2005 – 2008 · 2 body styles available

B7

The 2005-2008 Audi A4 represents the B7 generation, a mid-cycle refresh of the preceding B6 platform that introduced the automaker’s 2.0-liter turbocharged…

Body styles
SedanWagon
Model years

Audi A4 (B7) Buyer's Guide

The B7 A4 (2005-2008) brought Audi's signature LED daytime running lights, the FSI direct-injection engine, and the RS4 to the US for the first time. It was the last A4 before the B8's major growth spurt. Powertrain: The 2.0T FSI 2.0L turbo (200 hp) with

4 known issuesRead the guide

2009 – 2016 · 2 body styles available

B8

The 2009-2016 Audi A4 represents the B8 generation, a significant redesign that introduced a longer wheelbase, sharper styling, and a more refined interior…

Body styles
SedanWagon

Audi A4 (B8) Buyer's Guide

The B8 A4 (2009-2016) grew significantly and moved to Audi's modular MLB platform. It's the first A4 with a turbocharged engine only (no V6 option in standard A4), and introduced Audi Drive Select. The B8.5 (2013-2016) refresh fixed most early issues.

4 known issuesRead the guide

2017 – present · 2 body styles available

B9

The 2017-present Audi A4 (B9 generation) marked a significant shift to the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, shedding weight and adding structural rigidity…

Body styles
SedanWagon

Audi A4 (B9) Buyer's Guide

The B9 A4 (2017-2024) is the most refined A4 yet — a quieter, more luxurious cabin, mild-hybrid powertrains, and a fully digital virtual cockpit. It's the last internal-combustion A4 before Audi transitions to electric vehicles. Powertrain: The 2.0T TFSI 2.0L

3 known issuesRead the guide

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How guides rank risk

Four severity levels

CriticalDeal-breakers
MajorCostly soon
CautionKeep an eye on
OKLow concern

Every Squeezed guide sorts findings from Critical to OK, so you see the deal-breakers on the A4 before anything else.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What generations of the Audi A4 are there?

B5 (1996 to 2001); B6 (2002 to 2004); B7 (2005 to 2008); B8 (2009 to 2016); B9 (2017 to present).

What are the common problems with the Audi A4?

Documented problems include 1.8T Oil Sludge, Multitronic CVT Failure (FWD), Multitronic CVT (FWD). Which ones apply depends on the generation, so open the year you are considering for its recalls, complaints and a full breakdown.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Audi A4?

Yes. A Squeezed guide is the triage before the inspection: it shows what to check and what to ask the seller, so you know which listings are worth a mechanic's time.