Is a high mileage auto Audi A4 ok?
What should I look out for when buying a 2008 Audi A4 automatic? It has 170,000km on the clock.
Simon DooceyApr 2013 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
You've picked a car from a changeover year, but with that mileage I'm going to assume it's the older generation model you're talking about. If so, check the door handles for loose fit and make sure it has had a cambelt change at 130,000km. If it's a diesel make sure its oil has been regularly topped up (A4s seem to burn a lot), if it's the Multitronic auto then make sure the gearbox oil has been changed every 60,000 kilometres or so.
Other than that, engine sensors can fail and drop the car into creep-home mode, so make sure your test drive takes in a lot of different driving styles and speeds. Check the diesel particulate filter (drive for a steady 16 kilometres at 2,500rpm and if the DPF light on the dash doesn't go out then it needs replacing). Listen for noisy steering racks on full lock. A knocking noise from the front suspension could be a worn-out anti-roll bar too.
Hope that helps
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser@neilmbriscoe