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<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p>The Audi A4 Avant is a very competent, classy estate, but overall it's just beaten by the competition from BMW and Mercedes.</p>


Used Audi A4 Avant 2008 - 2015

<p>Predictably the diesel A4 Avants are cheapest to run, with stronger residual values and much better fuel economy than the petrols. The 2.0-litre diesels average between 55.4 and 47.9mpg, with the 2.7-litre at 44.1mpg and the 3.0-litre managing 42.8mpg. Compare that with the 1.8-litre petrol at 39.8mpg, the 2.0-litre with between 42.8mpg and 38.2, and the 3.2-litre at 31.7mpg.</p>

<p>Servicing costs are on a par with those of rivals, but <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> dealers tend to have some of the highest labour rates. You'll save by switching to a reliable independent garage, or you could try a franchised dealer from one of the other VW Group of companies <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/seat">(Seat</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/skoda">Skoda</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> itself). They share many of the engines and gearboxes, so should be able to carry out any work.</p>

<p>It's too soon to assess the A4 Avant's long-term reliability. So far there are few reported issues, but the previous version has a reputation for being less than perfect.</p>

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The Audi A4 Avant is a very competent, classy estate, but overall it's just beaten by the competition from BMW and Mercedes.

<p>You'll need a good reason not to consider the diesel models. The 2.0-litre TDI engines, with between 118bhp and 168bhp, are the best option - not only for availability, but for running costs and residual values, too. There's also a 2.7-litre, with 187bhp and a CVT auto gearbox, plus a quattro four-wheel-drive 237bhp 3.0-litre. There is no automatic 'box option on the 2.0-litre, but the 3.0 litre is also available with an S-tronic semi-auto gearbox.</p>

<p>The petrol versions start with the punchy and refined 1.8-litre TFSI, with between 118bhp and 158bhp, and a 2.0-litre version with 208bhp. Both are available with a CVT auto gearbox. The four-wheel-drive 261bhp 3.2-litre is more of a car for keen drivers, but rare on the used market.</p>

<p>Entry-level specification is good with stability control, electric windows all round, climate control and remote central locking, while SE adds alloy wheels, parking sensors, and upgraded stereo and cabin trim, and multi-zone climate control. The S-Line version sits on lowered sports suspension with larger alloys, plus sporty cabin trim and a body styling kit.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

<p>If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.</p>

<p>Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.</p>

<p>There are some complaints about notchy or noisy gearboxes, but this doesn't appear to affect their performance.</p>

<p>Most A4 Avants start life as company or fleet cars. Have a thorough look at the car and check it has been cared for. Heavily kerbed alloys could mean the steering alignment is out, and tyres will wear faster than expected. Also look for damage to the bumpers caused by careless reversing.</p>

<p>Make sure the service history is complete, and that high-mileage cars have been serviced at the correct intervals.</p>

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<p>Audi has a good reputation for building classy wagons, and this Audi A4 Avant lives up to that. The styling is more sports hatch than load-lugger, but even so the boot is a good size and easy to load, although some rivals are slightly bigger. Unfortunately the rear seats don't fold completely flat, which makes loading longer items awkward.</p>

<p>The handling is balanced and there's good grip through bends. Pity the steering can feel artificially light at times and doesn't provide more feedback. The ride is on the firm side, if not quite as stiff as that of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 3 Series Touring</a> – although the A4 Avant struggles on poor surfaces.</p>

<p>The interior is well laid out and spacious enough for four adults. Visibility is good, and the driver's seat is easily adjustable to suit most people. True, this car was never the class leader for fit and finish, but the interior is still built with high quality, solid feeling-materials.</p>

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Used Audi A4 Avant 2008 - 2015 reliability

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Used Audi A4 Avant 2008 - 2015 review

There are some complaints about notchy or noisy gearboxes, but this doesn't appear to affect their performance.,Most A4 Avants start life as company or fleet cars. Have a thorough look at the car and check it has been cared for. Heavily kerbed alloys could mean the steering alignment is out, and tyres will wear faster than expected. Also look for damage to the bumpers caused by careless reversing.,Make sure the service history is complete, and that high-mileage cars have been serviced at the correct intervals. 

What to look for when buying a Audi A4 2008 - 2015, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Audi A4 Avant 2008 - 2015 reliability

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