Concerns About Buying A 2009 A4

[TonyWasHere]

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum and one of my favorite cars is the B8 A4 and I'm considering FINALLY getting one but I have some concerns. After researching a bit, it seems that EVERYONE agrees on the fact that Audi is known for having problems here and there. The problems range from oil consumption, which seems to be fixable, to even more expensive problems. There are even stories where the A4 will shut down mid-drive and will have to be towed to a shop to get fixed. These kind of stories kind of scare me a bit and make me unsure to whether or not to choose an A4 for a long-term vehicle. The A4 that I am currently debating buying is a CPO 2009 A4 2.0 Quattro Premium.

Short version: Is the B8 A4 really THAT prone to problems like some people seem to agree on? Would the 2009 A4 2.0 Quattro be viable as a vehicle to be driven for more than 5 years? Would buying a 2009 Lexus IS250 AWD be a better option? (I know all of you will be biased on the last question lol.) What are some of the more serious problems you've had with your A4, if any?

Thanks

[V1Rotate]

Turbo'd cars burn oil... Some were experiencing greater than normal oil burn... I personally have not experienced this.

The control arms make some cars to have a minor vibration at highway speeds... These can be fixed by a TSB thats been issued.

The "shut off and tow" issue you speak of is essentially the built in limp mode the car goes into to save and protect itself... Audis have a notorious coilpack issue, which can be replaced under warranty that if deffective can result in limp mode.

Ive yet to experience any of these issues with my b8 though.

[AWDLover]

I think you can find horror stories for any car online because thats where people go to vent. Truedelta.com has pretty good data on cars and shows the b8s as being above average in reliability. Maintain your car and take good care of it and you'll be fine. Make sure to check the carfax as well

[Highlander1010]

28K on my 2009 CPO'd (10K before I got it) Quattro 2.0T and I'm perfectly happy with it.

[bluetori]

I came from an 08' is250, nice car although randomly had an issue where it had limited power. I now have an 09' avant bought it 16k CPO'ed and now has 53k. I love it all cars will have random issues if you look hard enough. Oddly enough both types of dealers were never close to me so it made it hard to get work done as well. CPO also means you get warranty till 100k.

[Ox4]

I'm at 41K on my 2009, and the only problem was oil consumption, which has been completely fixed by having the pistons and rings replaced.

[eyrah]

No it's a great car, no major problems here I'm at 58k.. You have to take in mind that when a user reports a problem here, it usually get a little blown out of proportion. If you never had this looked at this forum you wouldent really worry about half the problems that come up on here haha. Same thing with any car. I actually believe these cars are very well built.

[hclax24]

I just got a 2009 A4 CPO w 40k last month and its been perfect so far and drives amazing. I did have to put in a quart of oil after 1.5k miles but don't think the dealer topped it off when I purchased it.

[TonyWasHere]

Is there anything I should look out for when test driving one at a dealership?

Thanks for all the replies too! I'm still wavering between the A4 and the IS250 because they're around the same price range but the A4 just looks so much better... would've been a no brainer if not for all these alleged problems.

[hclax24]

I see you live in NYC as well. Have you been to Audi Manhattan? They have a decent selection of '09 A4 right now but only let you drive up the West Side Hwy to 96th street.

[Pared]

Short answer - no. It's a great car and you'll love it.

[1_clean_Audi]

Bought mines brand new no mile back in May of 09, reg sched Main. had the recall part replaced im at 48K still loving every bit of it :D GO for it!..no major problems So far.

[ClevelandTundra]

I would take the vehicles on the highway and vary the speed from 60 to 85 mph and see if there's a shimmy of any sort coming from the steering wheel. The vibration at highway speeds along with oil consumption seem to be the main issues on the 09 B8s.

Personally, I just went through an annoying process of road force balances, alignments and tire swapping before my dealer finally replaced the control arms under warranty which resolved the issue. I am monitoring my oil consumption now to see if I have the problem.

Having said all these things, the car has been great since and drives well.

[AWDLover]

Buy the IS 250 if you want a two seater that is slow and boring to drive.....

The whole reliability concern had me choosing between the B8 A4 and an Infiniti G37x. In the end I went with the Audi as it looks a lot better IMO, had more space, and I liked how it drove. Super happy with my decision.

[keeva381]

The whole reliability concern had me choosing between the B8 A4 and an Infiniti G37x. In the end I went with the Audi as it looks a lot better IMO, had more space, and I liked how it drove. Super happy with my decision.

I was between the A4 and G37. Honestly came down to quality of materials and build. I literally told the Infiniti dealer when they asked why I didn't go with the G37 that it came down to the "sound the door makes when you shut it." He thought I was crazy. Honestly though, you shut the door of Lexus and Infiniti's, and it's a hollow metal sound. In other words, a cheap sound. The A4 is solid. Sure there's additional weight that comes with it, but at the end of the day I wanted a car, not a tin box.

[xCarter]

If I recall correctly the 250 IS doesn't have a split-fold rear seat. I snowboard and prefer not to rack if I don't have to, so for me a 60/40 rear was a very important feature of my recent 2010 A4 purchase. I had a 2004 A4 for many years and it had as few issues as any Toyota or Honda I'd ever owned (way better than my Subaru, I won't be going there again).

I also looked at the IS 250, but it just seemed too much like a Toyota and less like a true Luxury car (same feeling I have with Acura every time I drive them).

[TonyWasHere]

Well, it seems I just might buy the A4 over the IS250. Now it's just to find a Premium Plus package A4 within my budget of around 23-24k...

The prices are all over the place when I'm looking at various dealership websites... What do you guys think would be a FAIR price for a CPO 2009 A4 Premium Plus package with around 35-40k miles on it?

[A4FL]

Well, it seems I just might buy the A4 over the IS250. Now it's just to find a Premium Plus package A4 within my budget of around 23-24k...

The prices are all over the place when I'm looking at various dealership websites... What do you guys think would be a FAIR price for a CPO 2009 A4 Premium Plus package with around 35-40k miles on it?

I purchased a CPO 2009 Audi A4 Quattro Premium Plus A/T for my wife with 23k miles a month ago for $24,500. I found most of the 2009 Premium Plus A4's in my area are around $24,000 - $28,000

[eyrah]

I purchased a CPO 2009 Audi A4 Quattro Premium Plus A/T for my wife with 23k miles a month ago for $24,500. I found most of the 2009 Premium Plus A4's in my area are around $24,000 - $28,000

Wow! That's a great deal, in San Diego you can't even buy a premium for that price or miles :) Goodjob!

[TonyWasHere]

I purchased a CPO 2009 Audi A4 Quattro Premium Plus A/T for my wife with 23k miles a month ago for $24,500. I found most of the 2009 Premium Plus A4's in my area are around $24,000 - $28,000

Wow, I wish I can find a car like that for that price... Great find.

[A4FL]

http://www.classicaudi.com Book a one way flight to Orlando and have a great drive back to NYC. I take mine to CT twice a year.

[xtrabOOst]

-I got my 2009 CPO A4 Quattro Premium Plus with 17k miles for $28K.

[NAUDI_A4]

Just bought my 09 Prestige A4 Quattro... love it.. :D

[OmaHahn]

Look for one with the 3.2 V6! I don't have any oil buring issues at all and haven't had a single mechanical or other issue ever! Perfect car! I just got back from a 500 mile round trip to the in-laws and the V6 made me proud - 29 mpg and it was very windy and I even did some spirted burst on flat open stretches on I-80 - um, I mean in Mexico on deserted road. Best car purchase I've made to date!

[AudiTLC]

I would not be concerned. My wife has a B8 2.0T Quattro and it's a very smooth and refined car. No issues so far but the inline 4 is not new at all and in one form or another has been around since '98.
Control arms- did not know about it until after we bought but no issue at all from the dealer replacing them.

My only gripe is the size- I don't like how big they made the car. Doesn't feel as sporty, though the variable pwr steering helps it feel easier to maneuver in small spaces.
I had a B8 avant for a while and just felt like a "dad" driving it. It's a beautiful car though not the tight, sporty avant the B5-B7 were.
I'm actually not surprised people take the Q5 over the Avant now.
I prefer the sedan B8 while I prefer the avant B7/6.

I'm very curious about the upcoming A3 sedan. Could be the next coming of B7 successor.
That may be my next car.

Don't get me wrong, B8 a great car. I could definitely "fall in love" with it. My wife really likes it- only car she wanted.
Definitely feels much more refined than previous gens and great, smooth stylish car.
One has to be reminded that the B8 2.0T is equally as fast as a B5 S4 twin turbo 6! All while being more refined, comfortable, safer, more reliable and better mpgs.

I certainly take it over any other make... and we did! :)

[blitz869]

I would not be concerned. My wife has a B8 2.0T Quattro and it's a very smooth and refined car. No issues so far but the inline 4 is not new at all and in one form or another has been around since '98.
Control arms- did not know about it until after we bought but no issue at all from the dealer replacing them.

My only gripe is the size- I don't like how big they made the car. Doesn't feel as sporty, though the variable pwr steering helps it feel easier to maneuver in small spaces.
I had a B8 avant for a while and just felt like a "dad" driving it. It's a beautiful car though not the tight, sporty avant the B5-B7 were.
I'm actually not surprised people take the Q5 over the Avant now.
I prefer the sedan B8 while I prefer the avant B7/6.

I'm very curious about the upcoming A3 sedan. Could be the next coming of B7 successor.
That may be my next car.

Don't get me wrong, B8 a great car. I could definitely "fall in love" with it. My wife really likes it- only car she wanted.
Definitely feels much more refined than previous gens and great, smooth stylish car.
One has to be reminded that the B8 2.0T is equally as fast as a B5 S4 twin turbo 6! All while being more refined, comfortable, safer, more reliable and better mpgs.

I certainly take it over any other make... and we did! :)

If you dont mind me asking, I just bought a 2009 a4 2.0 and was curious of the control arm issue you said the dealer did under warranty. could you explain a little bit about that I dont notice any problems driving but I would like to be able to take it in under warranty if anything every started to happen.

[BarEaterB8]

I bought my CPO 09 B8 with 33k.....had the pistons/rings done under warranty at 40k, not one problem! Go for it!

[typer100]

Let's put it this way... When you own a VW or Audi, you will,on average, spent more time at the dealer for repairs and it will also cost more. This rule also applies to Bimmers and Mercedes.

Exciting cars, but high maintenance. Sounds like a girl I used to date...

[AudiA4WR]

From my experience, I wouldn't get it. To put it plain and simple, it's been nothing but trouble for me

[Greg Nelson]

Look for one with the 3.2 V6! Best car purchase I've made to date!

Truth No engine issues whatsoever, or anything else.
Only available in US MY2009
Very sporty in Tip M mode
3.2 owners are a minority here, we stick together

[Liquid Smoke]

2009 2.0T here, non CPO, bought with 35k miles, 8 months later and 49k miles now, no problems at all, just an oil and spark plug change other than that havent needed to do anything to the car.

i wouldnt even know of the control arm issues, oil consumption issue (because manual says 1qt/1200 miles so i wouldve just accepted that), etc. if i didnt see it on here. and other than those things which are minor its not like everyone on here has issues with 09s, its pretty much just the oil consumption thats the biggest thing and i can live with that.

still got my fingers crossed and hopefully will hold up great for another 50k miles. you just have to make sure you're getting one that was well taken care of and had a good previous owner. also, i wouldnt really bother looking for CPOs because with an 09 i dont think it even matters, not like theres much on there that would be messed up at this point and i bet half the dealers just check a few things and slap a CPO seal on it, reason y you hear alot of complaints about CPO ones. i would only go for CPO if you were getting a car thats like 6-7+ yrs old.

@AudiTLC: yup you're right, the new A3 sedan is supposed to be like the equivalent successor of the B6/7. with the B8 the A4 pretty much went up in size class, no longer as compact as the B5/6/7. but i actually like the size of the A4 now, the B8. i feel like its a perfect size, still big enough to be comfortable for all passengers and have a nice luxurious look, but not too big and still standard size. but its not a compact size anymore and looks less "girly" or "toyish" for lack of better terms. its like when i see the BMW 1 series now, its ok but i cant see myself buying that car, just too small and tiny, so in a way its like its not as serious and classy.

[AudiTLC]

If you dont mind me asking, I just bought a 2009 a4 2.0 and was curious of the control arm issue you said the dealer did under warranty. could you explain a little bit about that I dont notice any problems driving but I would like to be able to take it in under warranty if anything every started to happen.

There was a freeway speed vibration. It took a couple visits, they tried balancing the tires and what not. They replaced the ca's and it was solved.
No problems from the dealer. I understand they have to try each step to diagnose a problem.

[lx4life]

I think you replied a little late to him.

[BCAPR]

My 2009 P+ is for sale:) just hit 80k miles without any major issues! Water pump just replaced. new brakes and no oil burning issue EVER on this engine! yessss!
No audi warranty left so loving the Stage 2 APR turbo back exhaust to the fullest!

[richardm0025]

My 2009 P+ is for sale:) just hit 80k miles without any major issues! Water pump just replaced. new brakes and no oil burning issue EVER on this engine! yessss!
No audi warranty left so loving the Stage 2 APR turbo back exhaust to the fullest!

Something tells me he may have already bought one, Maybe he's still looking though ;)

[BMWBig6]

My 2009 P+ is for sale:) just hit 80k miles without any major issues! Water pump just replaced. new brakes and no oil burning issue EVER on this engine! yessss!
No audi warranty left so loving the Stage 2 APR turbo back exhaust to the fullest!

Water pump replaced by 80k, is that normal? I have 66k miles, is the reason I ask.

[BaysideS4]

Water pump replaced by 80k, is that normal? I have 66k miles, is the reason I ask.

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

[billyhelmsorig]

2009's aren't all that bad, only issue mine ever had was burning oil and the dealership replaced the pistons to fix that under warranty, and burning out the power steering pump (my own fault) dealership also replaced that under warranty. my 09 has 48k on it

[SDF1]

My car history. A4 2.0T 2009

PCV, Pistons and Rings replaced - I was burning 0.84L/1000Kms. Significantly improved the oil burning issue.
Battery Replaced - It Died
Sunroof Visor replaced with updated part - Wind buffeting noise
Steering Flex hose replaced - At low speeds the steering wheel would vibrate.
EPB (Electronic Brake switch) was replaced - I would randomly get error that there is something wrong with my brakes.
Alternator Replaced - All the lights in my car including my MMI screen would flicker.
Sunroof Motor replaced - Sunroof stopped opening
A/C Relay, Can Bus Wires, Ignition Starter, New Grounding Wire - Car wouldn't start
Gas Tank Solenoid replaced - Gas tank wouldn't open sometimes
Passenger Door Rubber seal reglued - I was hearing noise in the highway
MAF Sensor replaced - Terrible gas millage
Several Transmission softwares and adaptation and even car alignment - Car would weirdly shift very rough and delayed engagement
Lower Control Arms - Steering wheel would vibrate like crazy, did force balance at dealer, then replaced with OEM Certified and redid force balance, then they changed control arms.
Steering wheel pump replaced - really weird noises when i was turning the steering wheel left and right
Water pump replaced.
I might be forgetting one of two things.


Even with all the issues, I love the drive and feel of the car. Unmatched by any car that I have test drove but....I plan on getting rid of this car when the CPO is done. Each time I've been at the dealer for them to fix an issue it's been between 1000-6000$.... it's not worth owning the car. Lease it or buy with CPO and getting rid of it..... and NEVER EVER EVER get first year model of any new generation.

[SleeperCar]

.. and NEVER EVER EVER get first year model of any new generation.

^This....first generation cars always have kinks...fact of the auto industry.