Looking into a 2009 A4. What to look out for?

[Azone]

Hey everyone, first time poster and have to say that this is one fantastic site loaded with lots of good information.

Anyway, we're looking into buying a 2009 A4 2.0T quattro with the Premium Plus Package. The car in question has just over 19000 miles, costs about $28000, and is being purchased from an Audi dealer. I was just wondering if there are any faults or reliability issues to look out for (especially considering this is the first model year for the B8 in the States). I've looked around the forum and haven't seen anything major pop up. I have read of some issues with steering wheel vibrations at high speeds, though I hear there was supposedly a fix (new power steering hose?). Also, on other sites I had read about excessive oil consumption, but I figured that was normal in the first few thousand miles of usage on a turbocharged car. Can anyone comment on if it's actually an issue beyond the break in period?

Other than that, I haven't heard of many other faults. If anyone knows of any other faults or has any general comments on purchasing a used A4, let me know.

Thanks!

[Highlander1010]

I bought my 2009 A4 2.0T Quattro with about 10K miles on it and love it. I did notice my seatback was a bit loose (fixed by Audi for free) and had one Audi update performed on the engine (cannot remember what it was but it was a memo - so free). I also had them replace the sunroof windscreen arm with the new version since the old one causes very bad air vibrations (deep bass).

[Azone]

Thanks for the reply!

Glad to see you're enjoying it. Sounds like the issues you mentioned aren't very major. I'll definitely look into the engine software update and the sunroof windscreen arm.

Anyway, we'll be checking it out in a few hours. If anyone knows of anything to look out for, let me know. :) (Though, after even more searching, this seems like a pretty solid car).

[B8Phil]

make sure to get Audicare coverage.

[Azone]

Oh, didn't occur to me you could get that for used cars. Good info. But it doesn't seem to offer anything more than oil changes. While paying for these services individually at the dealer would cost more, would I actually see savings if I were to DIY? And also, would it cost the usual $790 even though it's used?

[Greg Nelson]

Oh, didn't occur to me you could get that for used cars. Good info. But it doesn't seem to offer anything more than oil changes. While paying for these services individually at the dealer would cost more, would I actually see savings if I were to DIY? And also, would it cost the usual $790 even though it's used?

Assume you're purchasing a CPO from Audi dealer. If original owner purchased Audi Care, would think it's transferable to you as new owner.
It's more than oil changes at some of the later services - search AudiUSA.com - somewhere there is info re service interval items covered.
If car didn't have Audi Care when originally purchased, ask dealer if available and how much on a used CPO.

[eirebob]

If you're purchasing from a dealer, make sure that it is sold as a CPO, which will extend the warranty period beyond the original.

The high speed vibration issue you mentioned appears to be the most mysterious, and appears to apply to all years. The power steering hose fix you mentioned applies to a LOW speed shudder issue, which I had, and was resolved by the hose fix.

When I brought mine in for the 25k ( free, as I inherited the Audicare from the previous owner), the dealer performed a camshaft repair which applies to some 2009's.
Reference the thread for Camshaft RVU in the B8 A4 Tech section.

I bought mine at 13k, now at 23k. Oil consumption seems to have improved with time and mileage. I expect to add about a quart before I next change the oil at about 28k.

The 2009 is the first year for the B8's in the states, but the second year for the model at home, so at least some of the bugs were worked out before its US release. I'd still want to make sure, though, that you avail of the CPO warranty extension if you buy from a dealer.

I'm really enjoying mine. It's a fine car, and, here on Audizine, mod heaven awaits.

[Azone]

Assume you're purchasing a CPO from Audi dealer. If original owner purchased Audi Care, would think it's transferable to you as new owner.
It's more than oil changes at some of the later services - search AudiUSA.com - somewhere there is info re service interval items covered.
If car didn't have Audi Care when originally purchased, ask dealer if available and how much on a used CPO.

Well, after browsing around and finding out what's included, it does in fact seem worth it to get. The ability to get it transferred from the previous owner is good to hear, and I'll definitely look into that.

If you're purchasing from a dealer, make sure that it is sold as a CPO, which will extend the warranty period beyond the original.

Noted. I actually don't think the one we were going to look at was CPO (it actually sold last night).

The high speed vibration issue you mentioned appears to be the most mysterious, and appears to apply to all years. The power steering hose fix you mentioned applies to a LOW speed shudder issue, which I had, and was resolved by the hose fix.

Hmm, interesting. So, I suppose in that case it's best to just avoid any model with vibrations at high speeds altogether, unless I can get the dealer to replace the control arms?

When I brought mine in for the 25k ( free, as I inherited the Audicare from the previous owner), the dealer performed a camshaft repair which applies to some 2009's.
Reference the thread for Camshaft RVU in the B8 A4 Tech section.

Completely missed this important bit of info. Thank you! Just need to make sure that the dealer is willing to do it if the car falls outside of the given time period.

I bought mine at 13k, now at 23k. Oil consumption seems to have improved with time and mileage. I expect to add about a quart before I next change the oil at about 28k.

Sounds reasonable enough. And I take it from the forums that 5k mile intervals are recommended over Audi's suggestion of 10k?

The 2009 is the first year for the B8's in the states, but the second year for the model at home, so at least some of the bugs were worked out before its US release. I'd still want to make sure, though, that you avail of the CPO warranty extension if you buy from a dealer.

Seems to bring it up to 6 years/100k miles. Pretty solid, though it seems the going rates for CPOs are quite a lot higher. Will have to make a decision on that.

I'm really enjoying mine. It's a fine car, and, here on Audizine, mod heaven awaits.

Glad to hear. We had called the dealer yesterday and the car was still available at the time, but between then and us actually going, it was sold. So, I'll be on the lookout for a low mileage Premium Plus. As it stands, if a deal like that appears again, then it will be the forerunner in our choices.

Many thanks for all of the valuable information.

Edit: After a quick search, it looks like the majority of CPOs in the area have over 40k miles (and thus are over the factory warranty). Should I still be seeking CPO?

[Ryan_T]

- Sunroof wind deflector
- Driver seat a bit loose. My dealer's not replaced it yet. Doesn't bother me much, but will keep nagging.
- Trunk lid arms plastic cover is weak
- 2009 was the only model in North America with non-LED tail lights. Why not get a 2010?
- 2009 has no S-Line
- 2009 Sports package has nearly everything S-Line has (Paddles, seats, steering wheel), except for the exterior details.
- Wheel bearing has been known to be somewhat weak. Try to avoid potholes.

[Azone]

- Sunroof wind deflector
- Driver seat a bit loose. My dealer's not replaced it yet. Doesn't bother me much, but will keep nagging.
- Trunk lid arms plastic cover is weak
- 2009 was the only model in North America with non-LED tail lights. Why not get a 2010?
- 2009 has no S-Line
- 2009 Sports package has nearly everything S-Line has (Paddles, seats, steering wheel), except for the exterior details.
- Wheel bearing has been known to be somewhat weak. Try to avoid potholes.

All issues noted. Thanks!

As for not getting the 2010, the reason is because most of the cars we're looking at are coming off of old leases, so 2010s are harder to come by (of course, if we find a good deal we'll go after it). The lack of LED tails also bugs me...so a retrofit attempt may occur if it isn't too expensive. As for the lack of S-Line, that doesn't matter. I'm not the one who is going to be driving this, so comfort matters more. I do much prefer the steering wheel and seats on the sports package, and I hear the sports suspension is a must have to match the 3 series, but this is of a non-issue with the one who will be driving it.

[B8Phil]

Edit: After a quick search, it looks like the majority of CPOs in the area have over 40k miles (and thus are over the factory warranty). Should I still be seeking CPO?

Those are the ones that most likely recently came off lease. I'd still consider CPO if the mileage was right. If the Audi dealer is selling it, see if they'll throw in the extended warranty and Audi Care Plus.

[Highlander1010]

Mine is CPO + original warranty (1 year old). So I ended up with 6 years total of Audi Warranty coverage and I'm still under the original period now. SWEET! I also bought my services up front and saved some $$$ knowing I won't ever have time to do them myself.

[eirebob]

Oil changes are remarkably easy to do on this car, with the filter right up front. Get an oil extractor, and you don't need to get under the car. Makes the 5k oil changes simple and fairly inexpensive, though you do need to use VW approved synthetic. 5/40 Castrol Syntec is used by the dealers here, and available at Autozone. Definitely stick with a 5k change schedule. 10k is simply too aggressive for a turbo.

FYI, the Premium Plus package does include the LED tails for 2010, but lose the memory seats and compass which were part of the 2009 PP pack.

Best of luck in your search.

[Azone]

Alright, so if we find a low mileage CPO, we'll probably go and seek it, and we're almost certainly getting Audicare. Additionally I will see if the dealer is willing to add on an extended warranty if the car isn't CPO.

As for oil changes, I'm really glad to hear that they're easy to do. An oil extractor never crossed my mind and certainly will make things a breeze. I'll leave the 10k oil changes to Audicare and do ones in between.

Once again, thank you all for the plethora of knowledge. I think I now know everything I need to know and will hopefully come across another good deal.

[K1_Builder]

- Sunroof wind deflector
- Driver seat a bit loose. My dealer's not replaced it yet. Doesn't bother me much, but will keep nagging.
- Trunk lid arms plastic cover is weak
- 2009 was the only model in North America with non-LED tail lights. Why not get a 2010?
- 2009 has no S-Line
- 2009 Sports package has nearly everything S-Line has (Paddles, seats, steering wheel), except for the exterior details.
- Wheel bearing has been known to be somewhat weak. Try to avoid potholes.

I guess I have the only 2009 S-Line in existence. Should sell for a premium when I am looking for an upgrade.