Popping my Audi cherry! Need some suggestions :)

[KiDDAuDi]

Hello there Audi enthusiasts!

I am a former Bimmer driver ready to jump into the Audi world as I have always LOVED Audi.

I am planning on buying a A4 B8 2010 and up...

I've read a ton of reviews and see that some of them can be unreliable and extremely expensive throughout the years mainly due to engine and electric problems...

My question is, which year of A4 2010 and up do you guys find the most reliable?

Thanks in advance.

[booost]

I'd go 2011 or newer. They fixed the oil consumption by then and also introduced the 8 speed AT. The 2013 and newer models have been facelifted so they look a bit different, they also switched to electric steering and engines that are E85 compatible.

[bakedziti]

Pre or post facelift styling?

I just bought a 2011 P+, so it was the last year of the individual LEDs. I prefer that, but others prefer the post facelift style more. 2009-2011(early) were affected my the oil consumption issues. Luckily, my car was a late 2011. I have been watching my oil like crazy, just for piece of mind; but I have heard that AoA is pretty good about fixing the oil consumption issue.

[Chanman94]

Other than oil consumptions on early model year cars the 2.0T is pretty solid. Doesn't appear there are any electrical issues on newer cars. It was more of an issue with the B5/6 platforms

[AllroadCorbin]

the 2012 B8 and 2013-2015 B8.5 are easily the most reliable. If you purchase one make sure it doesnt have any evidence of software upgrades when scanned....otherwise you could end up with a car that somebody like me... has well uhhhh "used to its full extent"

the early B8s had bad diverter valves, oil consump issues, turbo issues ( Audi extended the warranty on these turbos thankfully), and bad PCV valves. That said the PCV on my B8.5 is still shitty haha

[homelessNY_LI]

Also with the b8.5 Apr has a nice tune for the e85 with great gains

[Project Quattro]

If your budget allows for it try to grab a CPO 2012 B8 if you prefer the pre-facelift styling (I do) or a CPO B8.5. As others mentioned the 2012 B8s had the 8AT whereas the 2009-2011 cars had a 6AT. The B8s also have hydraulic power steering which some people (including myself) greatly prefer the feel of vs. the electric steering that came with the B8.5s. Regardless of model I'd suggest getting a CPO car for peace of mind.


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[shaunm82]

2011 was the first year they intro'd the 8AT.

Purely depends on your styling really, Pre-facelift I'd go 11-12' for sure. Post facelift will of course have the updated stylings, and e85 if you choose an AT.

[amz]

Go 2012 or newer and you won't have any issues. You should definitely drive a 2012 and a 2013 though, there is a huge difference in steering feel between the two.

[Ricooooo]

Also look for peeling paints on front fenders and rocker panels.

[KiDDAuDi]

Sweet, thanks everyone for the input! I have never received this much feedback in such a short period of time. Great stuff

So from what I've gathered, I should probably aim for a CPO '12-'13 model... I see the different in facelifts between the 11 and 12 and am gravitating towards the 12 more, so if the price is right, I'll most likely get that!

I'm hoping to get it real soon, once I do, I'll post some pictures for you guys.

Thanks again!

[AllroadCorbin]

good luck my friend and welcome aboard. I tend to find Audi enthusiasts to be incredibly helpful toward one another so this forum will always been a great place to research and questions

[mjt20mik]

I recently picked up a 13 b8.5. The feel is different for sure between it and a 12, but like everyone has suggested I'd keep it between those years. Make sure to get CPO too.

Honestly, the B8 is one of the prettiest audis. If you can find a good condition CPO 12, I'd pull the trigger.