Models · Audi
Audi A4 B5 buying guide
The first A4, launched in late 1994 as a saloon with the Avant estate from 1996, and facelifted in 1999. Engines run from 1.6 and 1.8 petrols through the 1.8T and V6s to the 1.9 TDI and 2.5 TDI V6 diesels, and the engines and drivetrains are known to last.
The versions
- Petrol: 1.6 (101PS), 1.8 (125PS), 1.8T (150 or 180PS), 2.6 V6 on early cars, 2.4 V6 30-valve (165PS, from 1997) and 2.8 V6 (174PS, then 193PS from 1997)
- Diesel: 1.9 TDI (75 to 110PS, then a 115PS pumpe-düse version from 2000) and 2.5 TDI V6 (150PS, from 1997)
- Manual gearboxes, with a 6-speed available from 1998, and tiptronic automatic
- Front-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive
- Saloon from 1994, Avant from 1996; facelifts in 1997 and 1999
What to check on a B5 A4
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Knocking from the front suspension
What to look for: On the drive, find a rough road or some speed humps and listen for a knock or clonk from the front of the car. Note whether it's a light tap or a heavier thump.
Why it matters: Suspension and axle faults made up half of warranty claims on this A4. A front knock can be worn suspension bushes, which are a small job, or worn wishbones, which are a bigger one. A car with recent front suspension work is a good sign.
Worn shock absorbers
What to look for: Push down firmly on each corner and let go: the car should rise and settle straight away. On the drive, notice whether it floats or keeps bouncing after bumps. Look at each damper for oil.
Why it matters: Shock absorbers typically need replacing around 60,000 miles on this car, especially on diesels. Fresh dampers transform how it rides.
Cambelt history
What to look for: Look in the history for the date and mileage of the last cambelt change. On a 1996 car, ask an Audi dealer to confirm the cambelt recall was done.
Why it matters: The cambelt is due every five years or 60,000 miles, and on the non-turbo 1.8 it can snap before then, which can wreck the engine. There was also a 1996 recall for cambelt problems. A recent belt change with paperwork is one of the most valuable things a B5 can have.
Also in the full guide
- Early automatic gearboxes
- Turbo and quattro drivetrain
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the B5 A4
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.