Models · Audi
Audi A4 B7 buying guide
The B7 A4 was built from late 2004 to 2008 as a saloon and Avant, with a cabriolet from 2006. It was a heavy update of the B6 with new styling and a wide range of petrol and diesel engines; the 2.0 TDI 170 and the 2.0 TFSI petrol are the most recommended.
The versions
- Petrol: 1.6 (102PS), 2.0 (130PS), 1.8T (163PS), 2.0 TFSI (200PS, 220PS in DTM and Special Edition form) and 3.2 FSI V6 (255PS)
- Diesel: 1.9 TDI (115PS), 2.0 TDI (140 or 170PS), 2.5 TDI V6 (163PS), 2.7 TDI V6 (180PS) and 3.0 TDI V6 (204 or 233PS)
- 5- and 6-speed manuals, multitronic CVT on front-wheel-drive cars, and a 6-speed tiptronic automatic on quattro
- Front-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive
- Saloon, Avant and cabriolet
What to check on a B7 A4
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
2.0 TDI: oil level
What to look for: Pull the dipstick and check the oil is between the marks. Look in the service book for the date of the last oil change, and ask how often the seller checks the level.
Why it matters: The 2.0 TDI can burn oil over time, and some owners rely on the warning light rather than checking the level, which can cause permanent engine damage. A correct level and regular oil changes are what to look for.
Manual gearbox selection and clutch
What to look for: On a manual, select every gear, including reverse, both standing still and on the move. Notice whether any gear is hard to engage and whether the clutch feels very heavy.
Why it matters: Difficulty changing gear and a very stiff clutch are early signs of a known gearbox problem on this generation. Audi has sometimes contributed to repair costs on cars outside warranty.
multitronic gearbox behaviour
What to look for: On a front-wheel-drive automatic, which uses the multitronic, drive from cold and in traffic. Notice any jolting, the gearbox holding a ratio too long, or reluctance to drop down when you accelerate.
Why it matters: At higher mileages the multitronic can hold gears too long or resist downshifting, sometimes without warning. A smooth-driving gearbox is the main thing to confirm.
Also in the full guide
- Turbo petrol: oil, cambelt and heat
- Central locking and rattles
- Cabriolet: roof and ventilation
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the B7 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.