Used Audi A4 Avant for sale: everything you need to know

The current generation Audi A4 Avant has been around since 2016, but Audi gave the range a reasonably comprehensive update in 2019, and that’s the model we’re focusing on below.

Like every generation of A4 Avant though, it’s a car that’s hard to fault in any serious way. It’s not as spacious as some, nor as entertaining to drive as others, but it remains one of the most appealing and all-round competent estates on the market - while strong sales mean there’s plenty of choice among used models too.

The A4 Avant’s key rivals are the BMW 3 Series Touring, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, each of which is similarly appealing, but has brand characteristics that may attract some buyers more than others. Outside of the premium brands, cars like the Volvo V60 and Peugeot 508 SW are other stylish choices.

Should you buy an Audi A4 Avant?

If you’re purely looking for the largest possible boot capacity, then the A4 Avant probably isn’t the estate car for you. Less money would get you a Skoda Superb Estate with up to 690 litres, or even a brand new Dacia Jogger with more than 700 litres… but the chances are, you’re as much drawn in by the A4 Avant’s style and image as its space, and with a proper hatchback and nearly 500 litres, it’s still more practical than an A4 saloon.

In fact, you could (and plenty do) justify the A4 Avant based on style alone - you won’t have to go far to find people who prefer its sleek roofline to that of the saloon. There’s plenty of rear seat space too, and the overall look and feel of the cabin remains an A4 highlight. Audi has improved the A4’s equipment levels over time though, so the same trim level two or three years apart may not have the same kit.

Some other cars in this class offer more enjoyment behind the wheel, but as an all-round experience the A4 Avant is hard to beat. Stick to smaller wheel sizes and avoid the lowered sports suspension if you want more comfort and refinement, but it’s difficult to argue the larger wheels and styling kit of S Line models don’t enhance the looks. Quattro models feel especially safe and secure even in poor conditions.

All engines are strong and refined, and generally pretty frugal too - and if you want more performance, then look out for S4 Avant and RS4 Avant variants, whose V6 engines (TDI in the S4, TFSI in the RS4) have a unique sound and feel too. Just bear in mind that higher performance tends to mean higher running costs too.

The BMW 3-Series Touring is still the pick for driver entertainment in this class, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate majors on comfort and tech. Both offer very similar boot capacity, so no one model has a significant advantage over its rivals here. For an offbeat stylish estate choice, the Volvo V60 and Peugeot 508 SW are both very easy on the eye, while the Skoda Superb Estate wins the space race - the new model has 690 litres of boot space, but even the outgoing car had 660 litres.

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What’s the best used Audi A4 Avant model to buy

It’s hard to argue against the 35 TDI here. No, it won’t shock you with its straight line performance, but it’s still brisk enough, and the claimed economy is pretty impressive for a car of this type. The engine is refined too and the dual-clutch automatic, badged S Tronic, smooth and easy to use. The choice of potential trim levels is slightly bewildering but as a family wagon, SE, Technik and Sport all make sense, as they ride on smaller wheels and more comfortable suspension settings, so show off the A4 Avant’s qualities to their best.

Used Audi A4 Avant fuel economy and performance

• Audi A4 Avant 35 TFSI: The entry level petrol uses a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 150PS, which delivers 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and combined economy of up to 42.8mpg.
• Audi A4 Avant 40 TFSI: With the same 2-litre petrol but tuned for 204PS, the 0-62mph time drops to 7.3 seconds, while economy actually increases a little to 44.1mpg.
• Audi A4 Avant 35 TDI: The 35 TDI is a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, producing 150PS and getting from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds. Audi quotes economy of up to 57.6mpg.
• Audi A4 Avant 40 TDI: Available only in quattro all-wheel drive format, the 40 TDI has a power output of 204PS, for 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds. It can do up to 52.3mpg combined.

What used Audi A4 Avant trim levels are available?

The A4 Avant is available in the same trim levels as many other cars in the Audi range, so if you’ve looked at any Audis before you’ll probably be familiar with the format. SE trim was briefly replaced by Tecknik trim from 2020 but that was later dropped, so the current range starts from Sport trim. Equipment levels have improved over time too, so earlier Sport and S Line trims may not be quite as well equipped as those below.

• The Audi A4 Avant SE was offered at launch but later dropped. Its equipment list originally included 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, three-zone climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio, and cruise control.
• The Audi A4 Avant Sport currently comes with 17-inch alloys, four driving modes, LED headlights, heated sports front seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display, and a rear-view camera.
• The Audi A4 Avant S Line steps up to 19-inch alloys, steps down with 23mm lowered sports suspension, and gets high beam assist, S Line bumpers and side skirts, a honeycomb radiator grille, microfibre seat trim, brushed aluminium inlays, a sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, and a black headliner.
• The Audi A4 Avant Black Edition gets a different 19-inch alloy wheel design, a black exterior styling pack, piano black interior trim finishers, and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.
• Audi has also offered the A4 Avant in both of its performance variants, as the S4 Avant and RS4 Avant, plus the A4 Allroad. We’ve covered each of these separately.

Used Audi A4 Avant dimensions and boot size

The Audi A4 Avant’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4762mm
• Width: 1847mm (without mirrors), 2022mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1435mm

The Audi A4 Avant’s boot size is:

• 495 litres
• 1495 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)

Used Audi A4 Avant road tax

As we’re concentrating on A4 Avants sold since 2019, all are subject to a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’. All but a few SE, Technik and Sport models cost more than £40,000 brand new, which also attracts a surcharge, so much of the range will set you back £570 per year to tax, while those avoiding the surcharge are a more reasonable £180 per year.

How much is it to insure an Audi A4 Avant?

Some earlier A4 Avants started in group 19 for a 1.4 TSI-engined version, while the previous Technik base model began in group 23 for the 30 TDI engine. The current Sport with the 30 TDI starts in group 20. This rises to group 31 for the 40 TDI quattro in S Line trim, while S4 and RS4 versions are higher still, upwards of groups 42 and 44.

Read our full Audi A4 Avant review