Audi A4 pre-purchase inspection
B8, 2008–2015
An A4 B8 with the 2.0 TFSI petrol is a popular choice, but that engine has a known oil-consumption problem that must be checked before buying.
- Report on the day of the inspection
- Up to 30 km from our workshop
Pre-purchase inspection report
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI · 2011
176,000 km · VIN WAUZZZ8K5BA•••••• · 02.09.2026
Buy only with a discount for the engine repair
High oil consumption — typical for this engine. Budget €1,700–2,400 for the repair.
6 sections · 30 photos · 1 problem, 3 to monitor
EngineHigh oil consumptionphotos: 7Problem
- What we found
- The oil level is below minimum and the plugs on cylinders 2 and 3 are oil-fouled. The seller confirms topping up “now and then”.
- What it means
- The piston rings are worn — a known issue on the 2.0 TFSI of these years. Consumption will increase and the oil can damage the catalytic converter.
- What to do
- Rebuild with new pistons and rings to the manufacturer's latest revision.Approx.: €1,700–2,400.
DiagnosticsStored low boost pressure faultphotos: 2Monitor
- What we found
- Stored fault P0299 — boost pressure below target. Logged 4 times, last about 900 km ago.
- What it means
- Usually a leaking hose or a worn turbo diverter valve. The turbo itself sounds normal.
- What to do
- Smoke-test the intake system and replace the valve if needed.Approx.: €80–250.
Suspension & brakesCorroded rear discs, weak handbrakephotos: 6Monitor
- What we found
- The rear discs have deep corrosion on the braking surface; the handbrake barely holds the car on a slope.
- What it means
- The rear brakes work at reduced efficiency. The corrosion comes from long standing or little use.
- What to do
- Replace the rear discs and pads, clean the handbrake mechanism.Approx.: €160–240.
A/C & electricsA/C doesn't cool enoughphotos: 3Monitor
- What we found
- Centre-vent temperature is 14 °C against 5–8 °C normal. The compressor engages; system pressure is low.
- What it means
- The system is short of refrigerant — probably a slow leak.
- What to do
- Recharge with UV dye and check for leaks.Approx.: €60–150.
Body & paintFactory paint on every panelphotos: 9OK
What we checked
- Paint thickness on 13 panels: 100–140 µm
- Panel gaps
- Sills, wheel arches and underbody
- Glass and markings
- Signs of corrosion
VIN & documentsVIN and documents matchphotos: 3OK
What we checked
- VIN on the chassis and plate
- Match with the registration document
- Mileage against the service records
Page 1 of 6 PDF · 30 photos
Typical weak spots of the Audi A4
- 1
2.0 TFSI oil consumption (2008–2012)
Why it matters: Worn piston rings — consumption grows and oil damages the catalyst.
How we check: Oil level, spark plugs, questions for the seller.
- 2
Turbo boost
Why it matters: Leaking hoses or a worn diverter valve — fault P0299 and weak pull.
How we check: Stored faults, smoke test, boost under load.
- 3
Multitronic / S tronic
Why it matters: The automatics of these years have costly clutch and mechatronic repairs.
How we check: Shifts cold and warm, adaptation values.
We check everything else too — body, diagnostics, suspension, documents and a road test. The full list of checks
Book an inspection of a Audi A4
The listing link and your phone are enough.
Up to 30 km from our workshop: All of Sofia, Bankya, Bozhurishte, Kostinbrod, Novi Iskar, Elin Pelin, Gorna Malina.