2008 Audi A4 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.50/5 Average
50 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2008, the Audi A4 receives only minor changes. Exterior features that were previously available as part of the sedan and wagon's optional S line sport package are now standard. This means that front and rear bumpers have been revised, as has the lower side door trim. An integrated trunk lid spoiler has been added, along with a new front grille and S line badging. To reflect this, the optional S line Sport Package has been trimmed to include just a sport-tuned suspension, sport three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum trim, 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery with unique stitching. On the A4 Cabriolet, heated front seats are now standard. An optional iPod interface is available on all 2008 Audi A4s.

Pros:
  • Premium cabin design and materials, communicative chassis makes it rewarding to drive, offered in three body styles, wide availability of all-wheel drive.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 50.00
  • 2008 Good commuter but definitely not a 3-series. - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    Bought 2008 Audi A4 2.0T AWD with 29K miles to replace a 2003 3-series that was starting to nickle and dime me to death the moonroof breaking and soggy floors (from the doors not moon roof) was the last straw. Bottom line is I appreciate the A4, but it lacks the getup and go of the 3-series, granted the 325xi BMW was a 3.0L-5 speed manual. I commute about 70 mi. per day mostly on the interstate, the A4 with sport suspension gives a decent ride and is extremely comfortable for a 35 minute commute with an aver. 24.7 MPG but it lags substantually off the line until you get to about 2500+ RPM, however, at hyway speeds it kicks into passing mode just fine and youll be going 90 before you know it. Ive driven it 6500 miles and havent had any maintenance issues yet however Ive broken the latch to the storage area in the armrest and broke the hook that holds the sun visor. Ive read these are common complaints I dont think Ive been overly hard on it. The A4 has been good for me by softening my somewhat agressive driving style. If your looking for a nice comfortable ride with some sportiness the A4 is right up your alley.

  • Less Impressed Than Id Hoped - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    Purchased this car in 2014 after my 2006 A3 2.0T was totaled by a hit-and-run driver. The 2008 A4 had 28K miles from a warm-weather state and was a one-owner car from a vacation home - well cared for with full service records based on time, not mileage. I would have preferred Quattro, but the price and mileage were hard to beat. I should have listened to my instincts. Vastly different character than the A3... this A4 feels like a luxury car without any sporting pretense. The CVT transmission is horrendous - slow to respond in standard mode, jerky engagement from dead stop... in Sport mode, it holds RPMs far too long at low speeds before initially "upshifting." Engine vibration is far more apparent than it should be for any luxury vehicle - the same engine in the A3 was less prone to vibration. Brakes on the A4 are less direct, more difficult to modulate and with longer pedal travel than the A3 - might be fixed with stainless steel brake lines. Steering is much lighter and less dynamic as well same with the suspension which is calibrated for a compliant, soft ride over handling - lacking the balance of a BMW 3-series. Lastly, the climate control is noticeably less accurate than the A3... the interior temp seems to be about 5 degrees higher than the set point during all seasons. Might be a faulty part or just the nature of the system - hard to tell and not worth tearing apart the climate controls to find out. On the good side, the car is indeed comfortable as a highway cruiser. The interior materials are top notch. The trunk seriously swallows more cargo than my wifes Ford Escape. Instruments are legible and direct. For the price paid, the car came well optioned for a 2008 model - although bewildering that certain features now standard on mid-level cars (like heated seats, Bluetooth and USB/AUX inputs) were nowhere to be found on my A4. Its a handsome car that will serve as a good family hauler for a couple of years - a car that I wouldnt be ashamed to take clients between point A and B. Lesson learned though - its not a drivers car in the same way a 3-series might be. No major mechanical issues so far (knock on wood)... replaced post-purchase: an A/C diverter valve, the engine thermostat and the window lock switch. Not bad for a mid-2000s Audi. Overall, Im not sure I would buy the A4 in this configuration again... at this price point for a used vehicle, there are more competent sport sedans and more reliable family sedans that cost less to operate.

  • Its all fun n games, until catastrophe happens.. - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    I have an 08 A4 Quattro 6MT Special Edition S-line. I bought it as a CPO car in 2011 with 36k miles. The car is absolutely sublime to drive in every way, even with the firm suspension. The first year I owned it, I put over 25k miles commuting 100mi each way for work, across a mountain range. The traction control and AWD have literally saved my life twice hitting black ice on a bend in the highway. Very little issues with the car cruise control module went out, covered under warranty ignition switch died last year out of warranty, $160 total (cheap). Then one day, accelerating onto the interstate, the engine shut down leaving me just enough momentum to coast over to the shoulder (on a massive bridge, no less). After having it inspected and diagnosed at the dealer, it turns out a high pressure fuel pump exploded, literally. It blew metal shrapnel into the engine destroying the block and fuel system. A piece(s) of shrapnel severed the intake cam chain, seizing the cam and destroying most of the remainder of the engine. The engine is damaged beyond repair and has to be replaced, to the tune of over $7500! Audi has generously offered to cover 25% up front, but I am currently working with Audi of America to see if they can extend that courtesy a bit more. At this point, I havent decide if Im going to keep the car after all this or just dump it. Either way, Im out as much as $6k on a car only worth $11k... If you want a car that is nearly perfect to drive, this is the one. Specifically the 2008 owing to its having the new AWD system (which is MUCH better than the old Haldex system). That said, Id have some kind of extended warranty, service agreement, and/or a whopping fistful of expendable greenbacks.

  • Great car (while in warranty) - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    I purchased this car used with about 1 year left on the original warranty. I had a couple minor problems, but Audis service is fantastic. However, after the warranty ended I began experiencing problems every 3-4 months. These included spark plugs going bad, problems with water getting into the intake, the fuel pump going bad, problems with the brake light switch, and more. These also included my car being stuck in the shop for multiple days very long costly repairs. Overall, the car is fun to drive, but be prepared for a lot of costly repairs down the road.

  • Loved it while I had it - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    Not as nice looking as the new A4s. Not as nice looking as my old 2004 A4. At 50K-something miles the seat belt wouldnt retract. The car had miles but the car was only 2 years old. Audi refused to warranty the seat belt mechanism and wanted me to pay 800 to fix it. I escalated it to Audi of America and they said the dealer would agree to 5% off! Lots of little things with the car were wrong at what should be very low mileage. I refused and traded the car in. I really loved Audi but ultimately they spent their own customer. Would not buy another Audi unless they can prove building a deeper relationship with their quality and my satisfaction.

  • Great Car - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    Purchased new in May of 2008. Audicare was included so I was covered for all scheduled maintence and unscheduled repairs. Im now at 40,000 miles and other that my oil changes, my only service was for a rattle in the door. They found a plastic piece that came loose. That is it!! 40,000 miles of pure enjoyment. I routinely get over 30 mpg, it handles great in the snow and it is fun to drive when the roads are dry. The back seat is a little cramped and not very comfortable to sit in. Then again, with grown children, I dont often have someone in the back. I do wish that I had opted for the premium sound system. I will probably trade it in for the new A4.

  • Looking forward to the lease to end - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    I lease my cars for 3 years for multiple reasons. The most important reason is because I want a dependable car thats not going to break down and is under warranty. Ive been towed twice since I got this car new in April of 2008. The first time was when a fuel sensor failed. I was stranded at a stop sign. Audis roadside assistance was so bad that I had to join AAA to have my car towed. I was told me there was a recall going out on the fuel sensor. With 30m miles on the car the car stopped moving forward or backward at an intersection. I couldnt put the car in any gear other the gear it was in. To Audis praise Audis roadside assistance was great. Repair: a bolt had fallen off.

  • Love it so far. - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    Bought it CPO 3 months, 2K miles ago and love it. No issues so far-knock on wood. Very fun to drive w/ 6-sp manual. Interior is luxurious.. Armrest is a bit awkward-it covers the parking brake. Ive cracked my elbow on it several times when its lifted up. Armrest lid latch broke-this is a common problem. Dealer replaced under warranty. Overall, lot of fun to drive. Before buying, I drove two G35s and three 328is, and dont regret for a second going with the Audi. The Infinity and BMW had much more power, but A4 was just more fun to drive. G35 had too much plastic in the cockpit. BMW oddly enough felt too refined - like it was driving and I was along for the ride.

  • So Far So Fun - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    Bought as an Audi certified used car - 4 years of bumper to bumper warranty. The car is a joy to drive, the S-line suspension is tight and grips the road with the all-wheel drive. I use the paddle shifters to kick up the turbo and hit the gas - its a fun little 4 cylinder! Doesnt have the low end torque, but it does get 24 miles to the gallon in the city and 30 on the highway! No issues with oil or anything else other reviews have stated (knock on wood). The interior is very comfortable and stylish - it is pretty cramped, though, in the back seat. Trunk has lots of room. Almost every time I drive it some stranger gives a turn and a compliment!

  • Go buy a BMW 3 Series - 2008 Audi A4
    By -

    I trade cars about every 2 years and have owned BMW, Acura, Honda, Cadillac, Mazda, Jeep, Volkswagon, Lincoln and Im sure Im forgetting some others. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I opted for the sport suspension and it literally feels like you are driving a covered wagon. There is a spot on my way home from work where I literally brace myself for the impact...and its not a big bump. This is the only car I have owned in my life that I have to buy a quart of oil to add to it in between oil changes. At any given time I would have anywhere from 1 to 3 warning lights on at the same time. I just traded it in last night for an Acura TL and was thrilled to say goodbye!

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