2016 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · BW16 KFU

The 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine in this A4 typically returns around 55-65 mpg on a motorway cruise, though real-world combined figures tend to be in the low 50s. As a post-April 2017 vehicle it would normally be in a higher VED band, but because it was first registered in June 2016 it sits in the older £20-£30 annual tax bracket, which is a small but welcome saving. Insurance for an A4 of this age and engine tends to land in groups 20-28 depending on trim, so expect premiums in the 350-500 range annually for a typical driver.

Diesel-specific maintenance costs to budget for include AdBlue fluid top-ups, occasional EGR valve cleaning, and the previously mentioned timing belt service. Brake discs and pads, plus tyres, are the regular wear items, and an A4 in this age bracket will likely want a set of tyres every 20,000-25,000 miles given the advisory history on this one. A major service including cambelt is in the 500-800 region at an independent specialist.

Estimated annual running cost for this vehicle, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, would realistically fall in the £1,600-£2,000 range assuming average mileage and no major unforeseen repairs.

Start with the items the MOT history has flagged. The nearside rear outer tyre was noted as worn on the outer edge in November 2024, which suggests either a tracking issue or simply that this wheel takes more punishment from kerbing. Check all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, as edge wear often points to alignment problems that are inexpensive to fix but worth negotiating on. The offside front upper suspension arm bush flagged in 2023 should be physically inspected by rocking the wheel side-to-side with the car raised, listening for knocking and looking for perished or cracked rubber in the mounting.

For the 2.0 TDI engine, ask specifically about the timing belt replacement history. The service schedule is critical at 5 years or roughly 100,000 miles, and this car sits right in that window. Also check the exhaust system for any signs of the DPF needing attention, particularly if the car is used predominantly for short journeys. Look underneath for oil leaks from the sump gasket and around the turbo, both known weak points on higher-mileage examples. Test the AdBlue system and confirm it functions correctly, as faults here can prevent the car from starting.

General inspection guidance: verify all dashboard warning lights clear on startup and stay off, check the air conditioning cools effectively (common failure on Audi interiors of this age), inspect the interior for wear on the driver's seat bolster and steering wheel, and confirm all electrical features work including the infotainment system, electric windows, and central locking. A diagnostic scan with VCDS or similar would reveal any stored fault codes that haven't yet illuminated a dashboard warning.