AUDIS now hold more of their value over three years than either BMW or Mercedes, so don't expect to find a recent one with average miles at a bargain price.
There is a bewildering line-up of engines, gearboxes and trim so it's a good idea to do some homework before you look.
Petrol engines in the A4 from 2005 to 2008 ranged from 1.6 100bhp through 1.8 turbo 160bhp, to 2.0, 2.4 and 3.2-litre with around 252bhp.
And turbo diesels go up from a 1.9 with 113bhp through 2.0, 2.5 and 2.7-litre models to a 3.0-litre with 229.
All are very well built and have great driver appeal with good to superb performance across the range. Front space is excellent but legroom is a little tight in the back.
The 1.6 is not particularly quick, but the 1.8's are better and the others better still. All have a long travel clutch in manual form, and many will have the optional tiptronic or multitronic CVT automatic gearboxes, which are both very good.
Interior
Seats are fairly firm in the German way, but have excellent adjustment and the steering columns adjust for height and reach.
There's room for four adults and their luggage to travel in comfort, but five is a squeeze and lower order cars lack equipment unless extras have been added.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 1.8 T
Price: Pay £7,800 for an '05 54-reg, £10,200 for an '06 06-reg multitronic auto, £12,400 for an '07 57 manual
Mechanical: 160bhp, 1,781cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 141mph
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 197g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: BMW 3 series, Ford Mondeo