Trade in: 2020 Audi A4 Progressiv in Atlixtic

The 2020 Audi A4 Progressiv: before you buy

CarmaCars is a rental company and does not have the 2020 Audi A4 Progressiv for sale right now. Rent one for a week first, or ask us to look for one. Before buying the 2020 Audi A4 Progressiv, read what the figures say and how to try one first.

Recalls and complaints

Owners filed 158 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system, back over prevention and unknown or other; have those parts checked. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model; ask the seller for proof each one was fixed. Check whether every recall was done, by the VIN, before you pay. Have a mechanic inspect a used one before you buy it.

What the specs mean

It uses the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and front-wheel drive. The turbo gives a small engine the pull of a bigger one when you need it. Front-wheel drive is the usual layout for cars this size, predictable in the rain and the snow.

Fuel use is rated 7.9 L/100 km combined, so 300 km needs about 24 litres. In money, 1,000 km costs about $138.30 at our price setting. At US fuel prices, the EPA estimates US$2,750 a year for 15,000 miles.

A good match for

It suits a work trip where a reliable car matters more than anything else. It suits a stretch between cars, by the week or the month.

Living with the A4

A car body like this keeps the weight low, so it feels settled on the highway. With a length of 4.76 m, it counts as on the long side. Check the size of a tight parking spot. With 368 litres of luggage space by the EPA's measure, it takes about two large suitcases and a few soft bags.

Rent it for a week first

Nothing is charged until we confirm the rental and you approve the offer. A test week in the A4 tells you more than any review. A week of your own driving tells you more than a test drive: the commute, the parking, the fuel.

Picking a year and a trim

Look at a few listings of the same year and trim to get a feel for fair prices. If you are unsure between two options, rent one of them for a week first. Write down the VIN of any car you consider; it unlocks the recall and service history.

Money matters

Tires, brakes and batteries are the regular costs to budget for beyond fuel. Ask what a set of tires costs for this trim; sizes and prices vary. A 1,000 km month costs roughly $138.30 at our price setting.

Get an offer

Ask about renting first, and buy with a clear head.