Audi A4 vs. Volvo V60: Complete comparison 2026

Audi A4, also known among fans and experts by the generation code B9, represents an established benchmark of the German premium mid-size class, attracting buyers with its top-notch craftsmanship, advanced technologies, and the extremely popular estate body style traditionally named Avant. Standing against it is the Scandinavian elegant Volvo V60, a more practical sister estate derived from the S60 sedan (often sought after also in the raised and plastic-clad Cross Country version), which scores with an uncompromising level of safety, minimalist Nordic design, and maximum travel comfort. Let's take a detailed look at which of these premium family cars represents a more attractive choice and better value for your daily life on the market for approximately four-year-old used cars.

When looking for a roughly four-year-old used car in the premium mid-size class, you will come across models that have reached very similar external proportions. Both the Audi A4 (in its B9 generation) and the third generation of the Volvo V60 represent majestic pieces of machinery, with lengths confidently approaching the 4.8-meter mark. In a standard parking space, both cars occupy a practically identical rectangle – they differ in width by negligible units of millimeters, and in length, the Swedish estate is only 16 to 53 millimeters longer (depending on the specific equipment and bumpers on the Audi). In heavy city traffic, both models will require some attention from the driver, which is usually aided by the standard set of parking sensors and cameras.

However, the main and most significant difference for the average user lies in the wheelbase. The Volvo V60 benefits from a modern modular architecture, which has given it a generous wheelbase of 2872 mm. In direct comparison with the average value of 2820 mm for the Audi A4, this means a full 52 mm more in favor of the Nordic estate. In real life, this benefit is fully evident in the rear seats, where the Volvo offers significantly more knee room, making it a more suitable candidate for families with growing children or for regular travel with four adults.

The Audi A4, on the other hand, bets on a slightly more compact wheelbase, which results in one undeniable driving advantage – the car feels more nimble and agile on winding back roads. As for the body height, the standard versions of both competitors maintain a typically dynamic and low stance oscillating around 1430 mm. However, the German automaker has a big ace up its sleeve in the form of the popular plastic-clad A4 Allroad version. Thanks to its raised chassis, it offers a height of up to 1493 mm, which gives owners not only confidence on dirt roads and in light terrain but also significantly more comfortable entry.

Luggage space is often a deciding factor for buyers of premium family and executive cars, as these vehicles are expected to offer not only a representative appearance but also seamless everyday practicality. When comparing roughly four-year-old used cars – specifically the Audi A4 B9 generation and the third-generation Volvo V60 – we encounter interesting differences that can tip the scales one way or the other. While the Volvo V60 is traditionally sold exclusively as a practical estate, the Audi A4 offers a choice between an elegant sedan and the popular estate version known as the Avant.

In its basic configuration, the third-generation Volvo V60 offers a standard trunk volume of 519 liters, which is slightly more than the 495 liters found in the Audi A4 Avant. In practice, this difference provides room for a small travel bag or several extra shopping bags, which is a very welcome benefit for family utility. If you opt for the Audi A4 in the sedan body style, you will have to settle for 460 liters. For both brands, it is also necessary to watch out for alternative powertrains, which take away valuable liters of practicality. Popular plug-in hybrid versions of the Volvo V60 have their basic volume reduced to 481 liters, and for the Audi A4 Avant in the natural gas version (g-tron), the trunk shrinks to as little as 415 liters.

However, an interesting situation arises when you need to transport a bulkier load and fold down the rear backrests. Here, the Audi A4 Avant surprisingly takes the lead with a maximum volume of 1,495 liters, while the Volvo V60 offers 1,431 liters (and only 1,393 liters for the plug-in hybrid). Audi clearly makes better use of the car's interior dimensions after folding the seats, making it a slightly more capable helper, whether for a large weekend shopping trip or packing bulky equipment for a longer active holiday. In conclusion, for families who primarily use the car in a five-seat configuration and prioritize initial space, the Volvo V60 will be a slight favorite, while the Audi A4 Avant proves to be a more flexible choice for occasional maximum use of the luggage compartment.

Trailer weight and total towing capacity are key parameters for drivers who plan to regularly tow a caravan, a horse trailer, or simply need to transport heavier loads. Looking at roughly four-year-old used cars on today's market – specifically the popular B9 generation of the Audi A4 and the third generation of the Volvo V60 – these figures reveal quite fundamental differences that can significantly simplify your purchasing decision.

The Audi A4 approaches towing capacities somewhat more modestly, especially with its less powerful powertrains. If you opt for the popular entry-level engines, such as the 30 TDI diesel or the 35 TFSI petrol, you have to settle for a braked trailer weight in the range of 1,300 to 1,500 kg. Such capacity is perfectly sufficient for a weekend trip to a DIY store or towing a trailer with light construction materials, but it can be limiting for a long family holiday with a large caravan. The middle ground here is represented by the 40 TDI versions, which already offer a solid 1,700 to 1,800 kg. You reach the absolute top of the German range with the six-cylinder 50 TDI, which is permitted to tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1,900 kg.

In contrast, the Swedish Volvo V60 aims for uncompromising practicality and power even from its most affordable versions. Even in the case of petrol and mild-hybrid variants, such as the B3 model, it offers a great standard base of 1,800 kg. The car's true potential is then revealed in more powerful specifications – the B4 Diesel version, the older D4, or the petrol T6 push the limit to an impressive 2,000 kg. A huge triumph for the Volvo brand is also the fact that it maintains this maximum towing capacity even for its heavy plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge models (formerly Twin Engine). The presence of batteries thus does not reduce the practical usability of the Swedish estate, which is often a common problem with other premium cars. In the case of an unbraked trailer, both vehicles follow maximum European legislation and can safely tow trailers up to 750 kg in most variants.

In conclusion, if trouble-free towing of a heavy trailer is a requirement for you and not just a minor plus, the Volvo V60 is clearly the surer choice. It provides an excellent reserve for the safe transport of a large boat or a big caravan across more accessible and eco-friendly engine options. With Audi, to achieve similar figures, you necessarily have to pay extra for the top-tier, robust six-cylinder variants.

The engine range of the Audi A4 and Volvo V60 showcases two distinct approaches to powering premium mid-size cars, which is a crucial decision factor for those looking at a roughly four-year-old used car. While Audi continues to rely on a wide selection of diesel (TDI) and petrol (TFSI) units for its facelifted B9 generation (produced until 2024), including the option of a silky-smooth V6, Volvo has bet exclusively on 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines for its third-generation V60. Both brands responded to emission pressures with extensive electrification. Audi is dominated by reliable and unobtrusive mild-hybrid systems (MHEV) that help with coasting and fuel saving without driver intervention. Volvo went even further – from 2020, it rebranded its entire conventional range as mild-hybrids with the "B" designation and added top-tier "Recharge" plug-in hybrid models, which, with their performance (up to 335 kW for the T8), completely overshadow the standard offering from the four rings. A very interesting and specific difference is the top speed: for safety reasons, Volvo decided to install a non-deactivatable speed limiter of 180 km/h on all its cars from 2020, while you can easily drive an Audi A4 at speeds exceeding 240 km/h. Depending on whether you prefer frequent highway trips or are looking for a technologically advanced eco-friendly car for country roads and the city, you can easily find the ideal powertrain in both camps.

Under the hood of a roughly four-year-old Audi A4 from the popular B9 generation, you will encounter updated engines subject to the newer numerical naming convention (30, 35, 40, 45, 50), which represents a specific power class rather than displacement. A significant portion of the used car market consists of highly efficient 2.0 TDI diesel engines and 2.0 TFSI petrol engines. Most engines are equipped as standard with a responsive seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, while the previously common six-speed manual is now a complete rarity reserved only for the entry-level 35 TFSI petrol engine. A huge draw and a strong weapon for Audi is the fact that it retained the 3.0 TDI diesel V6 (designated as 50 TDI) even for newer model years. It boasts a massive torque of 620 Nm and is always paired with a classic eight-speed Tiptronic torque converter automatic and premium quattro permanent all-wheel drive, making it the ultimate highway cruiser to which Volvo has no direct answer.

In the third generation of the Volvo V60, a much more radical simplification of the range is evident in the used car market. If you are looking for a four-year-old car, you will find exclusively turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines under the hood. Previous pure diesels (D3, D4) and petrols (T3, T4) were withdrawn from sale during 2020 and replaced by advanced mild-hybrid powertrains B3, B4, B5, and B6. It is important to be very careful when browsing advertisements – the "B" designation does not always mean petrol; for example, the "B4" model was sold in both petrol and diesel versions in parallel for a limited time before the diesel variant was finally discontinued around the beginning of 2024. While Audi impressed with its diesel V6, the Swedish showcase of modern dynamics are the T6 Recharge and T8 Recharge plug-in hybrids. The combination of a powerful petrol engine at the front and an electric motor driving the rear axle means a total system output exceeding 300 kW, although this solution brings increased battery weight and requires careful and frequent charging from the grid. As for transmissions, Volvo previously relied purely on the eight-speed Geartronic torque converter automatic from Aisin, but during 2021, a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) began to be installed in the weaker petrol versions.

Choosing the right engine is crucial for long-term satisfaction, reliability, and reasonable operating costs. Our recommendations are based on real-world experience, actual fuel consumption, and user feedback from approximately four-year-old used cars, where strengths and potential mechanical weaknesses have already clearly manifested. While Audi continues to excel with its precisely tuned diesel engines in the facelifted B9 generation (produced until 2024), Volvo has completely changed its strategy for this generation of the V60. Interestingly, the Swedes bet exclusively on two-liter four-cylinders for their VEA architecture and began rapidly replacing diesel with electrified petrol, giving both estates a completely different driving character and dynamics.

For the Audi A4, we recommend: 40 TDI (150 kW)

This two-liter diesel (EA288 evo generation) represents the absolute sweet spot for the Audi A4. It provides an ideal balance between confident dynamics (with a generous 400 Nm of torque at your disposal) and excellent efficiency, with real-world consumption on highways and country roads staying between 5.5 and 6 liters per 100 km. Newer versions from 2020 to 2024 are equipped with a mild-hybrid system that smooths out the start-stop operation and makes the engine unexpectedly quiet and refined. In terms of risks, watch out for diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging and EGR valve wear, which primarily occurs during frequent short city trips when the engine is cold. During the test drive, focus on the S tronic dual-clutch transmission – if it jerks or hesitates when pulling away or downshifting, it indicates neglected oil changes (the interval is a critical 60,000 km) or worn clutches. The 40 TDI engine is thus perfect for drivers who cover long highway distances, enjoy a brisker pace, and demand maximum operating efficiency with a long range.

For the Volvo V60, we recommend: B4 (petrol mild-hybrid, 145 kW)

In the case of the Volvo V60, the best choice is the B4 petrol mild-hybrid, which perfectly matches the relaxed and maximally safe character of this family estate. The two-liter petrol engine with 145 kW (197 hp) is exceptionally quiet, free of vibrations, and, thanks to the support of a small electric motor, picks up power from the lowest revs completely smoothly. Real-world consumption is around 7 liters per 100 km, which is a great value for such a heavy car. A certain weakness of modern direct-injection engines is the tendency for carbon deposits to form on the intake valves, especially if the car is driven frequently in the city. This can be effectively prevented by refueling with premium fuel containing cleaning additives and occasional more dynamic driving at higher revs on the highway. During the test drive, carefully monitor the behavior of the automatic transmission – gear changes must be completely imperceptible; any jerking when slowing down could mean the need for an unplanned flush and transmission oil change. The petrol "B4" is ideal for drivers with a calm driving style and for families who use the car in a mix of city and country roads, where its Nordic travel comfort stands out most.

The difference between officially stated fuel consumption and real-world values from daily operation is often vast in the automotive world. To get the most accurate picture of how much the Audi A4 and Volvo V60 models actually "consume," we looked at real data directly from drivers. We draw from extensive databases and community platforms, such as the popular German portal Spritmonitor.de, where owners record their refueling and actual mileage over the long term. For comparison, we intentionally selected engine options that make the most sense on the used car market – i.e., cars approximately four years old, which in Audi's case means the popular B9 generation and for the Volvo V60 its commercially successful third generation.

Looking at the real data, it is clear that diesel engines in these models still reign supreme for highway travel. The two-liter TDI under the hood of the Audi (especially the 35 TDI and 40 TDI versions) proves to be an extremely economical choice, with which one can drive around the five-liter per hundred kilometers mark without major compromises. The Volvo V60 with its B4 Diesel mild-hybrid is slightly thirstier, which can be largely attributed to the higher curb weight of the Swedish station wagon. However, the petrol engines are a very pleasant surprise. Volvo has managed to excellently optimize its electrified B3 and B4 mild-hybrid units, which stay just above six liters in real combined operation, thus competing on equal terms with Audi's popular TFSI engines. It turns out that modern two-liters with the help of an electric motor can paradoxically be more efficient in the city and on country roads than smaller engines from which savings would originally be expected.

For typical users, fairly clear recommendations follow from these trends. If you spend the vast majority of your time on long highway routes and swallow thousands of kilometers a month, the Audi A4 with an economical diesel engine will be the most sensible choice for you. Conversely, for drivers who more often alternate between city driving and suburban commuting, petrol mild-hybrids make huge sense. Especially those from Volvo provide very refined, quiet operation and pleasantly low consumption. A separate chapter is the widely represented plug-in hybrids (e.g., the T6 Recharge version in the Volvo). While these can drive almost with zero fuel consumption in the city with careful and regular charging, their appetite rises very quickly during long highway trips with a discharged battery, and they do not reach the economy of a classic diesel drive.

In conclusion, it can be summarized that although the Audi A4 in the diesel version is the proverbial king of efficiency for long distances, the Volvo V60 does not lag significantly behind with its innovative petrol engines. Total fuel consumption should therefore not be your only decision factor when choosing these four-year-old used cars. The differences in annual refueling costs will not be so vast for average drivers. Far more important will be the actual technical condition of the specific car and, above all, considering whether the chosen type of drive truly corresponds to your daily travel profile.

When choosing a premium mid-size car manufactured approximately four years ago (typically 2021 and 2022 models), both models fall into similar price ranges. However, prices are driven by different manufacturer strategies and market composition – while fleet diesels dominate the Audi A4 market, the Volvo V60 had already transitioned to mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies during these years, which slightly increases the average price of available used cars.

Audi A4 (B9 generation facelift)

The Audi A4 is one of the most common choices for corporate fleets. This means the used car market is very well saturated with this model, offering a wide range of equipment levels and prices.

• Entry-level models (approx. €23,000 – €27,000): You will most often encounter 35 TDI versions with front-wheel drive and higher mileage (usually over 120,000 km).
• The sweet spot (€29,000 – €35,000): Perfectly balanced models. These are often the popular 40 TDI engine combined with quattro all-wheel drive, the sportier S-line package, and reasonable mileage between 60,000 and 90,000 km.
• Premium examples (€37,000 and more): Powerful petrol engines (e.g., 45 TFSI) with very low mileage, or top-tier sports models like the S4 TDI.

Volvo V60 (2nd generation)

The Volvo V60 holds its value very confidently on the secondary market. It benefits from its aura as a safe family car with unmistakable Scandinavian design and the fact that it often features above-standard equipment even in basic versions.

• Entry-level models (approx. €25,000 – €29,000): Models with basic B3 (mild-hybrid) engines, typically used for long-distance travel with mileage well over 100,000 km.
• The sweet spot (€31,000 – €37,000): The most sought-after specifications include B4 or B5 mild-hybrid systems in the luxurious Inscription trim or the sport-oriented R-Design. Here you can find excellent examples with mileage under 80,000 km.
• Premium examples (€39,000 – €49,000): Highly desirable and high-performance T6 and T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid versions. These offer a system output often exceeding 300 hp and an attractive combination of low fuel consumption and top-tier equipment.

Overview of indicative prices for four-year-old cars

Buying specifics:

• For the Audi A4, strong market competition works in your favor, allowing for more effective price negotiations. Pay attention to the maintenance history of the S tronic automatic transmission and regular oil changes for the quattro system.
• For the Volvo V60, expect that the vast majority of petrol and diesel engines after 2020 use mild-hybrid systems (B designation). For the attractive plug-in hybrids (Recharge), do not skimp on a thorough check of the traction battery's condition.

Both of these premium models, the Audi A4 and Volvo V60, boast a maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP safety tests. When choosing a used car, however, it is crucial to consider the context and the specific year these cars underwent testing. Euro NCAP methodology and requirements are constantly becoming stricter over time, meaning that percentage ratings from different years cannot be compared simply and directly.

The Audi A4 underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2015. This generation of the car achieved excellent results according to the methodology of the time, which focused more on basic assistance systems and raw structural resilience. The model demonstrated a very solid construction, which provided excellent occupant protection, but its assistance systems were certified before the widespread introduction of more demanding tests involving advanced night-time pedestrian detection or sophisticated cyclist protection. Considering today's standards, it is necessary to take into account that the official validity of the 2015 five-star rating has expired over the years.

The Volvo V60, on the other hand, underwent testing in 2018, when significantly stricter and more demanding Euro NCAP rules came into force. Tests from this year already fully included complex simulations of frontal offset crashes and placed a huge emphasis on active safety, such as the car's ability to detect cyclists and pedestrians in poor lighting conditions or smart lane-keeping systems in emergency situations. Thanks to the standard City Safety system, the Swedish estate passed even this tough methodology with absolute grace and comfortably secured the highest possible score.

What do these numbers mean in practice? Although the Audi A4 shows slightly higher percentages in child occupant or pedestrian protection, it is important to realize that it achieved them under an older and less stringent testing protocol. A fascinating 96% for adult occupants in the case of the Volvo V60, according to the tougher 2018 criteria, proves the immense structural strength of its more modern platform. Similarly, for safety assistants, the Volvo V60 has a real edge thanks to a much newer set of sensors, radars, and cameras that actively and significantly more effectively prevent accidents.

Although both cars represent the absolute top in terms of passive safety and provide maximum peace of mind in their class, the Volvo V60 offers a more modern and comprehensive safety package. Because it was developed and evaluated against stricter safety criteria, it provides more sophisticated active safety technologies that better match today's traffic standards.

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique elements and technological solutions that can be decisive for the customer in the final selection. Both vehicles bring much more than just basic mobility, with each carmaker approaching added value, innovation, and user experience from a completely different perspective.

Audi A4: Technological Precision and Sporty Elegance

In its B9 generation (especially after the extensive facelift in 2019), Audi focuses primarily on perfect ergonomics, first-class digitalization, and a sense of absolutely precise workmanship. The brand relies on advanced technologies that make daily life easier for the driver and enhance the dynamic driving experience.

• Infotainment and digitalization: The centerpiece of the cabin is the top-tier Audi virtual cockpit plus digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch display, offering several viewing options including a clear sporty layout. It is complemented by a 10.1-inch MMI touch display, which in modernized versions excels with lightning-fast response, top resolution, and excellent acoustic feedback.
• Lighting technology: A jewel of the equipment, highly sought after on the used car market, are the Matrix LED headlights. These not only automatically mask oncoming vehicles to prevent glare but also feature specific welcome animations and iconic dynamic indicators that underscore the car's high-end design.
• Drivetrain and chassis: The clever quattro all-wheel drive system with ultra technology can predictively disconnect the rear axle, effectively saving fuel, but reconnects it within a fraction of a second in case of loss of traction. Most internal combustion engines are also equipped with mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, which allows "coasting" with the engine off.
• Comfort and soundproofing: For highway travelers, a huge advantage is the availability of special acoustic glass in the front doors. This glass dramatically reduces aerodynamic noise and makes the A4 one of the quietest cars in the mid-size class.
• Sporty elements: Models equipped with the S line package offer more aggressively shaped bumpers, a stiffer sport suspension lowered by 20 mm, and excellent anatomical seats with integrated headrests.

Volvo V60: Scandinavian Minimalism and Maximum Safety

The second generation of the Volvo V60 is the embodiment of clean and thoughtful Scandinavian design. While German competitors rely on technical coolness and driver orientation, Volvo creates a feeling of a cozy and bright living room in the interior, while traditionally dominating in the areas of active and passive safety.

• Safety and assistance systems: Volvo offers the advanced City Safety system as standard, which is one of the few on the market capable of detecting not only vehicles but also pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals. The advanced Pilot Assist represents an excellently tuned system for semi-autonomous driving, which can smoothly keep the car in its lane and regulate speed even in heavy traffic or on the highway.
• Interior and ergonomics: The front orthopedic seats were developed in collaboration with surgeons and physiotherapists and are among the absolute best on the market. An exceptional detail of higher trim levels (such as Inscription) and plug-in hybrids is the crystal gear selector from the Swedish glass brand Orrefors, which adds a unique touch of luxury to the interior.
• Infotainment and audio systems: The dashboard is dominated by the vertically oriented Sensus system display, which is controlled by gestures like a classic tablet. For audiophiles, a huge draw in well-maintained used cars is the premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 15 speakers and the iconic tweeter on the dashboard, which can faithfully simulate the acoustics of the Gothenburg Concert Hall.
• Practical and smart solutions: The luggage compartment of the Volvo V60 is interspersed with small smart details. The most interesting is the fold-out dividing partition in the trunk floor equipped with hooks, which perfectly secures smaller shopping bags and prevents them from sliding around the giant luggage area.
• Electrification: For cars approximately 4 years old, Volvo presents a strong focus on electrification. Reliable mild-hybrids (marked with the letter B) and extremely powerful Recharge plug-in hybrids (T6 or T8) are widely represented, combining a system output approaching 400 hp with the possibility of daily emission-free driving for a distance of approximately 40-50 km per charge.

The Audi A4 will primarily appeal to drivers looking for precise German craftsmanship, a wide selection of reliable engines, and confident driving characteristics. It is an ideal choice for those who spend a lot of time on motorways and prefer traditional ergonomics and top-tier technology over absolute maximum interior space.

The Volvo V60 is a perfect alternative for families and drivers focused on maximum safety, comfort, and elegant design. It will suit calmer users who don't mind the absence of sporty ambitions or larger engines, and instead appreciate the relaxing atmosphere in the cabin combined with excellent practicality for everyday life.

Based on our long-term experience, service reports, breakdown statistics, and findings from our Independent Car Inspection service, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of roughly four-year-old used cars of these models should watch out for.

For the Audi A4 (B9 generation after facelift), the manufacturer managed to iron out most of the earlier mechanical problems, yet there are several typical faults associated with the increasing share of complex electronics and neglected maintenance.

• Electronics and infotainment: A common ailment is the occasional freezing of the MMI multimedia system or restarts of the virtual cockpit. In mild-hybrid versions (MHEV), failures of the belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) can occur, which is a repair requiring professional intervention.
• Engines: In the highly sought-after 2.0 TDI (EA288 Evo) engines, coolant leaks around the water pump or thermostat are not uncommon. Furthermore, when operated on short routes, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogs up faster. The six-cylinder 3.0 TDI engines are reliable, but at higher mileages, there is a risk of timing chain stretching.
• Transmission: The seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic is sensitive to regular oil changes every 60,000 km. If neglected, jerking occurs during starts, and there is a risk of very expensive mechatronics failure or excessive clutch wear.
• Chassis: The more complex front multi-link axle is more susceptible to road quality. Worn-out silent blocks and play in the control arms manifest as squeaking and knocking when driving over bumps. Their detection is usually reliably resolved only by a technical inspection of the car on a lift.

The second-generation Volvo V60 is a robust and exceptionally safe family car, but its higher curb weight and specific family of exclusively four-cylinder Drive-E engines bring their own specific pitfalls.

• Electronics and infotainment: The vertically oriented Sensus system suffers from slower responses immediately after starting and occasional "blacking out" of the screen. In most cases, a software update to the latest version at an authorized service center will help.
• Engines: Diesel variants (D3 and D4) often struggle with carbon-clogged EGR valves and cracking exhaust gas coolers, leading to coolant loss. In popular plug-in hybrids (Recharge versions), a faulty electric rear axle drive (ERAD) module is a risk, and air conditioning compressors, which are essential for cooling the traction battery, also fail more frequently.
• Transmission: The eight-speed automatic from the Japanese company Aisin is among the most reliable on the market. However, if it shifts roughly or hesitates, a simple flush and replacement of the transmission fluid, which the manufacturer unfortunately does not always prescribe in the regular service plan, is usually sufficient.
• Chassis and brakes: The main enemy of the braking system is the vehicle's high weight. Brake pads and discs wear out faster than average here, and warped discs cause unpleasant vibrations in the steering wheel. Therefore, a comprehensive car inspection is essential before purchase, which, among other things, verifies the residual thickness of the brake linings.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Both of these premium estates are very well-made, but they have their own specifics and weak points that need to be focused on. For peace of mind, the best step is always a comprehensive car audit before the actual purchase.

When choosing an Audi A4:

• S tronic gearbox behavior: The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission must shift smoothly and quickly. Focus on pulling away from a standstill and downshifting when braking to a complete stop. If the car jerks or hesitates, it may indicate a neglected oil change (the interval is 60,000 km) or an impending expensive clutch kit replacement.
• Front axle and chassis: The multilink front axle ensures great handling, but on used cars, it is prone to wear on the bushings and control arms. During the test drive, drive over a speed bump or ruts and listen for dull thuds or creaking. A detailed physical inspection of the car on a lift is useful here.
• Cooling system condition and water pump: Especially with the popular TFSI petrol engines, unnoticed coolant leaks occasionally occur around the water pump or thermostat housing. Check the level in the expansion tank and inspect the engine bay for dried traces of pink fluid.
• MMI system and electronics: Spend enough time testing the infotainment. Try pairing a phone, start the navigation, and test the parking cameras. In some post-facelift model years, the system can occasionally freeze, which is often only resolved by a comprehensive software update at an authorized service centre.
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in TDI engines: If the previous owner mostly drove short city routes, the DPF may be clogged. Monitor whether the car has an uneven idle, and there should be no visible cloud of dark smoke behind the vehicle during sharp acceleration.

When choosing a Volvo V60:

• Infotainment speed and response: Since almost the entire car, including the air conditioning, is controlled via the vertical centre display (older Sensus and newer Google systems), it must function flawlessly. Test the fluidity immediately after starting, when the system is usually under the most load. Significant screen freezing or unresponsive buttons are warning signs.
• Rear axle condition (transverse leaf spring): The second-generation V60 uses a specific composite leaf spring on the rear axle. Listen for unusual noises, cracking, or creaking during heavy compression over bumps. Furthermore, if the car is parked on level ground, the rear must not visibly "sit" lower than the front.
• Plug-in hybrid system functionality (Recharge versions): If you are buying a T6 or T8 variant, test the car in pure electric mode (Pure). The car must drive smoothly and without jerking. Pay attention to the ERAD module (electric rear axle drive) – you should not feel any mechanical bangs or significant jolts when transitioning from electric to combustion power.
• Geartronic automatic transmission: The Aisin eight-speed automatic is very durable, but it needs clean oil to function correctly. Test shifting the selector from P to D and R while stationary. Engagement must be immediate and soft, without a metallic click or delay.
• Camera system and assistance features: Volvo is a benchmark for safety, which is linked to a huge number of sensors hidden in the bodywork. Check the functionality of the Pilot Assist system while driving on the motorway and verify that the 360-degree camera does not show black or blue image dropouts, which would indicate a faulty connector or a damaged camera in one of the wing mirrors.

Sources: ADAC, e15.cz, auto.cz, elektromobil.cz, autosalon.tv, motoristickydenik.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.