A $30,000 budget will get you into a lot of vehicles these days—some you wouldn’t expect, like a Lexus or an Audi. However, the used market is full of great deals. Cars just five years old go from $60,000 to sub $30,000 and give you an incredible value. While some owners don’t mind the inevitable depreciation of most new cars, when they upgrade, potential buyers are next in line for a steal. One of the most notable used cars in this price range is the 2018 Audi A4. An entry-level luxury vehicle with great features and technology for under $30,000? What more could you ask for?

What engine is in the 2018 Audi A4?

The 2018 Audi A4 is one of the most well-rounded luxury sedans. A stellar combination of sporty handling, high dollar interior, and technology-heavy features gives the A4 an edge over others in its class. As for performance, the A4 excels over the competition. Keeping things simple, the Audi sedan is offered two engine choices. First, there is a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The engine mates to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The only other engine option will be a detuned eco-focused version of the same engine called the Ultra, which only makes 190 horsepower.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the A4, with the brand’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive as an available option. The Ultra engine improves fuel efficiency but is only offered with the front-wheel drive format. According to Car and Driver, the 2018 Audi A4 sprints from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Responsive acceleration and direct steering give the A4 a presence that easily attacks curves.

What are the main problems with Audi A4?

After five years on the roads, a few issues have sprung up for the 2018 Audi A4. First, the vehicle speed sensor usually tends to go out at higher mileage. RepairPal quotes the replacement between $254 and $321. While it isn’t going to break the bank, a few repairs like this will rack up quickly. Thankfully, the Audi A4 seems to hold together well, with many owners reporting over 150,000 miles on some of the older models.

Does the Audi A4 get good gas mileage?

As for the gas mileage of the 2018 A4, it leaves a bit to be desired. Ratings for the standard engine and all-wheel-drive ring in at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The six-speed manual car loses one mpg on the highway over the automatic but is the same around town. As for the fuel-conscious Ultra engine, ratings are 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. A near 60 horsepower decrease for the small gain of 4 mpg overall. Potential buyers may see a value in that, but the VW Bug-sized power difference is substantial in a car that weighs nearly 4,000 pounds.

Is the Audi A4 a good car?

The exterior design of the 2018 A4 is classy and sophisticated. There are no large diffusers or flashy wheel options, but the car still has an aggressive presence on the road. Moving to the interior, you will find more of the same. High-quality materials like premium leather seating and aluminum trim cover the cabin. Sitting in the A4 is a comfortable place to be. Most interior controls are right where you want them to be and are easy to use. Combining all of these things with a quick turbo engine and all-wheel-drive gives potential buyers an incredible value over the rest of the options in that $30,000 price range. Overall, the Audi A4 is an excellent choice for someone looking for a sporty yet sophisticated sedan.