Options
New Audi Q7 Owners Give us Your Report
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I'm in the process of negotiating to buy a pair of Audi Q7 Premium's loaded to the gills. I've talked to several dealers. One just offered to sell the cars for $500 over "invoice" each.
When it came time to begin writing up the contracts, 2 new charges miraculously appeared. One is called “NY Upstate Dealer Advertising Group” for $300, and the other is called “Preparation and Inspection” at $195.
I’ve searched here and Consumer Reports and can not find either of these charges listed. The dealer is insisting that these are both charges that the dealership pays and that they are billed by the manufacturer. He even gave me a copy of another Q7’s invoice that does in fact show both charges. That invoice carries a notice on the bottom that reads “Prices illustrated above are subject to change prior to drafting and final shipment”.
I had arrived at a price by simply adding up the wholesale price of the car and each option selected and then adding the “Destination Charge”. I thought that by simply adding another $500 I’d have the price of the car. These "extra charges" adds another $495 to the deal.
Re these charges for real – or is it a scam?
Does the manufacturer rebate this to the dealers to allow them more profit – beyond invoice – in a manner like holdback?
By the way, I’m told that Audi does not do “holdback”. Edmund’s site shows none. There appear to be no promotions available for Q7’s yet. Does anyone have any knowledge of this?
Thanks!
Try to get a 3.6 and a 4.2 so you can give us all real world comparison reports.
I do not recommend anyone getting a sunroof if they live in temperatures of 100 or more. At the present time I am getting the roof tinted. I will let you know if that works.
It has a sliding net that does not block the heat coming
through. It is a thin mesh netting that looks nice but is ineffective to the sun & heat.
:shades:
It's not a 3.0, it's a 3.6 liter V6. At 285 hp, it's one of the most powerful 6-cylinder engines anywhere. Acceleration should be about 1 second slower than V8 (Audi says 0-60 in 8.2 seconds), which is still among the leaders in its class. Still a heavy vehicle, so mileage won't be great either way. Expect the V6 to get about 2 mpg more than the V8.
Unfortunately once in Idaho the sunroof would not close and the sun roof shade would not open. The next day the car was completely dead. I am waiting for road side assistance as we speak. more to follow...
Got a call Saturday afternoon asking me if I was going to pick the car up today and they were sorry it was not ready.
My patience is runny out.For Rbins1 the sun/heat in Arizona is slighty different to the NE our heatwave starts in May and finishes end September.
The service manager told me the roof started to work again but they do not know why,the problem was never found and no solution has been found. They are still delivering back the car to me. So it may happen again any time soon.
more later.
Advice to anyone thinking of buying a Q7... WAIT
Buying a hot new car at sticker or above (e.g., the M Series MB SUV about 10 years ago, the LR3 Land Rover three years ago, the XC90 Volvo more recently, etc.) is a fool's game. And you know what happens to fools: they are quickly parted from their money.
Maybe we should rethink the need for a third seat. Those that really are going to be hauling around 6' tall high school hockey players with their bags of gear perhaps ought to buy a spiffed up Denali XL and forget about their image while they anticipate tuition bills.
I do think that adding 12" to a Cayenne platform is not going to make for a whole lot of room for a third row and it will be a long hike under a low roof to get back there.
I would go with the 4.2. We have 4000 miles on ours. We have obtained very good mpg: 15/22 MPG (city/highway). The highway mileage number is based on some long trips we have made. Some short highway trips we have seen even better MPG.
Keep in mind, we don't typically do heavy accelaration and the numbers I report reflect that. MPG is low if you like to race the engine (very fun). Do you think the reviewers who reported 11 MPG were light on the accelaration pedal?
I doubt the V6 will have significantly better MPG numbers than the 4.2 under similar driving conditions.
I now have 1,000 miles on Q7 and I have to say I love it. Great vehicle. Also, have an '06 A6 which is also an awesome car, but have to say I love the Q7 more. Despite it's size and weight, it actually feels sportier than the A6. We got it complete with almost every option - adaptive air suspension, adaptive cruise, side assist, towing hitch, 20" wheels, etc.
The ride is very smooth, which was initially a concern with the larger wheels and why we decided to add the adaptive air suspension. We've set it to the automatic setting, which has worked well. Very smooth, yet handles excellently on corners and when driving more aggressively. Yesterday, pushed it on some curves/corners and straight aways, and it was as if I was almost driving my BMW Z3 M-Type.
The adaptive cruise also worked quite well. Driven into Chicago twice, and once I set it, it followed traffic, speeding up and slowing down appropriately, even bringing the Q7 to a complete stop on a number of occasions when traffic came to a standstill. It does take a little bit getting used to, as several times I found myself mashing on the brakes fearing that it wasn't going to slow down, but when I trusted it to do the job, it controlled the vehicle as expected. It helped to increase the distance setting and change the cruise setting to the "comfort" level vs. "dynamic". I believe "dynamic" is more for the German "autobahn" style of driving instead of the US interstate. Definitely, this option is very pricey, and not for everyone. I'm a tech-addict, so I just couldn't pass it up, but if you do a lot of driving - highway or city, it definitely makes the drive a little more relaxing and easier.
Thus far, mileage has been about as claimed. 12 in the city, a little less on the highway, at about 18. I'm hoping I'll see that improve a bit more once the vehicle's broken in more.
Navigation is also excellent - I really enjoy the interface and thus far, has been very accurate - similar to the A6.
I have a Treo 700p with Sprint and was very disappointed to find that it doesn't work with the Bluetooth.
I have found a few small quirky things, but nothing big - see my posting under the "Audi Q7: Problems and Solutions" discussion.
Overall - I love this car. I was a little hesitant at first to make the purchase, as I love to drive aggressively and enjoy more of a sportier vehicle, but I have not been disappointed. This gives me all the room I need to haul people and things, the comfort to travel long distances, yet I feel like I haven't had to give up on the sport aspect. I would recommend it without hesitation.
My father-in-law has just purchased one too - but how can I keep being a cheerleader for a company that can't get me a key?
Comments: I have the 4.2 premium. Love the acceleration. I have no sunroof problem. I do have a huge issue with the fact that my kids snapped off the plastic nubs to the sunshades within a week and you have to replace the entire shade for $450 a piece. Not so great engineering there folks.
The navigation is very good - I live in an area where there are new developments so some areas are uncharted. Once I looked to be flying over a bridge.
Looks wise - I get asked about my car all the time. My parents have the Cayenne - I told them they need to upgrade to the Audi.
It feels solid and handles so well. You have to watch your speed - you tend to fly.
I will say the gas mileage is pretty weak - maybe 14 mpg.
Love the bluetooth function of the phone and the Sirius.
Again STAY AWAY FROM LEGEND AUTORAMA - they have caused me so much anguish I had to let people know.
I can initially pair the phone with the MMI system. However, after some time (about 2-5 minutes), the MMI will drop the bluetooth signal, and disconnect my phone.
It is strange. If during the few minutes that the phone is connected to the system, I make a phone call, the phone remains connected for as long as I am talking. Then, if I hand up and wait the few minutes, the phone gets disconnected from the system again. However, if after I hang up, I QUICKLY make another call, I can stay connected. Very odd.
Anyone have a similar problem, or a potential solution? Let me know please - this is killing me.
I have a blackberry pearl (8100), and it will pair, but get disconnected. I posted more details in the maintenance and repair section.
Let me know what you have been able to find out, if anything.
Any how, this is a diff. report. Q7 handles like a sport sedan. It handles the corner very well. The tires hug the road, and the car does not even roll. In addition, driving 100mph today is no different than 70mph. The car does not shake. What impressed me is that there is plenty of power left. I was doing 70mph w/ 3 additional passengers inside. I needed more power. Within a short distance, I hit 100mph and was maintaining it for a short stretch. Loved it. One of these days, I push for the limit when I'm by myself. Amazing. My 4.0L grand cherokee tops at 95mph. My 3.0L Lexus ES300 begins to shake passed 100mph. On a diff. Lexus forum, ES300 has been reported to top at 126 and shaking. Both Lexus and Jeep have to work to give the horsepower that I need over a long stretch of distance. Audi is different beast. Wow. Phew.
Car drives/handles wonderfully. I added the 19in wheels and no problems with bumps, etc. No problems with acceleration/breaking. Sometimes you forget you are in a large SUV on the road, it feels like a much smaller vehicle. All the technology works and makes sense. NAV is simple, although it isnt touch screen, I've gotten the handle of it. The bluetooth works with our Razr phone so no issues there.
With the recent snow/ice in NYC , it was a pleasure to drive my Q7.
Thus far, my only issue is gas mileage. I'm averaging 13mpg but have been doing more city driving so probably makes sense. Cant wait to do a long cruise.
It is the version available for TIM, v4.2.1.66 is what I have, and it is working fine here in the U.S. You should go through (and there is a lot of reading, but worth it), and follow the following forum: Blackberry Forum 8100 TIM Italy Release
Good Luck!!
Used to own a Jeep GC. The itch to buy the Q7 in Aug 06 pushed me into a PacWest dealership that rhymes with terrier. Excellent sales person, who went thru inventory with me to identify the stock number with the options I wanted (Q7 4.2 Quartz Gray Metallic 20” Continentals Adv Key Air Susp CWP PTA –tech pack 1D6 – tow pack included).
Closed on the deal 3 days later after haggling on detail over email & phone. Next day, sales person ensured a 2 hour vehicle walkthrough before I could drive out – I really appreciated that later. Contracts person messed up on something which we found out a week later, but dealer took responsibility for the error.
OWNING & DRIVING
Now, 8000 miles & 8 months later, the Q7 is still a head turner and a very sophisticated performer in city, on highway, in rain and on snow / ice. Avg. mileage is 16 MPG & I stomp on the gas – the initial hesitation exists & is a good safety moment, if you will. Beyond that moment, unless the little SPEED alarm rings, it’s all an elegant rush.
The Q7 is very very sure footed in all surfaces, specially the wet where you could feel confident doing 20 MPH or 70 MPH. Living the PacWest means slick driving comfort is absolute essential & I’ve accelerated out of 70MPH to overtake in very slick conditions with ease. The Q7 & I mucked around in the mountains on snow, ice, sleet and the combo of Air Susp Quattro ESP put together made sure I had no uncontrollable slides at low speeds. 2 slow slides into the snowed over fences did not scratch the body – a plastic grill thingie popped & had to be pushed back. Air Susp rules big time & makes the ride as well as CORNERING (sometimes I think it curves itself around corners, especially when you watch your own adpative headlights curve too in the dark!) very luxurious / stable on all surfaces – leave it in ‘Dynamic’ mode, unless you are a DIY type. When you park & leave the car, you can hear discrete hisses as Air Susp settles the body down, like a polished robot / beast or aircraft. Reverse hisses when you open the doors next as the body rises – nice sound effects
Love the solid construction (its way larger inside that it looks outside, solid body & doors), utility (intuitive controls – accelerate from stop back into a cruise setting you set prior to stopping w/o switching off cruise, Side Assist – very practical & works reliably) and thought into all the finish details (white footlights, glove cooler). Adv. Key usage is simple, Bluetooth integration was a breeze on my TMO SDA, Samsung phones & the voice integration for phone / voice activation is perfect . I put all the seats down to transport a crateful of fine art one day (twelve paintings, between 5’ x 5’ & 4’ x 5’) - (clue - put the largest one in first, flat on the bottom , coz the roof tapers quickly).
WHAT CAN IMPROVE
Minor Electricals, MMI
1. Couple of times the audio section of MMI lost the stereo DSP Bose setting inexplicably & blared in monoaural mode(I opted to stop the Q7 & restart the Q7 to return to original setting)
2. On another occasion or two ‘engine start’ did not deliver any result (I pressed Stop & tried again – it worked)
3. On one other occasion the MMI did not proceed beyond launch (same strategy – stop, re-start & it works fine).
4. One yet another occasion, I had a warning light start up after some TipTronic action (went away after restart).
5. Wish I had the AMI kit ready to go for the Q7 – it would be way more fun than my Belkin charger / player. I’m really looking forward to that.
6. The great sales person QUIT & though I’ve never needed any dealer support (xcept for a valet key provided at no charge ), I’m thinking I might never get the same experience again at the dealership. Time will tell & maybe the rep will re-join.
The Q7 is a keeper for now - I hope you all appreciate the detailed post. LMK if you have any specific questions. Enjoy your Q7 !
Any help will be appreciated.
1. 9K+ Miles & counting fast - nothing major to report. Driver side window squeaks a little as it rolls up.
2. My Q7 reports 14.2 MPG consistently, not 16 MPG as I reported incorrectly earlier (on April 05).
3. The great sales person is BACK !! albeit at the OTHER (UNIV) Audi dealership.
4. Love the multi- purpose INFO screen embedded in the dash (between speedo & tacho), that lets me manage the MMI functions & the NAVI (route map) without having to glance at the central (big) screen. I can't wait to see what Audi's nextgen 'heads-up' display projected on the windshield will be like - some high end Mercs already have that.
5. Fitting a full golf bag in the back - lessons learned : does not slide in lengthwise (with last 2 seats down, as clubs stick out & trunk door does not latch), so stick it in widthwise, at the outer edge of the trunk area above the tray (the trunk tapers inwards, so you can't push it further back against the second row seats). Lay it on its side, so the trunk privacy screen can roll over comfortably.
Question for the FORUM : Whatever happened to the Q7 AMI kit ?
The Q7 AMI been reported in the press a year ago (as a separate kit for 2007 Q7s), US availability was scheduled for Jan 2007, its even listed in the Audi accessories magazine mailed to everyone, but the dealer still doesn't have them in stock. I believe 2008 Q7s come with AMI integrated & therefore do not need the kit.
If anyone has gotten the Q7 AMI kit installed in the US or a 2008 Q7 with AMI integrated, please drop a note on its functionality & usability.
Safe driving !
I'm told the Q7 AMI design created the best iPOD integration amongst European autos - I'm tired of the Belkin FM tuner work-around for my iPOD, even though sound quality still rocks over the radio waves.
Is your Q7 AMI kit installed in the central storage console between the driver & passenger seats or is it installed in the passenger glove box area ?