I wouldn't be surprised to see a big sales deal on any remaining '05 B6 A4 when the B7 A4s start arriving at the dealers (demo in February, and inventory in April). I know that the current '05 A4s are not selling because everyone knows about the changes that are coming. They'll need to come up with some plan to sell off all remaining B6 A4s.
The current incentives on A4's are pretty amazing right now -- especially for the 1.8T versions.
I guess they could always improve, but there may be some reasons to not get carried away.
The A4's -- some of them -- for 05.5 are already here in port. My dealer will have them for the Cincinnati New Car Show on Feb 17. The cars that are "allocated" to my dealer (several of each flavor, A4 2.0T, 3.2 and S4) can be sold immediately or can be seen and picked up on 3/21/2005. If you give them a $500 deposit now, you won't get the car, as far as I know, until after the auto show but possibly before 3/21/2005.
I have seen the inbound inventory list -- the 2.0Ts are "nicely equipped" but none have navi, for instance. There are some loaded 3.2's with sport, navi and the whole nine yards. These are not yet sold.
There are 2 S4's inbound one stick one auto as I recall.
Prices as of yesterday were not yet locked in -- only the rumor mill and speculation by the sales rep can lead me to the conclusion that there will be a fairly steep increase or a mostly modest increase depending on how you look at the car's CONTENT.
If I told you the car was "only" 8% higher you would probably not think that was an "only" statement -- but if I told you the 2005.5 "base car's" standard equipment exceeded the 2005 "base car's" equipment and that made the price increase more like a couple or three percent, would you be less outraged or happier?
Depends on your point of view -- personally, I like Acura's approach -- virtually no options. A base A6 -- at south of $41K TODAY is nuts -- there are no base A6's they all have premium package and convenience package (and here in Cincinnapolis they all have cold weather package).
They also all have parktronic. Most of them have navi, too. The least expensive ones are about $48K -- and please don't think I am suggesting that the A6 is over priced (from an MSRP perspective). Currently I think the Audi Financial folks have made the new A6 somewhat (and one can hope temporarily) unnattractive to lease when a more expensive BMW 5 (to name one) has a lease program that prices that mid-size car at least $100 per month less.
The "stripped" A6 ($48K) with no money down, 36 months lease, 10,000 miles per year is $698 per month on a lease (with $.25 per mile overage costs.)
If the same philosophy comes with the new A4, one will find a huge price jump in the monthly lease payment. The current A4 1.8T quattro with EVERY POSSIBLE OPTION on it leases -- according to the on-line configurator for about $470 per month for 36 months @ 15,000 per month. There are deals on this same car in my dealer's showroom as I write this that are over $100 lower and for a shorter term (but that is on the outgoing '05 A4 1.8T q).
I can only imagine that a new loaded A4 2.0T could be just south of $600 per month. You may attribute part of this to the Euro, the new vs the old, additional content and a slight price bump.
If, however, you are NOT an Audi Loyalist and you shop for a BMW 3"x" or an Infiniti G35"x" or even a Jaguar "x" -- they ALL, currently, seem to offer more car (based on MSRP and content) for less money than Audi.
Those of us who have "deep" Audi loyalty and product knowledge can posit arguments why the Audi is "more better" -- but with our only mouthpiece being this forum (and some others), it is difficult to even make a dent in the market.
If a $56,000 MSRP BMW is ~ $100+ less than a $52,000 Audi -- well there is something "out of balance."
Get ready to be pleasantly surprised or disappointed with the pricing on the new A4's. It is a crap shoot, from my perspective if the A6 roll out is any indication of the way the A4 roll out will progress.
The decision for me is going to be cut and dry this summer. My only 2 options I am considering are the 2006 3.2 A4 quattro loaded to the hilt with most of the upgrades as well as the S-Line option etc vs. the 2006 BMW 330i loaded as well.
With the 330i, I will have the choice of manual or automatic; I am not sure if that choice will be available on thew 2006 A4 list.
After test driving both of these beauties, I need to compare pricing and lease rates. If everything is relatively equal in my mind with the cars and options they offer, and if Audi screws around at that point with there leasing program like they are with the A6 then the choice will be simple.
Mark, any word if a manual will be offered on the 2006?
Also, have you learned recently what additional changes are they making on the 2006 vs. the 2005.5?
For those who really want to like the Audi product they sure make things hard on themselves. Ive heard a lot of talk about the pricing of the A6.
Its seems that those wanting more volume and some content ,preferred the former A6 in the high 30's despite the added content to the New 50k A6.If Audi was trying to make the A6 exclusive isnt that what a A8 is for ?
I cannot get clarity, probably because who I know doesn't know, about the differences.
There is "hope" that the 2006 MY will offer a stick. That there will be an S-Line is apparently no longer in any doubt.
What may not come with the .5's is Bluetooth and/or voice and/or smart key. Perhaps some minor changes in packages, color choices too. I think the changes from the .5's to the initial '06's would be all but invisible for most folks (according to the dealer, who, I'll grant, can't seem to pry much hard info out of his Audi Advocate.)
The S-Line equipped 3.2 A4 loaded and with a manual transmission would be compelling (unless they jack the lease rates around so much as to tick loyalists off).
Maybe the loyal folks don't count for as much as we think we should. You see, if you are a noobie to the line -- and not exactly [yet] enamoured and/or loyal to the "Joy of Audi" you may not notice the disparity between the competition (heck you may not even shop the competition much -- but if you are an Audi noobie, maybe you will be shopping.)
The point of course is if Delta airlines starts a fare ware, it almost always goes that people will fly Delta first over American or Continental -- as they are seen as comparable airlines.
Much as I am loathe to admit this: the usual suspects keep playing the game of "one upmanship" -- BMW comes out with "X" horsepower, then Mercedes follows, then Audi (but the order may be changed, sometimes Audi is first, followed by the others.)
Coming soon, 7 speed autos -- the big three Germans will have this tranny soon. Perhaps the 7 , the S class and the A8's will get a 7 speed first -- but just like the trickle down from the A8 to the A6 to the A4 of the 6 speed auto -- you can believe it will come to pass that all these Germans will soon offer 7 speed autos.
Did you read that GM is going to put ESP ("Stabilitrak") on ALL of their vehicles? I don't recall if it will be standard or optional, but the point is this feature will be ubiquitous.
Next the A8 will offer "lane departure" warning, automatic cruise control and all lights will be LED's (which have been shown to provide a warning to those following you of some 25 feet [of travel] sooner than regualr lights.) Then the A3 will get this, etc etc etc.
Advanced headlights, just now on the new A6 and offered on the new A4 -- have actually been around since the day of the Tucker, but as of now are just being put into widespread application.
On and On and On the advancements go, generally starting at the flagship models and trickling down to the lesser models until ultimately these lux features become standard equipment -- think ABS, airbags and ESP for instance.
Boy have I digressed -- my guess is that if you are looking at the new 3 series Bimmer (and you can wait for the "x" series [AWD]) and the new S-Line A4, that you will go with the one that has the most attractive lease deal.
I could be wrong, but if the deals are comparable and you have any "loyalty" to one brand or the other, you will probably lean that way.
For me, I lean Audi. But I am getting fed up with being taken advantage of (my wife is wearing off on me.) I'd hate to leave the brand, but I refuse to "take it in the wallet!"
One of Audi's Advantages over the years was "you got so much more car for the money."
I remember that the last A6 4.2 competed with the BMW 5 -- WITH THE 6 cylinder engine -- I find it amazing that people actually purchased a RWD 6 cylinder BMW 5, when (at the time) an Audi A6 4.2 was the same money.
The shoe is now on the other hand. Or something like that.
I have been checking out the lease rates from Audi for a 2005 - and it amazed me that a 3 year lease for a A4 3.0 Quattro at an MSRP of about $36k - they expect to get $22k out of you. (Quick calcs - I may be off - actually, no that is what it comes out to be)
Anyway - cars.com says that after 3yr an A4 3.0 Quattro will have a residual value of 51%.
Either way - it really stuns me that these beautiful cars lose their value so quickly compared to other cars that are missing such nice features as AWD.
How interesting that my local dealer has a 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro available for the low asking price of $27k (with 40k miles)
I either need to fall in love with a different car - or I need to buy an A4 and hold onto it forever. (But I really don't want to own it past the warranty period - without taking a bath on resale)
Not at all actually - hadn't thought of that really
I am more concerned about the price of fixing things after the warranty is over. If the Audi had a "Hyundai" warranty - well I'd buy one as soon as the 2005.5 or 2006 came out - and hold it for 10 years.
My 11 year old GM car was fine when it was under bumper-to-bumper warranty. Heck I even got brakes covered under it by my dealer. Various things over the course of these 10 years have gone... On my 3rd battery (normal), 1 alternator, 4-5 sets of brakes, 3rd set of tires (didn't rotate set #2 enough), keyless entry receiver, steering wheel radio control buttons, power antenna, power window switch. Maybe a few other things.
Overall fairly common stuff to go during that time. (My brakes are horribly designed) Statistically I would say that failures did increase after warranty - but not substantially. It isn't like my car fell to pieces year 4.
But if I have a german car - where I would expect repairs to cost significantly more, well - I kind of want to be out of it by the time the bumper to bumper warranty is over.
I really find the Audi much nicer than BMW - but a lot of that might be just aesthetic. I am though shocked that an Audi has such a lower residual value.
Audi's resale is low specifically because there is a lot of trepidation about owning an old one. After all, if you don't want it out of warranty, why should someone else?
And--audi is not a reliable as bmw, especially as they age.
Ok - now you spelled it out for me I'm following you - thanks
It's a shame that there aren't any BMW's out there that I find attractive.
I may have to buy a G35 sedan for its AWD. I hate the back end of that car - so I don't know if I can do it. I'm still a bit tempted to get a G35 coupe - but the RWD is a concern being in upstate NY.
Can someone help me understand when the new A4 will be available in NY / NJ market. I spoke to a dealer today who had little useful information. I'll be looking for an A4 2.0 quattro with premium package plus other options the first week of March. Is this realistic? If not, then when?
If you place a car on order NOW you will have one in about 12 weeks. If you do not have one on order you will be able to get A car, but not THE car you want.
Mark got it right. I talked to a LI-area dealership (Biener) last December and they told me to get in touch with them in early January if I wanted to place an order. I did call them by phone, sent e-mail messages. No response at all for 3 weeks. Go somewhere else. I did, and have one on order, due to arrive in late April. 2006 A4Q 2.0T 6M Sport Pkg. Can hardly wait.
If I were to consider the Audi extended warranty - I believe it only gets you 3 more years at a cost of approximately $2500. Is that true? Any options to go longer than 3 years through Audi? Any comments as to what is and is not covered?
I think I recall seeing on a NG somewhere that a person called around to dealers (all over the country??) and got a great deal at a dealer in Ohio for ~1200 or something. Does anyone have any experience with trying something like that?
(I'm having a hard time moving onto a different car...)
Does the new A4 3.2 have the paddleshift? cause i saw a picture of an A4 3.2 interior with the paddles right behind the steering wheel. I just wansn't sure if the U.S. import version also has that. Thanks.
Thanks for correcting me. I keep making that mistake. Maybe it's because they look the same to most people, myself included. Definitely, it's not the 2005 model. Cheers!
No problem, I wanted to make sure the dealer wasn't trying to tell you the car was an 06'; just looking out for my fellow enthusiasts.
Anyway, you are correct though, there might not be many visible changes, I think mostly some additional interior options are available on the 2006 like different Navigation ( current MMI on A6 ) possible a manual shifter and of course the S-Line package on the exterior.
Anyway, can't wait to hear about the pricing and your experiences with your new car.
The order guides make no mention of the paddle shifts. However the very fact that there is NO manual or "clutchless" manual at least initially, perhaps there will be such an option. On the other hand, the paddles may be delayed until the S-Line. And, although hoping won't make it so, there are those of us who are hoping that the manual will come with the S-Line.
There are reasons other than acceleration to use the auto in manual shift mode, but, recently the auto trans seem to equal and sometimes beat the stick shifts in terms of accelerative times (if they have a low enough final drive, that is.)
On my last tip Audi, I used the tip shift gate "for fun" -- personally, I would find the paddle shifters to be "unsatisfying."
The rumor mill says that CVT may come to quattro and that Audis DSG is waiting in the wings.
I pause and bow my head in silence for I fear the end of the stick shift is nigh.
I'm in a similar position to a lot of people here.. I will be buying a new car around June/July and am looking around $40K and under. The Infinitis have outrageously higher insurance costs than Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW (although BMW is fairly close to Infiniti) which turns me off of Infiniti quite a bit. Are there any expected changes to Audi's lease program because I would like to lease a loaded A4 or A6 3.2 Quattro this summer. The 3.2 A6 is like $800 a month which isn't too bad considering the price of the car but for a lease, I expected it to be lower... When do we get good range ideas on the lease program?
"Note: the 3.2 WILL be offered with a 6spd manual this fall"
Perfect timing!!! The Audi A4 3.2 6 speed Avant intro is when when the new Lexus IS and the BMW 3 series Touring will be introduced. These three models are among my top pix for purchase. Looking forward to some interesting test-drives next fall.
I really like the 3.2 Quattro pricing.. it seems reasonable and similar to the G35x... It'd be interesting to see what the monthly lease prices will be... Any guesses?
It'd be great if we could eventually get a package breakdown on what everything includes so I could get a fairly good idea of what I'd choose for the car...
Also, does the 3.2 Quattro come with more standard features than the 2.0T or are the packages listed above options on the 3.2 Quattro also?
I saw the 2005.5 A4 at the Philadelphia Auto Show yesterday and it is very impressive! The car on display was the 3.2 and had the Volterra premium leather seats, which are quite a bit softer than the standard leather seating (the Volterra will not be available with the 2.0T).
Observations:
(1) The optional Navigation Plus has a flip down screen with two SD memory card slots behind it, no more burning MP3's to a CD, just drop them on the SD card now. The Navigation Plus moves the 6-disc CD changer into the glove box and deletes the cassette.
(2) Bluetooth is not available until the 2006 model year.
(3) The standard multi-function steering wheel is an overdue and welcome addition for a car at this price point.
(4) The standard interior aluminum trim is a nice improvement: it is brushed aluminum (similar to the BMW 3-series), is not as shiny as before (more matte than gloss), and does not have any patterns in it.
(5) The annoying center console cup holder is gone, there are now two cup holders next to the emergency brake (looks exactly like the BMW 3-series configuration).
(6) The shoulder lines along the sides of the car give it an aggressive look which cannot be appreciated from photos; the hood has similar aggressive groves.
(7) Aluminum trim around the outside windows is now standard on all A4's.
I like the car so much, in fact, that I will likely trade in my 2005 1.8T for a 2006 2.0T in the fall; I'll wait for the 2006 because I must have Bluetooth. If you do not need Bluetooth you will not be disapointed with the 2005.5!
This is followup to Mark's Oct. 26 post on aftermarket chips and buying an outgoing 2005. I am thinking of buying a 2005 AUTO or a used 2003-2004. Yes, auto. I can't drive manuals because of some shoulder problems. I prefer the idea of the 1.8T as it would be similar in performance to my current '97 Saab 2.0 turbo (I think). Getting a sport suspension would be great but they seem tough to find. Mark mentioned that the aftermarket chip upgrade can make it quicker. So here are 4 questions:
1. Does that performance upgrade apply to the auto and does it make a difference if it is tiptronic or CVT?
2. I do not plan or need the quattro. Does this affect the chip and/or the auto transmission performance?
3. Does the chip upgrade affect gas mileage?
4. Does the chip upgrade affect emissions?
I ask the latter two questions as I am concerned about both (I am sort of a greenie who likes twisties).
Is that fully loaded? Are you leasing or buying? What are the estimated monthly payments etc? You and I have very similar tastes in the car so it'd be great to find out more of what you are getting.
Hello, Yes for me the car is fully loaded the only thing that is not installed is the navigation system (nice but I don't need) and the Radio (XM or Sirius again nice but don't need)
I have done some more work on price using Kellys, Edmunds, and NADA.
Invoice ($40876)
Retail ($44195)
Edmunds ($42930)
NADA ($42232)
So the dealer gave me a price of $42196. I am going to my dealer with a counter offer of $41376. We shall see what happens on Monday.
Ps. I am buying the car I just don't like leasing. I am paying cash.
The chip will increase the torque and horsepower of the 1.8T engine -- regardless of transmission or drive configuration.
With the FWD version and a chip, the car MAY demonstrate some torque steer. This will be very noticable on rain covered roads. The Acura TL has this and people still buy them and live with them in bliss and joy. The Audi may benefit from a plus sizing of the tires/tires+wheels (either plus 0 or plus 1).
The chip upgrade will probably lower gas milage because of YOUR increased propensity to get into the accelerator pedal.
Ditto emissions due to YOUR increased. . .
If you like the twisties, I would NOT go with a FWD anything, I would ONLY go AWD. Overall the quattro drive system, besides improving all the inherent goodness of the car will make the car hold its value much better. Quattro, new, figures to be MSRP ~ $2K. Used Audis that are FWD don't hold their value well due to the fact that they are NOT as much fun, don't perform as well and don't go in the slickness as well.
Quattros with autos, are unfortunately, the majority of the cars out there.
Why not go for a late model loaner quattro -- most dealers are constantly putting these cars into and out of loaner car service. You should be able to get one with full warranty and low milage.
Hello I am still working on price for my new 2005.5 Audi A4 3.2 Avant. I have been working with this one dealer that sent this email to me.
We will not lose you as a customer over price. If I can get an allowance of $500 on the price of the 2005.5 model, would that be adequate for you to go ahead with the order? We will have the resources to order more vehicles than most other dealers, so the wait for an allocation will be minimal.
I been talking to him about retail Vs invoice, so my question is: Is this $500.00 allowance above dealer invoice or $500.00 below Retail.
I don't want to sound like I don't know the difference to the dealer, I want to be in the drivers seat in dealings with a dealer.
That's what I got -- $500 over dealer invoice b/c they can just order another one so if they don't make the offer, I go elsewhere and they're out $500 + a unit sold. Love the internet. It makes no sense from the e-mail you got that he'd be referring to MSRP, but do verify it.
When shopping on the Internet for a car from an authorized dealer, it has been my experience that the price quoted is the "known" or published invoice price + some number.
Some times the price quoted is invoice -- I don't think they can do that on Audis, since there is no holdback -- but, then again, I've been wrong before.
The deal went south tonight!! I still have one more dealer outstanding on this 2005.5 time will tell. If not I will go with the Mercedes Benz C240 loaded. About the same price
Mark, Muchisimas Thanks for the info. Whaddyamean I might step on it more? Well, okay, so maybe my Saab doesn't exactly get the EPA mileage. (BTW, speaking of torque steer...)
That the Quattro is more fun to drive is new and very important info for me. I live in norCal and do not have much use for 4x4 as no ice and snow. But I will now test drive the Quattro.
Also, how do I find these mysterious late model loaner cars? I have been poking around cars.com and autotrader and never see that mentioned.
I don't know if there's a holdback, but he said he gets paid by volume and maybe there are allocation considerations. Let put it this way: if you are a dealer and a guy who's 2 dealers away e-mails you and says, punch some buttons and I'll pay you $500 over invoice for a car that does not come from your existing inventory, do you turn it down?
You're not going to get much off sticker on the new cars with the bigger grill and new engines.
You'll be able to swing a much better deal on the older 05's. Dealers are just getting the new 2005.5 2.0's and 3.2's. Expect to pay close to sticker on these new cars until later on in the year when the 06's come out.
Also, don't expect the lease rate to be that good on the 2005.5's for a while. You can lease a $50,000 old body style '05 S4 cheaper than an 05.5 that's $7,000 less. The money rate and lease factors on the 05.5's are terrible right now.
I'm considering an entry level 1.8T, FWD, auto-transmission.
The local dealer showed me a: "2005 1.8T Special Edition FrontTrak Tiptronic CVT"
I searched on www.audiusa.com . There is only either "Multitronic CVT FrontTrak FWD" or "Tiptronic Quattro AWD". There is no such mixture of "FrontTrak CVT" and "Tiptronic" listed online.
Is the local dealer confusing me with these "termologyies", or this is some 2005.5 new option?
By the way, what's definition of 2005.5 as oppose to 2005?
Thank you for the replys. I really like to know what the real profit is on the new 2005.5 is it much different from the 2005's.
My dealer as a few older 2005's on the lot but the price difference from them to the new 2005.5 is not much.
He has a new 2004 with only 124 miles on it for 36,849+TTL its not loaded but nice.
One more question, since it looks like I am going to order this 2005.5 how long will it take. I have read here that is looks like 2 months is that about right?
Easiest way to tell the difference is look at the body styles....big grille = 2005.5. Some things have changed such as the engine and a few other things as well... I was told that the lease prices on the NEW A4 2.0T's would start somewhere around $369....I was told that by 2 dealers in 2 different regions...
I picked up my 2005.5 2T A4 yesterday and since there has been so much discussion about pricing I thought that I would share that I got the sport package, navigation, cold-weather etc. and paid $39,595.00. They only were willing to take off $500.00 from the MSRP.
I was not particularly an Audi aficionado, however, I have been quickly converted. I know it's still the honeymoon period, but I really love it.
Comments
I guess they could always improve, but there may be some reasons to not get carried away.
The A4's -- some of them -- for 05.5 are already here in port. My dealer will have them for the Cincinnati New Car Show on Feb 17. The cars that are "allocated" to my dealer (several of each flavor, A4 2.0T, 3.2 and S4) can be sold immediately or can be seen and picked up on 3/21/2005. If you give them a $500 deposit now, you won't get the car, as far as I know, until after the auto show but possibly before 3/21/2005.
I have seen the inbound inventory list -- the 2.0Ts are "nicely equipped" but none have navi, for instance. There are some loaded 3.2's with sport, navi and the whole nine yards. These are not yet sold.
There are 2 S4's inbound one stick one auto as I recall.
Prices as of yesterday were not yet locked in -- only the rumor mill and speculation by the sales rep can lead me to the conclusion that there will be a fairly steep increase or a mostly modest increase depending on how you look at the car's CONTENT.
If I told you the car was "only" 8% higher you would probably not think that was an "only" statement -- but if I told you the 2005.5 "base car's" standard equipment exceeded the 2005 "base car's" equipment and that made the price increase more like a couple or three percent, would you be less outraged or happier?
Depends on your point of view -- personally, I like Acura's approach -- virtually no options. A base A6 -- at south of $41K TODAY is nuts -- there are no base A6's they all have premium package and convenience package (and here in Cincinnapolis they all have cold weather package).
They also all have parktronic. Most of them have navi, too. The least expensive ones are about $48K -- and please don't think I am suggesting that the A6 is over priced (from an MSRP perspective). Currently I think the Audi Financial folks have made the new A6 somewhat (and one can hope temporarily) unnattractive to lease when a more expensive BMW 5 (to name one) has a lease program that prices that mid-size car at least $100 per month less.
The "stripped" A6 ($48K) with no money down, 36 months lease, 10,000 miles per year is $698 per month on a lease (with $.25 per mile overage costs.)
If the same philosophy comes with the new A4, one will find a huge price jump in the monthly lease payment. The current A4 1.8T quattro with EVERY POSSIBLE OPTION on it leases -- according to the on-line configurator for about $470 per month for 36 months @ 15,000 per month. There are deals on this same car in my dealer's showroom as I write this that are over $100 lower and for a shorter term (but that is on the outgoing '05 A4 1.8T q).
I can only imagine that a new loaded A4 2.0T could be just south of $600 per month. You may attribute part of this to the Euro, the new vs the old, additional content and a slight price bump.
If, however, you are NOT an Audi Loyalist and you shop for a BMW 3"x" or an Infiniti G35"x" or even a Jaguar "x" -- they ALL, currently, seem to offer more car (based on MSRP and content) for less money than Audi.
Those of us who have "deep" Audi loyalty and product knowledge can posit arguments why the Audi is "more better" -- but with our only mouthpiece being this forum (and some others), it is difficult to even make a dent in the market.
If a $56,000 MSRP BMW is ~ $100+ less than a $52,000 Audi -- well there is something "out of balance."
Get ready to be pleasantly surprised or disappointed with the pricing on the new A4's. It is a crap shoot, from my perspective if the A6 roll out is any indication of the way the A4 roll out will progress.
The decision for me is going to be cut and dry this summer. My only 2 options I am considering are the 2006 3.2 A4 quattro loaded to the hilt with most of the upgrades as well as the S-Line option etc vs. the 2006 BMW 330i loaded as well.
With the 330i, I will have the choice of manual or automatic; I am not sure if that choice will be available on thew 2006 A4 list.
After test driving both of these beauties, I need to compare pricing and lease rates. If everything is relatively equal in my mind with the cars and options they offer, and if Audi screws around at that point with there leasing program like they are with the A6 then the choice will be simple.
Mark, any word if a manual will be offered on the 2006?
Also, have you learned recently what additional changes are they making on the 2006 vs. the 2005.5?
Thanks
Its seems that those wanting more volume and some content ,preferred the former A6 in the high 30's despite the added content to the New 50k A6.If Audi was trying to make the A6 exclusive isnt that what a A8 is for ?
more puzzling VW decisions..
Regards,
DL
There is "hope" that the 2006 MY will offer a stick. That there will be an S-Line is apparently no longer in any doubt.
What may not come with the .5's is Bluetooth and/or voice and/or smart key. Perhaps some minor changes in packages, color choices too. I think the changes from the .5's to the initial '06's would be all but invisible for most folks (according to the dealer, who, I'll grant, can't seem to pry much hard info out of his Audi Advocate.)
The S-Line equipped 3.2 A4 loaded and with a manual transmission would be compelling (unless they jack the lease rates around so much as to tick loyalists off).
Maybe the loyal folks don't count for as much as we think we should. You see, if you are a noobie to the line -- and not exactly [yet] enamoured and/or loyal to the "Joy of Audi" you may not notice the disparity between the competition (heck you may not even shop the competition much -- but if you are an Audi noobie, maybe you will be shopping.)
The point of course is if Delta airlines starts a fare ware, it almost always goes that people will fly Delta first over American or Continental -- as they are seen as comparable airlines.
Much as I am loathe to admit this: the usual suspects keep playing the game of "one upmanship" -- BMW comes out with "X" horsepower, then Mercedes follows, then Audi (but the order may be changed, sometimes Audi is first, followed by the others.)
Coming soon, 7 speed autos -- the big three Germans will have this tranny soon. Perhaps the 7 , the S class and the A8's will get a 7 speed first -- but just like the trickle down from the A8 to the A6 to the A4 of the 6 speed auto -- you can believe it will come to pass that all these Germans will soon offer 7 speed autos.
Did you read that GM is going to put ESP ("Stabilitrak") on ALL of their vehicles? I don't recall if it will be standard or optional, but the point is this feature will be ubiquitous.
Next the A8 will offer "lane departure" warning, automatic cruise control and all lights will be LED's (which have been shown to provide a warning to those following you of some 25 feet [of travel] sooner than regualr lights.) Then the A3 will get this, etc etc etc.
Advanced headlights, just now on the new A6 and offered on the new A4 -- have actually been around since the day of the Tucker, but as of now are just being put into widespread application.
On and On and On the advancements go, generally starting at the flagship models and trickling down to the lesser models until ultimately these lux features become standard equipment -- think ABS, airbags and ESP for instance.
Boy have I digressed -- my guess is that if you are looking at the new 3 series Bimmer (and you can wait for the "x" series [AWD]) and the new S-Line A4, that you will go with the one that has the most attractive lease deal.
I could be wrong, but if the deals are comparable and you have any "loyalty" to one brand or the other, you will probably lean that way.
For me, I lean Audi. But I am getting fed up with being taken advantage of (my wife is wearing off on me.) I'd hate to leave the brand, but I refuse to "take it in the wallet!"
One of Audi's Advantages over the years was "you got so much more car for the money."
I remember that the last A6 4.2 competed with the BMW 5 -- WITH THE 6 cylinder engine -- I find it amazing that people actually purchased a RWD 6 cylinder BMW 5, when (at the time) an Audi A6 4.2 was the same money.
The shoe is now on the other hand. Or something like that.
Anyway - cars.com says that after 3yr an A4 3.0 Quattro will have a residual value of 51%.
Either way - it really stuns me that these beautiful cars lose their value so quickly compared to other cars that are missing such nice features as AWD.
How interesting that my local dealer has a 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro available for the low asking price of $27k (with 40k miles)
I either need to fall in love with a different car - or I need to buy an A4 and hold onto it forever. (But I really don't want to own it past the warranty period - without taking a bath on resale)
dave
I am more concerned about the price of fixing things after the warranty is over. If the Audi had a "Hyundai" warranty - well I'd buy one as soon as the 2005.5 or 2006 came out - and hold it for 10 years.
My 11 year old GM car was fine when it was under bumper-to-bumper warranty. Heck I even got brakes covered under it by my dealer. Various things over the course of these 10 years have gone... On my 3rd battery (normal), 1 alternator, 4-5 sets of brakes, 3rd set of tires (didn't rotate set #2 enough), keyless entry receiver, steering wheel radio control buttons, power antenna, power window switch. Maybe a few other things.
Overall fairly common stuff to go during that time. (My brakes are horribly designed) Statistically I would say that failures did increase after warranty - but not substantially. It isn't like my car fell to pieces year 4.
But if I have a german car - where I would expect repairs to cost significantly more, well - I kind of want to be out of it by the time the bumper to bumper warranty is over.
I really find the Audi much nicer than BMW - but a lot of that might be just aesthetic. I am though shocked that an Audi has such a lower residual value.
Audi's resale is low specifically because there is a lot of trepidation about owning an old one. After all, if you don't want it out of warranty, why should someone else?
And--audi is not a reliable as bmw, especially as they age.
It's a shame that there aren't any BMW's out there that I find attractive.
I may have to buy a G35 sedan for its AWD. I hate the back end of that car - so I don't know if I can do it. I'm still a bit tempted to get a G35 coupe - but the RWD is a concern being in upstate NY.
Orders have been taken since November.
I think I recall seeing on a NG somewhere that a person called around to dealers (all over the country??) and got a great deal at a dealer in Ohio for ~1200 or something. Does anyone have any experience with trying something like that?
(I'm having a hard time moving onto a different car...)
Again, the 2006 version is not due out until summer of this year around sept. ish. The 2005.5 is coming out this spring which is the one you ordered.
No problem, I wanted to make sure the dealer wasn't trying to tell you the car was an 06'; just looking out for my fellow enthusiasts.
Anyway, you are correct though, there might not be many visible changes, I think mostly some additional interior options are available on the 2006 like different Navigation ( current MMI on A6 ) possible a manual shifter and of course the S-Line package on the exterior.
Anyway, can't wait to hear about the pricing and your experiences with your new car.
See ya
There are reasons other than acceleration to use the auto in manual shift mode, but, recently the auto trans seem to equal and sometimes beat the stick shifts in terms of accelerative times (if they have a low enough final drive, that is.)
On my last tip Audi, I used the tip shift gate "for fun" -- personally, I would find the paddle shifters to be "unsatisfying."
The rumor mill says that CVT may come to quattro and that Audis DSG is waiting in the wings.
I pause and bow my head in silence for I fear the end of the stick shift is nigh.
http://www.audi.com/de/de/neuwagen/a4/limousine/s_line_sportpaket- e/s_line_sportpakete.jsp
When? 2006? S-line or A-line?
I wonder if this will be available on the 6 cylinder models.
A4 2.0T
6 spd manual FWD: $27,350
6 spd manual Quattro: $29,450
CVT (7 speed): $28,550
6 spd Tip Quattro: $30,650
-Metallic Paint: $450
-Cold Weather package: $750
-Sport package; $750
-premium Package: $2,100
-Lighting package $1,425
-Audio Package; $1,000
-DVD Nav w/ Changer in glove box: $1,950
-17" Wheels: $500
-Tire Pressure: $250
-Rear Side Airbags: $350
-Head Light Washers: $150
-Power rear shade and manual shades: $400
-Dark Walnut wood: $400
-Polished Valvona Wood: $400
-Destination Charge: $720
Note: lighting Package also includes memory seats, adaptive lights and rain sensor.
Add $1,000 base price for the 2.0T Avant.
Note: the 3.2 WILL be offered with a 6spd manual this fall.
Base Price on the 3.2 Quattro Tiptronic is $35,400
-Cold Weather: $900
-Sport Package is $600
-Premium Package is $2,050
-Lighting Package is $800
All other options are the same as the 2.0T
Add $1,000 for the Avant.
I do not see a sun / moonroof as a seperate option on your list. Is it included with (and available only with) the Premium Package?
I presume that it is not standard, as on the A6 it is not. . .
Thanks,
- Ray
Thinking that'd be really odd . . .
Perfect timing!!! The Audi A4 3.2 6 speed Avant intro is when when the new Lexus IS and the BMW 3 series Touring will be introduced. These three models are among my top pix for purchase. Looking forward to some interesting test-drives next fall.
homelink
memory seats/mirrors
rain sensors
color driver display
auto dimming interior mirror w/compass
" " electrically folding exterior mirrors
It'd be great if we could eventually get a package breakdown on what everything includes so I could get a fairly good idea of what I'd choose for the car...
Also, does the 3.2 Quattro come with more standard features than the 2.0T or are the packages listed above options on the 3.2 Quattro also?
So curious.. When will Audi release more info?
Observations:
(1) The optional Navigation Plus has a flip down screen with two SD memory card slots behind it, no more burning MP3's to a CD, just drop them on the SD card now. The Navigation Plus moves the 6-disc CD changer into the glove box and deletes the cassette.
(2) Bluetooth is not available until the 2006 model year.
(3) The standard multi-function steering wheel is an overdue and welcome addition for a car at this price point.
(4) The standard interior aluminum trim is a nice improvement: it is brushed aluminum (similar to the BMW 3-series), is not as shiny as before (more matte than gloss), and does not have any patterns in it.
(5) The annoying center console cup holder is gone, there are now two cup holders next to the emergency brake (looks exactly like the BMW 3-series configuration).
(6) The shoulder lines along the sides of the car give it an aggressive look which cannot be appreciated from photos; the hood has similar aggressive groves.
(7) Aluminum trim around the outside windows is now standard on all A4's.
I like the car so much, in fact, that I will likely trade in my 2005 1.8T for a 2006 2.0T in the fall; I'll wait for the 2006 because I must have Bluetooth. If you do not need Bluetooth you will not be disapointed with the 2005.5!
DL
This is followup to Mark's Oct. 26 post on aftermarket chips and buying an outgoing 2005. I am thinking of buying a 2005 AUTO or a used 2003-2004. Yes, auto. I can't drive manuals because of some shoulder problems. I prefer the idea of the 1.8T as it would be similar in performance to my current '97 Saab 2.0 turbo (I think). Getting a sport suspension would be great but they seem tough to find. Mark mentioned that the aftermarket chip upgrade can make it quicker. So here are 4 questions:
1. Does that performance upgrade apply to the auto and does it make a difference if it is tiptronic or CVT?
2. I do not plan or need the quattro. Does this affect the chip and/or the auto transmission performance?
3. Does the chip upgrade affect gas mileage?
4. Does the chip upgrade affect emissions?
I ask the latter two questions as I am concerned about both (I am sort of a greenie who likes twisties).
Thanks for any help!
Ed in SF
PAW (Cold weather Pkg.)
PAX (Premium Pkg)
PQJ (Ultra Sport Pkg)
PLD (Premium Leather)
AWB (Wheel Locks)
P7P7 (Blue, Moro Pearl)
LF (Platinum inter)
I have a soft price of 42196 + TTL is this a good deal or should I walk away? Again its for the 2005.5 year.
Falcon_2005.5
I have done some more work on price using Kellys, Edmunds, and NADA.
Invoice ($40876)
Retail ($44195)
Edmunds ($42930)
NADA ($42232)
So the dealer gave me a price of $42196. I am going to my dealer with a counter offer of $41376. We shall see what happens on Monday.
Ps. I am buying the car I just don't like leasing. I am paying cash.
With the FWD version and a chip, the car MAY demonstrate some torque steer. This will be very noticable on rain covered roads. The Acura TL has this and people still buy them and live with them in bliss and joy. The Audi may benefit from a plus sizing of the tires/tires+wheels (either plus 0 or plus 1).
The chip upgrade will probably lower gas milage because of YOUR increased propensity to get into the accelerator pedal.
Ditto emissions due to YOUR increased. . .
If you like the twisties, I would NOT go with a FWD anything, I would ONLY go AWD. Overall the quattro drive system, besides improving all the inherent goodness of the car will make the car hold its value much better. Quattro, new, figures to be MSRP ~ $2K. Used Audis that are FWD don't hold their value well due to the fact that they are NOT as much fun, don't perform as well and don't go in the slickness as well.
Quattros with autos, are unfortunately, the majority of the cars out there.
Why not go for a late model loaner quattro -- most dealers are constantly putting these cars into and out of loaner car service. You should be able to get one with full warranty and low milage.
We will not lose you as a customer over price. If I can get an allowance of $500 on the price of the 2005.5 model, would that be adequate for you to go ahead with the order? We will have the resources to order more vehicles than most other dealers, so the wait for an allocation will be minimal.
I been talking to him about retail Vs invoice, so my question is: Is this $500.00 allowance above dealer invoice or $500.00 below Retail.
I don't want to sound like I don't know the difference to the dealer, I want to be in the drivers seat in dealings with a dealer.
Thank you.
Some times the price quoted is invoice -- I don't think they can do that on Audis, since there is no holdback -- but, then again, I've been wrong before.
That the Quattro is more fun to drive is new and very important info for me. I live in norCal and do not have much use for 4x4 as no ice and snow. But I will now test drive the Quattro.
Also, how do I find these mysterious late model loaner cars? I have been poking around cars.com and autotrader and never see that mentioned.
2005.5 6-speed 3.2 Automatic/Tiptronic Quattro Avant
Pearl effect paint
PAW (Cold weather package)
PPT (Sport package)
WPX (Premium Package)
N0K (Premium Leather seats)
PX3 (Lighting Package)
7K7 (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
5MG (Dark walnut wood trim)
AWB (Security wheel locks)
I have a price of: $42,441 +TTL
I wanted 42,000 +TTL
Ps. This car is be ordered if I do the deal, with should I have done better and by how much?
Thanks for your replys
Should i expect to pay sticker price or is there room for negotiation on this new model.. thanks for any help.
You'll be able to swing a much better deal on the older 05's. Dealers are just getting the new 2005.5 2.0's and 3.2's. Expect to pay close to sticker on these new cars until later on in the year when the 06's come out.
Also, don't expect the lease rate to be that good on the 2005.5's for a while. You can lease a $50,000 old body style '05 S4 cheaper than an 05.5 that's $7,000 less. The money rate and lease factors on the 05.5's are terrible right now.
The local dealer showed me a: "2005 1.8T Special Edition FrontTrak Tiptronic CVT"
I searched on www.audiusa.com . There is only either "Multitronic CVT FrontTrak FWD" or "Tiptronic Quattro AWD". There is no such mixture of "FrontTrak CVT" and "Tiptronic" listed online.
Is the local dealer confusing me with these "termologyies", or this is some 2005.5 new option?
By the way, what's definition of 2005.5 as oppose to 2005?
P.S.: Any helpful comments will be appreciated.
My dealer as a few older 2005's on the lot but the price difference from them to the new 2005.5 is not much.
He has a new 2004 with only 124 miles on it for 36,849+TTL its not loaded but nice.
One more question, since it looks like I am going to order this 2005.5 how long will it take. I have read here that is looks like 2 months is that about right?
Thanks again
Impressed? yes! Better than we thought by a decent margin.
Impressions: formulating.
NB: all options but nav, on a 2.0T stick version, $36,000+ MSRP -- seemed NOT overpriced. Of course this, without driving it.
I was not particularly an Audi aficionado, however, I have been quickly converted. I know it's still the honeymoon period, but I really love it.