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Vic-- Congratulations! ...I'm envious. But drive it first ...I'll bet you'll be surprised at how well it handles with the 16's even with the non-sport suspension. 17's will be more prone to accumulate curb rash, etc. Remember, they're pretty low profile and don't have much of a sidewall. The 16's will come with all-seasons so you won't even have to worry about seasonal change-overs.
--'rocco
Billy
we'll see how things go.
I'll get excited once I have the car in my hands!
in terms of wheels and tires...
do you really think we need winter/all-season tires in Seattle. It rarely snows here (sure sure..it snowed a little today)...but do you think the tires that come with the 17" would be fine right?
If not....anyone got a good recommendation on winter tires?
Well, um... maybe it's global warming or something but I was born and raised in the Seattle area and I agree that in the last ten years we haven't really had a big snow storm of any magnitude but man, I can remember some whoppers (:O ...must have Burger King on the brain today) back in the 50's and 60's when I was a kid. Even in the 70's and 80's we've had some pretty big snow and ice storms; one that promted me to go out and buy dedicated snow tires for even my 4Runner. Since I'm a Central alum' and used to be an avid skier, I've had sets of snow tires for most of my cars in the past for going back and forth over the pass. One snow and ice storm we had back in the 80's (can't remember exactly what year it was) made me swear that I'd always own at least one vehicle with either 4WD or AWD. Now that I have two vehicles with AWD, I'm still debating whether to equip one of them with a set of snow tires ...even though I no longer ski as often or regularly go up to or over the Cascades. So with all that said, just remember to leave the Audi in the garage if or when we do get another big snow someday! ...those 17" sport tires will be awful, believe me. But maybe global warming is in fact a reality and we won't see any snow in Seattle for the rest of our lives! ...or the next 100 years, whichever comes first.
I haven't done much research on snow tires recently but my neighbor uses Michelin Artic Alpins on his Outback to go skiing and he loves 'em.
--'rocco
BTW, did you get any snow today? I just had some wet flakes but no accumulation over in the Greenwood/Phinney area.
Stephen
Brian-- Yeah! You too, eh? ...man, you're bringing back some good memories. I did a lot of "stuff" on the Yakima too in addition to fishing ...shooting the rapids, partying, etc. :P But yeah, I remember one winter when there was snow on the streets (not just on the ground) all winter long. I had an old ChevyII Nova that I had snows on the rear and made it around Ellensburg okay (not many hills of course and the snow was the dry stuff unlike the stuff we get in the Puget Sound area) but I did spin out near Easton on I-90 during a blizzard one afternoon trying to get to Seattle. That was during my invicible youth... trying to drive on compact ice at 60 MPH *lol*
I have heard though that the modern snow tires now have special compounds and siping (?) that help quite a bit in ice ...no? And do cable chains fit on an old A4? ...seems like the strut tower clearance is pretty slim.
--'rocco
Just got back from the dealer.
If you ever see a dolphin gray A4 zipping around the East side or near Sandpoint....prolly my wife or me in there!
*sigh*.....my 2000 maxima looks like crap now.
however, ....my maxima can beat any stock A4 , 1.8 or 3.0......in a straight line. Nobody argue with me on this point. It's the only thing my car has that's better than the A4. You take that away, and I'll be left with a car that's inferior in any and every way. So shhhhh! My maxima is faster in a straight line. End of discussion!
Stephen, not even going there w/my WRX wagon. :-)
I know many people that do not have snow tires and don't have a problem in Seattle, although they don't take their cars to the snow and stay home on the days when there is a lot of snow.
I am not planning to get snow tires and will either brave the snow when it comes or just stay at home. Not justified for me for the 1-2 days where they would come in handy.
Dunlop SP 9090
Continental Sport Contact 2
Michelin Pilot Primacy
Mine came with the Michelins.
Which one did you get?
the contintental as ultra high performance
and the michelin as grand touring.
hmm..
Billy
I never go to the dealer to fix my cars. With my old cars I always went to an independent mechanic and they did a good job for a lower price too
I'm a 2k 323Coupe BMW owner and I find that to do a break job in my car cost me the same as a my old Honda Civic. The original break pad for a BMW cost the same as for the civic ($49) and installation labor is the same too. Synthetic oil change for my civic was $45 and now for the BMW is $45 too.
The reason I'm reading this board is because I'm planning to get a new A4 with sport package for my girlfriend I would love to get her a 325 sedan but the new A4 is a very nice car too and the price is lower. I don't think the A4 would be much expensive to keep after the first 50k miles.
I don't think [non-permissible content removed] cars are more reliable than German cars any more.
Aaron
As to whether Japanese cars are more reliable, I think they still are more reliable, at least for the under 8 year average ownership that I keep my cars. The difference is not that great but my personal experience with my previous VW and Audi has been different than Honda, Mazda, and Nissan. From my casual nonscientific observation, BMW's tend to be a bit more reliable than Audis also. Consumer Reports always seem to rate Audi high for the first few years, but their reliability rating plummets after three years as more data comes in.
I personally wouldn't buy another Audi, but I don't necessarily dissaude other people unless they ask me directly. It's still better than buying a boring Toyota or something like that.
In just a few short paragraphs can someone, anyone tell me what this means in pratical applications and what the negative implications of not allowing it to cool down are on a day-to day basis?
By the way, I did test drive the 2002 1.8 and my guess is that Audi is fibbing a bit on the HP number. When I asked the sales guy if tiwas 180 HP he fumbled for an answer and basically said "Uh, hmm, well, I've heard that too but can't really say much."
Anyhow, so, please someone tell me about the turbo cool down issue!
Thanks,
Bob
Turbo Timer seems extreme...
For highway traffic I don't see how a turbo can cook a synthetic oil and damage the turbo part itself.
I had a 1990 Twin Turbo Nissan300zx and always used Mobil 1 Synthetic oil in that car. I ran the car very hard all the time that I could and never had a problem with the turbos. The guy that bought the car from me is still very happy with that car and turbos are still running fine.
I had to fix both control arm in my old Nissan300zx but I got after market parts from Still that cost 500 bucks and I was still happy with my car.
Remember that Audi sells a lot of A4 and when a few people have a problem you hear from them more than the happy owners. If we have 100 A4 owners and 3 have problem, those 3 owners post 300 messages about their problem but the rest 97 happy owner might never write a message because they are happy driving their car.
I think that for $25k for the basic 1.8T A4 plus $1k for the sport package there is not better choice of car right now in USA.
So WarpDrive what car would you buy next?
My wife and I have had dozens (more than 24) Audis between us since 1977 -- in that time we have had one BMW and two VW's and once American Motors (remember them) Eagle Concorde. I feel "qualified" to discuss Audi and somewhat VW experiences and render strong opinions. I feel far less qualified to discuss BMW's (even tho I test drive them at least once a year) -- the BMW I had was a 1988 325iX (we like All Wheel Drive in our family, BTW).
Using WarpDrive's comments only as an example -- it would appear that he bores easily with cars -- and as I have said previously, that is no sin. And, his opinions regarding Audis are not wrong from his perspective. However, I believe his experience with Audis -- as it is limited to one car -- perhaps should be weighted differently than say the opionions of someone who has owned more than one Audi branded car.
We (my wife and I) get bored, after a fashion, too, with our cars -- but my wife and I keep replacing them with newer Audis, because they just keep getting better, not becuase we don't like them.
We are just coming at our boredom and our conclusions from different "experience" perspectives.
I am currently in the market for a new vehicle (currently being within 6 months.) Anyhow, I have driven the new A4 3.0 Quattro Tip. and must say it was fun (although I love the S4 tip.) My primary concern i sthe cost...I can't see myself paying $37K for that vehicle. So I am wondering if I should go with the 1.8T quattro w/Tip. I am also cross shopping with an Acura TL-S and BMW 325ci (always wanted the coupe) Below are my personal pros and cons. I'm wondering if you can help me out a little.
Audi 1.8T:
- Had a 1.8 Passat...not looking forward to driving the same engine again. Is the HP really around 180 instead of 150 in my old 99 Passat?
- all in all a beautiful car.
- quattro
Acura TL-S:
-best bang for the buck. Great engine.
-I have been reading about poor paint job quality and some other minor problems.
- no quattro
BMW 325Ci
- where my heart is
- great 6 cylinder
- pricey...my not be where my wallet is
- I have to wait for one...who knows how long
Please feel free to add any comments...Thanks!
All wheel drive a must?
If your heart is set on the Bimmer,by all means get it if you can. All of the common options I find extraneous;they aren't at all necessary to have a fantastic car. By avoiding metallic paint,leather seats,and sunroof(headroom a premium in such a low-roofed coupe,anyway)you could really bring the price down.
Why do you want to avoid the Passat engine? Did you like your VW? I bought a 2001 Passat last spring-I really love it. If you NEED(and most don't)the all wheel drive,I'd get the Passat over an A4 anyday-I think you get a lot more for your money.
The Accura strikes me as not much more than a plush Accord-that's OK,but it is too appliance-like-headroom terrible,too.
The coupe is nice,but when I bought my VW,I also considered a standard 525i. Its smallish back seat bothered me,though.
Finally,I enjoy a larger car,rather than a loaded one. How about a standard A6?
I'm hoping to find some '02 S4s laying around next year when the lease is up on my Saab. I've driven the S4 and it is incredible. Even when they come out with the new S4 (on the '02 chassis and body) with probably gobs more hp, I'd still go for the '02 as a leftover (As long as it is a 6 speed with a black interior I'd take it).
Later today I'm going with my best friend to pick up his '02 3.0 Q 6-speed A4 (Red/Gray). I can't wait! He originally drove the 1.8T and said it felt sluggish compared to his '00 Maxima (5-Speed), but the way the car handled more than made up the hp gap between the 2 cars. He didn't want to go for the 3.0 because of the price difference. He drove a 325Ci and said it was too cramped for him (He's about 230lbs). He drove a 525i and fell in love with it as well as the lease price (Only $60 more a month than the 1.8T). He wasn't crazy about the 525 styling (exterior) and the fact they are going to redo it in a year or 2. He went back to thwe Audi dealer and told the dealer he wanted to test drive a 3.0 with a 6 speed. The dealer told him it would be a big mistake because after driving the 3.0, he wouldn't want the 1.8T anymore. The dealer was right. He decided to get the 3.0! I can't wait to drive it and give my thoughts.
My friend who's getting the 3.0 today is trading in his 2000 Maxima (5-Speed, 40K miles). I believe the dealer is only giving him around 13.5 for the car. The dealer said even that was a stretch. He wanted more money for his car to get the deal done, but eventually the dealer took more money off the 3.0 to get him in it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I'm not trying to take anything away from the "love of the A4" in this thread, just telling it like it is. The A4 is a fantastic car (personal experiences aside) and anybody who buys one is alright in my book. It's just not for me anymore. Like markincin says, I might be bored easily with my cars, but that's because the A4 was probably wrong for me to begin with. After 3 years with my Miata, I'm still in love with it. No problems, just fun motoring. I can understand why people stick with Audis, but I'm not one of those people. I do not believe in brand loyalty because car makers leapfrog themselves all the time. The 1999 BMW 323 Sport Package is a better car than the 1999 1.8T, but with the 2002 A4, the tables might reverse again. I believe in shopping for the best car from any number of manufacturers. Down the road, if Audi continues to improve and they have some new interesting products, I might consider it again. I'll never say never.
I would like a manual but traffic is killing me. If I went with the Bimmer it would be a manual though...I know I know...sounds like a contradiction in terms...but there is just something about the 5 spd in a BMW. As for the Audi, I heard their shifters are quite notchy. I already have that problem in my '96 Saab Turbo.
As for the VW question, I actually enjoyed my Passat...I got rid of it because of of financial reasons...and just my luck, two months later things switched around for me. Anyhow, it seems a little odd to me to buy and Audi with the same engine I had in the Passat. Regarding the quattro, my fiancee and I will probably move to New England in a couple of years so I would like to have it. You're right about the Acura...my dad has a '00 TL...it feels just like an accord. But the engine in the Type S is great.
It's the opposite that requires attention. What I mean is, when you start the car, do NOT rev the engine very fast, i.e. do not floor the gas till the oil is warm. I don't move the gas pedal fast (i.e. rev the turbo hard) till the oil temp is at least 200. When the oil is not heated up the viscosity is not there yet and the damage done to the turbo is far worse. Another thing is, these cars, or I should say modern cars, don't need to be warmed up. Just start the car, make sure your mirrors are set, no ice/moisture on the windows, and go. You will create a lot of engine damage, extra wear and tear and pollution if you just sit there and running the engine cold.
Billy
If you think your 2000 Maxima is going to pale in comparison to your A4, just imagine my '94.
I got my 17" wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport sneakers from the dealer. Best part of the contract I made them sign.
I wish AoA would have gotten that new Avant here just a little sooner.
And yes VW has been robbing Audi engineering for the past few years and I'm sure those guys are pissed. I don't blame them either. VDubb markets 'Turbonium' like they invented it.
Have a great weekend all. I'm going to go out and lay some rubber.
-Barry
The other cars were:
Acura RSX, BMW 3 and 5 series, Chevy Corvette, Ford Focus, Honda S2000 and Accord, Subaru WRX, and Porsche Boxster.
BTW, I test drove a 3.0 with 6 speed and it was a nice car, but I picked up with an '02 BMW 530i with a 5 speed today. It is only a couple of thousand more, but seems like a lot more car. I know that I give up the quattro, but I had an A-4 and think that I can live without AWD since the BMW has traction control and DSP.
2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
As to why one is better than the other? You will have to decide for yourself. But, I have a feeling that once you have a chance to sit inside an Audi, then sit yourself inside an Accord. You will probably pick the Audi if money is not the deciding factor. Same with the driving sensation, the Audi just plain feel more alive. BUT, everybody has a different interpretation on what a good driving experience is. For example, one of my co-worker insist that his Chrysler is the best car in the world, better than BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus etc. To each his own I guess.
In other word, go drive them both and decide for yourself, afterall, its your money. 8)
--'rocco