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vince...8o)
Driving in snow is fun again.....just a warning to us first time AWD'ers.....launching the car in the snow or off the red light is fun, but braking.....now that's the same as a FWD car or RWD car. Four times no traction is still no traction guys.
Drive safe :>
Billy
Billy-- Well *looks embarrassed* I still just have a hair over 2K. Like I said, I've let it sit for weeks on end ...a bad thing to do, I know. At this rate, if I use your schedule, it'll be years between oil changes for me. But I'm going to change oil every six months regardless of mileage, I think. I'm planning on taking it to the dealer in March for my 1yr service ...hopefully I'll have at least 3,000 miles on it by then. Damn, that's ridiculous ...I bet they'll laugh at me! But watch out, sometime this year I'm going to try to catch up with you ...well, maybe not catch up with you but at least put a lot more miles on it. :P
--'rocco
Stephen
Stephen-- Good idea, I might do just that. I haven't been to Leavenworth in awhile. It might be a nice trip to give either the Forester or A4 a workout. How was the NWIC Snow Day? ...it must've been fun.
--'rocco
Stephen
There are only 4 dealers in all of western Washington and 3 in eastern Washington.
I will probably try to take mine in for oil changes and maintenance services at the dealer where I purchased at, Roger Jobs, at least until the warranty expires. The dealer where you bought your car, as a rule, is usually more accommodating and you'll tend to get quicker or more flexible appointments and more attentive service. This doesn't preclude taking your car to another dealer but it's just an observed tendency.
The last time I checked, neither Barrier, University nor Roger Jobs used 0W-30 nor synthetic oil for the free maintenance services unless you supply your own.
--'rocco
i wonder..the manual clearly states to use 0W-30, and only use 5W-30 is 0W-30 is not available. Would it be bad to use 5W-30 until the free oil changes are up and then switch to 0W-30 afterwards?
In his 2 trips to the dealer he's gotten 2 different loaners: An old body style A6 (Which he thought was a piece) & a late model ('99 or '00) A4 1.8T Quattro Tiptronic (no SP). He was very impressed with the previous generation 1.8T, even with the Tiptronic.
I'll try to keep you all updated!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
And he thought the Tip is fun huh? Now imagine pairing up the 1.8T with a manual tranny...... :>
Billy
"Wurth Rubber Care, Sonax Rubber Care, and Zymol Seal are designed for the 'live' rubber door gaskets. These products are rich in glycerin and help maintain the flexibility and sealing ability of the gaskets. A nice side benefit is that they help keep doors from freezing in winter."
Friend of mine and I test drove an A4 3.0Q with 6 speed. Nice car, he did all the driving though. Interior has a lot more amenities but I didn't notice extra room in front or rear seats. I found the sport suspension nice on the twisties but a little stiff on railroad crossings, expansion joints etc. Engine is much better than the 2.8 but wonder if Audi is still asking a little much $$ to jump to the six. Car was stickered at 38k and change. I am trying to sell my friend on putting his money in a new car instead of trying to update his '97 Passat. Nothing against the VW but with all the work he is planning I figure 4k not counting the new stereo he just put in. That 4k could go to something new, w/warranty and needing no updating. His other option is a 2000 or 2001 S4 with low miles and under Audi assured 5yr 100k warranty. Either way I think he'll be much happier. BTW dealer told us that there are no more S4's being made. Is this true? Then how come on Audi's site you can still build one? Just curious. Later.
Brian
I really like the 17" rims but I didn't order sport package because I really don't want to get another set of snow shoes to accomodate it. Plus, I always appreciate the softness the regular suspension provides.
Here is my struggle. Assuming the guy doesn't want me to compansate him for the swap and my original warranty still holds valid when done, do you think the car would look weird with a regular suspension eqipped with a set of 17"? I don't think so. But what do you guys think? The car is lowered when equipped with sport suspension.
One other thing, I don't expect to drive with the 17" when there is a big snow/ice storm out there. But would it be OK to use the 17" with original tires(summer high performance??) when there is light snow/ice out?
If you were me living under a weather similar to Portland, OR, would you do the swap? Any potential problems? Also, I assume the dealer will do the work and swap the rims and wheels for us since the sales rep. is negotiating this. Thanks in advance.
vince...8o)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
A4_4Vince, I would say if you are concerned about the handling of those 17" rims and tires, you better don't swap with the guy. The 17" sports tires are NOT suitable for snow/ice at all (tire compound will harden up during cold and won't provide enough traction in the cold), but again, I've only been to Portland twice and both times were in the summer. Maybe Rocco can shed some light on NW weather and winter tires. About appearance, the non sports 02 A4's have a much lesser gap than our 96-01 A4's already. As you know the overall diameter (tire+wheel) won't change when you switch to the 17" setup, and the nice sports 17" rim design on the 02 A4 won't make it weird with a nonsport susp.....afterall your non sport susp is as competent as the 96-01 A4 with sports susp.
Nyccarguy, good luck to your friend!
And I guess I've decided on what to do with my non sports susp with 15" rims. There is a local guy here in Chicago and I'm gonna get his OEM sports susp. There is a group buy for Kahn wheels and I absolutely love the 17" RSR's. I'm going to put summer only tires on the RSR's and snow tires on the 15" rims when winter comes.
Billy
Thanks again.
vince...8o)
Billy-- So you decided to get dedicated winter tires afterall, eh? Sounds like a good decision to me ...especially being in the Chicago area. And I'm going to be really jealous that you'll have the sports suspension ...*tsk* maybe I'll just have to go out and get me one too! *lol* --gotta keep up with the "jones's"
Brian-- Yes, that's the way I've understood it too. The S4 production line shut down some time ago. I suppose they let you configure one on their web site just to get an idea of what options and colors are available and their cost. (???)
David-- Thanx, I'll keep those products in mind.
Bradd-- wow! ...so the gas gauge can't be replaced alone?? The whole instrument cluster has to be replaced? *whew*
--'rocco
I am not an audi owner yet, but I hope to join this club shortly! I am currently negotiating with a private party for a 1999 2.8 Quattro. The price that we are talking about is right on the kbb price, but $2500 over the edmunds private party price (but in line with the 'edmunds dealer retail price). The car checks out and is on an extended warranty until 2005. Am I overpaying? I would appreciate your comments and insight!
Thanks!
wickedaudi
Wow! That would be a decent deal on an A6. Spoke to my friend today about it and guess what his first question is? Does the A6 3.0 have a manual? So, that takes care of that. An A6 2.7T manual is out of his price range (my dream car actually) and size wise he is happy with the A4. He is a single divorced no kids guy right now so space in the A4 is not an issue with him. Other option is still the S4. M3 is out due to trunk size (golfing and cycling are hobbies) and the fact that sedan would have to be a '97 or '98 anything later is coupe only. Thanks for the info though! Later Billy...
Brian
Audibon, well yup that takes care of the A6 3.0 right away. I believe it's either Multitronic on the Fronttrac or Tip on Quattro with that engine. If his hobby is golfing or biking, he should get an S4 Avant then....or the A4 Avant. Yeah BMW 3-series has a very slightly larger interior but the trunk size is ridiculous. Good luck to your friend.
Billy
I've driven the V70 a lot for biz trips and it's way much floatier vs the A4. Interior is nice but compared to the A4 it's no comparison. And the Volvo is a Ford.....oops. It got the floatiness as the american sedan. I don't think the Volvo comes with scheduled maintenance, but the Audi comes with 4yr-50k of it plus bumper to bumper warranty.
I haven't driven the turbocharged Volvo (the V70 I drove was the normal aspirated engine) but the turbo is bigger than the A4's, meaning it'll pump out more power but at a higher rpm than the A4. If you haven't driven the A4 1.8T, try it with a stick shift. It's fun as hell.
Billy
Anyone had any experience with early termination of a lease? Any brand of vehicle. Do not want to clutter board but it is not an Audi but we want to end a 4 yr. lease at 3 yrs. and go for something larger. BTW we have a GM owned product and are moving up in the GM lineup if this helps. 2 80 lbs. Labs does this to a family. Thanks for any of your thoughts or help.
Brian
As far as turing your car in early...that's fine as long as you pay the year of l;ease payments you have left. At leasyt that's what I was told by Saab. Call the leasing company to find out.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I got a brand new Dolphin Gray 1.8T sitting in the garage with the wifey enjoying. (
every once in a while i get to play...like last night when it was snowing! heheh...going in a straight line without the car pointing straight ahead and the ESP/TCS light flashing in the dash. AHHHH...
so....depending on how much you're paying...you may want to seriously consider the new 2002 one. Good luck!
The article discussed sat nav and a host of other Audi-like features.
The US press claims that the W8 will be fully equipped and have very few options needed to make it a true sport-luxury car.
I know that the new Audi A4 3.0 quattro sport can be had for less than $37,900 -- but most of us will probably option the thing out to about $38k -- if you have a choice of an A4 or an "A5" (which is what the Passat is, IMO) and they cost the same but one has a "sweet 8 cylinder engine" (and the other has a sweet 6) -- hasn't either Audi or VW created a situation wherein VW may steal Audi sales or vice versa?
Maybe that is the plan -- it is starting to get a little confusing tho -- and if the Passat actually has a 6spd offered in the US, well where do I sign up for a test drive?!?
Thanks for the help.
Now, of course, this goes without even mentioning the upcoming Phaeton - can we say "$50,000 Volkswagen"?
I have nothing whatsoever against VW (great cars) but I think that there is a reason that GM doesn't try to sell $40-50K Chevrolets. That's what Cadillac is for, and (should be) what Audi is for.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Many S4 owners love to fiddle with their cars (as do A4 1.8T owners) -- the reason is that the Audi turbo engines lend themselves to relatively easy and relatively inexpensive modifications just by the simple act of changing the breathing or the chipping of the turbo equipped cars. The V8 with 340 HP would not be either as easy or as cheap to "pump up."
Look at it this way a 2.8 non turbo Audi = 200HP. Same engine, modified and bi turbo'd (and called a 2.7T = 250HP and bags of torque below 2000RMP). New 3.0 engine 220 HP -- now extrapolate -- 2.9T with Bi-turbo could "easily" be 275HP with bags of torque at a low RMP.
It is not in any way out of the question to have the 2.9T come in at 300HP (from the factory).
Just as the A6 2.7T is "quicker" than the A6 4.2 -- it is again not out of the question that the (so far) theoretical S4 2.9T could be quicker than an S4 4.2 -- and the tuners would love a 2.9T -- who knows it might even be lighter and improve the f/r balance thereby improving the handling of the S4 2.9T over the 4.2.
All the spy stuff I have read from both sides of the Atlantic points to an S4 4.2 in calendar 2003. But so many of my fellow countrymen and women are pulling for the 2.9T engine it could be like the article on that new Passat W8 said -- the prototype W8 Passat's had very soft (too soft) suspensions and that the press and the public "demanded" a sportier suspension which made VW change its mind.
We all know that Audi certainly has the technical talent to engineer a 2.9T -- so, as far fetched as it seems at this moment, it is certainly not beyond the pale to imagine perhaps an S4 and an S4+ (they did it with the S6 remember) -- one with a 2.9T and one with a 4.2.
Look at it this way -- there apparently was in Audi's mind room for both a 2.7T and a 4.2 A6 -- so maybe there is room for 2 engines in a Super A4 (the S4).
Just a thought.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
"there's no replacement for displacement."
Sigh. . .I really didn't want to race an M3 anyway -- but I do want an S4, even with that pesky V8 .
Better yet, why not offer a (relatively speaking) "mild" S4 with a bi-turbo 2.9L V6 at 295HP and a like amount of torque at 1900rpm with a non-notchy 6spd (with only 6th gear overdrive instead of both 5th and 6th as they have currently); and, a "wild" S4 with the hotted up 340HP (but as I read the specs the torque on this engine is around 305 but doesn't come on until something north of 3000 RPM -- so the mild version might actually be quicker to 100kph?!?) and a lower final drive ratio?
I -- and I must be in the minority -- would not consider an M3's acceleration capability when buying an S4 because drag racing an M3 is not something I would consider a selling point. But, as I said -- I am probably in the minority.
I have never once raced a BMW 540 with my A6 4.2 -- I suspect the 540 would win in a stoplight straight line dry pavement contest, but the Audi wins in so many other ways it "makes me no nevermind" as the saying goes.
Finally, if the hotted up V6 2.9T were available, I bet it would be, relatively speaking a MAJOR bargain!
Audi dealer in Houston and told me not to drive it but have it towed there. The engine
is running a liitle rough. Anyone know what could be the problem? I'm not taking any
chances so I'm having it towed to the dealer. The warranty is already out.
Or you can ask this question at www.audiworld.com......they are experts in giving you explanations and advice.
Good luck and let us know what's the story later.
Billy
He told me I need to replace the throttle-body too. That I don't know why.
He quoted an estimate of $1500 to replace both the Power Output Control Module and
throttle-body. I think I'm going to get a second opinion on this problem. Anyone out there
heard of this? I think the car is still driveable.
Thanks,
Anthony
houaudia41.8t-- Yikes!! $1,500?? Yes, definitely get a second opinion. I believe there are many other less expensive disorders that can make an MIL blink such as fouled injectors, defective coil(s), exhaust or cat converter problems, etc. My MIL problem was not a "blinking" kind and went away in about four "driving" cycles and was caused by letting the engine sit for several weeks without starting. So it was not as severe as a blinking MIL such as you have. Good luck.
--'rocco
1) At approximately what temperature do the high performance Summer tires begin to be more of a liability than an asset?
2) Can you order (directly from Germany)the 17" tires in a more all season version versus the Summer high performance version?
3) Why doesn't Audi let you order the larger tires separate from the sport suspension?
vince...8o)
A4_4Vince, congrats!! I can imagine your grin on your face.....watch out.....if you are not careful your jaws might drop and dislocate. Enjoy it.....but take it easy when you break it in.
Billy