Audi A6

bluejlb · April 2001

We have a 2000 2.7T w/ @ 18,000 miles on it. Up until this week we have had nothing but positive things to say about the car (fun to drive, quality of finish, interior, performance, handling, on and on). It was a present for my wife and she loves it. We took it into the dealer for a second time to check on a noticeable shimmy and address a few minor trim issues (cup holder not working, etc).

The dealer has informed us that we have three bent wheels, and alluded to bent wheels being something that is not unusual for them to see. We live on a dirt road and have normal Michigan dirt road potholes, but nothing that has ever caused problems for other vehicles we have owned. The bill is @ $1200 for new wheels and alignment. (Ugh...)

Has any other owner experienced anything like this? We don't drive the vehicle particularly hard, and I am quite concerned about whether this is going to be a recurring problem. We asked the dealer about other wheel options (higher profile, etc) and was told this is the only wheel that fits the 2.7T. If I am buying three new wheels I figured why not switch to something that will withstand our dirt road environment.

We have gone from very satisfied owners who love the 2.7T (and I was considering getting one as well) to very disillusioned. I called the "Audi Customer Care line", after ten minutes on hold spoke to someone who was no help whatsoever, and who added to our frustration.

If other potential owners who drive on dirt roads are looking into an A6 look carefully at this issue, no answers seem to be available from Audi.

timcar · April 2001

Jack, sorry to hear about your wheels. Also sorry to hear about your lack of satisfaction from Audi Customer Care. Unfortunately, I've heard similar things before.

I think it IS certainly possible that a potholed dirt road COULD cause this. If you're accustomed to steel wheeled cars, there's a big difference with alloy wheels; irrespective of whether they're on an Audi or any other car. The Audi's suspension wasn't designed for these conditions either. It's a sport sedan with plenty of aluminum in the suspension and I have to think that a potholed dirt road won't do it much good either. The Audi allroad might be a better choice. And though I'm no fan of trucks and SUV's, I must acknowledge they have their place.

But the information you were given by the dealer is wrong. There are plenty of other wheels and tires that will fit on the 2.7T. And you can get four for less than $1200. One good source is Tire Rack. This is their URL:

http://www.tirerack.com/about/helpwant.htm

I can't guarantee you can find any alloy wheel that will be pothole proof, but the folks at Tire Rack are pretty knowledgeable, and could probably make a suggestion if there is anything.

Good luck!

mbnut1 · April 2001

Joesephf2 Is your A6 a Fronttrak or Quattro?

JBaumgart · April 2001

I think timcar gave you some good advice. I've used Tire Rack on many occasions and would second his recommendation to check out other wheel options. I just did a quick check and there are many less expensive choices available to fit the A6 2.7T (I wish I had as many options for my allroad). You may wish to consider going to a 16 inch wheel with your replacement set - this would give you a taller sidewall and thus more "air" between the road and the outside wheel edge which would help cushion the ride. Bent wheels are more common when very low profile tires are used on larger-diameter wheels, and when you go in the other direction you would lessen the chance of your wheels getting bent, everything else being equal (given the same diameter, some wheels will be stronger and resist road damage better than others). With the 16 inch wheels you would give up some handling capability on dry roads, but this could be offset to some extent by your choice of tires. I would listen to the folks at Tire Rack and consider their recommendations.

P.S. I saw a couple different 16 inch wheels available for $134 apiece, or just $536 for a set of four. Sixteen inch tires are cheaper than 17 inch ones too.

webehvnfun · April 2001

My '98 A6 is just out of warranty and two things are going wrong. My A/C display flashes for approx. 2 minutes when the car is first turned on then stops. Everything on the A/C works fine. Also, my gas gauge does not show the correct amount of fuel. Anyone experience these problems? P.S. Naturally I'm looking into an extended warranty - any recommendations here are welcome too.

markcincinnati · April 2001

Go to http://www.vwvortex.com/ then look at the feature articles -- there is an article on Wheels (bent, etc.). FYI. Also agree, there are MANY wheels avail for this car.

Also, THREE? bent wheels, wow -- I hit a pothole that was full of water last winter -- this hole was so deep there were already two Buicks and a small pickup truck in it. Unfortunately one of the wheels on my Audi did get bent. My insurance paid for it, minus the deductible ($250.00), the state of Kentucky paid $250.00 (the wheel, tire and four wheel alignment ran around $800!). I have hit many potholes here in Southern Ohio / Northern Kentucky -- several times the alignment was knocked out -- only once was a wheel damaged. Is it possible that the wheels were "bad?" I have had Audi bend over backwards to do things to "make it right," I think you should not give up with Audi, yet. Moreover, your auto insurance may pay for this, as did mine -- and my letters to the state highway kept of KY certainly worked too. Its just that is seems SO RARE for three wheels to be bent, especially if the car was NOT involved in an accident or crash. Audi should come to your aid, IMO.

I have noticed that these low profile tires and alloy wheels (that are on many cars, not limited to Audis) are much softer (or more likely to be damaged in the case of the tires) than the steel wheels and higher profile tires that are on lower performance, lower priced cars. Perhaps this just goes with the territory.

The most disturbing and [for you] disappointing part of your message is the apparent resolution (none) from Audi. Again, I encourage you to try Audi -- I usually write a letter to Audi Owner Loyalty -- Carol Glynn -- and then she forwards it to the correct party. I never blame anyone for the problem, I just state the facts and ask if anything can be done.

I have found Audi generally helpful.

markcincinnati · April 2001

The A6 has had "bad fuel sensors" or something like that since the beginning, in fact my wife's TT also had it. My 1999, 2000 A6's had them replaced free and all was well. My 2001 A6 4.2 has had no such problems.

I was told this was NOT just an Audi problem -- they buy parts from VDO or Bosch or some other mfg as does BMW and Merc -- I was told that some of the Mercs had the same problems as the Audis (bad fuel guage or fuel sending unit).

It was or should be a recall item and even if you are OOW, you should get the problem fixed free.

desaljs · April 2001

If you are driving on Goodyear RS-A's I believe the ride could be rough due to these tires. My 1997 A6 quattro avant came with these tires in the same size (205/55/16). They lasted about 40,000 miles and I just replaced them with Firestone SH 30's. The ride quality improved somewhat, and noise levels were significantly improved, espically on cement highways. The wet road performance was greatly improved. It could all be due to the tires.

bertram60 · April 2001

Bluejlb, just to let you know, there are a ton of companies that advertise in mags like European car that will fix bent alloys. I had three square BBS wheels that i sent out and had fixed for $125 each which included straightening, refinishing and R&R and balance the tires. Whatever you do, don't throw them away without trying to fix them.

Tirerack is definitly the best source for great wheel and tire prices. Good luck.

mariobgoode · April 2001

To Bluejlb: I agree with Bertram60. Don't throw them away. Check out the www.AudiWorld.com website for an article which came out last week about the repair of alloy wheels. It could save you some money and aggravation. Also, don't forget to ask around if your neighbors had experienced the same problem with their cars. Maybe you can identify the problem and come up with a solution or avoid a repetition of the problem entirely. Good luck. Mario

josephf2 · April 2001

Thanks for those who responded to the above. I do have a FrontTrak with standard 16" wheels and know there is a difference in the rear suspension between it and the quattro. I am though very disappointed with the harshness of the ride; especially with the market segment/price of the car. For those who are potential buyers, you need to really find some pot holes and test this car relative to your other considerations. I test drove my vehicle in a relatively new part of town.

lms37 · April 2001

For anyone interested out there, I just saw on Audiworld where someone posted great pictures of the new colors for the A6. They're beautiful! I was about ready to buy a 2001, but will probably hold out for the 2002 aqua blue or atlas grey. Check them out if you're interested, under "2002 A6 colors", Audiworld forum.

tubey · April 2001

A note of caution: I believe those are the European selections on Audiworld. We usually get a more limited range over here. I had actually posted a comment that the aquablue looked like my car's Jaspis Green, a choice that Audi dropped from North America after 2000.

moimeme · April 2001

If you're willing to order your car (and wait the 4-6 months), you can get any of the planned colors OR, for a slight premium plus cost of materials, you can get the car done any way you'd like. Want something truly custom? All you need is money!

My next purchase will be a ming blue TT roadster, with blue top and the baseball glove seats. As close to red, white and blue as I can get. Hope the Germans don't get offended and ship me all the defective parts on that one...

markcincinnati · April 2001

Where on the WebSite are the colors, I can only find the "current" colors?

steverisity · April 2001

I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of how the A6 is selling and if there
are any dealer incentives, low apr or attractive lease deals.

I'm guessing after reading Edmunds report that the 2.7t is selling better than the 2.8
based on performance and price.

Also, does anyone know how much longer the A6 has before it gets a re-design?

thanks,

scottphillip · April 2001

Mark,

The colors can be found on page 5 of the A6 forum at Audiworld. Here is a link:

http://www.audiworld.com/forum/a6.html

Scott in Central Florida

timcar · May 2001

The 2002 A6 has been "refreshed", and should be in showrooms in about 4 months. This isn't a complete redesign, but sounds like a fairly thorough refinement and improvement of many of the dynamic qualities of the existing A6. The body is very close to the current version. Audi World has an article with pictures of a detailed German press release in English. Remember, the car will look different with US bumpers. Best guess for a completely new A6 is 2004.

simple · May 2001

We just bought a '98 A6 with (among other options) the warm weather package. It has a rear sunshade and solar glass sunroof. Instead of a retractable sunshade and a glass moonroof, it has a fixed sunshade. From the outside, you can see metal elements in the glass.

Does anyone know if this roof has some sort of function? Is it a solar panel? No one up here in the Northeast seems to know...I guess this feature is more common in the south.

markcincinnati · May 2001

If it is the same as was on my A8, the panel is glass and it appears as if there is a Radiator of some sort sandwiched in there.

The panel is indeed solar.

It is used to produce electricity to cool the car while it is parked with the engine off.

You may also have a switch on your climate control which is called REST -- which heats the car in the winter with the engine off (based on the heat of the engine).

The solar panel creates electricity rather than drawing from the battery -- the electricity powers the fan motors which are, theoretically at least, used to expel hot air from the car when it is summer and parked in the sun. There should be someway to activate this feature -- like I said I had a 1997 A8 and I think there was a button on the dash to turn the feature on.

Doesn't your dealer know?

bertram60 · May 2001

The solar roof should power the fans while the a/c system is in the Auto position (at least on my A8 it does) and the ignition off. It works pretty well (i'm in S.Florida and love it), and at least when you turn your a/c on it doesn't blow hot air from the vents. The idea is that the car shouldn't be hotter than the outside air. You'll notice the difference when you park the car in a parking garage on a hot day and the fans aren't running. I actually try and keep the car outside so that they do run and i don't get blasted with hot air when i start the car.

You should also notice that the side windows in your car are twice as thick as a standard window since the side glass is insulated. It should have a little channel in it when you look at the top edge.

I hope summer ends up making it's way up north and you get the opportunity to appreciate the warm weather package!

markcincinnati · May 2001

I don't think the A6 had the special glass, I am not positive -- the A8, as noted, did. Which BTW did make hand held cell phones have a greatly reduced range.

bigcoconut · May 2001

Any information out there on the new RS6? The only wagon I know of that can crush the RS4. There has got to be a web site somewhere with info on this "beast."

kirby2010 · May 2001

I'm wondering if anyone out there has experience with Autobahnd Roadblock. This is a clear 3M product that is applied to areas of the car which are vulnerable to chips in the paint - hood, fender flares, head lamps, etc. A friend of mine had it added to her new car (Volvo S80) and swears by it. I took a look at it today and it looked good - in this case expertly applied. I'd appreciate any input.

blei1 · May 2001

I am curious as to what speed your shimmy begins. If it begins anywhere between 55-70mph, I think you have a problem. I seriously doubt that you have bent wheels. Unless you are hitting potholes left and right, you don't haven bent wheels. I live on a dirt road and the answer I get from my dealer and one of Audis experts is that mud and dirt lay on the inside of the wheels and cause an imbalance. Lets put it this way I have been to the dealer 6 times and am in the middle of a lawsuit(Lemon Law)against Audi. Whatever they tell you is the problem, is more than likely not true. I have done extensive research on this problem and the only solution I find is for Audi to make a better wheel design. My advice, get an attorney(or call Autoline-BBB),which I have done. Audi has never offered me any replacement wheels or any type of help. Good Luck.

blei1 · May 2001

By the way, I have 2000 A6 2.8 Quattro.

ike15 · May 2001

I like to get a 1998 Audi A6 quattro. I'm concern about the reliability of the car. How is the reliability if anyone can respond. It is a foreign car and when they break the cost a lot to fix. I'm concern about how often repairs are required.

amarchan · May 2001

I took delivery of a 2001 A6 2.7T last week, Pearlescent white/tungsten leather, all extras except sports suspension (no place to use it here in Columbia, SC) and heated seats (I go from covered garage at home to covered garage at work). I also own a 1998 A4 2.8 which my son is driving now. I've noticed that the oil temperature in the A6 is significantly higher than in the A4, up to 230*C. Is this normal? Also, in the A4 I always turned off the A/C compressor before turning the car off (in the A4 the fan always stays "ON"). The salesman at Audi here in Columbia tells me that I don't really need to do that. Just turn off the car. Will this damage the A/C compressor?
I love the car, got 350 miles on it now, and I'm sure that the smiles/miles is higher than if I'd gone with the 540i, the GS400 (now 430) or the E430. I found the combination of ergonomics, performance, service and the Quattro (aah! the Quattro...) superior to the other cars, and at a lower price.
BTW, I always used mid-grade gasoline in the A4 without problems (no knocking, ever), and this A6 has lower compression so I will probably use mid grade (89 octanes) on this one too. I found that in the A4 when I did use premium performance was not noticeably better, and gas mileage went down. Any comments?

markcincinnati · May 2001

The Turbo REQUIRES premium fuel. I believe the minimum US rated octane that it will "tolerate" is 91 -- performace does increase with 92 and 93 octane.

The Turbo REQUIRES premium fuel. Actually I can think of no recent Audi that will not benefit from premium fuel. But, say it with me, "The Turbo REQUIRES premium fuel."

Unless some technical bulliten or change to the engine has occurred -- The Turbo REQUIRES premium fuel (and personally, I would avoid any fuel with alcohol in it).

You will NOT be happy in the long run with non-premium fuel.

And, yes I know, it is now 1.99 9/10'ths here in "River City," Ohio. I feel the pain in your wallet.

dzier · May 2001

They rarely offer incentives on Audis. I just bought an A6 4.2, and Audi was offering 6.9 % financing, but I got 6.45 at a local credit union. Look at edmunds TMV, try to get the best deal you can under Edmunds TMV, and shop around and get apporval on a low interest loan.

David

dzier · May 2001

You have the solar panel in the glass. This is used to power fans to keep the car cool in the sun when it heats up in the interior.

dzier · May 2001

Ike - according to consumer reports, the 98 model's reliability was below average. Additionally, they suggest that you do NOT buy the first year of a redesign or new model year. You might want to spend time looking at the 99's.

dzier · May 2001

The1998 A6 2.8 qualltro used to come with the warm weather package, the sunshades in the rear, the solar panel and the heated steering wheel as options. FOr 2001, you can only get these on the 2.7T, or the 4.2. The heated steering wheel is limited to the 4.2, and the solar panels are not offered at all. The sun shades are offered on the 2.7T and the 4.2, but not the 2.8.

amarchan · May 2001

I've contacted 4 dealers in the South (Charlotte, Greenville, Columbia and Atlanta) and they all agreed I should be more concerned with brand name than with actual octanage. Three of the four told me to stay away from Union 76 gas stations as that gasoline has more additives that can clog up valves and injectors. One of the dealers suggested alternating mid-grade and premium tanks. Since I rarely let it go down below 1/2 tank that sounds to me like a good compromise. And it's not the money. I may drive 1000 mostly highway miles/month. At 10 miles/gallon (I'm getting 22-23 - I had an A6 2.7T on loan from the dealer for almost 3 weeks before I received my car) that would be 100 gallons, and at $.10/gallon more than the mid grade that's $10/month (less than a good cigar). But I WAS getting better gas mileage, so the 89 HAS to be burning more efficiently than the 93, and therefore will leave less deposits. Your 4.2 and your wife's 225hp TT are a different story - those need the highest octane rating they can get - it has to do with their compression ratios.
What about the A/C question?

markcincinnati · May 2001

I called my dealer -- talked with the Service Manager who has been with the Audi dealer I have dealt with for over 10 years. He says the "computer" will retard the spark (or something like that) if it detects "pre-ignition" (ping). But, he said the engine is "tuned" to get the most torque with higher octane fuel. The car performs better with premium, he says.

So, the engine will apparently prevent itself from self destruction via pinging, but will not perform as well. I got the same message pertaining to brand and as I suspected alcohol. Brand apparently has to do with additives -- mostly for keeping the valves and fuel injectors clean. My service manager says that premium fuel, generally, will cost less (in gas milage) as the engine ages due to the "general fact" that premium fuel of Certain Brands (and here in Cincinnati he mentioned Marathon, Shell and BP as 'good fuels') prevent the build up of dirt that robs both power and gas mileage.

I am not a technician, engineer or petrolium/gasoline expert of any kind. In fact, if I could use regular or plus "safely" I would. Funny, the dealer rep told me that in my 4.2 it would be safer to burn lower octane than in any Audi Turbo due to the extra heat that a turbo creates. He says that Premium fuel actually is less volatile and therefore is "better" for the turbo's demands.

Again, you have to go with your gut and your dealer's recommendations -- and it probably wouldn't hurt to hear from the mfg. I thought the manual said that premium fuel is required, not simply recommended.

Also the car will become both more efficient and powerful once you go beyond 5,000 miles and again by about 10,000 miles (this is from personal experience with over 24 Audis).

With respect to the A/C, just turn the thing to Auto, set the temp and generally "forget it." Don't worry about a shutdown sequence, the computer is very helpful with just about everything.

The only thing I have ever done with one of these turbo models is to let the car idle before turning it off, IF I have "run it hard" immediately prior to pulling into my driveway (you know, driving in 2nd and 3rd gear "hard and fun"). I assume this is still the correct procedure, but I have heard some sort of cooling fan sound on my wife's TT after she shuts the car down, especially during warm weather.

markcincinnati · May 2001

My Service manager called his tech rep (at Audi USA) and was told that Audi of America has performed experimens with mid-grade fuel. The results: some driveability problems -- people tend to keep the car in a lower gear longer to make up for the diminished torque -- result: lower gas milage. And the catalytic converter will start to smell of rotten eggs with lower than 91 octane (the engine will perform at its maximum: power, efficiency and drivability with Shell or Marathon (this applies to Cinccinnati) premium (93 octane) fuel. Did again say that the car will not self destruct with mid grade fuel, but that it will not run optimally.

He told me the turbo needed the higher octane fuel to make it run cooler, because of the inherent nature of the Turbo's -- that is to say to run hot(ter) than a normally aspirated engine.

He also told me flat out that BP premium here in Cincinnati has caused some valves to "carbon up" but that it has generally been in cars that are rarely run at high RPM's (said almost no manual transmission Audi's have carbon build up, hmmmmm or perhaps I should say Zoooom.)

Said that most drivability problems happen to customers who: have used mid grade fuel in the summer months and/or not opened up the cars on a regular basis. They then have problems during the cold seasons -- rough idling, etc. Service manager is Bill Fliehman Northland Audi in Cincinnati 513-851-5900 -- tell him you are in the A6 town hall. This guy knows his stuff and is very easy to talk with.

dwpc · May 2001

In pre-computer controlled engine days, you could burn the lowest octane that didn't cause pinging (detonation). Not so with newer engines. In a nutshell: the higher the octane, the higher the fuel's ignition temperature. Compression in the cylinder raises temp of the air/gas mixture so, in a high compression engine, low octane fuel can actually ignite from compression alone before the engine expects it, causing pinging (detonation); the noise is the sound of the intake valves being blown shut. Detonation is very damaging to an engine but is controlled by engine sensors in virtually all newer cars. HOWEVER, the engine sensors do nothing to prevent incomplete fuel combustion which will eventually carbon up the valves, injectors, turbos, and catalytic converters (VERY expensive to repair/replace). Your gas mileage will also be better on high octane, so in the long run, using low or mid octane is probably false economy. With gas heading for $3/gal here in CA, I feel your pain.

markcincinnati · May 2001

dwpc:

Great summary -- sounded a lot like what my Dealer's Service Manager told me. I remember ping from some of my older cars, and I remember putting premium fuel in them which also stopped and/or prevented another by-product of using a "less capable" gasoline -- "engine run on." You know, you turn off the car and it keeps running.

Anyway your explanation was great!

I was hoping that perhaps I could use cheaper fuel -- we are anticipating going over $2.00 a gallon this week here in SW Ohio. But, my dealer and you have once again confirmed that Audi's really do need premium juice. Maybe someday -- put some water in the tank and presto chango Hydrogen Power!

duediligence · May 2001

I just bought a 2001 2.7T. Dealer recommended I purchase a K-40 radar system (front & rear system). But at $565 installed (removable upon sale or return on expiration of lease), I would like some advice from experience of others with both hard wired radar systems vs. removable wired & wireless systems. Comments?

gs4rx3 · May 2001

I used several different Whistler and Bell detectors with very little satisfaction. They provided too many false positives (which you get used to ignoring on frequently traveled routes) and a few times false negatives (which resulted in two tickets). The tickets combined with the wires hanging down and poor socket connections led me to purchase a K40 UN3000SWL (UN=undetectable, SW=super wide band with L=laser). I have both front and back detectors, which tells me from where the radar is coming.

I think the K40 is slightly superior in decreasing false positives and to date I have encountered no false negatives. I have no tickets since buying the K40, but have decreased my speed countless times to avoid tickets. The laser detector is worthless unless you have a laser defuser (an additional item), which actually allows you up to 7 seconds to lower your speed while "soaking" up a direct laser hit from a trooper laser gun. Without it, you're dead once a laser hits you - it provides instant readout to the trooper with pinpoint accuracy. Few states have put out the money to buy the laser guns, so you may not need to address it.

The only radar detector that I have tried that I do believe is superior to the K40 is the Valentine One. The only drawback is that it's not a hard wired system and it is one of the bigger units on the market (because it has front and back detection). The Valentine is superior because it not only tells you the direction, but also the number of signals. That helps you avoid passing the local supermarket on your daily commute and thinking the reading you're getting is just the electronic doors, when in reality, there is a cop on the side of the building. Fortunately, to date, I have not been burned by ignoring the signals I get from all the supermarkets and alarm systems. I do wish, however, that K40 would provide an indication of the number signals being received. The Valentine is cheaper than the K40 ($499, I believe, only sold direct).

If you don't mind the large unit and the wires, get the Valentine. If you want a unit that's almost as good, undetectable and effective, get the K40. The K40 should cost you (with negotiation) no more than $449 for the front UN3000SWL, $698 for both front and back (both prices include installation). Your $565 quote for both front and back is excellent - just make sure it's the UN3000SWL (there are other models). Get it in writing that the Audi dealer will remove it at no cost to you upon return and will not charge you for the 3 lights they will put into your dash.

Most specialists can pull a K40 out of a car and put it into another for only $150. I have one in my Audi A6 4.2 and another in my Porsche Boxster S and would not drive without them.

Hope that helps. For more Valentine opinions, go to the radar/lidor site here at Edmunds.

bandit22 · May 2001

Has anyone heard this. I caught part of it while driving and seemed to me : 300 something for A6 39 month lease until may31st. Anybody have any details?

raybear · May 2001

But if it's a national program you can call your local dealer for details. You really have to listen carefully for the fast-talking guy at the end of the radio spot, or look for a print ad.

vkj · May 2001

nszabo · May 2001

Hi, I have big white line scratches on my 2001 Audi 2.8 Q on the hood.What can get these fairly big scratches off? any suggestions to a wax/polish?

a627tgold1 · May 2001

Well I have had my 2.7T for almost a year now and i am very happy with the car....the only down side of my whoel experience is the after sales service!! That is the only thing that would stop me from buying again...I am now on my 2nd A6 and the service is getting worse...I have been told many times to look at a merc as the service is excellent???? anyone out there agree???

ajayme · May 2001

a627tgold1, My A6 is almost 2 years old now and the service has been excellent. We also have a Mere and the service there sucks. It is strictly dealer dependant. There are 2 Audio dealers in town here, is there another one you can try?

markcincinnati · May 2001

Audi service is, as was said, dealer specific. Certainly Audi has guidelines and "rules" but the individual dealership is the driver. This is, hopefully, improving.

I have found that the dealerships that are "owner/operated" are way better. I have also found mega dealerships where Audi is there only "foreign" brand, don't get it -- either in Sales or Service. And, of course, these are generalizations -- I have been to five Audi dealerships in the United States. The ones that sell Porsches also (at the same location) seem to have a "Customer Oriented Culture" too.

Here are a few observations:

1. If they paint the winshield with "$4,000 off sticker" or "$499 a month and its yours" or some other come on, the dealership "doesn't get it" -- if they paint anything on the car, in fact, they don't get it.

2. If the salespeople do not ask "what can I do to get you to buy today?" -- the dealership probably "gets it."

3. If the salesrep will NEVER let you drive a car without going along, the dealership doesn't get it.

4. If, after the sale, you return -- for virtually any reason -- and the sales rep goes out of his/her way to chat with you, they get it.

5. Christmas or Holiday cards -- nice touch, dealership gets it.

6. Birthday cards for the Car -- to restate "thanks for buying" 1 or 2 or whatever years ago -- well, they get it.

7. Customer appreciation days: free carwashes on Saturday, free hamburgs and dogs once a month during the summer, pastries and coffe (the good stuff) when you drop your car off for service, even if you do not wait. They get it.

8. Golf outings, dinner parties -- our dealer had 5 customer couples, the Bank VP (floorplan) one sales rep and the service manager for dinner at his house and said "you are my best customers, my best banker and my best sales and service people, thank you." No attempt was made to "sell anything" but we did get the "advance look" at a new concept (at the time) called the allroad quattro -- but again not a sales pitch. This dealer understands relationships -- this dealer (who isn't perfect) understands that cars break, people make mistakes but if you have built a good relationship, you can fix the mistakes.

It sounds like some dealers are business at a more superficial level than buyers of high line imported cars expect.

We are fortunate, indeed, in Cincinnati to have two excellent Audi dealers.

pat · May 2001

I just posted this in the Audi A4 discussion, and I wanted to ask you folks the same question:

Would you be interested in having your own space in our Owners Club section?

For those who might not know, the Owners Club is a dedicated folder where you can have as many discussions as you would like. Take a look at some of them here to get an idea of the possibilities. You will see that the various clubs have separate discussions for things like introducing yourselves, posting pictures, maintenance issues and whatever other related topics the groups may find of interest.

This discussion will remain here on the Sedans board, but will be linked to the Owners Club folder as well, making it accessible from either place. We can also link the other Audi discussions on this board and any other TH board to the Owners Club.

You can "subscribe" to the entire owners folder, which makes reading all the posts in the various discussions very easy to do. You will also eventually have the opportunity to have regularly scheduled owners' chats if you are interested in doing so.

Let me know if you have any questions. If this sounds like a good idea, just give me a couple of positive posts and I'll get the ball rolling.

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards

tubey · May 2001

Pat, I would certainly be in favor of it.

Thanks,
Gary

bandit22 · May 2001

I would like to know how these Audi dealers - other than from whom you bought the car deal with customers. I understand that Audi maint. is valid throughout the country, but do they give us a hard time/shoddy work? Eg: If you moved to another state/City and take it to the local Audi dealer for maint/warranty?
Anyone have such experiences?

Audi A6

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles