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www.tirerack.com and www.tires.com. The tirerack goes into education and explanation that allows you to understand the sometimes complicated types of tires from Max performance, to Ultra High Performance, to Ultra High Performance All Season, like timcar's to High Performance and even the "lowly" performance and into winter tires, studded tires, plus sizing (how to, why to, what it means to) and on and on and on.
Not only is their website helpful, their people are also well versed in what will work for you.
Ask yourself about your needs and wants:
performance
durability
quite ride
cornering
slick surface abilities
look
feel
off road
rain
dry
and some other things I can't even think of.
The web sites noted will provide help as will just doing what you're doing -- asking other people.
I would take timcar's opinion and value it as a fellow Audi driver who has had some experience with his car and now experience with his tires.
He can't, yet, answer the durability question and one of my favorite questions, "how noisy is it with 15,000 miles on it?" But he is a valuable resource nevertheless.
Oh yea, how many monies do you want to spend on these shoes?
My car has spent 7 weeks in the shop since I got it, including almost all of July and a couple more weeks in August. As of today there are documented repairs exceeding $20,000 including a $14K transmission. (To Mark's point above: DO NOT GET AN AUDI WITHOUT A WARRANTY!!) All of this was covered under warranty, so that is not an issue here. They also provided me with a nearly identical loaner, so it is not like I was without an Audi during this time either.
Since I am past the 30-day mark for my car being in the shop, I qualify for restitution under the "Lemon Law", at least by Ohio's interpretation of the law. I told the dealer to set up a meeting with the local Audi rep and they did.
I was surprised at how easy this all was. I really expected a lot of push-back and resistance, of course. I met with the rep and he said that he wanted to know what I wanted to do. My options are pretty straight-forward, at least under Ohio law:
1. Replacement with a like car.
2. Full refund of ALL money invested in the car. Since my car is leased, that means everything I put down on day #1 and all payments.
On the replacement, I have to say the offer is very tempting: They are willing to upgrade my 2003 3.0 to a 2004 2.7T Q as an even swap. Not one cent out of my pocket. They would simply drop that VIN # in to my lease documents. Payments, residual, etc don't change. Pretty nice! They have the car sitting at the dealer if I want it - just sign the document and drive away. That simple. Maybe 30 minutes, max, of my time invested if I want to go that route.
After a lot of consideration, and a lot of brow beating by my wife, I am actually going for the refund. She has persuaded me that what we really need to do is BUY a car and have something we can keep 5 years or so and get away from a car payment. Logical, yes; satisfying my emotional need for a fun car, no.
So it looks like I will be dropping out of the ranks of Audi owners for a while. My wife wants the new Volvo XC70 wagon. Not very sexy, but practical for our family with 3 young kids.
Even after my ordeal, I would recommend Audi to anyone. I am convinced my car was just unique. I would get another one tomorrow after the good treatment I got from them.
But as I said (as well as Mark and others on many occasions) do not buy one of these cars without a warranty. It will bankrupt you unless you have a lot of money available for incidental repairs. (I cringe at the thought that it would be possible for a person to have to drop $14K out of their own pocket for a tranny.)
Enjoy your cars, folks. They are fun!
Now, Lucy, splain how after 5 years of making car payments and then technically having no more payments, that you will be able to -- wait a minute, I am lost.
In 5 years your car will be 6 model years old. Unless you drive only 10,000 miles per year the car will be needing replacements of many things -- heck some things will need replacement just because of time.
This is a car we're talking about a device that begins deteriorating and losing value like water through a sieve the moment you take title.
I know the lure of no payments is strong. I also know human nature -- what about when wants become needs and the yearning for that new car smell or the new gee whiz safety, economy, performance or luxury feature becomes an irrisitable urge?
The shelf life of cars for many people is 5 years or less -- are you guys that much different than the rest of us poor, weak, souls?
Take the "free" upgrade to the 2.7T and grin all the time you have it, don't sweat it, when it is about to become a burden (a month or two beyond the lease) it will no longer be your burden.
Heck if they're so willing to allow you to step up to a 2.7T, maybe you could have your cake and eat it too: ask for a new allroad 2.7T; it will be a lot more fun than that Volvo you're thinking about and the MSRP is actually a bit less than a 2.7T straight A6. I have one (an 03) and I love it!
Now I don't want to get off on a rant here, but we have become a culture of buck-passers, Winona-riding across ethical boundaries with impunity and then blaming everyone but ourselves when we get caught or play badly. These days there are more people pointing fingers than a Superman sighting over Beijing.
We're so used to people denying their guilt, that when we hear somebody actually take responsibility for their actions, we get that confused look on our face people always have when their cat starts dry humping a Great Dane. They say it takes a big person to admit when he's wrong. Which explains why jockeys are such bastards.
The reason I find this all so infuriating is because I have always taken pride in being able to say, "Hey I'm sorry. My personal assistant screwed up."
I have no patience for the idea that society forces us into our misdeeds. For every person with a bad childhood who becomes a serial killer, there are a thousand who learn from that experience to be better parents to their own kids. For every guy from a poor neighborhood who grows up into a criminal, there are a thousand who work hard and build a decent life for themselves. For every misguided soul raised in a permissive hippie atmosphere who turns into a John Walker Lindh, there are a thousand more who become the gentle stoner cashiers trying to push the new Phil Lesh solo album on you at Media Play.
And parents, you need to stop blaming the schools. The teacher needs your help, because you raised a little monster who couldn't be more spoiled if he was an un-refrigerated crab meat po' boy.
Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong (with thanks to a Dennis Miller wannabe).
I told you I was warped.
I've done all I can grasshopper!
Congrats to AoA for steppin' up to the plate!
Mark, I agree with you. You and I are probably very much alike; certainly on attitudes towards cars. I agree with you on the lease-vs-buy concept. I agree that 5 years from now I will have a boring 5-year old Volvo.
But as Tim says, doing what your wife wants is usually the best move. Also, with the incentives on right now, the XC70 is the only thing that meets our price target ($35K) and we agree on. Everything else I would consider is several grand more expensive and I have a target number I want to budget to.
The up-shot of this is that I can turn around in a year or so and get whatever I want. I will probably end up taking my wife's 2000 ML320 and when that lease is up (or before, if swapalease.com comes into play for me....) I very well may head back to the Audi dealer. (Or BMW, if I can grow to like the goofy headlights on the new 5 Series.)
The bottom line in my case is that I have a lucrative offer in writing in front of me (the 2004 2.7T) and the pay-back paperwork in front of me. To maintain peace in the household, and for me to attain my long-term goal of getting the car I really want (something fast, German, convertible) this is the move I have to make at this time.
Oh well.... Mark, your point isn't lost on me. Its just that at the end of each day I have to come home to my wife and not you. You know how that goes.
Just checking. After reading it again, I had a hard time understanding what the rant was about!
Can't take the new 5 series ugly interior...
M
I have read this, I have no way to know that it is true or false. It is, perhaps, that these Auto Bild "photos" are reasonable approximations of the cars; I certainly hope so.
And, I agree, the similarity between this and the Passat is striking. Much more so than "My Sweet Lord" if you get my drift (with homage to George Harrison).
M
At home, I drive the LS "entry-level luxury sedan," primarily because it's one of the few cars in the class in the U.S. that comes with a manual.
After picking up the Audi at the Frankfurt airport and driving it through Austria and Switzerland, the diesel and six-speed manual absolutely knocked my socks off. The thing accelerated so much better than my car at home it wasn't even funny. I drove it at 115 mph in Germany and up 15% grades in Switzerland, and got 39.2 mpg on fuel that cost 20% less. What's not to like?
When Audi or Volkswagen bring the 1.9 or 2.5 litre diesel to North America, I'll be first in line. Thanks to Mark's advice, I'll make sure it's always covered by a warranty.
The brakes are so much more solid, the interior is so much better executed, the acceleration is so much better than the pale imitation I drive here at home that it makes me sick. The Audi rocks. It'd rock better if more of the European models were available in the U.S.
The 2.5TD was rated, I think, at 180HP -- big deal you say? That's only 10 more than the 1.8T and 40 less than the 3.0 Naturally Aspirated V6 30 valve.
I have driven all three of the engines noted above -- the 2.5TD is the quickest of the three (when all are equipped with manual transmissions). The HP is not what we enjoy, generally, it is the torque. I don't have any stats on the 2.5TD's torque, but it must come on early and come on strong -- heck the 2.5TD felt much more like the then current S4 (which was a 2.7T V6, gasoline engine with 30 valves).
This engine makes me wonder what could be done "if they were really trying." I would think that the 2.5TD in an A4 in North America would be the super-star. Shhhhh it was quiet inside, had virtually no tell tale signs that it was a diesel and MAN o MAN stump pulling torque. It was really cold in Seefeld, and the engine started with no fuss, also exceeding my expectations and erasing my memory of the Jetta Diesel from the late 70's.
I assume there must be some MARKETING reason to keep the 2.5TD on the other side of the Atlantic -- but that engine AS IS would be just fine in an A4 or an A6. And, from what I have read, with a little effort from Audi's engineers, they could put TD engines in the A4 and A6 lines with HP numbers over 200 and even higher torque (at low RPMs).
Again, MARKETING, not technology or fuel limitations must be the reason we do not see these fantastic engines on this side of the pond.
An HP TD would, I think, sell like hot cakes -- and by the way -- the milage is also very impressive.
Seems like a no brainer to me.
Apparently if you right click on the image and select view, you will see the picture then you can go back and it will display.
TIA
I've read that VW/Audi IS thinking of bringing a diesel to the U.S. Specifically, a V10 monster for the Touareg. My impression is that modern diesels have largely overcome the less desirable characteristics while maintaining their virtues. The reason they're ubiquitous in Europe and not in the U.S. are because of the much higher cost of gas and gasoline consuming vehicles for Europeans compared to diesels. Diesels inherently get significantly better mileage than gasoline engines, and the fuel costs significantly less. I believe there are also tax issues that further add to the cost savings offered in Europe by diesels.
These cost savings are much less significant in the U.S. And this, plus the diesel’s prior operational disadvantages compared to gas engines, are what have made them historically unpopular in the U.S. Historically they have been more problematic to start in cold climates and much slower to rev, making them less desirable for passenger cars. But it seems these issues have been addressed. And they have also been inherently much more durable and have provided much better fuel economy than gas, making them well suited for truck use.
About the only major drawback I can think of might be particulate pollution. While diesels offer less of other pollutants, I believe they are the major cause of particulate pollution. How swarms of diesels might effect the U.S., and whether the EPA might have concerns, I do not know.
The only other issue related to introduce them to the U.S. market that I'm aware of is fuel availability. I.e., it's a lot easier to find gas than diesel. Of course, this could change, but since our pricing seems to be more market based, than cost based, might this also erase some of the cost advantages of diesel? Don't know.
I loved virtually everyting about it -- except one thing. In my first 4.2 A6 I went through 4 sets of front rotors in under 30K miles. On the 2001, I went throug 3 sets of rear rotors and 5 sets of front rotors and 5 sets of pads (although that was pirmarily because of the replacement of the rotors that were warped) -- all paid for by audi advantage.
The 02's and beyond don't have the problem.
Rotors without the Audi advantage (OEM) could cost a young fortune.
I loved everything but this about these cars.
The technology has two issues: one is obviously the common rail itself and the fuel pressurising system. These are micro-precision components and thus costly to produce and repair. The second issue is that this technology requires low-sulfur diesel (LSD) to work.
The LSD is available in Europe but not here. The trucking lobby has uptil now been successful in getting the laws to mandate LSD postponed several times already. However, it now seems likely that this type of cleaner diesel will be available in the US over the next few years.
There is also an interesting twist of global trade involved. There is a limit to the amount of diesel that can be refined from a barrel of oil. Presently, this means that european refineries can ship their excesss gasoline over to us, while using LSD for their own markets. Our refineries are are presently geared towards maximising the amount of gasoline produced per barrel, and will have to shift production towards LSD fuels. Also, not all crude oil can be used for LSD. The primary sources of low sulfur crude are in the middle east. Getting sulfur out of high sulfur crude to produce LSD is a costly business.
It is time for a new A6 for my wife. One of the colors we are considering is "crystal blue". I have not seen this in the flesh. Have any of you? If so, what are your impressions?
Does anybody else have a problem with the car shuddering on the right side when you tap the brakes at highway speeds? Do you think the rotors are warped?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Follow up questions:
1. If and when LSD fuels are available here, would there then be two grades of diesel here (LSD and the current higher sulfer grade) or will LSD totally replace it, at a higher cost and thus the opposition by the trucking lobby?
2. How much more per gallon would you expect the LSD to cost than the current grade, given the transition that our refineries would have to make to produce it, and since all of the crude oil would have come from the Middle East?
3. With the advent of hybrid technolocgy do you think that this will this reduce or even eliminate the demand for diesel-powered engines in passenger cars and most light trucks?
The usual model of supply is LSD only, and the additional cost can be upto several tens of cents per gallon. Of course the supply dynamics across the Atlantic and the worldwide sources of crude oil will determine the final price, but you got it right. It is this potential for higher prices that draws resistance from the trucking industry.
The estimates for universal LSD supply here would perhaps tack on another 20-25 cents on the the present price of diesel, but this is a guess only.
Hybrids are another interesting development that will increase the efficiency of drivetrains. However, the long term costs such as replacement batteries and their disposal will add on significant costs, all of which remain to be seen. On the other hand, diesel technology has some problems in very cold weather, but those temperature would be mainly in Canada and the northern parts of US.
My guess would be that a slow changeover to LSD will happen, perhaps by the end of this decade, and that hybrid technology would be more suited to smaller vehicles.
It's been a long time since I've read about the pro and cons of diesels, but I thought the inherent cold climate problems had been reduced to an acceptable level. My best recollection is that a heater (electric?) was supplied for the fuel system, and this improved the viscosity/flow issues that I thought were at the root of diesel cold climate problems. Where does this stand? I think diesel auto's have been pretty successful in northern Europe were it gets pretty cold, and aren't diesels in heavy equipment used in some very cold climates, such as Alaska?
Thanks for the insight.
Yes, your rotors are warped. Very common, almost typical. Knock-on-wood, I've got a set that doesn’t seem to be experiencing this problem. Think I may have read something about Audi finally successfully addressing this almost ubiquitous problem with a new supplier of rotors.
Timcar, you are right that heavy diesel engines are in use in Alaska, but I think the diesel there is has special additives, and also they try to run the engines 24/7 to keep them from freezing up.
However, I have never been to Alaska, and perhaps somebody more knowledgeable can chime in here.
Now, you need to understand that the rumor mill pretty much has concluded that there will be a new A6 for 2005. Some folks look at things this way:
1. The A6 2.7T (high output edition) fully tarted up with lux, performance, safety and convenience options is mature, possibly nearly bug free and especially in 6spd manual mode is both among the fastest and quickest cars in its class. Oh by the way, the number of cars that are truly in its class are few -- if you understand and value what the quattro drive line means to you in terms of performance and safety.
2. The 2004 A6 2.7T will have agressive "deals" -- some might argue, "the deals have ALREADY started."
3. The 2005 Audi, if it follows every other model change over year will be, relatively speaking, somewhat decontented over a 2004. Beats me why Audi (and they are not alone) does this -- but sometimes the new model has fewer features or fewer "standard" features than the outgoing model it replaces. Take it from me, "Mr. Early Adopter," I get the first one minted when the new models come out and it loses some features and options that the previous model had. Or, those who adopt early sometimes notice that later production cars seem to have additional content added in due course. I got the first S6 in the city in 1995, the first coupe quattro in 1990 and sure enough the very next run had "stuff" in it that mine lacked. My coupe either had 1 or no airbags for example yet the ones that followed had dual front airbags. My A8 had a 5 speed non-tiptronic automatic -- and 10 seconds later tiptronics were standard equipment; my A6 4.2 a 2000 early production -- no ESP and no heated steering wheel. Later, both were "standard." And so on.
Look and test drive a 2004 A6 2.7T High Output version (please give the 6spd a try). You will, I think, be blown away.
PS the high output cranks the HP and torque of the 2.7T motor (which is already a screamer) up!
Accordingly, I went to my dealership here in Timonium, MD, and drove an '04 S4 6sp as weel as an '04 TT 3.2 with the DSG. Wow! S4 is simply a monster, while the TT was quite impressive--what a piece of technology.
Is it just me, or is the S4 being treated like a black sheep--where are the discussions, chatter, comparos with the C32, M3, S60R?
My guy is attempting to locate a Silver S4 with Tiptronic, Premium package, heated seats, and Infotainment pkg. ASAP.
As you do not qualify for the loyalty discount ($750), you should be particularly aggressive about discount off of list ($2,500, or more is not uncommon). Also, the money factors, when converted to "interest rate" are quite good, even without a subsidized lease. You should expect 4.7%, or less. In any event, if you go in without cap reduction, your initial, up front costs should be about $1,600; for a 2.7t, you would be looking at less than $600/month. I have not explored the 2.7t this time around, so the cost of ownership may be less, if the lease is subsidized. However, for a 2004, it may be a bit early for that program.
I've been promised a drive in a DSG TT by my dealer but he doesn't expect one for some time.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
M
And, my dealer, with plausable deniability, I am certain exclaims that there is no reason (this time) to even consider the auto version -- why (he asked)?
I'm glad you axed me that! The new S4 is the first (so says the dealer) Audi manual transmission that can be compared with the transmissions of other fine German cars without the foot note (. . .some rubbery feeling and nearly snick snik capability. . .). This time the rubber is gone and the snik snik is clearly there. This is an easy to shift and precise transmission with a fantastic clutch and wonderful take up. You can, at appropriate speeds, "easily" shift to first gear rather than being forced to stop or apply gorilla like pressure.
Moreover, the auto -- just barely -- still has that lag associated with, apparently, virtually all tiptronic equipped cars 5 and 6 speed.
So, again, my dealer after hearing me proclaim I would probably return to tips if they were the highly touted 6spd tips, urged me to fugettaboutid -- and drive the S4 as it was intended -- with a stick.
Now, this is the same dealer that said he didn't see why the RS 6 got all the press and glory, when he thinks the S4 -- in comparison -- has nothing but high performance to discuss and is a relative bargain to boot.
So, after a long Saturday afternoon drive with a new S4 6spd (and in all fairness no drive in the S4 auto), I tend to believe my dealer when he says go with the 6spd-manual; this time they've done it right!
Anyone who has test driven both care to comment?
He further advises I qualify for this early termination program AoA/AFS is currently offering some of its lessees. What is a reasonable amount to pay, and what are the current residuals and money factors, if anyone knows? I have seen on Audiworld forum people getting $2-3K off sticker.
Once I have driven the tip, I will post my humble impressions.
There is a write up on it, go to www.dogpile.com
and do a search or two -- can't miss it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The RS 6 sits at my dealer too and now they have a demo RS 6, the sales manager takes it home at night and says they'll deal. Still ain't worth it.
The S4 -- which I have driven -- is also nearly awesome and mere mortals can afford it.
I drove an S6 (avant only) last year -- woulda shoulda coulda -- they discounted that almost to allroad price. Hmm, maybe next time.
Co worker picked up a new Bimmer X5 this weekend, demo, $8K off sticker -- I've only purchased cars that I order for years and years, maybe I should look at just buying off the lot and see if I can get good deals near year end; heck I get these things so regularly, perhaps that IS the smart way to do (money-wise, that is).
I mean, they only have fully optioned cars on the lot anymore, it is just a matter of color. Of course, it doesn't seem they get many stick shifts in with anything other than Premium package or something like that.
And what's up with an $85K RS 6 WITHOUT sat nav? Hello, is this thing on Audi?!? Maybe that's why they can't sell the darn thing.
The A8's seem to fly out the doors and they are fully loaded.
At over $45 to 50K it just seems like you expect the car to want for nothing.