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You should always try to lease the car with $0 cash out of pocket for the drive off. The monthly payments may be higher, but the car lease is a low interest loan (7-8%), and if you use the down payment money to pay off some high interest credit cards, you will be many dollars ahead.
Also, You can sell your leased car at any time to a 3rd party. He pays off the bank, and you may pay a transfer fee. My cars are always in mint condition with low miles, and I have gotten up to $2500 back selling my car just before the lease expired.
My wife and I, in 2000, were both (but not at the same time) able to trade in 2000 model Audi's and drive off the lot without "penalty."
My wife had a 180HP 2000 TT that she had a 24 month lease on (payment was $650+/mo); she ordered a 2001 225HP TT with all possible options after having the 2000 for about 2+ months -- (we specified the car must have a build date that would make it come equipped with ESP). At the time -- early 2000, our dealer informed us of the "Audi Loyalty Program" -- this program is from Audi Financial (and it has expired as far as I know on 12/31/2000). The Loyalty program allowed for the re-purchaser of an Audi (who had used Audi Financial for a lease) to have the first month's payment (up to $800) be made by AFS and the security deposit (if any) waived.
The new 2001 TT came in in July 2001 -- we "drove off the lot" in her new TT and the following happened:
1. The 2000 lease was "forgiven" -- there were no penalties of any kind (we had made 7 of 24 payments).
2. A new, 30 month lease was issued and Audi Financial made the first payment (leaving 29 payments to be made -- and the first one 31 days in the future). The new payment was about $50.00 higher, but the car was almost $4000 higher MSRP.
3. Since we had not made any previous security deposit, there was no refund and none required.
4. We paid a $50.00 plate fee.
Now, on my 2000 Audi A6 4.2:
I ordered the 2001 4.2 in July or August (with a $200 good faith deposit). Based on the time I ordered it I new it would not come in until after Thanksgiving. My payments were due each month on the third week of the month. I asked the dealer if I was eligible for the Audi Loyalty Lease promotion -- and was told "yes." I also asked the dealer if I should try to sell my car or use www.swapalease.com to "get out of my lease." The dealer told me that based on the time the new car would come in, I would probably be pretty close to being "OK" -- and besides they wanted my car on their used car lot. (note: I have purchased 24 Audis since 1978 from the same dealer -- and have "sold" at least another dozen or so to friends and co-workers -- and the dealer knows it.)
The car came in and was ready to be picked up by December 21, 2000. My then current payment on the 2000 was about $950.00/month (27 month lease originally). The 2001 was stickered at $56,000+ (almost $4,000 more than my 2000). The new term of the lease was 30 months, the new payment was about $60.00 more per month than the old one -- the dealer kept my deposit and made me pay the difference between the payment amount and $800 (which was the maximum payment the Audi Loyalty program would permit). So I drove off the lot for about $500 out of pocket and 29 payments due -- I did not have to pay a penalty for the 2000 A6. I am pleased with the A6 (wish it had a stick shift), am pleased with the dealer and am pleased with the "financial deal."
Phone:
I ordered the Audi "factory phone" which has the controls in the steering wheel; my wife has an Audi factory phone in her TT and we bought a "family plan" from Verizon wireless. She pays $49.95 per month for 1800 minutes usage and for $10.00 a month more I get to "share" her minutes (and I have a totally separate phone number). The phone is analog. I also have a digital phone that I purchased from Verizon and it has call forwarding and "air share" -- when I drive, I forward the wireless phone (which is the number I give to everyone) to my car phone and turn off the hand held wireless phone. Then when someone (my office) calls the wireless digital phone, my dashboard lights up "INCOMING CALL" -- it works great and allows me to be virtually hands and eyes free while using the phone -- the programmable feature of the Audi phone is great. If the laws change as I am almost certain they will -- only those that have hands and eyes free mobile phones will be allowed to drive and talk at the same time (just like in Germany). I am very pleased with the phone, and unlike digital phones it virutally never has a drop out!
2002 A4
I would call this car an A5 if there was such a thing -- it was quiet, sturdy, handled GREAT and with the high torque and high horsepower 2.5TDI (with a 6 speed manual!) it was a major step forward in Audi-dom!
That's my story.
Thanks, Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Matt
I drive a 2000 A6 2.7T with a 6 speed, leather, convenience package, sunroof, sport package, xenons. Pretty much everything except the sat-nav system and the cold weather package. The sticker was $44,975, the dealer sold it for $41,600. I pay $635/month plus tax, with $1K at start (incl. first month payment) for 36 months.
Good luck.
Despite all of the great info out there, I have been unable to get a sense for how the negotiations for this auto will go as this is a rare model (compared to other A6's). I have a feeling that the A6 4.2 is not as popular as it once was due to the wild success of the 2.7T (fingers crossed). I am hoping to land one for no more than $2k over invoice on a standard 36 month, 12k mile lease. I'm figuring a residual of roughly 54% and a money factor equivalent of 5-7% APR.
Does this sound reasonable? What was your experience with the dealers? Also, how do they treat returning customers (especially those with near mint, low mileage A4's coming off lease)?
Thanks for any insights or suggestions you may have.
I ordered an A6 4.2 in mid-December. I couldn't find any with all of what I wanted (basically every option except the phone). I would have been flexible on colors, but there were simply no sports suspensions to be had. So I wait.
My dealer reports we missed the January build, and are in the queue for a February build. Does anyone have any experience with an Audi build wait, and when I might expect delivery? I don't know what to expect for shipping time... Am purchasing from the West Coast (Bay Area).
Time is sure going slow these days!!
Any experiences with the Sports suspension?
Many thanks!
January 24th: Ordered car from CarOrder.com
January 25th: CarOrder.com ordered car through Rector Motors
April 1st: Car was completed
May 8th: Car was placed on board ship (no explanation for why it sat for so long)
May 14th: Ship sailed
May 22nd: Ship arrived (San Diego)
May 26th: Car arrived at dealer
As you can see, the process didn't exactly break any speed records. My guess is that your car will be built during the second half of February. Once it's completed, it should show up at your dealer in 30-45 days.
I have taken to "begin the ordering process" anywhere from 6 to 12 months prior to actual delivery, and generally lease the cars for 24 - 36 months periods.
The 2001 TT 225HP Coupe was MSRP - $1,000. The 2001 A6 4.2 (with ALL options except CD changer and Pearl White Paint) was MSRP - $3,500.
Getting an Audi exactly as YOU want it is, in my experience, virtually impossible -- unless you are willing to make many compromises (more than color combinations). This "class of car" (whatever that means) is not purchased off the lot. And, my BMW friends tell me that the same is basically true of their cars (the only exception being the 3 series, which is probably about the same experience folks have with the A4 1.8T series, which does seem to be -- at some level -- "in stock" at most Audi dealers [we have 2 dealers in Cincinnati]).
My 2001 A6 4.2 has the sport package, my 2000 A6 4.2 did not (but it did have the 17" wheel/tire option with Dulop SP9000's) -- the difference on the freeway is sublte, the difference on "the twisties" is not -- the car corners much better with the sport suspension, turn in is crisper at almost any speed. The cornering limits of the car appear to be higher -- in that the body roll is minimized compared with the standard suspension. The sport seats are great -- I am 6' tall @190 lbs -- yet some people claim that they have problems allegedly because they have "big butts." The car could use slightly less power steering boost and for my taste could have a lock to lock that could be one-half turn less (but this IS a nit).
If I had my magic wand, I would have a 6 speed manual or the rumored 6 speed Tiptronic (the multi-tronic trans apparently is not ready for the high torque engines yet.)
My dealer has an S8 on the lot, an S4 and an S4 Avant (customer orders, I presume) -- beats me why there is apprently NO ROOM for Audi USA to bring the S6 (saloon, not avant) to our shores. The S8 was MSRP'd @ $78,000+ -- seems to me that jumping from $50,000+ to $80,000 (which is the spirit of the A6 4.2 to S8) is missing a big share of the market. Having had an A8 that I "tricked out" with a Joe Hoppen S8 suspension kit, I can tell you that the A8 is HUGE and that the S6 would be, for my tastes, just right.
Goldilocks, signs off.
I have most of the same quibbles about the car as you; sure wish that I could have ordered a 6 speed, or at least had the tiptronic controls on the steering wheel. I read that the S6 Avant will be sold here beginning November, but am wondering as well about why no S6 Sedan. I'm also not perfectly happy with the choices available for interior's. I want a black interior, but was forced to order a stitching pattern that was not my first choice. I'm 6' about 220, so hopefully I will be happy as you with the seats. Also agree re the power steering and turns...
Anyway, the general news about order/delivery times was pretty disappointing!
So I wait.
With respect to the Navigation system: I have it, it works, it is excellent, it is NOT perfect. In fact it seems to use the exact same software (but not hardware) as the latest and greatest Sat/Nav system on the S class Mercedes (even the woman's voice is IDENTICAL).
Audi Navigation Plus is, so far, only available in non-North American countries. I have never received an "intelligent" explanation why Audi sells the product with the nifty color, full graphical screen in other countries. Yet, the directions it gives, the commands it speaks ARE the same on "Audi Navigation-Lite" as they are on the full-blown system.
I like it, I use it and I think for what it is (non full color screen, etc.) they should charge less. I would buy it again and I would buy the full color one if it becomes an option.
But, unless you need (and I can't imagine why "need" would be the word) the full color screen, the Audi system performs the tasks of getting you from A to B impressively. Oh yea, I think the system should be DVD based, instead of CD based but since I would generally fly if I had to go beyond the map that I have, perhaps that too is just another nit that I am picking.
I wrote a letter to Audi about the sat nav system "complaining" that we deserve the option of lite or full, but so far, no reply.
If you need (want?) a navigation system, this one works well. If you want the nifty color system 'cause it looks cool and functionality is secondary, skip it.
Thanks,
Rick
00 2.7T Ebony Pearl
Sport/Convenience/Cold Weather Pkgs
Check out message #711 for a succinct explanation of ESP. The answer that is under the heading "normal" driver should be read with great care -- it is the reason that this technology is almost a miracle. Perhaps the following enhancement will help. This is a bit of editorial enhancement of message #711:
Normal driver version (reality):
ESP is a wonderful invention (one of the best, ever) that keeps you in control of your vehicle at all times in all conditions. In ice, snow, or rain, it prevents fishtailing and spinouts. It allows you to drive normally in very low-traction situations, and not worry that you'll wind up in a ditch. There's simply no reason not to have it. And, in the future, no EXCUSE other than a death wish, not to get it! You MUST have this technology from this point forward -- do not even consider for one second ANY vehicle that you plan to put friends, family or any living creature that you wish to live in a car without this technology -- riding lawn mowers do not need this technology, all other "road" vehicles need it -- it is in the same category as seat belts, air bags, crash worthiness and anti-lock brakes. Do not even bother looking (in the future) at any vehicle (trucks, mini-vans, SUV's etc.) without this technology. Clear?!?
Technically speaking, ESP is simply an on-board computer that selectively brakes any combination of wheels when loss of traction is detected (it also can do this when the brakes are NOT being touched and can limit engine power, too). My take is that since it can be turned off, there's no reason to avoid it. Oh yes, even today on an Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Subaru, or Volvo -- the MSRP is about $500.00 -- next year, it will be cheaper -- it is inexpensive, that is.
You just hit a button to disable it for spirited driving, but it's there if you just want an uneventful drive home when it's icy. Remember, though, that it's not a cure-all -- if you have zero traction at all wheels, nothing can help you.
The "option" has been available -- in some form -- since 1995 (but not on Audi's this early, Mercedes had it first according to the Bosch literature available on the www). 2000 was the first year Audi's had this technology in the US -- I thought the 1999 USA A8 had it as well, but I can't get confirmation of this "fact."
With thanks to message #711.
I've been reading all about A6's here for the past day or so. Having just bought one, I wanted to make sure I got a good deal. I came here originally to make sure the inv prices the dealer quoted me were accurate, and I got hooked on the chat board, and I thought you could help me. I bought a 2001 A6 2.8Q with the celebration Lux pkg, cold weather pkg , Bose stereo(I now know it was a mistake, but it came in the car I liked), and rear side air bags. It was a demo model with 3000 miles(test drives, etc). All warranties are in tact. I paid 400 over invoice for it. It has no dings, etc. When I picked it up, it looked brand new inside and out. I guess I just want to make sure I did the right thing by buying a demo and saving some money. What do you think?
Also, the rear side air bags. If I put a car seat back there, are they going to be dangerous? Do I need to disable them? Can I?
BTW, its silver, with black interior and looks GREAT. At first I didn't like the body style, but it really grew on me, and now I love it!!
Thanks for your input. I look forward to participating in these discussions as I drive my A6.
At this point, you have a great car that you like. Enjoy it, and don't look back. You won't regret it.
I'd be grateful if you would add your opinion. I have not driven the 4.2 but have the 2.7T. I found it to have all the power I needed and be a very smooth car in most respects. Engine noise was not intrusive ( my fear for the smaller engine ) and most everyone has reassured me on turbo reliability at Audi. However there was significant - to my mind excessive - wind noise on the demo ( 1200 miles ) at 70mph and up. All doors and windows were tightly closed. That and a slight rattle and squeak coming from around the rear seat armrest were the only flaws I could find.
Now from what I can tell the 4.2 would give me little extra from an equally equipped more or less 2.7T and cost about 6-7K more but the opinion of a current owner would be appreciated. Ironically my decision may get even trickier as I discovered the allroad is about two inches wider shoulder room ( I'm a large fellow and this makes a difference to me although I found the A6 very accommodating ). I like the practicality of a wagon too but being a NVH freak I have my doubts about the open space and roof rack.
I intend to drive the 4.2 and the allroad this weekend and any tips would be appreciated especially as to why you see the value in the 4.2.
Incidentally are you by any chance connected to a screw machine company in N Kentucky ?
My GS400 was horrible in snow and wet weather here in Chicago. Fortunately, we've had 3 mild winters in a row until this year, so it wasn't an issue. However, this year has been terrible, so I traded the GS400 for a less than 1 year old used, fully-loaded (including Nav) 2000 A6 4.2, without ESP.
I tested both the 2001 with ESP and the 2000 without it and, no offense to markcincinnati, but I really didn't think it made a significant difference. I even took both cars to large parking lots filled with 6-12+ inches of snow for test drives and found that while it is nice that power can be cut and brakes applied without driver intervention, the benefit was not great enough to purchase a newer model. If you can get ESP at no extra cost, then get it. I just think it is much more valuable on rear wheel drive cars than all wheel drive cars.
As for traction control vs. an RX300, the quattro system is shockingly similar in performance. In fact, with the exception of the extra clearance the RX300 provides in deep snow, an A6 performs the same in the snow. FYI: I have the stock 16" Dunlop 5000's.
As for the rides, Lexus and Audi are very different. I am convinced that no Audi is as quiet and smooth as comparably priced Lexus models. I notice the cabin is noisier at all speeds (including wind/air flow noise). The transmission is also not as smoooth. But you do get a better sense of the road and handling with an Audi, which is entertaining having driven the cushy Lexus suspensions for the past few years.
Markcincinnati and Imgotts are on the money with respect to the nav and other nits. One thing to remember with the color maps you get on other cars is that not all the streets are labeled on the map, making it less valuable than you might think. However, having a basic map layout for reference is nice. I do commend Audi w.r.t safety in that looking at the info on the dash is much safer than down by the radio. A DVD based system would be much more efficient.
Hope that helps. I will say that I am satisfied with my Lexus GS400 for A6 4.2 swap, even though I've lost almost a second in 0-60 speed and the comfort of Lexus reliability. It's just not practical driving a RWD vehicle in Chicago winters.
====
In spite of my "passion" for ESP, I somewhat agree agree with gs4rx3 on his/her comment that it is less important on an AWD vehicle. It is tough, however to "appreciate" ESP on a test drive, even in a snow covered parking lot -- I still believe it is right up there with ABS -- kind of like a "super-ABS." But, even though my wife and I both traded in 2000 model Audis on 2001 Audis primarily so we could have ESP, we were able to do so with "very minimal" financial consequences. The lack of financial consequences made this ESP acquisition a virtual no-brainer. Make no mistake, I am not endorsing the product so much that I would advise anyone to take a huge financial hit (more than $1,000) just for this technology.
If you have just purchased a 2000 A6 4.2 and it does not have ESP, keep the car -- unless you can get one with ESP with no $ penalty. ESP is important -- and my "prediction" is that in 2002 or 2003 at the latest it will be "standard" equipment -- but enjoy your 4.2, you HAVE chosen wisely.
=====
In my case, I ordered a 2000 A6 4.2 sight unseen -- and in September 1999 it came in (5 months after I ordered it). At that exact moment, there were no 2.7T's to compare it with, and I had had a 1997 A8 with 17" wheels and an S8 suspension kit (from Joe Hoppen) previously. The A6 4.2 seemed to be better in every way to my A8 (except size, but in my case I thought the A8 was too big, so in a reverse sort of way, I thought the A6 was better in size, too).
When I decided to order a 2001 A6 (because of my desire to have ESP), I test drove, extensively, two A6 2.7T's -- one Tiptronic and one 6 spd manual. The 6 sp manual was fantastic -- but it lacked the "solid feel" that I had come to enjoy in my 2000 4.2. The 4.2 feels like it has more muscles, a sturdier skeleton (since we are anthropomorphizing for the moment) -- the 2.7T feels like super-boy and the 4.2 feels like super-man.
The only reason, I personally would get the 2.7T over the 4.2 is to get the 6 spd manual. Before the !@#$ hits the fan, let me clarify the other issue on the table -- MSRP. What I found was that for some reason, there appeared to be (at that moment in history) better deals on the 4.2 than on the 2.7T. Deals that minimized the LEASE PAYMENT differential between the two cars. And, since I was lease-payment shopping more than MSRP shopping, I just couldn't NOT justify the price difference. So I went with a 2001 A6 4.2 instead of the 2.7T.
The A6 4.2 is subtly more refined, subtly more agressive in appearance and just plain feels simultaneously like it is a solid block of steel (strong and heavy) while also feeling very light and agile on its "feet." When you option out the 2.7T to get it close to the 4.2 (in features and options) and factor in discounts off MSRP and lease "deals" the differences financially are perhaps not so great. Then, I once again get down to my major "complaint" -- no 6spd manual option available on the 4.2. Other than that, I'll take the 4.2 (with the above "deal" factored in) any day.
All this being said, if a loaded 6spd 2.7T dropped out of the sky into my garage -- I would proudly and gladly drive it.
If you "go with the 2.7T" -- I would strongly urge you to consider the Sport Package option that contains -- the sport suspension and seats and 17" wheel/tire configuration (with the 6spd transmission, of course).
Finally, you will not be unhappy no matter which one of these A6's you choose. Just don't think that the 4.2 is financially unjustifiable -- if you ask for a deal on the 4.2, the worst they can say is "no." Superboy, is STILL faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, etc. You really can't go wrong.
Oh yea, on the reliability issue -- I kept my 2000 A6 4.2 for 23,000 miles -- changed the tires at about 19,000 miles (the factory Dunlp SP9000s were showing their age -- and yes, I put SP9000's back on it) and had three sets of front rotors put on the car (the ones that came in were warped and were replaced within 1,000 miles and they were replaced with a "good set" at around 16,000 miles). Other than that, the Audis I have owned (24 of them so far) have been more reliable than my friends American and European cars and somehwhat less reliable than my other friends Japanese cars. This appears to be changing since the 1997 models however, as my Audis are not in the shop any more than my friends Toyota, Honda or Nissan producs (including Lexus, Accura, etc.) So I give the Audi's an "OK" and a comparable to virtually anything else I know of (but then again my personal experience since 1978 has been exclusively with Audis).
That's my story. . . .
The sales person which I drove with was really great, I was (and actually encouraged to be) as aggressive as I wanted on the test drive(s). As well, the test models did not have the sport suspension as I will have on the car I ordered, so I expect the handling to be excellent when I get it.
I'll really miss the 6 speed in the 4.2, but again, the tip works well if you want to deal with ratios while cornering, and I know that I'll not miss the shifting while waiting in traffic. I also love the subtle fender flares on the 4.2, they almost make the other models look slab-sided when compared next to each other.
Probably the biggest nit I had with ordering the 4.2: I'm not at all happy about the center seating position in the rear. I think that the 'rear buckets' are kind of cool, and 4 passengers will be the most I'll have most of the time, but on those occasions that there's a fifth person...if they're sitting on a hump that's one thing, but to not have a three-point belt is really, really bad. I will be reluctant to take 5 people as it's pretty silly to brag about all of the modern safety features of the car when one person is - not.
My wife really, really wanted the 6 speed and center belts in the 2.7T, but as this is going to be a lease through my company, she deferred to me for the final decision. I love her! Did I mention that I told her we could probably get a TT or some such (Boxster?) for her someday...?
Any comments about the rear air-bags and their use with a child seat in the rear? I'm in the same boat in that there are no kids now, but may be before the lease is up.
All trade-offs considered, I'm still very happily going with the 4.2. My friends will just have to drive themselves, and we'll simply have to get an S6 Avant when the kids arrive. :-)
As for Audi service pampering, you'll have to negotiate that with your dealer. I was told by dealers in my area that they provide loaners for ANY service so long as you buy the Audi from them. Otherwise, they claim they follow Audi warranty guidelines, which I believe doesn't allow for loaners unless your car service takes at least [2?] hours or more. To ensure my dealer's loaner and pick-up and delivery service does not suddenly change during my ownership tenure, I had them write the loaner privilege into my contract. You should do the same.
I have a '00 A6 2.7T 6M with 14,500 miles and had a small vibration coming from where the headliner meets the windshield (right in front of the driver's face). I wedged a small piece of black foam rubber (which is imperceptible) into the spot where the liner meets the windshield and, presto, the problem is gone and has not recurred.
Regarding the dash noise, I occasionally get a creaking noise from what appears to be the dash area, but like you mentioned, it seems to go away once the car is warmed up. I have no permanent solution to offer you. You're not alone.
QUESTION FOR EVERYONE: I have the standard seats in my A6 (NOT the sports package). Does anyone experience a slight rocking sensation when first accelerating or when coming to a stop? The dealer checked it and found that all seat connections were tight and normal. I doubt they even checked anything! I'm going to ask them to check again at my 16,000 mile service.
Eric
After a drive of about 30-45 minutes she will park the car and shut it down. After the car sits for a few minutes if she tries to restart it it will not start. The engine cranks and she has fuel and power but there is no ignition. The engine light sometimes comes on, but not always. She has verified that the gas cap is secured.
The car has been brought to Audi deals repeatedly (four times), but every time they try it it starts fine. (It has usually been sitting overnight by the time they get to it) This car is still 15K miles inside of the warranty and she would like to have the problem solved before the warranty expires.
Has anyone seen a similar problem? Please help.
Thanks
Headlights on "automatically" --well, there is no sensor (eye), that I know of, built into the car, that will do what you want. There are quite a few optional (free) functions that can be programmed into the car. For example, I have my door locks "automatically" engage at about 12 MPH and they auto unlock when I remove the key. You can also have the headlights come on when you turn on the windshield wipers and there are some other "features" that you can have the dealer activate -- sorry, I don't have them all memorized, the one I wanted most, the locks, took about 3 minutes for the dealer to turn on (no charge).
Another piece of trivia -- if you press the arrow on the climate control (that changes the AC to recirculate) and simultaneously press the "+" key on the climate control, the system switches temp readings between F and C. I know, I have too much time on my hands.
1. 6 spd
2. quattro
3. ESP
4. Performance, safety, fun factor present in the 2.7T (especially with sport pkg).
The alternative answer:
They are not in the same league -- if you want to compare something that is in the same league, yet is from Europe -- Try a fully optioned out Passat or something from Volvo or Saab. The reviews of the Acura, by the way, should we lose you, are generally good -- there is just a certain "Q" factor that the Acura does not have -- drive the Acura, then drive the Audi (on the same route). Be aggressive with both. If this doesn't do it for you -- and you are in a climate where there is "weather" the quattro alone should cinch the deal.
And, if I were you, I would lease the A6 or the Acura -- unless you can "pay cash" -- or unless you really pile on the miles every year. The technology is changing so rapidly, that you will probably want another car every 2 or 3 years NO MATTER what you get. Leasing is the second most practical way to keep current with technology -- being rich is the other.
2 cents.
Does anyone know of a GOOD shop to get windows tinted at in the San Francisco Bay Area?
Many Thanks.
Like I said a bad solution.
1. My fuel costs are dramatically higher because I want to drive the damn thing so much more than my old car.
2. My commute time from the office to home has doubled because I now have a craving to take the long way home every night.
3. My car wash expense has increased from nil to $10 a week; I'm there every saturday AM now.
4. My saturday mornings are shot...see above and add 90 minutes of misc. wiping, polishing, and staring.
5. Volume and treble of wife's observations of my driving have increased dramatically..."You're driving too fast...again!"
6. Volume and treble of wife's observations of my saturday chores have increased (see 3 and 4 above). "You've got more to do today than fuss over that car!"
7. Internet forum participation has interested me in forbidden things...like ECU chips and 18" wheels.
8. It has necessitated shopping for a radar detector.
9. Parking has become a hassle 'cause I insist on parking waaaaaaay out there where no one else with common sense would park next to me.
10. The looks it gets from younger women are making me obsess about getting in shape.
Be careful if you're considering a 2.7T; it'll ruin your life!
Good Luck!
Can't remember where, but I did see a list of feature codes that may be turned on or off by the dealer. For example, when I picked up my 2000 A6 4.2, the cruise control did not function -- there was no mechanical reason, a "bit" had to be turned on by the dealer. It is supposed to be done before the dealer ever gets the car. But, it was a quick fix -- other than the slight hassle of having to turn around and drive back to the dealer to have it turned on.
I agree with the sentiment "what were they thinking?" -- but again, this is supposed to be "easy" to reprogram. The fact that is shouldn't NEED to be done still stands of course.
Apparently there are many combinations and permutations of these cars, and one computer "chip" -- the reason my 2000 A6 did not have the cruise turned on -- so I was told -- is that the cruise "bit" is different (in 2000) for cars with ESP and without -- my 2000 did not have it. Maybe it was an excuse. Maybe it was an oversight. This may explain some of these errors, but I don't think it excuses them.
Audio should be Audi and Nexus should be Lexus.