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Audi Streets of Tomorrow

15 messages,  Last post on Jun 05, 2006 at 1:36 PM

You are in the Audi A3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Audi A3, Audi A4, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 15 Re: some people got more rides, I guess. [kurtamaxxxguy] by la4mead

May 08, 2006 (9:15 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (May 08, 2006 8:18 am)
Hey, they offered, but it was not a car from the demos.
 
Really, I think I was mislead, I don't think the A4 Quattro (2.0t) had the DSG, but that's what the "host" told me. I bet Audi properly calls it "Tiptronic". It was automatic with paddle-shifters. It wasn't an A3, though.
 
As for the number of rides, hey, they were nice and offered; the host pulled the car right up for me out of a parking place away from the other cars. I don't think they wanted to showcase the "oddball" model with a 4 cylinder/manual transmission, but when they pulled it out, I couldn't refuse. And I liked that car the best.
 
I don't care for the styling much; the A3 front is not attractive or durable looking, the back end and dash are bland, and the interior avoids innovative features, but I usually don't buy a car for how it looks. I'm more concerned about how it feels/handles, costs to own (including environmental costs) and reliability issues. I like to keep my everyday commuter car 10 or more years ("Tomorrow"), so I had those factors in mind on my drive. I sure liked the A3. I'm with you, I'd like to test drive an A3 2.0t with or without the sport suspension, for a long drive - leaving the urban traffic behind. Maybe even test drive a used one just to see how it's holding up, and what electrical and/or transmission gremlins might lurk!

#8 of 15 Re: some people got more rides, I guess. [la4mead] by kurtamaxxxguy

May 08, 2006 (1:03 pm)

Replying to: la4mead (May 08, 2006 9:15 am)
Yeah, they had a 2.0 T with manual. It was very popular!
 
I too like keeping agreeable cars a long time; 9 years for my '83 Camry, 6 years for a Prius.
 
But, Shouldn't a $40K cars' problems deserve better response than manufacturer form letters? The 3.2 Quattro's probably one of the most complex cars out there; that stuff is gonna break sooner or later.
 
It would be reassuring to hear Audi was more responsive to consumer problems with DSG than just sending form letters.
That would help set Audi apart from their competitors, as GM and Toyota are almost as good with form letters as Audi is!

#9 of 15 Re: some people got more rides, I guess. [kurtamaxxxguy] by la4mead

May 08, 2006 (1:57 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (May 08, 2006 1:03 pm)
Yes, expensive cars with "genetic" concerns across even part of the product line deserve more response than form letters. My RX300 (one of the first) received a whole brand new transmission (with loaner car) from Lexus under warrantee when it had some hard shifting when cold, but was running OK, at almost 70,000 miles (there were some previous dealer problems involved).
 
That experience along with an otherwise reliable, fairly fuel efficient and spacious small car has kept me loyal, even while the handling is boring.
 
It seems Audi has their focus on handling and luxury, things they do well. However, luxury should include how they treat their customers, which includes retaining them as customers with reliable products that they stand behind.

#10 of 15 Re: some people got more rides, I guess. [la4mead] by kurtamaxxxguy

May 08, 2006 (4:01 pm)

Replying to: la4mead (May 08, 2006 1:57 pm)
I have to agree with you. Audi does not seem to have adopted, yet, the Lexus or Buick ways of dealing with customers.
 
The Audi folks at the Audi event suggested Audi USA is trying to get better, but is being held back by its Euro parent.
 
Perhaps Europeans feel the same way about Ford and GM as some of us do about Audi and VW?

#11 of 15 Very nice event... by bruintoo

May 09, 2006 (12:16 am)

Test drove the Q7 along the streets of Beverly Hills. Seems like a lot of drivers were gawking at the Q7. The Audi rep and I were laughing. The Q7 is not my type of vehicle. It's huge, a gas guzzler, and I generally hate large SUVs. The moonroof was large but the shade was so disappointing. It looks like it will be a problem. I did not test any other Audi since I just got the car that I want, my A3 2.0T DSG, two weeks ago. The Q7 is the anti-A3. Not very nimble at all. I was able to convince two people to get the A3 2.0T!!!
 
The catering was superb though! Especially the desserts! Kudos to Wolfgang Puck.

#12 of 15 sot by dhanley

May 19, 2006 (1:48 pm)

I did this here in chicago. We did the Q7 drive on the streets, but all the other drives were on a track ( parking lot with cones ). Here are some general observations:
 
1) Audi seems to be trying to make a lifestyle statement. There was lots of (excellent!) free food, massages, entertainment, etc. Driving the cars doesn't seem to be the real focus.
 
2) The q7 simply isn't for me. It also doesn't feel as powerful as it is supposed to be, i think because the tranny downshifts so slloooowwwlllyyyyy. I suppose i could use it if i had tons of people & stuff to haul, but how many buyers really do?
 
3) The rs4 is a hoot, wish i could have driven it, instead of just being a passenger.
 
4) Drove the a6. The brakes/throttle are very touchy. Was very dissapointed. This car is NO five series, even when driven at 7/10. Girlfriend hated it because it is not "short friendly."
 
5) Also drive the tt. Had driven a boxster recently, the tt is _no_ competition. Nose heavy, etc.
 
6) My girlfriend drove the stick a3 2.0T. Think she got the best car of the day. She drove over a whole row of cones. I was _very_ amused.
 
dave

#13 of 15 a thought on SOT by kurtamaxxxguy

May 19, 2006 (3:33 pm)

It's fun to hear how others saw this Audi event..thnx for sharing!
 
I hope Audi learns from SOT as well, and will take a more "Lexus" attitude towards treating their customers, and in making their vehicles more reliable.

#14 of 15 I posted by dhamilton

Jun 05, 2006 (1:36 pm)

My thoughts on the RS4 thread, as this one seems to have died. All in all, Audi did a fantastic job at the event in Dallas. First class all the way.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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