I could use some advice about purchasing a new A4
05-08-2015, 02:43 AM
#11
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you everyone who has responded. There is a lot of great information in this thread that I will take to heart the next time I go to the dealership. Dseag2, I have noticed over the last year of so that I am making more 3 person trips, so I do need something with 4 doors. Hazards of getting older I guess.
05-08-2015, 03:06 PM
#12
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where are you located? I was able to get 7% off MSRP on a custom order, expecting delivery in about another month. Email as many dealers as you can within a hundred or so miles and ask for their best price on the specific build you want. Then take the best offer or take that offer to your local dealer to match or beat.
05-08-2015, 05:29 PM
#13
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm around DC. I've contacted my 3 closest dealers on the make and model I am looking for. So far they seem pretty similar (although one didn't have the one I wanted in stock). I am willing to settle, just a bit on color but I hope I don't have to in the long run.
05-09-2015, 04:39 AM
#14
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sent you a pm
05-11-2015, 05:57 AM
#15
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm in Washington as well. I was able to get 10% off MSRP plus $1,000 loyalty on my new 3.0T Q5 that I got the last week of March (I agree end of the month is helpful). I found dealers here in DC metro not keen on negotiating beyond my 6% Supplier Discount and not great on trade values. Also, they want to sell what's on their lot. I've bought my last 2 new Audis at a dealership in suburban Philly. All done by email and phone, and they delivered - I've never been to the dealership. Plus they located both my cars at other dealers and brought them in on flatbed to keep miles off. Same price for a car on their lot as one they had to find. Trade value was ok, about what I expected. I'm happy to give more specifics including Brand Specialist contact. Good luck with your purchase!
05-11-2015, 06:38 AM
#16
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I should have added that I don't qualify for any of the incentives its seems. Yes S4forDC if you could send me some particulars it would be helpful. Do you mind if I ask which dealership you went to?
05-11-2015, 08:32 AM
#17
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
05-11-2015, 06:58 PM
#18
I just have two (likely wordy) comments and wish the OP the best:
1) Paint - I would never get black (especially the non metallic no-cost Brilliant Black). I looks great if you have it detailed once a week, otherwise, everything shows. I had several black cars over my 73 years and all the same. I have Quartz Gray on my current 2013 A6 and it hides a lot of dirt and rain drops. A color like that (Tornado Gray is similar and white is good as well) would be my suggestion. Even the Moonlight Blue (I love that color) stays cleaner looking and less swirly than Brilliant Black IMO.
2) Since the new A4's are coming out later this year (we're told), I would consider a low mileage lease with AudiCare thrown in and no money down. The long-term (5-6 year) equity for a “last year of the run” A4 B8 might not be very good once the B9's are out and folks get used to (and start to prefer) what changes they will offer. Also (only a concern if your area has a fairly high sales tax on cars) on a lease you only pay sales tax on the payments (not the full cost of the car). If the 3-yr residual on a $45,000 car is 46%, that means you only pay sales tax on 54% of that price. When you buy, you pay full sales tax even if you sell your cars after 3 years. For me in the example I just outlined, that comes to $1,734 less sales tax implicit in a 3-yr lease vs. buying and selling in 3 years. Of course, if you love the car you've leased you can buy it and pay taxes at that point on the remaining 46% of original price.
1) Paint - I would never get black (especially the non metallic no-cost Brilliant Black). I looks great if you have it detailed once a week, otherwise, everything shows. I had several black cars over my 73 years and all the same. I have Quartz Gray on my current 2013 A6 and it hides a lot of dirt and rain drops. A color like that (Tornado Gray is similar and white is good as well) would be my suggestion. Even the Moonlight Blue (I love that color) stays cleaner looking and less swirly than Brilliant Black IMO.
2) Since the new A4's are coming out later this year (we're told), I would consider a low mileage lease with AudiCare thrown in and no money down. The long-term (5-6 year) equity for a “last year of the run” A4 B8 might not be very good once the B9's are out and folks get used to (and start to prefer) what changes they will offer. Also (only a concern if your area has a fairly high sales tax on cars) on a lease you only pay sales tax on the payments (not the full cost of the car). If the 3-yr residual on a $45,000 car is 46%, that means you only pay sales tax on 54% of that price. When you buy, you pay full sales tax even if you sell your cars after 3 years. For me in the example I just outlined, that comes to $1,734 less sales tax implicit in a 3-yr lease vs. buying and selling in 3 years. Of course, if you love the car you've leased you can buy it and pay taxes at that point on the remaining 46% of original price.
Last edited by irenesbob; 05-11-2015 at 07:02 PM.
05-20-2015, 04:01 AM
#20
A search of the various AW forums will produce several discussions on this point. I believe it is worthwhile. At about $830 it includes several oil changes and all required maintenance up to 45,000 miles (15,000-mile service, 25,000-mile service, 35,000-mile service and 45,000-mile service). They claim it offers savings of up to 39% versus purchasing these services separately. And, the cost of the plan is fixed even if labor rates go up between services. Given the cost of Audi service (labor and parts) it seems worthwhile to me to protect the car this way. Also, it amounts to proof that the vehicle has been properly maintained should there be any warranty issues within the warranty period (or later). Audi will send you a reminder when it's time to schedule a service appointment and the servicing dealer will have all the records in one place.