sb27

Hi, guys (and gals).

First post. I did a search and could not find a related thread.

Facts:

- New to brand
- Bought 2013 A4 with 30k miles on it
- It's a Quattro (Premium SC Edition)
- Great mechanical shape
- 17 inch wheels and tires at 35% of tread life remaining

Here is how the car was spec'ed by original owner:

SC Premium

Vehicle pricing (A4 2.0 quattro Premium SC):

MSRP

Base price

$34,600

Silver metallic paint

$475

Convenience Package₄

$1,000

MMI Nav + pckg*₅

$2,150

Style Package₆

$1,100

Heated Front Seats

$450

Destination

$875

TOTAL

$40,650

Options Details (Incremental to standard Premium config):
*MMI & Navigation (NO Parking Camera)
Audi Music Interface with iPod integration
Bluetooth Preparation
Homelink
Dynamic Headlights
LED Running Lights
Rear LED Lights
Chrome trim

Issue:

- After driving it for a week, the front/suspension feels particularly "heavy".
- Slow to turn
- Changes lanes with not much crispness / feel
- Corners heavy (feels like it wants to push)

Questions:

- Is this just the 17 inch wheels/tires?
- Is this b/c it lacked the sport suspension?
- Could something more simple be at issue here that should be checked?

Request for Comment/Help:

- If wheels/tires, what 18 inch option that look like OEM are out there?
- If basic suspension is the suspected culprit, what suspension mods could easily make it handle much sharper (if any)?
- If something else, would love others experience if I am missing something entirely.

Thanks for your patience with a Newbie.

SB

Nostromo

Well what car are you coming from? A4's are front heavy. Engine is mounted further forward than the rest of the Germans. If you're coming from a Bimmer then yeah - this is more a touring car.

The 17"'s don't help. What brand tire? What pressure are they at?

sb27

Thanks for your input.
The car already has 17's. Are you suggesting that 18's don't help?
I am coming from a BMW 550i -- which is also pretty front engine heavy.

What other problems should I start watching for re: a 2013 A4 Quattro? I think I saw something about higher than usual oil consumption. Is that something to watch?

Again, thanks for the input.

SB

Nostromo

Again - what tires and what PSI do you have? 18"s will stiffen the ride up a little.


No major issues with 2013. My 2014 burns about 1quart of oil over 10,000 miles. I just add 1/2 midway through and by then it's time for a full oil change.