Astropin

Yep....that's what I did.

1st. It's an unusual situation.
2nd. I was purposely downgrading.

What I loved about the Audi - AWD, good power, good fuel economy, nice interior, handy hatchback .....gorgeous car.

What I didn't love - having to travel over an hour just to get it serviced.
The 20" tires and rims where nothing but trouble....replaced two rims and three tires in 8 months. Ended up buying 19's.

Reason - My job. I drive for work in very rural northern Michigan (including the U.P.). I visit my clients....who pay me a commission. Well the A7 was just a little too fancy for my clients. I really don't need them raising eyebrows wondering if they are paying me too much.....which they aren't (I just have a lot of clients).

Replacement - 2016 Dodge Charger Scat Pack - 6.4L SRT Hemi motor. 485 bhp and 470 lb-ft torque. It can still manage mid-upper 20's (mpg) on the highway. Adaptive cruise, ventilated seats, active lane assist, auto high beams and much more.

It's a lot of car and still a bit "showey" but in an "American Muscle" way.....which no one will blink at up here.

eric strauss

Each car choice is a big set of contingencies. Lot's of horsepower and reasonably cheap to maintain. I have always had a soft spot for the Chevy SS/Holden Commodore - especially now with the new handling package. I have chased a couple of them through the canyons here in SoCal and the new SS really handles as well.

Seems like the Michigan winters would be a good cause for quattro (I am from Battle Creek) - make sure you put severe service snow tires in a minus 1 sizing for the new beast.

Varoom!

Eric

Astropin

Well that's the bonus. I had a Regular R/T Charger prior to the A7....so I still have a set of Michelin X-Ice II's on 18" Rims. With dedicated snow tires and the weight of the car it's not too bad at all.

jjsC6

All neat cars. Congrats👍

Braces

Cars are cars. Nice to enjoy different cars. I have 20's and love them. Surprised you had problems. Funny. Once you have 20's .... it would be tough for me to go to anything smaller.

Baloo588

Those 20 inch rims on my 2016 A7 are forged and super strong. Its impossible or close to impossible to bend them and also I am very careful so no issues with them like the OP.

Astropin

Well I did have much better luck with the 19's. I definitely bent a rim on the 20's hitting a rather moderate sized pothole. The 20 inch tires have a very narrow profile and don't allow much cushion at all. I also blew one of the 20" tires while going 76mph down the freeway....and I mean it BLEW....foot long tear on the side wall. No issues at all with the 19's.

On another note both kids like the back seats in the Charger better....although it does have crappier ventilation back there than the Audi.

gta8

I just did the exact opposite. Although I'm keeping the Charger as a family car.