Buying a basic A4
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Buying a basic A4
Ok, here's my deal, I'm really impressed with everything I've read and seen about the new A4. I thought the pre-2002 A4s were cool, but after the new one, I don't even like the old ones anymore, especially from the back view. Now I don't make a lot of money by any means and I'm not looking for an expensive car as I'm a recent college grad. I'm actually more in the market for a VW Jetta. But it seems to me that Jettas are a bit overpriced when compared to their competitors, and a nicely equipped Jetta may run you close to $25k anyway when all is said and done. But then this is about the entry level price of the A4. Although the A4 is a bit out of my means at the time being, it's not *too* much out of my means if I lease and go very light on the options. In fact, the only option I would want is a sunroof if even that. So what I'm wondering is whether you guys saw a decent amount of entry level A4s on the lot when you were there. Or do most dealers try to sell trims above $30k? I think I'd rather spend a few bucks more and get something a lot nicer than a Jetta(which you see on the street everytime you turn your head).
Btw, I've driven a Saturn SL2 for the last 7-8 years and although it's been a fun little college car, I'm ready to move on to sleeker things.
Btw, I've driven a Saturn SL2 for the last 7-8 years and although it's been a fun little college car, I'm ready to move on to sleeker things.
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When I was buying in Sept/Oct, you had to special order anything that wasn't pretty much loaded...
They told me their first shipments are ordered with the works, because most buyers want the options anyway and base models are harder to sell. Don't know if anything's changed since then, but I kind of doubt it. I ended up getting a few options I thought were frivilous, because I needed a car NOW. I really only wanted the sport package (recommended) and quattro (ditto), but I ended up getting Bose, sunroof, and heated seats. I'm glad I did now- I even appreciate the heated seats on a cold morning, which I always regarded as the ultimate in useless decadence!
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I ordered a car with Xenons and a sunroof... but when it arrived it came with the premium pack and a
sunroof. I took it cause I didn't wanna wait (ordered in June).
My point is: you can order whatever you want if you don't find it on the lot.
It may be a little harder to find an entry level A4 though on the lot. You can try, but I think you'll find that most of them (around 75%) will have the sport package on them as well as other features like a sunroof (which was pretty much mandatory until January).
My point is: you can order whatever you want if you don't find it on the lot.
It may be a little harder to find an entry level A4 though on the lot. You can try, but I think you'll find that most of them (around 75%) will have the sport package on them as well as other features like a sunroof (which was pretty much mandatory until January).
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Re: Quattro
Everyone seems to say that the Quattro is practically mandatory. But living in L.A. where there are like 5 days a year with measurable precipitation, I'm not sure I'd even need such a thing. Is Quattro really worth the money for someone below the snowbelt?
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Research! and know what options you want
I have the Quattro in LA and love it (especially with twisty turny roads) but I think most posters are avoiding the fact that you want a low-priced car.
Look at what you really want and order it or do a priceline.com quote with the minimal things you want. Bid low at first but not too low so you get a response or counter-offer. (at least 2.5% over invoice) Priceline will give you this info so even if you don't get a response you will have an idea of what the numbers are.
If anything I would definitely recommend the Sport package if that's the only thing you can spring for.
Just sit in an Audi and then a Jetta. You will then realize there is no turning back.
Good luck!
Look at what you really want and order it or do a priceline.com quote with the minimal things you want. Bid low at first but not too low so you get a response or counter-offer. (at least 2.5% over invoice) Priceline will give you this info so even if you don't get a response you will have an idea of what the numbers are.
If anything I would definitely recommend the Sport package if that's the only thing you can spring for.
Just sit in an Audi and then a Jetta. You will then realize there is no turning back.
Good luck!
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We have similar wants in an A4
I agree with your analysis except I was looking at the Passat. My head said Passat, my heart said Audi. I'm located in the southeast and don't really need Quattro. I decided on the A4.
1.8T, Silver, Sport, Sunroof. The last two being the two options I didn't need but willing to pay for. Final $ was 25,995 but you have to shop around. The local dealers in my area are quoting MSRP. The Passat quote was 24,500 with 1.8T and real leather. I'm supposed to take delivery on the A4 sometime in March. I've read many of the posts in this forum and almost any question you have can be answered. Good Luck
1.8T, Silver, Sport, Sunroof. The last two being the two options I didn't need but willing to pay for. Final $ was 25,995 but you have to shop around. The local dealers in my area are quoting MSRP. The Passat quote was 24,500 with 1.8T and real leather. I'm supposed to take delivery on the A4 sometime in March. I've read many of the posts in this forum and almost any question you have can be answered. Good Luck
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Re: Quattro
Quattro IS Audi as in-line 6 IS BMW. It's really what makes an Audi unique. I've driven and owned both FWD and Quattro. Quattro is the way to go, snow or not. Take a Quattro up into the mountains of LA (I recommend Latigo Canyon off the PCH in Malibu)and you'll see, dry or wet, the handling is superior.
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