After ordering my B8 at the end of March and being told I wouldn't get it until June, my salesman called me two and a half weeks ago and said they found the car I wanted in another state. He said they could have it shipped here and I would get it in two weeks.

Well, I was supposed to get the car last week -- Wednesday or Thursday or ... Friday, my salesman said. But Wednesday and Thursday came and went, and there was no word of the car. So on Friday I called him and asked, "What's up with my car?"

"Unfortunately, we're at the mercy of the car carrier," he said. "He has to make stops to pick up other cars."

"You should get it next week," he said. "Maybe Monday or Tuesday."

Well, I left work that night feeling disappointed, because it was going to be a beautiful, sunny weekend -- perfect for taking a long drive in my new car. But now, I won't be getting the car until next week, with rain forecast almost every day.

Meanwhile, on my drive home from work, I passed an intersection with a familiar-looking car waiting to turn. As I drove past, the car turned and raced up behind me, and I could see the distinctive-looking DRLs staring at me in my rearview mirror.

(Expletive), I thought to myself, a brand-new B8. The driver had the kind of look on his face that I had on mine when I bought my B6 back in '01 and I would pull up at a stoplight next to a B5 whose driver was checking me out with envy. If there was such thing as mental telepathy, I would have said to the B8 driver, "Hey, I'll have mine by next week!"

Funny thing is, this was only the second B8 I've seen on the road in the six months or so that they've been available on these shores. And that's a good thing. It makes me glad I didn't buy that 328i xdrive I was considering. I see them everywhere.

So, maybe the sun will come out next week, and maybe I'll get my car. For now, all I can do is sit and wait.

 

So they found a car spec'd exactly as the one you ordered? If it makes you feel any better, it rained on my car the minute I drove it off the showroom floor. Oh, and I waited over 6 months from the day I ordered until the day I picked it up. Just saying, it could be worse!

 

Know how you feel A4 - ordered mine 1/5/09 and not expecting delivery until mid-May at the earliest.

I too have only seen one other 2009 on the street. Did see 2 Smart cars in the same week in rural south Georgia

 

I can FINALLY say that it will be worth the wait! I know it has been a hard-thought decision for you, but I am convinced that you are going to love every minute.

 

Thanks for the encouragement, guys!

 

Are you sure those were looks of envy? When a new B6 pulled up next to my B5 my only thought was "I bet that guy wishes he would have bought a new A4 before the redesign!".

At least the B6 was better looking than the B7. If Audi hadn't introduced the B8 I probably would have jumped ship and bought a BMW.

All kidding aside, good luck with your B8 when you do get it!

 

I liked the B5 A4's exterior but it seemed to be getting pretty long in the tooth by 2001.

I loved the B6 exteriors total redesign. But after just a few years the front started to look a tad dated since every Audi sedan had a similar front design.

The B7's tail design and new corporate snout really changed things up. While I loved the improvements, the nose never looked quite right. It seemed like what it turned out to be, a transitional design, rather than a finished product.

The B8 brings it all together (with even a deferential hint of B5 tail profile). The B8 is simply gorgeous and I wouldn't change a thing.

 

At least we agree on one thing. Audi got it right with the B8. It is truly a stunning design.

My preferences from strictly an exterior design standpoint would be B8, B5, B6, B7.

 

I have to agree with you. I always thought the B5 was stunning. But now I think it looks old, as does the B6.

 

Did you order a manual?

I agree with Blake P it could always be worse. I ordered my B8 in March as well and was told 3 months roughly, but I still have no allocation so I'm in limbo. We'll see how long it takes...at least you have a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak!!