Did the recall at Schneider in WLB NJ last week, along with service at 25,000 miles. They took the squeak out of the sunroof and gave me new wiper blades, what a difference. I never had any trouble with the fuel sender though.

Have less than 10,000 miles left on my Pirelli's, and about 20,000 to 30,000 miles remaining on front pads, rears are good to go far.

I have a scratch on my hood that goes through the atlas gray down to the dark primer, I got a touch-up kit for it, repainting it is ~$1000? Anybody used the touch-up kit yet?

The free loaner was a new GMC Tahoe SUV, a brute, from their Enterprise service.

 

I've got ~27,000 miles on my allroad. Up until recently I only drove Volvos and I never got less than 250,000 miles from them. One Volvo 250 gave me nearly 500,000! (I drive 1,000 miles per week with a major commute to the office.) Do you think an audi can last as long as a Volvo with meticulous care and servicing?

Speaking of tires, my allroad came with Goodyears and they're on borrowed time. I've been getting uneven wear even with rotation. What Pirelli tires do you have and do you recommend them?

 

I've never owned a Volvo but have driven them, but I cant compare on mileage. I have had a couple of Audi's; gave one to my son and it got to 160,000 before he got rid of it. Audi has improved a lot over the last few years, but if the allroad only lasts 100,000 it would be worth the ride over the Volvo. Audi does not offer the extended warranty yet for the allroad and that does concern me, perhaps they don't have the confidence in it?

The tires are Pirelli P6 allroads and I have liked them, they are sticky and I think rather quiet, but some have posted they they they are noisy. I have found them quite adequate in the deep snow of Western Mass, and virtually all my miles are between central NJ and Mass. I will get another set of Pirelli's in the fall.

 

You can get up to 7yrs and 100K on a 2.7t. Wiring, turbos, and everything.

--------------------------------------------------

News from ASA

Warrantech Automotive, a vehicle warranty provider, has joined forces with the Automotive Service Association (ASA) to offer warranty contracts on preowned vehicles to the public. Warrantech Automotive markets the vehicle inspections and warranty contracts to the employees of various companies that offer the services as a benefit. The program provides service to vehicle owners and generates new business for ASA members.

The consumer's vehicles must pass an inspection in order for the consumers to purchase the warranty. Warrantech will refer interested consumers to participating ASA shops. The shops will inspect the vehicle according to guidelines outlined by Warrantech. A set fee of $40 will be charged for each inspection. The shop is paid directly by the customer and retains the fee.

If a vehicle fails the inspection, the shop will advise the customer of repair options. After the repairs have been made, the shop will re-inspect the failed items at no charge. For more information, call the Warrantech Automotive warranty center at 800-723-1154.

The ASA board of directors announced G.W. "Bud" Merwin III will retire from his position as ASA president and chief staff executive effective Dec. 31, 1998. Merwin has held this position since 1989, and under his leadership, ASA has become the largest association of its kind serving the automotive industry. Merwin also is co-founder of ASA's International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), the world's largest collision repair event. Walter Trapp, ASA executive vice president and general counsel, will assume Merwin's responsibilities of president and chief staff executive on Jan. 1, 1999. Trapp was appointed by the board of directors.<ul><li><a href="http://www.warrantech.com/aindex.htm">http://www.warrantech.com/aindex.htm</a</li></ul>

 

Thanks, April