Dealer options/enhancements for a new S4
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 30
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Dealer options/enhancements for a new S4
So, within the next week my dealer will call me and say my new S4 has arrived, and to come in and pick it up. It's a 2012 Premium Plus, Monsoon Gray, with the Advanced Key, Carbon Inlays, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Sports Diff, Nav System, 14 Speaker Sound System, and the 19in tires. This is my first Audi, and I asked how much I needed to bring as a total price for the car - I knew how much I negotiated it for, but was curious about tax/title/etc.
Here is what my guy emailed me:
OK. So I've never bought a new car before, never the less an Audi. I'm really excited, but I don't know, well, jack, about any of this. I'm in Atlanta, but my office garage is gated and my condo is gated as well, so LoJack may not be something I'm looking at. As for anything else...yeah, I have no clue. He does say "adding just Audi Care Maintenance" along with fees it is $YY,YYY, yet then he lists Audi Care Maintenance as the first option?
So, I ask you all: what is recommended, what is a 'haha, sucker', and why? I don't think I'm gonna go with a Clear Bra, I have no intention on upgrading my sub, I do plan on installing a radar detector (either the little unit up near my rearview mirror or go all out and build it into the car moreso), I do plan on borrowing a buddies Vag Com for wink removal/windows on key, and I don't plan on upgrading the exhaust or anything else. So...help, please?
Here is what my guy emailed me:
Hi [kkaabboomm],
Congratulations on your new Audi S4!
I’m [Dealer], the Business Manager at [Dealership] Audi. I am responsible for preparing all your documents at delivery. I wanted to get you this list of value added options in advance for your consideration.
Based on the $XX,XXX selling price you gave me and adding just Audi Care Maintenance, all taxes and fees the current total is $YY,YYY.
I recommend these coverage’s for your new Audi. Based
Audi Care Maintenance - This plan prepays all scheduled maintenance required on the Audi at a significant discount. It is only $850 for up to 5 years/50,000 miles of scheduled maintenance. Generally, this plan provides a 30% to 35% savings versus paying one service at a time. As Audi subsidizes pricing to encourage maintenance be preformed at the dealership, it can be used at any Audi Dealership in the United States.
Term Care Select – This is a great offering from Audi that is the perfect complement to the factory 4/50,000 mile warranty. Not only do you get up to 10,000 additional miles of full coverage – zero deductible – breakdown coverage, but it also includes wearable items not included in the factory warranty. The wearable items included are; 1 set of front and rear brake pads, 1 battery, 1 set of wiper blades, and 1 wheel alignment. Additionally you get unlimited headlamp replacement (including xenon and LED’s), interior and exterior light bulb, and fuse replacement. Also includes key replacement up to $400 per year, 24 hr roadside assistance and towing up to $100 per incident and more. Pricing is under $1000 for most Audi models.
Purchase Price Refund Audi Pure Protection – Audi offers Coverage which doubles the factory 50,000 mile warranty up to 100,000 miles of full mechanical/electrical breakdown coverage. The pricing is as low as $3,250. If you never use the coverage, the $3,250 Purchase Price is refundable to you less a $50 cancellation fee. It is the best of both worlds, protection if you need it and your money back if you don’t. If you plan on keeping the car, get this now, as the Purchase Price Refund option is not available later. This coverage is fully transferable and cancelable. (If you are a low mileage driver a 7 year – 10,000 mile per year option is available at $2450)
Environmental Protection / Xzilon - Protect the inside and outside of your new vehicle. On the outside, an acrylic paint sealant will keep the swirl out of the paint and you won’t have to wax your car. You will have a 5 year guarantee for no fading, loss of gloss, or stains from acid rain, bird droppings, berries, etc. or the affected panel will be repainted. On inside, leather is conditioned with mink oil, the carpet is treated with 3M Scotch Guard. Again, you will have a 5 year guarantee against any stain that can’t be removed or the affected area of leather or carpet will be replaced. Retail is $595; however, I like to make this available just over cost at $366.
Road Hazard Wheel and Tire Protection: This a very popular option for Audi and Porsche clients due to the cost associated with replacing low profile tires and repairing wheels. This policy gives you Unlimited Alloy Wheel Repair to fix any curb damage and covers replacement of tires, and also wheels damaged beyond repair. Covers damage caused by screws, nails, potholes, metal plates and covers bubbled sidewalls and bent or cracked wheels for unlimited miles. Tires are replaced, not repaired. It also covers dual tire replacement often required, since a new tire can not be put on against an opposing worn tire as this would damage the drive train. There is no deductible and no co-pay. ($795 for 3 years / $945 for 4 years) Just one tire on an Audi is $350+ and a wheel is $750+. (Note: The Unlimited Alloy Wheel Repair is available as a stand-alone coverage
for just $375 for those who desire just the curb rash protection.)
Stone-X Paint Protection: This is a hand laid 3M clear paint protection film. It helps protect the front of vehicle from stone chips, insects, and road debris. Keeping these finishes chip free adds a lot at resale time. A front wrap includes the hood, front fender caps and outboard mirrors and is available for just $450.
LoJack with Early Warning: This vehicle recovery system alerts you via phone, email, and text message if your vehicle is being moved without your authorization. Your vehicle is then tracked directly by the police for quick recovery. It can be installed for $795 and has no monthly fee.
Thank you,
Congratulations on your new Audi S4!
I’m [Dealer], the Business Manager at [Dealership] Audi. I am responsible for preparing all your documents at delivery. I wanted to get you this list of value added options in advance for your consideration.
Based on the $XX,XXX selling price you gave me and adding just Audi Care Maintenance, all taxes and fees the current total is $YY,YYY.
I recommend these coverage’s for your new Audi. Based
Audi Care Maintenance - This plan prepays all scheduled maintenance required on the Audi at a significant discount. It is only $850 for up to 5 years/50,000 miles of scheduled maintenance. Generally, this plan provides a 30% to 35% savings versus paying one service at a time. As Audi subsidizes pricing to encourage maintenance be preformed at the dealership, it can be used at any Audi Dealership in the United States.
Term Care Select – This is a great offering from Audi that is the perfect complement to the factory 4/50,000 mile warranty. Not only do you get up to 10,000 additional miles of full coverage – zero deductible – breakdown coverage, but it also includes wearable items not included in the factory warranty. The wearable items included are; 1 set of front and rear brake pads, 1 battery, 1 set of wiper blades, and 1 wheel alignment. Additionally you get unlimited headlamp replacement (including xenon and LED’s), interior and exterior light bulb, and fuse replacement. Also includes key replacement up to $400 per year, 24 hr roadside assistance and towing up to $100 per incident and more. Pricing is under $1000 for most Audi models.
Purchase Price Refund Audi Pure Protection – Audi offers Coverage which doubles the factory 50,000 mile warranty up to 100,000 miles of full mechanical/electrical breakdown coverage. The pricing is as low as $3,250. If you never use the coverage, the $3,250 Purchase Price is refundable to you less a $50 cancellation fee. It is the best of both worlds, protection if you need it and your money back if you don’t. If you plan on keeping the car, get this now, as the Purchase Price Refund option is not available later. This coverage is fully transferable and cancelable. (If you are a low mileage driver a 7 year – 10,000 mile per year option is available at $2450)
Environmental Protection / Xzilon - Protect the inside and outside of your new vehicle. On the outside, an acrylic paint sealant will keep the swirl out of the paint and you won’t have to wax your car. You will have a 5 year guarantee for no fading, loss of gloss, or stains from acid rain, bird droppings, berries, etc. or the affected panel will be repainted. On inside, leather is conditioned with mink oil, the carpet is treated with 3M Scotch Guard. Again, you will have a 5 year guarantee against any stain that can’t be removed or the affected area of leather or carpet will be replaced. Retail is $595; however, I like to make this available just over cost at $366.
Road Hazard Wheel and Tire Protection: This a very popular option for Audi and Porsche clients due to the cost associated with replacing low profile tires and repairing wheels. This policy gives you Unlimited Alloy Wheel Repair to fix any curb damage and covers replacement of tires, and also wheels damaged beyond repair. Covers damage caused by screws, nails, potholes, metal plates and covers bubbled sidewalls and bent or cracked wheels for unlimited miles. Tires are replaced, not repaired. It also covers dual tire replacement often required, since a new tire can not be put on against an opposing worn tire as this would damage the drive train. There is no deductible and no co-pay. ($795 for 3 years / $945 for 4 years) Just one tire on an Audi is $350+ and a wheel is $750+. (Note: The Unlimited Alloy Wheel Repair is available as a stand-alone coverage
for just $375 for those who desire just the curb rash protection.)
Stone-X Paint Protection: This is a hand laid 3M clear paint protection film. It helps protect the front of vehicle from stone chips, insects, and road debris. Keeping these finishes chip free adds a lot at resale time. A front wrap includes the hood, front fender caps and outboard mirrors and is available for just $450.
LoJack with Early Warning: This vehicle recovery system alerts you via phone, email, and text message if your vehicle is being moved without your authorization. Your vehicle is then tracked directly by the police for quick recovery. It can be installed for $795 and has no monthly fee.
Thank you,
So, I ask you all: what is recommended, what is a 'haha, sucker', and why? I don't think I'm gonna go with a Clear Bra, I have no intention on upgrading my sub, I do plan on installing a radar detector (either the little unit up near my rearview mirror or go all out and build it into the car moreso), I do plan on borrowing a buddies Vag Com for wink removal/windows on key, and I don't plan on upgrading the exhaust or anything else. So...help, please?
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Wow, what a deal. You haven't even seen your car yet and your SA is trying to sell you $7,700 worth of high profit dealer add ons. Nice.
So everyone will have varying opinions on these different options, but here is my take:
Audi Care Maintenance - not a bad deal and worth considering as long as you keep the car to get the last service done at about 3.5 years in or ~45k miles. You can add AudiCare anytime before your first free service (at 5k or ~6 months).
Term Care Select - probably not worth it since it is a grand.
Purchase Price Refund Audi Pure Protection - consideration of an extended warranty really depends on how long you expect to keep the car. Audi's are relatively expensive to repair, but you can do a lot of repairs for $3,250. I would pass on this.
Environmental Protection/Xzilon - save your money on this one. Go buy some good quality wax and spend a few hours bonding with your car a couple times a year.
Road Hazard Wheel and Tire protection - also very expensive. Most rim damage is repairable and most people repair a tire that gets a nail in it. Nearly a grand for this protection package is a huge amount of coin.
Stone X Paint protection - I am a big fan of clear bra, but I just went on the 3M site and found a local installer to do the work. The price is about the same though.
LoJack with Early Warning - if your car is secure at work and home, this really isn't necessary.
In the end, just be wary that your SA and finance guy will push hard to sell you these add ons because they make a lot of profit margin on them. Be sure you decide what you want before you go in to finalize the deal and stick to your guns. Don't let them talk you into things that you don't think you need...especially if they say 'it is only $11 a month...'.
Good luck.
So everyone will have varying opinions on these different options, but here is my take:
Audi Care Maintenance - not a bad deal and worth considering as long as you keep the car to get the last service done at about 3.5 years in or ~45k miles. You can add AudiCare anytime before your first free service (at 5k or ~6 months).
Term Care Select - probably not worth it since it is a grand.
Purchase Price Refund Audi Pure Protection - consideration of an extended warranty really depends on how long you expect to keep the car. Audi's are relatively expensive to repair, but you can do a lot of repairs for $3,250. I would pass on this.
Environmental Protection/Xzilon - save your money on this one. Go buy some good quality wax and spend a few hours bonding with your car a couple times a year.
Road Hazard Wheel and Tire protection - also very expensive. Most rim damage is repairable and most people repair a tire that gets a nail in it. Nearly a grand for this protection package is a huge amount of coin.
Stone X Paint protection - I am a big fan of clear bra, but I just went on the 3M site and found a local installer to do the work. The price is about the same though.
LoJack with Early Warning - if your car is secure at work and home, this really isn't necessary.
In the end, just be wary that your SA and finance guy will push hard to sell you these add ons because they make a lot of profit margin on them. Be sure you decide what you want before you go in to finalize the deal and stick to your guns. Don't let them talk you into things that you don't think you need...especially if they say 'it is only $11 a month...'.
Good luck.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 1
Audicare is worth it if you lease, worth it if you have the S-tronic, worth it if you won't do your own oil changes and maintenance, and worth it if you can get discounted or free.
Extended warranty and road hazard really just come down to how risk averse you are.
Xzilon is junk and basically an insurance. Nothing will protect your paint for 5 years. Get a quality sealant.
For clear bra, if you change your mind and decide to go that way (I'd recommend it) I'd find a dedicated clear bra installer unless you really have a desire to roll it into your financing.
Extended warranty and road hazard really just come down to how risk averse you are.
Xzilon is junk and basically an insurance. Nothing will protect your paint for 5 years. Get a quality sealant.
For clear bra, if you change your mind and decide to go that way (I'd recommend it) I'd find a dedicated clear bra installer unless you really have a desire to roll it into your financing.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 30
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OK, so I am getting the S-Tronic. So...
AudiCare - I was leaning towards this, and I think it's a yes. I am owning the car flat out, no financing, so yeah. Based on his email, can you all tell if that's included in the 'final' price he mentioned? Because he does say:
which seems like it IS included, while also listing it separately beneath that.
Everything else seems like it's a no-go. But I've noticed here and elsewhere people are split on the clear bra. I've heard horror stories, great stories, and everything in between. That it's visible, the paint fades differently, leaves a line, not noticeable at all, saves the car from chips...
If I went the clear bra route, just do the front end? I've had a couple of cars in my day, never had them, and I guess I've never really paid that much attention (they were all older and used). Then again I used to drive all over the country (I've driven to 49 states in the last 3 years, about 45 of them multiple times), but now I'm kind of settling down.
So far, conclusion is get nothing but Audicare unless I'm risk adverse, then grab the tire/wheel package as well.
AudiCare - I was leaning towards this, and I think it's a yes. I am owning the car flat out, no financing, so yeah. Based on his email, can you all tell if that's included in the 'final' price he mentioned? Because he does say:
Based on the $XX,XXX selling price you gave me and adding just Audi Care Maintenance, all taxes and fees the current total is $YY,YYY.
Everything else seems like it's a no-go. But I've noticed here and elsewhere people are split on the clear bra. I've heard horror stories, great stories, and everything in between. That it's visible, the paint fades differently, leaves a line, not noticeable at all, saves the car from chips...
If I went the clear bra route, just do the front end? I've had a couple of cars in my day, never had them, and I guess I've never really paid that much attention (they were all older and used). Then again I used to drive all over the country (I've driven to 49 states in the last 3 years, about 45 of them multiple times), but now I'm kind of settling down.
So far, conclusion is get nothing but Audicare unless I'm risk adverse, then grab the tire/wheel package as well.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
I have had the 3M clear bra installed on 3 cars. It is removable years later with a heat gun with no visible effects to the paint at all.
You do see the line where the clear bra ends if the light catches it right. The only way to avoid that is to get a full hood clear bra.
If you do highway driving, drive in areas where there are gravel trucks, road repair or new construction, it is worth it. You mentioned that this is your first new car. Would you be upset if you got a large rock chip on the hood three weeks after buying the car?
You do see the line where the clear bra ends if the light catches it right. The only way to avoid that is to get a full hood clear bra.
If you do highway driving, drive in areas where there are gravel trucks, road repair or new construction, it is worth it. You mentioned that this is your first new car. Would you be upset if you got a large rock chip on the hood three weeks after buying the car?
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 1
OK, so I am getting the S-Tronic. So...
AudiCare - I was leaning towards this, and I think it's a yes. I am owning the car flat out, no financing, so yeah. Based on his email, can you all tell if that's included in the 'final' price he mentioned? Because he does say:
which seems like it IS included, while also listing it separately beneath that.
Everything else seems like it's a no-go. But I've noticed here and elsewhere people are split on the clear bra. I've heard horror stories, great stories, and everything in between. That it's visible, the paint fades differently, leaves a line, not noticeable at all, saves the car from chips...
If I went the clear bra route, just do the front end? I've had a couple of cars in my day, never had them, and I guess I've never really paid that much attention (they were all older and used). Then again I used to drive all over the country (I've driven to 49 states in the last 3 years, about 45 of them multiple times), but now I'm kind of settling down.
So far, conclusion is get nothing but Audicare unless I'm risk adverse, then grab the tire/wheel package as well.
AudiCare - I was leaning towards this, and I think it's a yes. I am owning the car flat out, no financing, so yeah. Based on his email, can you all tell if that's included in the 'final' price he mentioned? Because he does say:
which seems like it IS included, while also listing it separately beneath that.
Everything else seems like it's a no-go. But I've noticed here and elsewhere people are split on the clear bra. I've heard horror stories, great stories, and everything in between. That it's visible, the paint fades differently, leaves a line, not noticeable at all, saves the car from chips...
If I went the clear bra route, just do the front end? I've had a couple of cars in my day, never had them, and I guess I've never really paid that much attention (they were all older and used). Then again I used to drive all over the country (I've driven to 49 states in the last 3 years, about 45 of them multiple times), but now I'm kind of settling down.
So far, conclusion is get nothing but Audicare unless I'm risk adverse, then grab the tire/wheel package as well.
That said, I'm really not worried about it pulling off my paint. Just don't leave your film on past the warranty period and take care of it with regular cleaning and a good film sealant. After 3 years or so, get the clearbra removed and new film re-applied under warranty as by that time the film will likely begin to show some marring and be ready for it anyways.
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6
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As for Audi Care, I didn't think it was worth it, since its just oil changes and filters, isn't it?
Oil changes at the dealer should be a lot less and as for filters I assume we should be able to do that easily, unless they are hard to get to.
Oil changes at the dealer should be a lot less and as for filters I assume we should be able to do that easily, unless they are hard to get to.
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AudiWorld Member
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the Audicare also includes the fluid change for the s-tronic. Kind of a wash- pay as you go for each service or do the Audicare, but for me having the S-tronic service made Audicare worth it-that's not going to be cheap. Everything else as was stated above is not worth it.
Be prepared for them to push these other "options", especially since you are not financing it with them and they didn't get a trade-in. stick to your guns and just say no thanks
Be prepared for them to push these other "options", especially since you are not financing it with them and they didn't get a trade-in. stick to your guns and just say no thanks
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
I agree with Nhawk2. it's only oil changes and filters from 5k - 55k. I did my bimmer's maintenance all the way to 110k before I sold it. still nothing but oil change , oil filter, air filter, and occasionally cabin air filter.
On a side note, I just don't understand Audi would allow dealers to practice such after sales. They push hard because it's high profit margin alright. But do they not know people who decide to step in Audi dealer know exactly what they want?
On a side note, I just don't understand Audi would allow dealers to practice such after sales. They push hard because it's high profit margin alright. But do they not know people who decide to step in Audi dealer know exactly what they want?