Jeez, what is it with Audi/VW and decontenting???
10-27-2006, 05:31 PM
#1
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Jeez, what is it with Audi/VW and decontenting???
I guess I'm lucky. My two Audis have both been first year models -- 2002 and 2005.
A year after I bought my B6, Audi started taking fish-scale trim out of the 1.8T, they removed the inflatable lower-back adjustment, and they made the Symphony II an option.
The 2005 B7 was the only year where the color DIS was standard. Now you can't get seat memory in the 2.0T. Of course, the B7 lost the emergency triangle and the plastic cowling under the hood.
I hear the A3 has now lost Homelink. I guess if you can't afford an A4 then you must not have a garage???
And what the heck is going on with the Passat? I can buy a $40000 AWD car with Nav, Satellite radio, Dynaudio, HIDs, airconditioned glove compartments (and rumored for '07, DSG?), but the telephone buttons on the steering wheel are strictly "for show," and you can't get Bluetooth??? WTF? Isn't this the car that brags about 120 completely original innovations, but it's not compatible with a cellphone?
I gotta tell you, sometimes Lexus and Infiniti look really good.
A year after I bought my B6, Audi started taking fish-scale trim out of the 1.8T, they removed the inflatable lower-back adjustment, and they made the Symphony II an option.
The 2005 B7 was the only year where the color DIS was standard. Now you can't get seat memory in the 2.0T. Of course, the B7 lost the emergency triangle and the plastic cowling under the hood.
I hear the A3 has now lost Homelink. I guess if you can't afford an A4 then you must not have a garage???
And what the heck is going on with the Passat? I can buy a $40000 AWD car with Nav, Satellite radio, Dynaudio, HIDs, airconditioned glove compartments (and rumored for '07, DSG?), but the telephone buttons on the steering wheel are strictly "for show," and you can't get Bluetooth??? WTF? Isn't this the car that brags about 120 completely original innovations, but it's not compatible with a cellphone?
I gotta tell you, sometimes Lexus and Infiniti look really good.
10-27-2006, 07:04 PM
#4
It's nice, but...
Could I? Sure. Would I? I have and let's face it, the RWD 3-series handling is as good as it gets. And the car has plenty of real-world performance (even the 325i, IMO).
But it's always expensive for what you get, and the effing maintenance costs if it's out of warranty can be ridiculous. It's not as bad as it was, but still.
AoA will do something that makes sense or they will suffer for it.
And we'll always have lots of fun options in this market segment.
But it's always expensive for what you get, and the effing maintenance costs if it's out of warranty can be ridiculous. It's not as bad as it was, but still.
AoA will do something that makes sense or they will suffer for it.
And we'll always have lots of fun options in this market segment.
10-27-2006, 07:22 PM
#5
It cost me pennies to maintain my old BMW thanks to bavarian autosport...
and such. Rotors for $65, etc. Cheaper than my taurus SHO at the time (yes I had a POS SHO. I used to buy and fix up cars and sell them). Now that Audi has killed free maintenance it's another story too. Come on Audi. I'm going to have to end up buying an old B5 S4 if they dont do something to entice new car buyers.
10-27-2006, 07:34 PM
#6
My 2007 is relatively less expensive with more features than a 2005.5....
... not sure what the complaining is about.
My car includes power seats on BOTH sides by getting the convenience package.
Don't forget that the 2007 comes standard with things like aluminum trim, next generation Symphony II with MP3 playback and servotronic steering (an expensive option on the BMW 3 series). And yes, the full-size spare is still there.
My options are extensive and generous as well (Nav, Bluetooth, rain sensor, light sensor, 2 SD Card slots). The S-Line is awesome since it not only gets you sports suspension, S4 exterior styling/steering wheel, brushed aluminum trim and gorgeous wheels, but also leather seating and a sunroof. All for 38K.
Option packages and standard equipment fluctuate every year in response to consumer demand. That's a normal part of the American car market (not an issue in Europe of course).
Sure, some features are dropped or re-organized. But because of that my 2007 A4 actually has more features for less money than either a 2005.5 or 2006.
And since I lease, the maintenance package is a wash (improves residuals by 1 point).
Yeah, I don't have an emergency triangle. I'll manage just fine with my flashers instead.
It's a great car for the money. And, on the whole, better with every successive model year. Can't wait for next year's A5.
My car includes power seats on BOTH sides by getting the convenience package.
Don't forget that the 2007 comes standard with things like aluminum trim, next generation Symphony II with MP3 playback and servotronic steering (an expensive option on the BMW 3 series). And yes, the full-size spare is still there.
My options are extensive and generous as well (Nav, Bluetooth, rain sensor, light sensor, 2 SD Card slots). The S-Line is awesome since it not only gets you sports suspension, S4 exterior styling/steering wheel, brushed aluminum trim and gorgeous wheels, but also leather seating and a sunroof. All for 38K.
Option packages and standard equipment fluctuate every year in response to consumer demand. That's a normal part of the American car market (not an issue in Europe of course).
Sure, some features are dropped or re-organized. But because of that my 2007 A4 actually has more features for less money than either a 2005.5 or 2006.
And since I lease, the maintenance package is a wash (improves residuals by 1 point).
Yeah, I don't have an emergency triangle. I'll manage just fine with my flashers instead.
It's a great car for the money. And, on the whole, better with every successive model year. Can't wait for next year's A5.
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10-27-2006, 09:27 PM
#10
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Drove a 2007 A4 2.0T S-line last night. Drove a 335i sedan tonight.
Placing my order for the 335i tomorrow. If there are problems with the new motor, I have full confidence in BMW to identify and solve the problem.