Automobiles

[Lionel]

Probably too much car for me, but I could have a peek. I'm not really into the super car performance or price tag. One day I want a Porsche Cayman S though. That might do quite nicely.

I once road in a modified S4 in Lugano. It easily had more than 400 HP and this was nearly 15 years ago. It was fast, to say the least. But it also got to illegal speeds instantly. Since i'm not going to the track, performance like that is lost on me.

The A4 with the sport package would be a nice step up from the GTI in terms of performance and drivability without breaking the bank.

Too much car is relative. The S4 handles very nicely slowly too. But yes if you want to spend as little time as possible under the speed limit it does that even better :)

[davids]

It might be more in a direct comparison but it’s now based on the A4 and not the A6. It’s a nice car, to be certain. As to the SUV aspect of the Q5, I know it is sort of one, but getting in and out and driving it, it’s really much more a tall car. I tested one and it was nice, but it didn’t blow me away. When I’m closer to making a move, I’ll drive several of their cars and try to stay open minded.

I know there’s some SUV antagonism among auto purists, but my buddy’s Touareg is pretty nice. I wouldn’t hate something in that category, at least if it drank less fuel.

I meant it costs a little more. An Allroad configured w/Premium Plus with heated seats and metallic paint is about $1k more than a Q5 configured the same way.

They're both built on the same platform, I think.

[rmplum]

No Golf R eh?

Maybe find a new VW dealership that will play ball? I buy and lease a lot of cars and the customer service experience (as you've seen) can vary A LOT between dealerships. We get all of our Toyotas from a place a place 50 miles away and across a state line (there are 2-3 Toyota dealers closer). They bend over backwards for our business - even selling a Highlander to my father that we turned in after a lease for THOUSANDS less than they could have eeked out of it.

That being said I'd never talk you out of an Audi with that sweet sweet 5-cylinder.

[Blue Jays]

”...Back to the Allroad, here's one from the Audi website, heavily optioned and with the full body paint option.
This is MUCH more attractive than the same car with the black plastic fenders...”

My only wish is that Audi please changes their policy so A4 AllRoad can be ordered with a SUNROOF DELETE option.
That is why I am now compelled to contemplate the Q7...because a sunroof is a dealbreaker in my book.

[Saab2000]

I meant it costs a little more. An Allroad configured w/Premium Plus with heated seats and metallic paint is about $1k more than a Q5 configured the same way.

They're both built on the same platform, I think.

That's what I meant as well. Trust me, I've spent tons of time on the Audi website optioning all the vehicles that interest me. Honestly, I hadn't given the Allroad much consideration until today. I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow to get in and out and check out the rear area. As mentioned, since this is going to be my only car, having some level of practicality is a must. Losing the hatchback with a regular A4 is not appealing to me as a cyclist who carries bikes inside the car. Additionally, my VW GTI has been exceptionally practical to own over the years with the seat folded down. The Allroad, and the Q5, expand upon this practicality. I like the proportions of the wagon better than the Q5.

My only wish is that Audi please changes their policy so A4 AllRoad can be ordered with a SUNROOF DELETE option.
That is why I am now compelled to contemplate the Q7...because a sunroof is a dealbreaker in my book.

I know the Q5 is available with a sunroof delete option. I'm honestly not sure about the Q7. The salesman didn't think so but we didn't dig too far into it because I'm really not sure I can stretch the budget to a Q7. I know we discussed this many pages ago, but I don't see it on the website as a delete option.

FWIW, I'm in total agreement with you. Tomorrow when I go look at the Allroad I need to see how much of a headroom compromise this ends up causing me. I don't really care about sunroofs for the light but I do care about headroom. I am 6' tall, which is hardly gigantic, but I sit quite upright in my car and don't like being too close to the headliner. My GTI has been very good in this regard.

As to getting a Golf R? Not really interested. It does tick a lot of boxes but when my buddy had one, I never really saw what it brought to the table over my normal GTI. It was faster, but not massively usably faster and it was heavier and used far more fuel, though admittedly he has a much heavier foot than I do in daily driving. Also, as much as I like my GTI and could imagine getting another because it's been very good, I would sort of like to 'graduate' to something a bit bigger and nicer. I know how good the GTI is but I sort of want to turn the page to something else.

[Saab2000]

The Allroad doesn't offer a trailering option for the US market. Really? I'm not planning to pull an Airstream but installing a trailer hitch bike rack could happen. For a car that is the better part of $50k in its less expensive forms, this should be a no brainer, at least as an option. It's Q5 geschwister can be had for towing. Why not the Allroad, which is closely related?

Weak in the extreme.

The lack of Euro-available options for the US market is frustrating.

[Blue Jays]

”...I'm not planning to pull an Airstream but installing a trailer hitch bike rack could happen...”

I am fascinated by this whole idea of carrying bicycles outside a vehicle. ;-)
In all seriousness it is something that could be installed locally if truly needed.

[Saab2000]

I am fascinated by this whole idea of carrying bicycles outside a vehicle. ;-)
In all seriousness it is something that could be installed locally if truly needed.

Yes. But aftermarket hitch installations usually involve drilling, cutting of factory installed trim and they rust before they reach the streets. I'm not installing a POS aftermarket U-Haul (or similar) hitch to a $50k vehicle when a factory installed piece exists in other markets.

Regarding 'outside-a-vehicle' bike carriage, there are high quality, hitch mounted bike racks on the market that are, in many ways, far superior to the old 1980s roof racks. There is apparently a schism between warring parties on the Wisconsin-made bike rack in question and I honestly don't know which is which, but yes, this outside-the-vehicle bike carriage is legit and the pieces are quality.

[Blue Jays]

”...I'm not installing a POS aftermarket U-Haul (or similar) hitch to a $50k vehicle when a factory installed piece exists in other markets...”

Agreed, I was pulling your leg. It would have to be a dire need for me to turn to aftermarket solutions to haul bikes.
It is unfortunate to learn that different equipment/accessory packages are offered in different markets. That’s annoying.

[Matthew Strongin]

Yes. But aftermarket hitch installations usually involve drilling, cutting of factory installed trim and they rust before they reach the streets. I'm not installing a POS aftermarket U-Haul (or similar) hitch to a $50k vehicle when a factory installed piece exists in other markets.

Regarding 'outside-a-vehicle' bike carriage, there are high quality, hitch mounted bike racks on the market that are, in many ways, far superior to the old 1980s roof racks. There is apparently a schism between warring parties on the Wisconsin-made bike rack in question and I honestly don't know which is which, but yes, this outside-the-vehicle bike carriage is legit and the pieces are quality.

Get the S4 and a SeaSucker rack.

[roseyscot]

Yes. But aftermarket hitch installations usually involve drilling, cutting of factory installed trim and they rust before they reach the streets. I'm not installing a POS aftermarket U-Haul (or similar) hitch to a $50k vehicle when a factory installed piece exists in other markets.

Regarding 'outside-a-vehicle' bike carriage, there are high quality, hitch mounted bike racks on the market that are, in many ways, far superior to the old 1980s roof racks. There is apparently a schism between warring parties on the Wisconsin-made bike rack in question and I honestly don't know which is which, but yes, this outside-the-vehicle bike carriage is legit and the pieces are quality.

No cutting or modifying or drilling of the vehicle required. Certainly not a POS: https://torkliftcentral.com/rving-an...ohitch#reviews

And since you can afford the $50k vehicle, the likely $500+ installation fee shouldn't bother you.

Or, leave the rear seats down and slide the bike in the back.

FWIW, used Allroads command a premium just like the new ones. Q5's are a dime a dozen and a relatively good deal on the pre-owned market but the Allroads are in much more limited supply so that when they are turned back in on a lease or trade in, they are resold quickly and at prices north of $28000 usually.

[mowens]

That's what I meant as well. Trust me, I've spent tons of time on the Audi website optioning all the vehicles that interest me. Honestly, I hadn't given the Allroad much consideration until today. I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow to get in and out and check out the rear area. As mentioned, since this is going to be my only car, having some level of practicality is a must. Losing the hatchback with a regular A4 is not appealing to me as a cyclist who carries bikes inside the car. Additionally, my VW GTI has been exceptionally practical to own over the years with the seat folded down. The Allroad, and the Q5, expand upon this practicality. I like the proportions of the wagon better than the Q5.




I know the Q5 is available with a sunroof delete option. I'm honestly not sure about the Q7. The salesman didn't think so but we didn't dig too far into it because I'm really not sure I can stretch the budget to a Q7. I know we discussed this many pages ago, but I don't see it on the website as a delete option.

FWIW, I'm in total agreement with you. Tomorrow when I go look at the Allroad I need to see how much of a headroom compromise this ends up causing me. I don't really care about sunroofs for the light but I do care about headroom. I am 6' tall, which is hardly gigantic, but I sit quite upright in my car and don't like being too close to the headliner. My GTI has been very good in this regard.

As to getting a Golf R? Not really interested. It does tick a lot of boxes but when my buddy had one, I never really saw what it brought to the table over my normal GTI. It was faster, but not massively usably faster and it was heavier and used far more fuel, though admittedly he has a much heavier foot than I do in daily driving. Also, as much as I like my GTI and could imagine getting another because it's been very good, I would sort of like to 'graduate' to something a bit bigger and nicer. I know how good the GTI is but I sort of want to turn the page to something else.

I had a 2007 A4 Avant with the sports suspension that drove wonderfully. I now have a 2014 3 series wagon that I like much better (much more comfortable with the M Sport seats and handles just as well as the Avant at my day-to-day speeds). Plus, it is a true wagon. My wife loves her current generation GTI but I find the seat (thigh support) terribly uncomfortable.
-Mike

[Lionel]

Get the S4 and a SeaSucker rack.

Approved !

[marley]

Q5 is new minivan (at least in my town), what time is soccer practice on Saturday and who is bringing the snacks

[murphy]

No cutting or modifying or drilling of the vehicle required. Certainly not a POS: https://torkliftcentral.com/rving-an...ohitch#reviews

And since you can afford the $50k vehicle, the likely $500+ installation fee shouldn't bother you.

Or, leave the rear seats down and slide the bike in the back.

FWIW, used Allroads command a premium just like the new ones. Q5's are a dime a dozen and a relatively good deal on the pre-owned market but the Allroads are in much more limited supply so that when they are turned back in on a lease or trade in, they are resold quickly and at prices north of $28000 usually.

I have one of their hitches on my 2011 Subaru WRX. Really clean install that didn't require any drilling to install or cutting of my bumper.

[funcrusher]

someone talk me out of this:

Velociraptor 6 Twin Turbo | Hennessey Performance

my younger son will be hitting the trails with me and my older son shortly...don't i need a pickup truck so i can throw 3 bikes in the bed??

[Saab2000]

No cutting or modifying or drilling of the vehicle required. Certainly not a POS: https://torkliftcentral.com/rving-an...ohitch#reviews

And since you can afford the $50k vehicle, the likely $500+ installation fee shouldn't bother you.

Or, leave the rear seats down and slide the bike in the back.

FWIW, used Allroads command a premium just like the new ones. Q5's are a dime a dozen and a relatively good deal on the pre-owned market but the Allroads are in much more limited supply so that when they are turned back in on a lease or trade in, they are resold quickly and at prices north of $28000 usually.

It does not appear to be available on the current model, which is a new model. That of course may change.

I made the POS comment on the number of aftermarket hitches I've seen that are extremely rusty. If I go this route it is worth looking at.

Regarding putting the bike in the back..... I'm trying to graduate from that. The 1UP rack is a very nice piece. A friend has one and has a the female trailer mount in his garage. Putting it on his car takes all of about 60 seconds and putting it back in storage in the garage about the same. It keeps the bikes out of the wind so nicer than a roof mounted rack on many fronts.

Not having a factory trailer option is not necessarily a deal breaker, but it's frustrating given that the vehicle is in fact manufactured and sold with this capability elsewhere.

[davids]

Hmm. I've never not bought the aftermarket UHaul trailer hitch, which I've used both for bike racks and the occasional trailer. I'd do the same for an Allroad.

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Plus the whole point of a wagon is that the bike can go inside.

[marley]

the whole point of a wagon is for the dog, not bikes

[Saab2000]

the whole point of a wagon is for the dog, not bikes

David is right about the wagon’s ability to swallow a bike. That said, I would like the trailering capability. We’ll see what options exist.

I’m going to drive one tomorrow.