2015 Audi A4

[Hagasan41]

Any of you own an Audi A4? What are your thoughts on it? How's your ownership experience been?

While the M sleeps in the garage... I'm considering a 2015 A4 Premium Plus with sport package, sport plus and tech package to replace my Acura TL as my daily driver. I seem to recall a couple of the members on here own one in their stable.

[shapptastic]

My brothers both have Audi A4's(one's a B7, other is a 2011 B8). My take on it, B7 has much more steering feel and feels sportier despite being almost a second to 60 slower. The B8, much like the F30, almost jumped a class in size and feels like a luxury car at the expense of sportiness. The B8 however has a better 6MT than the BMW and is more comfortable than the B7. Neither of them have had any real reliability issues with them except that the B7 is burning about a quart of oil every 2000 miles(the B7 is close to 100k). Compared to the TL, I think the handling is better but the TL is a faster vehicle and sounds better. The torsen-based quattro system is fantastic, especially with new tires. I haven't driven the SH-AWD system, though I've heard good things about it. Interior quality is roughly the same, with Audi having in my opinion a classier looking dash while Acura has too many buttons. Both are superior to the E90 era BMWs in layout. My only bit of concern with buying a 2015 A4 would be that the B9s are due next year and you may hit a lot of depreciation on them.

[Red Bread]

Last year of this A4, pretty boring with the 2.0l. The S4 is a good unit, but I'd still wait for the next one. Likely to be a TDI version finally, but likely auto only, if that matters.

[FC4]

You need a daily driver to go along with an M3? Really?

[Hagasan41]

Thanks for the feedback Shapp and Red. Shapp you summed it up well! The B8.5 is a good looking car and should have all the bugs and reliability issues worked out. I test drove one and the power is a little underwhelming, but plenty enough for a commuter. Combined with the 6spd, sports package and 19" wheels it was fun to drive. The B9 sould have some nice improvements, but as we all know buying a first year model is tricky. In addition, Audi has some work to do based on previous generations and the well documented oil consumption issues with the B8's. I'm considering a 320i or 328i as well, but I like the Quattro system and styling of the Audi better. The TL has been built proof and the maintenance is easy consisting of tire and oil changes.
But the styling is a little boring and the miles are racking up so time for a change.

Originally Posted by FC4

You need a daily driver to go along with an M3? Really?

Is that an issue for you? Do you have anything to contribute on the A4 or just curious about what's in my garage? Several M3 owners own daily drivers...

[pokerface]

No significant reliability issues so far on my 2010 A4... though I've posted on these forums before that it suffered from severe vibration that they couldn't completely eliminate. It's very sure footed but my old E90 was a lot more fun. In the end, the car itself has treated me well - entering fifth year now - and I think I'll be hanging on to this one while I save for a future garage queen. Knock on wood that the long term maintenance won't be too costly or frustrating. Though this may be my last VAG product due to the horrendous after sales customer service (related to the vibration problem).

Since you're looking at a DD, why not look at an A3 or GTI/Golf R?

[Hagasan41]

Originally Posted by pokerface

No significant reliability issues so far on my 2010 A4... though I've posted on these forums before that it suffered from severe vibration that they couldn't completely eliminate. It's very sure footed but my old E90 was a lot more fun.

Since you're looking at a DD, why not look at an A3 or GTI/Golf R?

Thanks for the feedback on your 2010. Yes, I've read that the vibration issue still affected some later MY vehicles. Funny you mention Audi's service. I've worked with both of my local dealers and had a horrible experience with one of their sales people. (He no longer works there). But the buying experience as a whole hasn't been fun. When I purchased my M3 it was painless.


I'll need to test drive the GTI/Golf R. The A3 looks too much like a Jetta to me and the interior is horrendous. Now the S3 is a different story...

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by FC4

You need a daily driver to go along with an M3? Really?

THIS.

DD the M3. live a little. say no to dilution.

[Hagasan41]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

THIS.

DD the M3. live a little. say no to dilution.

Ha! From the member that has a 1M and a TT. Trust me the M3 gets driven.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by Hagasan41

Ha! From the member that has a 1M and a TT. Trust me the M3 gets driven.

i've had the TT for 12 years. It was my DD for 8 years. It's completely modified and kind of unnervingly stiff and chaotic. I still have it only because i am disturbingly attached to it.

i DD my 1M every single day...for 100+ miles a day in and out of NYC.

the daily driver is the MOST important car you own, IMO. I don't want to comprimise on my daily enjoyment.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i've had the TT for 12 years. It was my DD for 8 years. It's completely modified and kind of unnervingly stiff and chaotic. I still have it only because i am disturbingly attached to it.

i DD my 1M every single day...for 100+ miles a day in and out of NYC.

the daily driver is the MOST important car you own, IMO. I don't want to comprimise on my daily enjoyment.

+1, otherwise why not get a Prius...

[Hagasan41]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i've had the TT for 12 years. It was my DD for 8 years. It's completely modified and kind of unnervingly stiff and chaotic. I still have it only because i am disturbingly attached to it.

i DD my 1M every single day...for 100+ miles a day in and out of NYC.

the daily driver is the MOST important car you own, IMO. I don't want to comprimise on my daily enjoyment.

Nothing wrong with being attached to a vehicle. With the modifications, blood sweat and tears you've put into it I don't blame you. We're enthusiasts that's what we do!

Originally Posted by Levi

+1, otherwise why not get a Prius...

See above in bold...

Prius may be an option when I qualify for a senior discount. LOL

[jbraslins]

If I had M3 for fun car and was looking for Audi DD, I'd take a very good look at Q5. For a DD, so much more utility. I like new X3s quite a bit too.

[Hagasan41]

Originally Posted by jbraslins

If I had M3 for fun car and was looking for Audi DD, I'd take a very good look at Q5. For a DD, so much more utility. I like new X3s quite a bit too.

I may have to look at the Q5 as an option. I'd miss a manual transmission though.

BTW... Congratulations on the '15 M3! Great color too! Marina blue is stunning in person.

[pokerface]

If you're turning towards a Q5 then go X1 or X3. Cheaper, more practical and more fun...

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by jbraslins

If I had M3 for fun car and was looking for Audi DD, I'd take a very good look at Q5. For a DD, so much more utility. I like new X3s quite a bit too.

If you look at the Q5 you might as well look at the A4 Allroad, it's a great car, better than the Q5 IMO.

[onatuesday]

I've daily driven b8 s4 and rs5. Do not get an A4. S4 is nice though

[nittany]

get a cpo b8.5 s4, you can probably get it for the same price as a new 2015 a4

[KingOfJericho]

I daily my B8 S4 and it's great. What I will say is that the A4s I get al loaners are unbelievably boring to drive.

[cloakster]

If you really must go with a nice DD, id suggest getting a CPO S4. The A4 is fairly boring to drive and the S4 fixes a lot of what makes it boring.

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i've had the TT for 12 years. It was my DD for 8 years. It's completely modified and kind of unnervingly stiff and chaotic. I still have it only because i am disturbingly attached to it.

i DD my 1M every single day...for 100+ miles a day in and out of NYC.

the daily driver is the MOST important car you own, IMO. I don't want to comprimise on my daily enjoyment.

+1

I could never purposely spend 10's of thousands in order to NOT drive the more enjoyable car everyday.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by cloakster

If you really must go with a nice DD, id suggest getting a CPO S4. The A4 is fairly boring to drive and the S4 fixes a lot of what makes it boring.

+1

I could never purposely spend 10's of thousands in order to NOT drive the more enjoyable car everyday.

exactly!

I'm not gonna spend as much money as I did to get one of my dream cars and watch it sit in the garage....I'm going to drive the living hell out of it! during times of daily routine and during times of leisure! life is short! you are lucky to live with extended resources. enjoy it!

[N54powa]

Last year when I bought my BMW, I almost bought an A5, was treated like crap at the dealer. Then I went to the dark side and never looked back