So, as some of you may know, I'm getting a new car this summer, and I've been considering the A4, almost exclusively. My parents came down for the Easter weekend, and we're all in Grand Rapids. Went to an Audi dealership today and test-drove an A4. It was awesome. Very quick, very planted, very pleasant. I want one. Badly.
What can I expect? I've never purchased a car. How to negotiate? The sales rep said that he found a few black-on-black, manual-transmission versions in his follow-up e-mail.
More later. GOtta run.
Nice man! I didn't know you were one of the resident rich kids around here. ;)
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 03, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
Nice man! I didn't know you were one of the resident rich kids around here. ;)
He has rich grandparents, iirc.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 03, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
Nice man! I didn't know you were one of the resident rich kids around here. ;)
As Minpin said, I'm not a rich kid. I'm a well-off kid with rich grandparents that doesn't come from a family of people that don't show off their wealth. It became a "tradition" for my mother's parents to buy the grandsons going into their junior year of college a new vehicle. I'm certainly no snob about it. :cheers:
But on the other side, the salesman said he found 3 on a shipment over that he could divert to his dealership; black-on-black, 6-speed manual, etc. He said they start in MSRP at $33,850 and go up. What sort of prices do people typically pay? AFAIK, the consumer usually always pays less than MSRP...
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 04:46:37 PM
But on the other side, the salesman said he found 3 on a shipment over that he could divert to his dealership; black-on-black, 6-speed manual, etc. He said they start in MSRP at $33,850 and go up. What sort of prices do people typically pay? AFAIK, the consumer usually always pays less than MSRP...
Look up the invoice price for the car + options (you can find this info any number of places, edmunds.com is one that I know of off hand). Haggle to get as close to it as you can.
The drive was great. It achieves 250+ lb-ft. of torque at a Death Valley low 1500 RPM. It pulls very very well, and the turbo feels great. I drove an automatic, and the "S" mode on the transmission was very cool. It holds gears longer, so going through twisties (which we did), it'll hold a gear much longer, and downshift a lot more quickly. The cornering feel is awesome. Extremely limited body roll. Point and shoot! Conversely, it felt great on the bit of freeway we traversed. It was a rainy/very windy day, and the car stayed straight, planted, and smooth, and still didn't require us to yell to communicate at 80MPH even though it was pouring rain. We were driving down a 55-MPH road, and he said "go ahead and punch it." Gobs of thrust and seconds later, we were suddenly going 80. The engine is phenomenal, and so is the transmission! I still think I want to get a manual, though, that's for sure. So our salesman was really nice; said he even used to detail cars as his job, but got married and decided to sell cars instead. We got along well.
I want this car. It's amazing.
Coming from a kid who drives a Bravada and used to drive a GM w-body, keep in mind. :ohyeah:
Those are great cars. I'm thankful on your behalf for your generous family, that's really cool of them, and no it doesn't make you a spoiled rich snob. ;)
I'd try to avoid getting emotionally attached to it to the point that you're not willing to walk away from a deal if it doesn't suit you. That's my only suggestion.
Mom's got the new A4 and it's a great car. What options are you thinking about getting?
Quote from: R-inge on April 03, 2010, 05:02:15 PM
Those are great cars. I'm thankful on your behalf for your generous family, that's really cool of them, and no it doesn't make you a spoiled rich snob. ;)
I'd try to avoid getting emotionally attached to it to the point that you're not willing to walk away from a deal if it doesn't suit you. That's my only suggestion.
Of course. If not this dealer, I can always hit up the dealers in Ann Arbor.
There you go.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 03, 2010, 05:04:35 PM
Mom's got the new A4 and it's a great car. What options are you thinking about getting?
Options-wise, I don't necessarily want much. Heated seats and the upgrade stereo would be nice, but none of it's necessary. Salesman said that they hardly even build them without so much as heated seats, so I think that will be something I will get. I considered the sport package (18" wheels, summer tires, tuned suspension), but from a practicality standpoint, will opt not to get it, as tires would be expensive as hell, and I'd have to get some A/S tires in order to use it at home in the winter as it comes with super-duper-amazing summer tires. I'd love to get the Bang & Olufsen stereo, but it's only an option on Premium Plus models, and those may be out of my price range. The stock stereo is fine, anyways.
So basically, options aren't a big deal. If I have heated seats, a manual, and a black exterior, I'll be a happy man.
GTI
Smart thinking regarding the sport package. Not everybody considers the cost of replacement tires.
MSRP for Premium model with heated seats: $34,995
Invoice: $32,556
"What others are paying": $33,650
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2010/audi/a4/101186697/optionsresults.html?action=2
aww no S-Line
How many other cars do you plan to test drive, or are you done shopping already? :lol:
EVO X
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 05:18:29 PM
How many other cars do you plan to test drive, or are you done shopping already? :lol:
EVO X
Well, I considered the 370Z, the Mustang, Camaro, WRX, Sky, and that's about it. Then, as I thought about the fact that this car would be my daily driver for some years to come, I thought more practically and thus crossed off the Z, 'Stang, Sky, and Camaro off the list. The WRX doesn't "do it" for me like the older models do, and I certainly don't want a used STi. So, there's the drop-dead gorgeous, sporty, luxurious, and beautiful Audi A4. Good trunk size, good seating for 4, all-season drivability... it's a winner.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 05:21:34 PM
Well, I considered the 370Z, the Mustang, Camaro, WRX, Sky, and that's about it. Then, as I thought about the fact that this car would be my daily driver for some years to come, I thought more practically and thus crossed off the Z, 'Stang, Sky, and Camaro off the list. The WRX doesn't "do it" for me like the older models do, and I certainly don't want a used STi. So, there's the drop-dead gorgeous, sporty, luxurious, and beautiful Audi A4. Good trunk size, good seating for 4, all-season drivability... it's a winner.
I am certainly not arguing against the A4, but it's a good thing to shop around a bit and try different things.
Like a CTS with AWD, starting at $38k, or $43k with direct injection.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 05:24:58 PM
I am certainly not arguing against the A4, but it's a good thing to shop around a bit and try different things.
Like a CTS with AWD, starting at $38k, or $43k with direct injection.
$35k is my firm price cap, $34k and under is preferable. I don't an Evo or an STI. Too "boy racer" for me now. Audi is classy, I like it. GTI is also a little too "childish" for me. It's a great lookin' car, but I can't see myself in one. BMW 3-series are too 'spensive. I'd hafta get a bare-bones base model, and I don't really want the image that comes with a BMW.
Quote from: R-inge on April 03, 2010, 05:02:15 PM
Those are great cars. I'm thankful on your behalf for your generous family, that's really cool of them, and no it doesn't make you a spoiled rich snob. ;)
I'd try to avoid getting emotionally attached to it to the point that you're not willing to walk away from a deal if it doesn't suit you. That's my only suggestion.
But it does make him a rich kid. :lol:
*stirs pot*
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 05:28:21 PM
$35k is my firm price cap, $34k and under is preferable. I don't an Evo or an STI. Too "boy racer" for me now. Audi is classy, I like it. GTI is also a little too "childish" for me. It's a great lookin' car, but I can't see myself in one. BMW 3-series are too 'spensive. I'd hafta get a bare-bones base model, and I don't really want the image that comes with a BMW.
Oh, you're such an old man. Have you driven a Ford, lately? Try a Lincoln MKZ.
Is it brand new only, or can you look at some CPO?
I think he should get a 328xi, I'm sorry 328i xDrive28i.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 05:44:15 PM
I think he should get a 328xi, I'm sorry 328i xDrive28i.
Yes, you love BMW's.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 05:44:15 PM
I think he should get a 328xi, I'm sorry 328i xDrive28i.
I honestly do not want a BMW. They don't stir my insides, and I don't wanna be just another college dewd with a 3series. :huh:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 06:00:38 PM
I honestly do not want a BMW. They don't stir my insides, and I don't wanna be just another college dewd with a 3series. :huh:
Not that me asking this question will change your mind, but have you driven one?
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 06:00:38 PM
I honestly do not want a BMW. They don't stir my insides, and I don't wanna be just another college dewd with a 3series. :huh:
BTW, I disdain AWD BMWs with the exception of the X5. I wasn't sure how well the sarcasm translated over the internet.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 03, 2010, 06:43:31 PM
Not that me asking this question will change your mind, but have you driven one?
I have not, and I suspect I'd enjoy doing so quite much. Though, I cannot get past the exterior of them, which has never really stirred my blood, save for a few M vehicles. Plus every time I think of a 3-series, images of silly rich girls and douchebag bros enter my mind. :mask:
Images of BMWs aside....I think they look really dated now anyways. Even the coupe looks OLD. I dunno what it is but they don't get me going like they used too.
Have you considered the C300? I think that would be among my first picks, honestly. Behind something like a Sierra or Silverado, of course. However, I take it you don't want a truck?
Good to see someone else who's enamoured of the 4 rings.
I'm on my third Audi, having started with a used B5 model S4 that a colleague still has (on 160,000 miles), followed by three years in a B7 model S4 and the current steed, the simply fabulous S6.
Audi got some stick (deservedly) for the skewed driving position in the B8 model A4s when they appeared in rhd, though I must admit I did not notice it particularly when I had a loaner from the dealer when my car was being serviced. It was a 2.0 TDi 143, and - unusually - it was an SE, not an S-Line. I thought it a terrific car. You can read my conclusions here: http://www.themotor.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199:2009-audi-a4-20tdi-143-se-exec-gb&catid=1:road-tests&Itemid=11
Just one piece of advice if you are getting a manual car......... as it has a stupid electronic handbrake, you really do need the Hill-Holder feature. In the UK, this costs extra, but it is only about ?45. I'd say it is absolutely essential, as without it. you will find that hill starts are difficult and reverse hill starts are effectively impossible!
Hill holder isn't available in the US from what I glean off of Audi's website.
I do not recall seeing anything about a hill-holder feature...perhaps they improved the handbrake and/or it's not available on US versions? I dunno. :huh:
As someone who really "learned" to drive stick on hilly roads, I'd say it'd be cool. But since I'm a bit more experienced with it in Hilly-ass-ylvania, I'd say that once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad without the feature.
Subarus have hill holder in the US.
The first drive I take with the car will essentially be the freeway slog home, which will be a good 7-8 hours to get used to the manual before I drive in any real traffic and stuff.
Oh, poor, poor, A4. Let me take care of it for a while, and I'll let you burn up the clutch and grind the gears in teh Swift.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 07:24:02 PM
Oh, poor, poor, A4. Let me take care of it for a while, and I'll let you burn up the clutch and grind the gears in teh Swift.
The Swift deserves better than that!
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 07:21:08 PM
As someone who really "learned" to drive stick on hilly roads, I'd say it'd be cool. But since I'm a bit more experienced with it in Hilly-ass-ylvania, I'd say that once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad without the feature.
Subarus have hill holder in the US.
Yes, but could you manage the hills with neither hill holder nor the ability to modulate the handbrake to keep you from rolling backwards? I've done my share of taking off on hills and I still will use the handbrake to keep from rolling back every once in a while (especially when the car behind me is only 6 inches off my bumper).
Did any of you guys ever read about the girl who burned out her mom's clutch in a brand new Beetle after 48 miles in "Click and Clack?"
Do VWAGs have weak clutches or something?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 07:24:02 PM
Oh, poor, poor, A4. Let me take care of it for a while, and I'll let you burn up the clutch and grind the gears in teh Swift.
Bah, humbug. I've driven stick enough times that the clutch shall not experience too much n00b-ness
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 07:26:24 PM
Did any of you guys ever read about the girl who burned out her mom's clutch in a brand new Beetle after 48 miles in "Click and Clack?"
Do VWAGs have weak clutches or something?
If she was riding the clutch, she could have burned it out in just about any car in 50 miles. I've seen people cook wet-plate clutches, which are designed to be slipped a fair bit, in less than 30 minutes of vehicle operation.
C300, Giant?
(http://mercedesus.com/images/70806-62244/blog.jpg)
Quote from: Minpin on April 03, 2010, 07:29:05 PM
C300, Giant?
(http://mercedesus.com/images/70806-62244/blog.jpg)
Nah. :huh:
Are y'all implying I should forgo the manual and get a slushbox? :cry:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 07:51:07 PM
Are y'all implying I should forgo the manual and get a slushbox? :cry:
NO
I just think you should test drive a CPO 135i.
Quote from: Minpin on April 03, 2010, 07:29:05 PM
C300, Giant?
(http://mercedesus.com/images/70806-62244/blog.jpg)
I have to say, as much as I have an aversion towards the vast majority of MB's current line up, the C-Klasse is one sexy car.
If I were in Chris's shoes, I'd be all about a 1 series with the sport package and premium package.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 03, 2010, 07:52:57 PM
I have to say, as much as I have an aversion towards the vast majority of MB's current line up, the C-Klasse is one sexy car.
If I were in Chris's shoes, I'd be all about a 1 series with the sport package and premium package.
NOMINATED FOR POST OF THE DAY.
You don't need a handbrake or a hill holdy thing once you have a clue. I can count the number of times I've used the handbrake on a hill on one hand, ever, and I've lived in some hilly places.
Quote from: Rupert on April 03, 2010, 08:01:02 PM
You don't need a handbrake or a hill holdy thing once you have a clue. I can count the number of times I've used the handbrake on a hill on one hand, ever, and I've lived in some hilly places.
With a manual gearbox car, I think you will find a handbrake is rather useful............
Quote from: Colin on April 03, 2010, 08:07:12 PM
With a manual gearbox car, I think you will find a handbrake is rather useful............
He has two manual cars...
I have a manual car and other than parking, I VERY rarely use my parking brake, and I live in a pretty hilly area.
Quote from: Colin on April 03, 2010, 08:07:12 PM
With a manual gearbox car, I think you will find a handbrake is rather useful............
LOL, yeah, OK.
Of all the cars in my sig, only one was an automatic, and I only owned that for a few months. I lived on one of the many large hills in Eugene, OR growing up, and then I moved to Bellingham, WA, which, as Laconian and SecretChimp can attest, is basically one big hill.
I'm not going to say that a handbrake can't come in handy (oh, pun), but it's not like it's not possible to start up a hill without one.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 03, 2010, 08:11:34 PM
He has two manual cars...
I have a manual car and other than parking, I VERY rarely use my parking brake, and I live in a pretty hilly area.
Aye.
Some of the cars I've owned have had pretty ridiculously long clutches (Volvo, the Fords), and with those, yeah, starting up a hill could be a bit nerve wracking, but they have either had non-operational handbrakes, or foot operated parking brakes, and I still got by.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 07:51:07 PM
Are y'all implying I should forgo the manual and get a slushbox? :cry:
FYI, you can get a C300 with a manual.
I USE MY HADBRAKS ALL THE TIMZ
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 08:46:41 PM
wat
MERCEDES-BENZ. THEY SELL C300s. SOME OF THEM HAVE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 08:46:41 PM
wat
Yea, brah, that's why I suggested it. It's a pretty slick car, imo.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 03, 2010, 08:53:29 PM
MERCEDES-BENZ. THEY SELL C300s. SOME OF THEM HAVE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.
WAT
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 08:54:04 PM
WAT
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_63nSZQRZohE/S7gAN3P-uqI/AAAAAAAAJMY/lt6QjgfG2Yw/s800/C300%20manual.jpg)
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 03, 2010, 08:59:20 PM
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_63nSZQRZohE/S7gAN3P-uqI/AAAAAAAAJMY/lt6QjgfG2Yw/s800/C300%20manual.jpg)
(http://ants.planet.ee/trap/low%20wut%20dog.jpg) (http://doglickingscreen.com/)
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 09:02:02 PM
(http://ants.planet.ee/trap/low%20wut%20dog.jpg) (http://doglickingscreen.com/)
I'm sorry, the correct answer is:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/319047856_dbf1ef3e92.jpg)
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 09:02:02 PM
(http://ants.planet.ee/trap/low%20wut%20dog.jpg) (http://doglickingscreen.com/)
(http://cdn3.knowyourmeme.com/i/6515/original/jesus-facepalm-facepalm-jesus-epic-demotivational-poster-1218659828.jpg)
Quote from: MX793 on April 03, 2010, 09:06:11 PM
I'm sorry, the correct answer is:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/319047856_dbf1ef3e92.jpg)
Ya, but when I click on the Captain, he doesn't start licking my screen.
If you go Merc, you defo do not want a manual:
1. The gearboxes are not very good. Unpleasant gearchanges, all.
2. You get a foot operated parking brake, which is released with the foot. Try doing a reverse hill start - you need three feet. One on the clutch, one on the accelerator and one to release the parking brake.............
Quote from: Colin on April 03, 2010, 09:16:13 PM
If you go Merc, you defo do not want a manual:
1. The gearboxes are not very good. Unpleasant gearchanges, all.
2. You get a foot operated parking brake, which is released with the foot. Try doing a reverse hill start - you need three feet. One on the clutch, one on the accelerator and one to release the parking brake.............
1. subjective
2. your problem. use the service brake. try heel-n-toe. do a burnout. omg.
Uh, it's not too hard to put one foot on the brake and one on the e-brake. That's a non-issue.
Yeah, if I were in your shoes, I'd be all over a 135i with the M sport package.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 03, 2010, 09:27:15 PM
Yeah, if I were in your shoes, I'd be all over a 135i with the M sport package.
If he doesn't need four doors, it'd be the way I'd go...or for a Sexually Transmitted Infection.
But the A4 is elegant. I dunno...
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 09:29:29 PM
If he doesn't need four doors, it'd be the way I'd go...or for a Sexually Transmitted Infection.
But the A4 is elegant. I dunno...
I'd go for a 135i before an STI.
I love the A4 (hell, it's the car I drive most often), however. You'll love it.
If I were in his shoes, I'd get a New CTS, or a CPO last gen CTS-V.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 03, 2010, 09:27:15 PM
Yeah, if I were in your shoes, I'd be all over a 135i with the M sport package.
That was my initial reaction, but the M sport package doesn't have the moonroof. With the premium package and the sport package, you still get the sport seats, sport suspension and leather, plus moonroof, Bluetooth, memory seats, power lumbar support, built in garage opener, and a compass in the mirror.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 09:24:55 PM
Uh, it's not too hard to put one foot on the brake and one on the e-brake. That's a non-issue.
Uh, are you forgetting about the clutch and the gas?
Quote from: TBR on April 03, 2010, 10:02:23 PM
Uh, are you forgetting about the clutch and the gas?
1) Foot on brake and e-brake
2) Take foot off e-brake once its disengaged
3) Keep foot on brake
4) Foot on clutch
5) Put car in neutral, turn on car
6) Quickly put right foot on accelerator,
No, a foot e-brake is not a detriment unless you're all about the dorifto.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 10:06:16 PM
1) Foot on brake and e-brake
2) Take foot off e-brake once its disengaged
3) Keep foot on brake
4) Foot on clutch
5) Put car in neutral, turn on car
6) Quickly put right foot on accelerator,
No, a foot e-brake is not a detriment unless you're all about the dorifto.
And you will roll backwards.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 10:06:16 PM
1) Foot on brake and e-brake
2) Take foot off e-brake once its disengaged
3) Keep foot on brake
4) Foot on clutch
5) Put car in neutral, turn on car
6) Quickly put right foot on accelerator,
No, a foot e-brake is not a detriment unless you're all about the dorifto.
He was talking about for starting on a hill, and the above makes no sense, anyway. Why is your foot on the parking brake at all, if the other is gonna be on the brakes?
It's good form to put your feet on the brakes and clutch when you start the car, anyway, even if the car will start without the clutch disengaged. Especially the brake.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 03, 2010, 10:11:42 PM
And you will roll backwards.
Right foot uses gas and brake at the same time. Welcome to driving skills 102.
I?ve driven the A4s - not even close to a 3 series for the enthusiast except for the new S4. But they are nice... for VWs. Pity you don?t want the image - whatever that means. Even Clarkson said all the cocks now drive Audis. I'd take a 328i over a 2.0T A4 any day, not to mention a 135i.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 03, 2010, 10:11:42 PM
And you will roll backwards.
Yeah, like 2 feet. Drive stick in the 'Burgh, learn control. It's not that tough with a little practice, but being comfortable with stick definitely helps.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2010, 10:14:28 PM
Right foot uses gas and brake at the same time. Welcome to driving skills 102.
Also that.
You are all missing the point.
Imagine you are parked on a hill, facing downwards. There are cars parked a few feet in front and behind you...... now, to get out of this space with a manual car, with a conventional parking brake is not that difficult. You probably need to reverse a little, then put some lock on, and edge forwards. You may then need to go backwards again, more lock, and gradually you can get out of the space. Trust me, with a foot operated parking brake where you need your foot to release it, it is all but impossible. (If it has a hand release button, it is much easier).
So, start car.
Put right foot on brake, so your left foot can release the parking brake.
Now you can put your foot on the clutch so you can engage gear.
Then you need to move your foot very sharpish to the accelerator pedal, and hope you can release the clutch just enough to allow the car to reverse a little..... too hard and you will hit the car behind you. Not enough and you will not move, or slide forwards.... sliding backwards or forwards an extra few feet, which might be alright on a road (though it is an automatic fail in a British driving test) is no good in this situation.
Now you need to stop, so move foot to foot brake.
Take out of gear, so you can put your foot on the parking brake
Repeat until you are out of the space
Trust me, it can be done, but it is not easy. I had a rented manual Merc C220 CDI in the Castillian towns around Madrid, years ago, and it was a complete nightmare for this alone. I ended up simply avoiding parking on hills... but then found the next hotel had an underground car park, where the space was so tight you had to reverse several times to get the car in and out.
By the way, I've read that some of the SMG boxes such as in the BMW M5 and M6 are not very easy for very low speed manoeuvering, either.
If you're this worried about parallel parking in a city, don't get a new car -- or get those little bumperettes.
I have a small scrape on one corner of my rear bumper because on-street parking necessitates douchebags part all around me. They've hit my car's rear bumper multiple times. If you're parking on-street, you have no room to complain. If you have a $35k car, you should be able to afford a $1-2k/year parking pass for a lot.
Quote from: Colin on April 03, 2010, 10:47:33 PM
You are all missing the point.
Imagine you are parked on a hill, facing downwards. There are cars parked a few feet in front and behind you...... now, to get out of this space with a manual car, with a conventional parking brake is not that difficult. You probably need to reverse a little, then put some lock on, and edge forwards. You may then need to go backwards again, more lock, and gradually you can get out of the space. Trust me, with a foot operated parking brake where you need your foot to release it, it is all but impossible. (If it has a hand release button, it is much easier).
So, start car.
Put right foot on brake, so your left foot can release the parking brake.
Now you can put your foot on the clutch so you can engage gear.
Then you need to move your foot very sharpish to the accelerator pedal, and hope you can release the clutch just enough to allow the car to reverse a little..... too hard and you will hit the car behind you. Not enough and you will not move, or slide forwards.... sliding backwards or forwards an extra few feet, which might be alright on a road (though it is an automatic fail in a British driving test) is no good in this situation.
Now you need to stop, so move foot to foot brake.
Take out of gear, so you can put your foot on the parking brake
Repeat until you are out of the space
Trust me, it can be done, but it is not easy. I had a rented manual Merc C220 CDI in the Castillian towns around Madrid, years ago, and it was a complete nightmare for this alone. I ended up simply avoiding parking on hills... but then found the next hotel had an underground car park, where the space was so tight you had to reverse several times to get the car in and out.
By the way, I've read that some of the SMG boxes such as in the BMW M5 and M6 are not very easy for very low speed manoeuvering, either.
Dude, we know. We largely drive manuals here, and many of us live in hilly places, where we have to park on hills. We are not speaking out of ignorance, chief.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 10:58:03 PM
If you're this worried about parallel parking in a city, don't get a new car -- or get those little bumperettes.
I have a small scrape on one corner of my rear bumper because on-street parking necessitates douchebags part all around me. They've hit my car's rear bumper multiple times. If you're parking on-street, you have no room to complain. If you have a $35k car, you should be able to afford a $1-2k/year parking pass for a lot.
If you live in a smaller city, it's much less risky to park on the street, as far as scrapes and dents go.
Quote from: Rupert on April 03, 2010, 11:00:36 PM
If you live in a smaller city, it's much less risky to park on the street, as far as scrapes and dents go.
Most definitely. Pittsburgh is a hell hole when it comes to on-street parking.
I have to say it....Drive an S40 T5M, if you can find one. They're supposed to be good to drive.
Quote from: CJ on April 03, 2010, 11:14:31 PM
I have to say it....Drive an S40 T5M, if you can find one. They're supposed to be good to drive.
The Chinese just killed the manual version for next year, FYI.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 11:18:03 PM
The Chinese just killed the manual version for next year, FYI.
Probably because they don't sell that many. The manual C30 will still be around.
Quote from: CJ on April 03, 2010, 11:14:31 PM
I have to say it....Drive an S40 T5M, if you can find one. They're supposed to be good to drive.
lol
Pretty much the same basic thing as a Euro Focus ST.
Quote from: CJ on April 03, 2010, 11:35:36 PM
Pretty much the same basic thing as a Euro Focus ST.
...except almost $30,000...
Or I'll just get an A4 cause my heart and mind are both in love with it.
Quote from: Rupert on April 03, 2010, 08:01:02 PM
You don't need a handbrake or a hill holdy thing once you have a clue. I can count the number of times I've used the handbrake on a hill on one hand, ever, and I've lived in some hilly places.
I would use the handbrake when I parallel parked my '06 A4 backing up a hill. It can be done without of course, but with a lot more drama. When you're squeezing into a space on a wicked hill with 16" of space on either bumper, the hand brake is a no-brainer. The electric one I guess you could use once you figure out the precise dynamics of how it disengages and you can get your feet synchronized.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 11:59:14 PM
Or I'll just get an A4 cause my heart and mind are both in love with it.
No amount of coercion will convince you to abandon a car that you are passionate about and stray to anything else, even if it's illogical to stay with your heart. Good thing it's completely logical to stick it out and go with the A4. I can tell you've got your mind made up, so just enjoy the ride and go for it. I loved my A4 totally. The only reason I switched up to the A6 was room. And I had to check my manhood at the door and get an automatic tranny. :cry: You absollutely will not be disappointed with an A4 - they are remarkable cars and will put a smile on your face every time you take a drive. That doesn't mean that everyone else's suggestions suck, but they are suggesting cars that don't move you, so why bother? When I bought my A4 in '06, I pursued due diligence and tried Infiniti, BMW and Volvo. The G35 was amazing, but unrefined and RWD only (with the manual), so no deal. The BMW dealer was so assholish, I walked out and never even took a test drive. I pulled into the Volvo lot, looked around at the rolling cubes and said to myself "Who am I kidding??", and pulled right out of the lot never to return. I was behind the wheel of my A4 shortly thereafter.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 10:15:00 PM
Yeah, like 2 feet. Drive stick in the 'Burgh, learn control. It's not that tough with a little practice, but being comfortable with stick definitely helps.
FEET!? If you roll back more than a few inches, you aren't very good at driving stick.
Depends on the hill and the clutch.
I love the A4. Great choice.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 04, 2010, 12:14:09 AM
No amount of coercion will convince you to abandon a car that you are passionate about and stray to anything else, even if it's illogical to stay with your heart. Good thing it's completely logical to stick it out and go with the A4. I can tell you've got your mind made up, so just enjoy the ride and go for it. I loved my A4 totally. The only reason I switched up to the A6 was room. And I had to check my manhood at the door and get an automatic tranny. :cry: You absollutely will not be disappointed with an A4 - they are remarkable cars and will put a smile on your face every time you take a drive. That doesn't mean that everyone else's suggestions suck, but they are suggesting cars that don't move you, so why bother? When I bought my A4 in '06, I pursued due diligence and tried Infiniti, BMW and Volvo. The G35 was amazing, but unrefined and RWD only (with the manual), so no deal. The BMW dealer was so assholish, I walked out and never even took a test drive. I pulled into the Volvo lot, looked around at the rolling cubes and said to myself "Who am I kidding??", and pulled right out of the lot never to return. I was behind the wheel of my A4 shortly thereafter.
The automatic tranny is nowhere near as emasculating as the way you drive that stupid minivan or whatever it is... :lol:
Funny you found the BMW dealers assholish. I dumped the first dealer I went to for that reason. I found a really cool salesman at the second dealer who reminds me of the Mr. Bentley character from "The Jeffersons." I got so used to referring to him as Mr. Bentley that I forgot his real name for a little while... :lol:
And what the fuck were you doing at a Volvo dealer? You never told me that one before! Volvo is the car a guy drives when his wife makes the car buying decisions....I rarely hear of a guy driving a Volvo because it was the car HE wanted. It's always, "well, I really wanted a BMW (or Audi, or Infiniti), but my wife wanted us to get the Volvo." I actually like the way Volvos drive for the most part, but their marketing is so nanny-state that most men naturally recoil from it.
Yeah, I mean I pretty much have had my mind made up for a month or so. I didn't make this thread as a "what should I get" thread...more of a "I've never purchased a car; help!" thread. :huh: :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 08:11:05 AM
Yeah, I mean I pretty much have had my mind made up for a month or so. I didn't make this thread as a "what should I get" thread...more of a "I've never purchased a car; help!" thread. :huh: :lol:
Information is the key. You need to know the invoice price of the car, and each option, before you go to the dealer. It's easier than ever to get that information. Check out edmunds.com.
The other key is to make the dealer believe that you'd just as soon buy another car, and that the sale depends upon getting a good price. Never let them see that this is the car you really want. You have to keep a poker face.
The last part is to show you're serious. They know that once you walk out the door without buying, there's only a chance you'll ever be there. But a warm body in front of them is worth a lot. So if you make it clear that you'll sign the papers before you walk out that door, if they give you the price you want, you'll get a better deal.
Also, be non-commital on the financing until after you get your price. You can lead them to believe you'll take financing, but you need to imply that you're not dependent on getting it from the dealer. If they think you need their financing to buy the car, you'll get raped. That's probably not the case with your situation, but I'm just putting it out there as general information.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 06:00:38 PM
I honestly do not want a BMW. They don't stir my insides, and I don't wanna be just another college dewd with a 3series. :huh:
:rockon:
Quote from: Rupert on April 03, 2010, 08:01:02 PM
You don't need a handbrake or a hill holdy thing once you have a clue. I can count the number of times I've used the handbrake on a hill on one hand, ever, and I've lived in some hilly places.
Agreed, just be quick :huh:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2010, 10:58:03 PM
If you're this worried about parallel parking in a city, don't get a new car -- or get those little bumperettes.
I have a small scrape on one corner of my rear bumper because on-street parking necessitates douchebags part all around me. They've hit my car's rear bumper multiple times. If you're parking on-street, you have no room to complain. If you have a $35k car, you should be able to afford a $1-2k/year parking pass for a lot.
Yeah, NOLA is a big parallel parking city and some asshole punctured my rear bumper with his license plate when he was parking.
Quote from: CJ on April 03, 2010, 11:14:31 PM
I have to say it....Drive an S40 T5M, if you can find one. They're supposed to be good to drive.
Yeah...not nearly as good as the new A4 however.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 04, 2010, 01:49:29 AM
FEET!? If you roll back more than a few inches, you aren't very good at driving stick.
That really isn't a whole lot. We have some massive hills here, and if some asshat is really that close to you in line at a stoplight, they deserve some touch.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 08:43:56 AM
That really isn't a whole lot. We have some massive hills here, and if some asshat is really that close to you in line at a stoplight, they deserve some touch.
Of course, if you roll back and hit them, they can legally go after you for any damages...
Quote from: dazzleman on April 04, 2010, 06:25:24 AM
And what the fuck were you doing at a Volvo dealer? You never told me that one before! Volvo is the car a guy drives when his wife makes the car buying decisions....I rarely hear of a guy driving a Volvo because it was the car HE wanted. It's always, "well, I really wanted a BMW (or Audi, or Infiniti), but my wife wanted us to get the Volvo." I actually like the way Volvos drive for the most part, but their marketing is so nanny-state that most men naturally recoil from it.
My dad drove my mom's old Volvos from 1997-2006. From 1997-2002, it was the 1987 Volvo 740 GLE wagon. He sold it to the Audi dealer in 2002 for $700 :lol:
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 04, 2010, 08:48:24 AM
My dad drove my mom's old Volvos from 1997-2006. From 1997-2002, it was the 1987 Volvo 740 GLE wagon. He sold it to the Audi dealer in 2002 for $700 :lol:
I rest my case... :lol:
I bet he never really wanted a Volvo. Either that, or he doesn't care about cars.
Quote from: MX793 on April 04, 2010, 08:44:46 AM
Of course, if you roll back and hit them, they can legally go after you for any damages...
There should be a general understanding of giving someone space, especially if you see/hear that they're driving a manual car. That said, a) 5 mph isn't enough to damage any car with plastic bumpers unless you're scraping the side of it, b) I've never rolled back into another car but I fully support the fact that we should be aware of those around us who have the potential to roll back, and c) don't be a douche; learn driving etiquette.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 04, 2010, 08:50:24 AM
I rest my case... :lol:
I bet he never really wanted a Volvo. Either that, or he doesn't care about cars.
He does not at all care about cars :facepalm: In 1997, he sold this guy for $100 to the Volvo dealer
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Audi_200_c2_v_sst.jpg/800px-Audi_200_c2_v_sst.jpg)
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 08:51:00 AM
There should be a general understanding of giving someone space, especially if you see/hear that they're driving a manual car. That said, a) 5 mph isn't enough to damage any car with plastic bumpers unless you're scraping the side of it, b) I've never rolled back into another car but I fully support the fact that we should be aware of those around us who have the potential to roll back, and c) don't be a douche; learn driving etiquette.
5 mph is certainly enough to scratch up the paint on the other vehicle, and the owner is certainly entitled to go after you for repair of said scratches. While it's bad etiquette to stop so close to the vehicle in front of you, it is not against the traffic code. It is not justification for damaging another person's vehicle, whether intentional or not.
Quote from: MX793 on April 04, 2010, 08:58:29 AM
5 mph is certainly enough to scratch up the paint on the other vehicle, and the owner is certainly entitled to go after you for repair of said scratches. While it's bad etiquette to stop so close to the vehicle in front of you, it is not against the traffic code. It is not justification for damaging another person's vehicle, whether intentional or not.
C) Don't be a douche; learn driving etiquette.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 04, 2010, 08:58:29 AM
He does not at all care about cars :facepalm: In 1997, he sold this guy for $100 to the Volvo dealer
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Audi_200_c2_v_sst.jpg/800px-Audi_200_c2_v_sst.jpg)
I would so rock that. Nice car. Is that one of the "unintended acceleration" Audis?
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:02:06 AM
I would so rock that. Nice car. Is that one of the "unintended acceleration" Audis?
Yup :praise: He left it unlocked in NYC once and found it with half the stereo remaining. He was upset about his gym bag being stolen out of the trunk :lol:
Yeah, you roll into the guy in back of you at a stoplight on a hill, no two ways about it that's your fault.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 08:51:00 AM
There should be a general understanding of giving someone space, especially if you see/hear that they're driving a manual car. That said, a) 5 mph isn't enough to damage any car with plastic bumpers unless you're scraping the side of it, b) I've never rolled back into another car but I fully support the fact that we should be aware of those around us who have the potential to roll back, and c) don't be a douche; learn driving etiquette.
It doesn't take much speed to do some damage.
(http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/1_2009_hyundai_accent_iihs_bumper_test_2.jpg)
^6 mph.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:00:59 AM
C) Don't be a douche; learn driving etiquette.
Damaging somebody else's vehicle = illegal
Being a douche with poor driving etiquette = not illegal
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 08:43:56 AM
That really isn't a whole lot. We have some massive hills here, and if some asshat is really that close to you in line at a stoplight, they deserve some touch.
You think people actually know you're driving a stick? 10% of the population has a stick, and the other 90% don't know what a stick is or that there might be some roll back on a hill start. Besides, if you roll back more then 6" on a very steep hill, you're rolling too much anyway.
Quote from: ifcar on April 04, 2010, 09:12:08 AM
It doesn't take much speed to do some damage.
(http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/1_2009_hyundai_accent_iihs_bumper_test_2.jpg)
^6 mph.
...into a concrete pole.
As drivers, we should always try to be respectful of those around us. That means tailgating, too.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:30:47 AM
...into a concrete pole.
No, into a simulated bumper -- full-width. Example test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzgH_p2IjaY
Quote from: ifcar on April 04, 2010, 09:35:50 AM
No, into a simulated bumper -- full-width. Example test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzgH_p2IjaY
"Let's invent a bumper test that all but eliminates actually testing the car's front bumper!"
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:38:05 AM
"Let's invent a bumper test that all but eliminates actually testing the car's front bumper!"
Many cars' bumpers are too low to properly line up with the rear bumper of another. Many others, however, do just fine in this same test.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:38:05 AM
"Let's invent a bumper test that all but eliminates actually testing the car's front bumper!"
Yeah, now we're 2 for 2 in not hitting the simulated bumper in the bumper test.
...not looking super effective.
Quote from: ifcar on April 04, 2010, 09:40:16 AM
Many cars' bumpers are too low to properly line up with the rear bumper of another. Many others, however, do just fine in this same test.
So we build a car to conform with a test instead of real life situations. Sure, that test would be awesome if you owned a normal car and everyone else drove Excursions. But they don't.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:41:33 AM
So we build a car to conform with a test instead of real life situations. Sure, that test would be awesome if you owned a normal car and everyone else drove Excursions. But they don't.
Okay. Rolling backward into another car at 5 mph will only cause little scratches. Go ahead and try it.
Quote from: ifcar on April 04, 2010, 09:48:03 AM
Okay. Rolling backward into another car at 5 mph will only cause little scratches. Go ahead and try it.
I've not rolled back onto a car, but I've been love tapped. Yes, the scratches are all minor, and while they piss me off, I know they'll mostly buff out.
All I am saying is that riding someone's bumper at a stoplight is not cool at all.
At Texas drivers ed they teach us 2 carlengths in between you and the other car when stopped, and they fail you in your final test if you don't do that. I dunno if that makes it law, but it's certainly more than just a dbag move.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:53:29 AM
I've not rolled back onto a car, but I've been love tapped. Yes, the scratches are all minor, and while they piss me off, I know they'll mostly buff out.
All I am saying is that riding someone's bumper at a stoplight is not cool at all.
Do that into a newer car, particularly a newer and expensive car, and that little tap can cost thousands -- whether you think the person behind you is being rude or not.
Quote from: Minpin on April 04, 2010, 09:55:24 AM
At Texas drivers ed they teach us 2 carlengths in between you and the other car when stopped, and they fail you in your final test if you don't do that. I dunno if that makes it law, but it's certainly more than just a dbag move.
I like this law.
Quote from: Minpin on April 04, 2010, 09:55:24 AM
At Texas drivers ed they teach us 2 carlengths in between you and the other car when stopped, and they fail you in your final test if you don't do that. I dunno if that makes it law, but it's certainly more than just a dbag move.
And from what I'm told, in NY they fail you if you roll back when starting on a hill with a manual car during your road test.
Why not a 320i/325i Coupe at this price range?
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 04, 2010, 10:10:45 AM
Why not a 320i/325i Coupe at this price range?
We get neither of those in the US unfortunately.
:banghead:
Tetuon: Do you really not think that somewhat intentionally hitting another person for being a douche is douchelike behavior in itself? Learn how to drive. If someone is close to you just use the hand brake. It isn't the least bit difficult to do.
Quote from: TBR on April 04, 2010, 10:35:44 AM
:banghead:
Tetuon: Do you really not think that somewhat intentionally hitting another person for being a douche is douchelike behavior in itself? Learn how to drive. If someone is close to you just use the hand brake. It isn't the least bit difficult to do.
Didn't I mention that I've never hit someone on rollback? Learn how to share the road with other people.
If you know how to drive stick, using the e-brake shouldn't really be considered. You learn to drive.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 10:39:42 AM
Didn't I mention that I've never hit someone on rollback? Learn how to share the road with other people.
If you know how to drive stick, using the e-brake shouldn't really be considered. You learn to drive.
Do you really think that you know how to drive stick better than me? Seriously? Give me a break. You have had a manual transmission car for 6 months, and you're all of the sudden an expert?
If someone is too close, and there's even the slightest chance of you rolling into them you use the handbrake. If you don't have a handbrake, then you just do your best, but it's always better safe than sorry. And if you roll back and hit someone then it is your fault.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 09:53:29 AM
All I am saying is that riding someone's bumper at a stoplight is not cool at all.
We're not disagreeing with you, but the point is that you have no control over how close someone gets to you at a stoplight.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 10:39:42 AM
If you know how to drive stick, using the e-brake shouldn't really be considered. You learn to drive.
Says the guy who apparently takes two feet to start moving forward.
Quote from: TBR on April 04, 2010, 10:44:00 AM
Do you really think that you know how to drive stick better than me? Seriously? Give me a break. You have had a manual transmission car for 6 months, and you're all of the sudden an expert?
If someone is too close, and there's even the slightest chance of you rolling into them you use the handbrake. If you don't have a handbrake, then you just do your best, but it's always better safe than sorry. And if you roll back and hit someone then it is your fault.
+1.
Quote from: TBR on April 04, 2010, 10:44:00 AM
Do you really think that you know how to drive stick better than me? Seriously? Give me a break. You have had a manual transmission car for 6 months, and you're all of the sudden an expert?
If someone is too close, and there's even the slightest chance of you rolling into them you use the handbrake. If you don't have a handbrake, then you just do your best, but it's always better safe than sorry. And if you roll back and hit someone then it is your fault.
Have you ever used the e-brake in traffic? Really? Really really?
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 04, 2010, 10:47:56 AM
We're not disagreeing with you, but the point is that you have no control over how close someone gets to you at a stoplight.
Says the guy who apparently takes two feet to start moving forward.
You're misquoting me. And two feet is less than the length of your arm. Have you ever driven up a really steep hill? If you have, reconsider what your definition if "steep" is.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 10:50:34 AM
Have you ever used the e-brake in traffic? Really? Really really?
You're misquoting me. And two feet is less than the length of your arm. Have you ever driven up a really steep hill? If you have, reconsider what your definition if "steep" is.
You are so full of it is unbelievable. I actually use my e-brake all the time in traffic. I prefer not to roll back at all. It just feels unnatural to me to roll back, and it can be dangerous so I avoid it. Roll back isn't good for your clutch either.
Quote from: TBR on April 04, 2010, 10:52:41 AM
You are so full of it is unbelievable. I actually use my e-brake all the time in traffic. I prefer not to roll back at all. It just feels unnatural to me to roll back, and it can be dangerous so I avoid it. Roll back isn't good for your clutch either.
Move your feet with some alacrity. Using your clutch is bad for your clutch because it wears ever so slightly every time you use it. Next, you're going to be telling me that you just shouldn't use your left foot in a manual car because it's bad. :facepalm:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 10:50:34 AM
Have you ever used the e-brake in traffic? Really? Really really?
Yes, though on very rare occasions.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 10:50:34 AM
You're misquoting me. And two feet is less than the length of your arm. Have you ever driven up a really steep hill? If you have, reconsider what your definition if "steep" is.
I know exactly how long two feet is. It's... two feet. I have a tape measure right here if you'd like me to show you.
And Atlanta's not San Francisco, but it's not like we're in the Great Plains. It's a pretty hilly metro area.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 04, 2010, 10:55:26 AM
Yes, though on very rare occasions.
I know exactly how long two feet is. It's... two feet. I have a tape measure right here if you'd like me to show you.
And Atlanta's not San Francisco, but it's not like we're in the Great Plains. It's a pretty hilly metro area.
You still misquoted me. Should I have said less distance? I can't say I've ever gotten out of a car and measured exactly how far anyone has ever rolled back on a hill in a manual car. It was a rough estimate.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 10:55:22 AM
Move your feet with some alacrity. Using your clutch is bad for your clutch because it wears ever so slightly every time you use it. Next, you're going to be telling me that you just shouldn't use your left foot in a manual car because it's bad. :facepalm:
This is you:
(http://www.nationallampoon.com/files/2009/05/9-michael-scott.jpg)
You think you know everything when in reality you know just enough to say some really stupid things.
There is no con to using a handbrake. With experience it takes less time, is smoother, and cuts down wear and tear on your drive train.
Quote from: TBR on April 04, 2010, 10:58:21 AM
This is you:
(http://www.nationallampoon.com/files/2009/05/9-michael-scott.jpg)
You think you know everything when in reality you know just enough to say some really stupid things.
There is no con to using a handbrake. With experience it takes less time, is smoother, and cuts down wear and tear on your drive train.
LOL. You're funny. You:rollback::2o6:torque converter crawl.
Next, you're going to say that breathing is bad and we should hold our breaths for longer because it produces too much CO2. Go ahead, TBR. Say it.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 04, 2010, 11:06:40 AM
Next, you're going to say that breathing is bad and we should hold our breaths for longer because it produces too much CO2. Go ahead, TBR. Say it.
LOL. You guys are both really overreacting on this. While I don't think it's really necessary (particularly in a torquey car like the A4, which is where this discussion started), there's nothing wrong with using your handbrake to help you get started on a hill. On the other hand, yes, rollback will wear out your clutch ever so slightly faster, but so does aggressive launches and what not. I definitely wouldn't say that using the handbrake takes less time, and I seriously doubt that, other than the clutch, it cuts down on drive train wear.
I used the foot-parking-brake on my old Chevy truck in conjunction with the normal service brake because the rear hydraulics apparently didn't work so it was the only way to stop the thing when towing a huge trailer. Oh, and the highbeams were foot-activated so I had five things to do with two feet, but it's hot as hard as you'd think.
Otherwise, I only use the hand/e-brake when offroading or doing stunts like 180's.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 04, 2010, 11:23:54 AM
LOL. You guys are both really overreacting on this. While I don't think it's really necessary (particularly in a torquey car like the A4, which is where this discussion started), there's nothing wrong with using your handbrake to help you get started on a hill. On the other hand, yes, rollback will wear out your clutch ever so slightly faster, but so does aggressive launches and what not. I definitely wouldn't say that using the handbrake takes less time, and I seriously doubt that, other than the clutch, it cuts down on drive train wear.
Using a hand brake on a hill takes no longer than starting on flat land if you know what you're do it. And, clutch is all I meant.
My main issue is with someone as inexperienced as teuton implying that he is somehow more skilled with a manual transmission because he chooses to roll back 2 feet rather than using the hand brake (which actually requires more skill if you do it well).
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 11:59:14 PM
Or I'll just get an A4 cause my heart and mind are both in love with it.
If you're looking to get the best price I can share what I did when I purchased my STi for under dealer invoice. I had a salesman golfing acquaintance tell me about it. He didn't like it but admitted it was a good way to get the best price.
First, arrange your own financing ahead of time. The best time to begin the process is with about two-three weeks left in the month.
Online, find all the Audi dealerships in your area that you'd be willing to drive to to make a purchase. I made a spreadsheet.
Email the sales departments on your dealership list. In the email, tell them what car you're looking for, options, colors, etc. Tell them that you're looking for the best price, at or below dealer invoice, and you will be buying the car by the end of the month. Don't leave a phone number and tell them you want all correspondence handled via email. It's easier if you're not trading anything in.
When I was buying my STi, I sent emails like that to 12 local Subaru dealerships. Of the 12, one gave no response, two wrote back that they 'didn't do business that way' and the nine sent me back prices, and all were at or below dealer invoice.
I then emailed the best offer I received to the local Subaru dealership who'd been giving me good service on my 2.5 RS and asked them if they could match this price. They emailed me back a price within $100. I replied with my fax # and told them to send me a PO and I'd sign for it.
I went in two days later and met the saleman for the first time, signed the papers and drove off in a brand new silver STi. It was the easiest, hassle-free buying experience I'd ever had. Absolutely no haggling.
HTH.
Good stuff there. I actually got mine below invoice as well doing something similar; the dealer was offering special incentives for people to shop online or something.
Quote from: Jon? on April 04, 2010, 01:06:00 PM
If you're looking to get the best price I can share what I did when I purchased my STi for under dealer invoice. I had a salesman golfing acquaintance tell me about it. He didn't like it but admitted it was a good way to get the best price.
First, arrange your own financing ahead of time. The best time to begin the process is with about two-three weeks left in the month.
Online, find all the Audi dealerships in your area that you'd be willing to drive to to make a purchase. I made a spreadsheet.
Email the sales departments on your dealership list. In the email, tell them what car you're looking for, options, colors, etc. Tell them that you're looking for the best price, at or below dealer invoice, and you will be buying the car by the end of the month. Don't leave a phone number and tell them you want all correspondence handled via email. It's easier if you're not trading anything in.
When I was buying my STi, I sent emails like that to 12 local Subaru dealerships. Of the 12, one gave no response, two wrote back that they 'didn't do business that way' and the nine sent me back prices, and all were at or below dealer invoice.
I then emailed the best offer I received to the local Subaru dealership who'd been giving me good service on my 2.5 RS and asked them if they could match this price. They emailed me back a price within $100. I replied with my fax # and told them to send me a PO and I'd sign for it.
I went in two days later and met the saleman for the first time, signed the papers and drove off in a brand new silver STi. It was the easiest, hassle-free buying experience I'd ever had. Absolutely no haggling.
HTH.
This post should be stickied somewhere.
But haggling's fun, and the way to a better deal in a lot of cases IMO. After a certain point it's self defeating though; I have few friends that will go absolutely jihad on the car buying process to save $500 - $1,000 (ain't worth tens or scores of hours IMO).
When I bought my Accord, I walked into the dealership went up to the first salesperson and said I wanted to buy an Accord and that I'll write a check today. Walked out an hour later at $1,500 under invoice.
My advice FWIW is that factory discounts don't come out of dealer pocket (and shouldn't be a part of negotiations), dealers get all sorts of factory bonuses/discounts/savings/etc. not necessarily tied to any car in particular but rather total sales volume, and dealers have to pay interest on inventory.
In short, unless it's something hot, you should be paying invoice, and generally should shoot for about 10% below. But of course to REALLY save money buy a slightly used example and save big but that's another thread.
I agree with cougs, if you tell them you'll cut a check that day, they'll be much more willing to deal than through some filthy e-mail.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 04, 2010, 08:15:28 AM
Information is the key. You need to know the invoice price of the car, and each option, before you go to the dealer. It's easier than ever to get that information. Check out edmunds.com.
The other key is to make the dealer believe that you'd just as soon buy another car, and that the sale depends upon getting a good price. Never let them see that this is the car you really want. You have to keep a poker face.
The last part is to show you're serious. They know that once you walk out the door without buying, there's only a chance you'll ever be there. But a warm body in front of them is worth a lot. So if you make it clear that you'll sign the papers before you walk out that door, if they give you the price you want, you'll get a better deal.
Also, be non-commital on the financing until after you get your price. You can lead them to believe you'll take financing, but you need to imply that you're not dependent on getting it from the dealer. If they think you need their financing to buy the car, you'll get raped. That's probably not the case with your situation, but I'm just putting it out there as general information.
Wow, you have some strange customs on the east coast...
Quote from: GoCougs on April 04, 2010, 02:35:35 PM
But of course to REALLY save money buy a slightly used example and save big but that's another thread.
Truth.
Quote from: Rupert on April 04, 2010, 02:51:14 PM
Wow, you have some strange customs on the east coast...
:huh:
What does that mean?
When it comes to financing, it's always good to have other options than the dealer. I haven't used financing for a while, but when I bought my Maxima in 1997, I financed it. They'll pretty much charge you whatever rate they think they can get away with. I made it clear that I had offers from banks, and they asked me what interest rate I was able to get. I said that they had to make me an offer before I told them that. They offered me a rate below what the banks offered, so I financed through Nissan. But clearly if I'd told them what the banks had offered me, they'd have charged something higher. My sister had bad credit when she got her car, and had to pay 14% interest. You have to do your homework and not be dependent on the dealer.
Hey Teuts: Even on a very steep hill, you shouldn't roll more then 6".
Quote from: dazzleman on April 04, 2010, 04:17:40 PM
:huh:
What does that mean?
When it comes to financing, it's always good to have other options than the dealer. I haven't used financing for a while, but when I bought my Maxima in 1997, I financed it. They'll pretty much charge you whatever rate they think they can get away with. I made it clear that I had offers from banks, and they asked me what interest rate I was able to get. I said that they had to make me an offer before I told them that. They offered me a rate below what the banks offered, so I financed through Nissan. But clearly if I'd told them what the banks had offered me, they'd have charged something higher. My sister had bad credit when she got her car, and had to pay 14% interest. You have to do your homework and not be dependent on the dealer.
I think it's more the concept of taking a car loan that's what he's not cool with. Logically, it's stupid to take a loan out on something like a car, I suppose. Hell, at this point, I wouldn't think of buying a car I couldn't pay for in cash but that could very well change in the future. Then again, my parents have never taken out a loan for anything except the house.
Ya'll both fail. :facepalm: He was making a joke about where dazzle said: "If they think you need their financing to buy the car, you'll get raped." See it now? If they think you need financing they break out the lube and ram a dick up your butthole. That's what getting raped is, if you're lucky. Maybe you will get lube, maybe not. He could care less how you pay for the thing, he was making a joke! FFS
No, man, I was, like, making a deep statement about, like, the state of the world, when, ya know, you can, uh, totally steal a, uh, like, uh, car? And, like, not pay for it?
Yeah, no, Minpin has it right, duh.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 04, 2010, 04:50:22 PM
I think it's more the concept of taking a car loan that's what he's not cool with. Logically, it's stupid to take a loan out on something like a car, I suppose. Hell, at this point, I wouldn't think of buying a car I couldn't pay for in cash but that could very well change in the future. Then again, my parents have never taken out a loan for anything except the house.
Dude, like, the
concepts!!!
Quote from: Rupert on April 04, 2010, 05:08:13 PM
No, man, I was, like, making a deep statement about, like, the state of the world, when, ya know, you can, uh, totally steal a, uh, like, uh, car? And, like, not pay for it?
Yeah, no, Minpin has it right, duh.
Did you just vomit trying to say I was correct? :lol:
Anyways a good rule of thumb I have heard on what kind of car you can afford is to NEVER buy one that is more than 1/2 of your yearly salary, and the lower you go the better. Obviously.
Quote from: Minpin on April 04, 2010, 05:11:16 PM
Did you just vomit trying to say I was correct? :lol:
Diarrhea. Not cool.
Quote from: Rupert on April 04, 2010, 05:19:43 PM
Diarrhea. Not cool.
Out. Of. Your. MOUTH???????????????? :heated:
Quote from: Rupert on April 04, 2010, 05:08:13 PM
No, man, I was, like, making a deep statement about, like, the state of the world, when, ya know, you can, uh, totally steal a, uh, like, uh, car? And, like, not pay for it?
Yeah, no, Minpin has it right, duh.
:banghead:
I'm an idiot.
Quote from: Minpin on April 04, 2010, 05:22:50 PM
Out. Of. Your. MOUTH???????????????? :heated:
Yeah, I think I should see a doctor.
Let's play "How many times can we hijack the same thread?"
HAY Did u guise c da sox gamez?!?!? Itz still one111!
The car will be paid for in cash, most likely not financed. I kept the salesman slightly at bay and told him I'd considered cars like the Stang and WRX, even though they don't really compete with each other. He sent me an email saying he had three models spec'd how I'd want them coming over, so I'm going to send him a response asking for more details on the cars' specifics as well as a price quote.
I wasn't aware people bought cars under invoice...wouldn't that put the dealer at a loss? I'll probably hit up at least one more Audi dealer so I can get some price leverage and a better idea of prices. Edmund says people are paying between invoice and MSRP for manual A4s.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 06:49:25 PM
The car will be paid for in cash, most likely not financed. I kept the salesman slightly at bay and told him I'd considered cars like the Stang and WRX, even though they don't really compete with each other. He sent me an email saying he had three models spec'd how I'd want them coming over, so I'm going to send him a response asking for more details on the cars' specifics as well as a price quote.
I wasn't aware people bought cars under invoice...wouldn't that put the dealer at a loss? I'll probably hit up at least one more Audi dealer so I can get some price leverage and a better idea of prices. Edmund says people are paying between invoice and MSRP for manual A4s.
Sometimes the manufacturer gives dealers incentives to push certain cars, so they can still make money selling under invoice because the invoice is effectively lowered by the incentives.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 06:49:25 PM
The car will be paid for in cash, most likely not financed. I kept the salesman slightly at bay and told him I'd considered cars like the Stang and WRX, even though they don't really compete with each other. He sent me an email saying he had three models spec'd how I'd want them coming over, so I'm going to send him a response asking for more details on the cars' specifics as well as a price quote.
I wasn't aware people bought cars under invoice...wouldn't that put the dealer at a loss? I'll probably hit up at least one more Audi dealer so I can get some price leverage and a better idea of prices. Edmund says people are paying between invoice and MSRP for manual A4s.
Dealers sell cars below invoice for two reasons:
1. They didn't actually pay invoice.
2. It costs them more to keep the car on the lot than to sell at a loss.
d'oh
failure on my part
Quote from: Minpin on April 04, 2010, 09:55:24 AM
At Texas drivers ed they teach us 2 carlengths in between you and the other car when stopped, and they fail you in your final test if you don't do that. I dunno if that makes it law, but it's certainly more than just a dbag move.
Two lengths when stopped!?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=21694.msg1302000#msg1302000 date=1270430038
Two lengths when stopped!?
Two is a lot...... Heck, ONE is a lot.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=21694.msg1302000#msg1302000 date=1270430038
Two lengths when stopped!?
That seems absurd. :huh:
Quote from: Raza on April 04, 2010, 06:58:44 PM
Dealers sell cars below invoice for two reasons:
1. They didn't actually pay invoice.
2. It costs them more to keep the car on the lot than to sell at a loss.
Yep, plus if you have a trade-in and/or buy accessories those are other ways they can make money off of what would seem to be an upside-down deal for them
Quote from: Raza on April 04, 2010, 06:58:44 PM
Dealers sell cars below invoice for two reasons:
1. They didn't actually pay invoice.
2. It costs them more to keep the car on the lot than to sell at a loss.
Gotcha. I'm not sure what the case is here as, like I said, Edmunds is telling me that people (on average, obviously) are paying above invoice but still below MSRP.
How should I respond to the email he sent me saying he found some the way I'd want them? He gave me a base MSRP for them. I was thinking something like "blah blah, hi, hello; Could you give me more details about some of the cars' specific options, as well as price quotes?" Just keep it simple like that?
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 04, 2010, 11:23:54 AM
LOL. You guys are both really overreacting on this. While I don't think it's really necessary (particularly in a torquey car like the A4, which is where this discussion started), there's nothing wrong with using your handbrake to help you get started on a hill. On the other hand, yes, rollback will wear out your clutch ever so slightly faster, but so does aggressive launches and what not. I definitely wouldn't say that using the handbrake takes less time, and I seriously doubt that, other than the clutch, it cuts down on drive train wear.
I've done the handbrake bit a few times, but I've never found it more helpful than just putting your foot on the brake, letting the clutch out to engagement point and then quickly getting on the throttle. Maybe I just need more practice on the handbrake thing, but I figure whatever works works, right?
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 07:17:14 PM
Gotcha. I'm not sure what the case is here as, like I said, Edmunds is telling me that people (on average, obviously) are paying above invoice but still below MSRP.
How should I respond to the email he sent me saying he found some the way I'd want them? He gave me a base MSRP for them. I was thinking something like "blah blah, hi, hello; Could you give me more details about some of the cars' specific options, as well as price quotes?" Just keep it simple like that?
Buying a car isn't quite like going to battle, but it helps to think like your enemy. He's not going to make a sale through an email, so either he thinks MSRP will get you in to negotiate, that MSRP is a good deal, or that you're not serious. I've always found that crashing the party is the best way to get a good deal. Walk in like you own the place, make it known that you know what you want and that you know what you're talking about, and show that you're not afraid to walk away.
Quote from: Raza on April 04, 2010, 07:22:48 PM
Buying a car isn't quite like going to battle, but it helps to think like your enemy. He's not going to make a sale through an email, so either he thinks MSRP will get you in to negotiate, that MSRP is a good deal, or that you're not serious. I've always found that crashing the party is the best way to get a good deal. Walk in like you own the place, make it known that you know what you want and that you know what you're talking about, and show that you're not afraid to walk away.
Well, I'd sure hope he doesn't think that I'm not serious. I can't exactly drive to the place when I please, since the dealership's a couple hours away, but there really aren't that many Audi dealers around. There's one here in Ann Arbor, none in the UP, etc.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 04, 2010, 07:15:31 PM
That seems absurd. :huh:
When stopped on a limited access highway, I can see that; we're taught the same in PA. That way, if someone comes up a bit fast and you think they're not going to stop in time, you can move forward. But on a surface street? It is absurd.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 07:24:34 PM
Well, I'd sure hope he doesn't think that I'm not serious. I can't exactly drive to the place when I please, since the dealership's a couple hours away, but there really aren't that many Audi dealers around. There's one here in Ann Arbor, none in the UP, etc.
Ah, I see; you're geographically isolated. Next time you email him, try asking what a good time to call is. Sometimes it's easier to negotiate over the phone.
He may think you're not serious. You're young, and I have experience being young and looking at expensive cars. A phone call might change his mind.
Quote from: R-inge on April 04, 2010, 07:16:02 PM
Yep, plus if you have a trade-in and/or buy accessories those are other ways they can make money off of what would seem to be an upside-down deal for them
That's also true.
But I must say that I think publicized invoice prices are very suspect.
Quote from: Raza on April 04, 2010, 07:28:37 PM
Ah, I see; you're geographically isolated. Next time you email him, try asking what a good time to call is. Sometimes it's easier to negotiate over the phone.
He may think you're not serious. You're young, and I have experience being young and looking at expensive cars. A phone call might change his mind.
I wouldn't know where to begin on negotiating a price. Obviously, I'm not going to pay MSRP, but...
If we negotiate a price now, does that matter, since I won't be picking up the car for a few weeks?
Tell me the rules of the game, y'all.
I dunno, mang. This whole "let's see who's got the biggest penis" contest just isn't for me. Not that I couldn't win one of those if I wanted to, but it's far from the way I like to do business.
The dealership I bought the Rodeo from was great; zero pressure, and were just very helpful nice folks. They had a very fair price to start out with, which required no haggling. The only thing I asked them to do was get me some new lug nuts, and they obliged without question. Stress-free, and a good deal for everyone involved.
The guy I bought the Sonoma from was pretty cool. He was working on a '78 GS750 in his driveway when I drove up - I had a '77, so we just shot the shit for a while, I looked at the truck, drove it around the block and said I'd buy it. He offered to drive the truck home for me, which was cool, and is something I always do for buyers if it's within reason. He dropped the truck off for me, I paid his asking price with no problems, then we shot the shit the whole ride back to his place and everything was cool. He said to call him anytime if I had questions about it - that's something that I do, too. The guy was just like me when it came to being honest, straightforward and helpful, rather than a deceptive sleazeball that is trying to get every penny he can out of an old beater.
I've had some really bad asshole salesmen in the past, and they just don't get my business. Fuck 'em. If I have to go in there acting like they're my enemy, I don't want to be there at all.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 07:32:57 PM
I wouldn't know where to begin on negotiating a price. Obviously, I'm not going to pay MSRP, but...
If we negotiate a price now, does that matter, since I won't be picking up the car for a few weeks?
Tell me the rules of the game, y'all.
They won't negotiate until a check is ready to be written and then only with the check writer.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 07:32:57 PM
I wouldn't know where to begin on negotiating a price. Obviously, I'm not going to pay MSRP, but...
If we negotiate a price now, does that matter, since I won't be picking up the car for a few weeks?
Tell me the rules of the game, y'all.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 04, 2010, 07:39:08 PM
They won't negotiate until a check is ready to be written and then only with the check writer.
That's not always true. They'll negotiate with whoever has the decision making power, which may or may not always be the check-writer. But that's a semantic distinction.
But if you're talking weeks in advance, programs recycle every month, so any numbers you get today won't be good in three or four weeks. You can talk hypothetically, but they won't play hardball until the check is ready to be written.
So how should I respond to the e-mail?
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 07:49:50 PM
So how should I respond to the e-mail?
Show them your e-penis.
Quote from: Raza on April 04, 2010, 07:45:11 PM
That's not always true. They'll negotiate with whoever has the decision making power, which may or may not always be the check-writer. But that's a semantic distinction.
But if you're talking weeks in advance, programs recycle every month, so any numbers you get today won't be good in three or four weeks. You can talk hypothetically, but they won't play hardball until the check is ready to be written.
Imagine walking into an upscale dealer as a 20-year-old wanting to buy a $35-40k car, saying your grandparents, whom aren't with you, will be writing the check. Exactly 96.5% of salespeople will see a kid looking for a joyride and will react accordingly.
Wouldn't even recommend talking hypothetically as it's more than likely on to serve as a self-agitator plus the MSRP, invoice and factory discounts if any will be known by both parties. I'd just wait till they're with him.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 04, 2010, 08:04:44 PM
Imagine walking into an upscale dealer as a 20-year-old wanting to buy a $35-40k car, saying your grandparents, whom aren't with you, will be writing the check. Exactly 96.5% of salespeople will see a kid looking for a joyride and will react accordingly.
Wouldn't even recommend talking hypothetically as it's more than likely on to serve as a self-agitator plus the MSRP, invoice and factory discounts if any will be known by both parties. I'd just wait till they're with him.
My dad was with me, and it was never officially discussed who was actually paying for the car. When he started talking about finance and asked how it was going to be paid for, my dad spoke up and said "cash." I would assume he got the hint that I certainly wasn't going to be paying for it.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 07:49:50 PM
So how should I respond to the e-mail?
Well, he's already winning at this point - he's got you asking for what you want, just about has you asking for a price, and he knows you're not paying for the car. At best tell him with exactly what you want and exactly what will be paid.
Would you really be negotiating this deal?
Quote from: GoCougs on April 04, 2010, 08:23:49 PM
Well, he's already winning at this point - he's got you asking for what you want, just about has you asking for a price, and he knows you're not paying for the car. At best tell him with exactly what you want and exactly what will be paid.
Would you really be negotiating this deal?
Well, I know I'm not going to pay MSRP, if that's what you mean. I responded and asked him for more details on the cars he found and asked for price quotes. I told him that since I won't want to go get the car until the end of the month, that I just wanted a general idea of what to expect. I said I was looking forward to doing business with him, told him e-mail would be the easiest way to contact me as a student, but phone calls are fine, too...etc.
When it comes to writing the check, it will be much more at my dad's discretion, and he's no fool.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 04, 2010, 08:04:44 PM
Imagine walking into an upscale dealer as a 20-year-old wanting to buy a $35-40k car, saying your grandparents, whom aren't with you, will be writing the check. Exactly 96.5% of salespeople will see a kid looking for a joyride and will react accordingly.
Wouldn't even recommend talking hypothetically as it's more than likely on to serve as a self-agitator plus the MSRP, invoice and factory discounts if any will be known by both parties. I'd just wait till they're with him.
Well, having been a 20 year old looking for a joyride in the past, I can say I was rarely turned down. :lol:
The guy offered to let me drive one within just a few minutes of saying "hi, I'm Chris, this is my dad, and we're here to check out the A4." I certainly wasn't going to say no. :huh: :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 11:59:14 PM
Or I'll just get an A4 cause my heart and mind are both in love with it.
Usually I'm all for people going for the car they really want. But buying a car without testing the other choices isn't going with what your heart really wants, it's going with what you suspect you want, and deciding what you want based on what other people assume your choices should be.
The 30K mark is a great price point. There are so many car options both new and used there. I was shopping in that exact price range several years ago.
I was absolutely SURE I wanted an G35 coupe, or S2000. I felt like those were the only two cars really possible for me. I did so much research, weighed so many pros and cons and really every other choice was eliminated for such clear and rational reasons. The EVO and STi were too boy racerish, completely out of the picture. The Germans were too high maintanence. The 350Z was just like the G35 but with less seats and worse looks. The RX8 was just an oddity. No American cars were even in the picture. Really it was down to whether I wanted the utility of 2 back seats or the pureness of the S2000.
That's what I thought I wanted before I drove the cars. Had it been totally up to me, I would have test drove the S2000 and G35 coupe and probably ended up with a G35 coupe (being sensible). However it was really my first time buying a car for real, and my buddies urged me to test drive everything I could think of for kicks. I figured it would be a while before I'd have another chance.
It turns out what I thought I liked and what I thought I'd enjoy had absolutely no bearing on what I really liked. Reading about cars isn't the same as actually driving them. The car I thought I would love, the G35 coupe, impressed me greatly. However the raw focus of the EVO was amazing and completely overshadowed the driving experience from the Infiniti. The S2000 indeed had great handling and a great shifter as promised, but the RX8 had even better steering, even slicker gearbox, and reved with an amazing smoothness that made the S2000 feel harsh and unbearably rough. I was bouncing of the redline and wondering why the car stopping accelerating. The 350Z wasn't the same as the G35 coupe as I predicted, but rather had a character all its own. And despite going into the purchase knowing exactly what I wanted, I came away realizing that it's foolish to decide what you want to drive without driving them. Though the S2000 started at the top of my list, they quickly fell to the bottom, and the awkward, odd RX8 became the new favorite. That is until I was trying to get a test drive on an STi and found a used C5 Z06 sitting in the showroom looking menacing and purposeful. I figured well I'd been so surprised by this whole experience, I'd give it a shot. I'd never considered an American car. No one in my family had ever purchased an American car. However after a blast around in the Z06, most of the others were instantly erased from consideration. In the end it came down to a choice between the refined RX8 and the raw untamed Z06. It was a damn hard choice.
The point I'm trying to make is that, when we research cars, we believe that there is one exact class, one exact style, and one exact car that really suits us. However what really makes a car a good purchase is how it speaks to you and appeals to you during the drive. No one can predict that with rational decision making. It's incredible how different cars of the same class and price range can feel. I think that's why automobiles attract so many enthusiasts. They may be just congealed collections of metal, plastic, and glass, but they all have such distinct personas and souls. I thought I wanted the sharp edged precision of the S2000 or the capable nature of the G35, but really I found myself smitten with how the Z06 impatiently rocks with barely suppressed menace at stop lights, and tears through the gears with enough force and violence to make your legs shake. Had I just driven the G35 and S2000, I would have gone home with the sensible G35. Had I also driven the EVO, I would have bought the EVO for its divine driving dynamics. Had I driven just those and the RX8, I would have gone home with the RX8 for its supernatural grace and liquid smoothness.
Who knows maybe if I drove more cars I'd have ended up with something else other than the Z06. But the idea stands that more cars you test drive, the more chances you'll have of finding that car that really speaks to you. I'm guessing your grandma doesn't do this car gift more than once for each grandson. Why not make the very most of this amazing opportunity? Considering all the responsibilities that come after college, this could be your last chance to pick based solely on how that car connects with you (image, practicality, etc be damned) before you might have to settle down, have a family, or save for graduate schools, etc.
This is the car you will remember for the rest of your life. When you are 90 and dying you'll still remember the first time your fired her up and went for that first drive. Why not make it as memorable as possible?
^Good post, 565^
Conclusion: Get a Vette! :wub:
:clap:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 08:35:21 PM
Well, I know I'm not going to pay MSRP, if that's what you mean. I responded and asked him for more details on the cars he found and asked for price quotes. I told him that since I won't want to go get the car until the end of the month, that I just wanted a general idea of what to expect. I said I was looking forward to doing business with him, told him e-mail would be the easiest way to contact me as a student, but phone calls are fine, too...etc.
When it comes to writing the check, it will be much more at my dad's discretion, and he's no fool.
And the other aspect in which the sales guy has got you - the largest advantage of all - he knows you really want the car.
I hope everything works out - best of luck.
I'm not moved by BMWs and Mercedes vehicles.
Mustang/Camaro/etc. are impractical.
I will not be able to get a different/new car for a long time. Practicality must be considered.
I've always been in love with Audis from the outside, and the drive proved to be just as rewarding.
I care just as much about the looks of the car as the drive of the car. Audis look gorgeous to me, and as an automotive detailer, I would love to have a car that looks this good.
I don't want a used vehicle. I want to have a brand-new car for the first time in my life. One that will be mine; one that will have only miles from my foot on the gas pedal. Who knows if I'll ever have that opportunity again.
It's quick, comfortable, practical, drop-dead gorgeous, and in my price range. I don't want a BMW 3-series or a Mercedes. I want the Audi. I'm going to get one.
Again; this isn't a "what should I buy" thread. This is a "I've never bought a new car; help me" thread. Kthx.
:huh:
Quote from: Raza on April 04, 2010, 07:13:58 PM
Two lengths when stopped!?
Yeah I just ignored that because it seemed completely absurd.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 10:05:57 PM
I'm not moved by BMWs and Mercedes vehicles.
Mustang/Camaro/etc. are impractical.
I will not be able to get a different/new car for a long time. Practicality must be considered.
I've always been in love with Audis from the outside, and the drive proved to be just as rewarding.
I care just as much about the looks of the car as the drive of the car. Audis look gorgeous to me, and as an automotive detailer, I would love to have a car that looks this good.
I don't want a used vehicle. I want to have a brand-new car for the first time in my life. One that will be mine; one that will have only miles from my foot on the gas pedal. Who knows if I'll ever have that opportunity again.
It's quick, comfortable, practical, drop-dead gorgeous, and in my price range. I don't want a BMW 3-series or a Mercedes. I want the Audi. I'm going to get one.
Again; this isn't a "what should I buy" thread. This is a "I've never bought a new car; help me" thread. Kthx.
:huh:
Well I tried.
As for getting the lowest price. Here's what I've found. Usually after test driving a car, the dealer will try to get you to buy right then right there, before you've had a chance to mull it over or consider other options. Occasionally I had to go through some negotiations because it was difficult to get test drives at certain dealers (for the EVO specially) unless you act like you are super interested in the car and ready to negotiate for a price. I just give an aggressively low price, act like I'm disatisfied with the price they want and leave.
Almost always a few days later the salesmen will come calling or emailing, practically crawling on his knees with a better offer and more concessions. If he was so close to a deal that he could taste it, he's not going to let it go.
The most recent example I can think of was when my father was looking at a 2007 G35x. The dealer basically told him 32 grand was the lowest he could go at the dealership, and it had to be that particular car in the showroom. My father wanted a different color and a 2008 model and less money. The dealer said no. My father walked out.
A week later the salesmen calls up my father with guess what, an offer for a 2008 model with whatever color he wanted for the 31 grand he was asking for. I guess he was having a slow week and suddenly my father's offer was the best he could do. By then he'd already bought an Accord.
So my advice would be to go in, negotiate hard and aggressive, make it clear you are serious, but walk away. Do this for a few local dealers in your area, and wait for them to come crawling back to you. Then if you can, try to play the dealers off each other with things like. Well this dealer has this price, can you match it, etc.
Yeah. There's really only one other Audi dealer I have immediate access to, so it won't be particularly easy, but having one other dealer's offer available as a bargaining chip is better than not having any bargaining chips.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 04, 2010, 10:19:09 PM
Yeah I just ignored that because it seemed completely absurd.
Don't believe me? Give Safeway a call. http://www.safewaydriving.com/ 713-468-1929 :ohyeah:
Quote from: GoCougs on April 04, 2010, 08:04:44 PM
Imagine walking into an upscale dealer as a 20-year-old wanting to buy a $35-40k car, saying your grandparents, whom aren't with you, will be writing the check. Exactly 96.5% of salespeople will see a kid looking for a joyride and will react accordingly.
That's not the way to do it. I always take the "I'm a foolish, young college student graduating in a couple of months with a good degree and a job already lined up, so I'm getting ready to waste away my paychecks" approach. I've been pretty successful.
Quote from: Minpin on April 04, 2010, 09:55:24 AM
At Texas drivers ed they teach us 2 carlengths in between you and the other car when stopped, and they fail you in your final test if you don't do that. I dunno if that makes it law, but it's certainly more than just a dbag move.
Two car-lengths?? Dear me.
Quote from: omicron on April 05, 2010, 09:49:09 AM
Two car-lengths?? Dear me.
That seems a bit much. I stop so I can see the rear tires of the car ahead of me. Typically it allows anyone driving a standard enough room to not roll into me, and room for me to drive around if I have to.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 04, 2010, 07:17:14 PM
Gotcha. I'm not sure what the case is here as, like I said, Edmunds is telling me that people (on average, obviously) are paying above invoice but still below MSRP.
How should I respond to the email he sent me saying he found some the way I'd want them? He gave me a base MSRP for them. I was thinking something like "blah blah, hi, hello; Could you give me more details about some of the cars' specific options, as well as price quotes?" Just keep it simple like that?
You should easily be able to get it for about 10% below invoice. Don't feel shy about bargaining just because you are buying a luxury car. Rich people aren't stoopid, you know. Depending upon the time of year, you could do better, but spring is a strong selling season, plus the car market is picking up a bit, so you won't have too much leverage. Your best bet to see how much leverage you have is to make a low offer, maybe 13-15% below, and see what happens. You'll probably end up 8-10% below MSRP. But always be prepared to walk away from any deal. If you walk away and the dealer doesn't chase you back down with a counter offer or acceptance of your offer, you know the market is strong and he feels he can get more for the car from someone else. No hard feelings. Then you can either go to another dealer and work towards a slightly higher price, or go back to the first guy saying "OK, I'll take your offer." He's a salesman and needs to sell cars to make a living. He knows how low he can go, and you know how much you want to pay. It's really not that complicated once you realize both parties want this to work out. And it's actually kind of fun along the way.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 05, 2010, 09:56:33 PM
You should easily be able to get it for about 10% below invoice. Don't feel shy about bargaining just because you are buying a luxury car. Rich people aren't stoopid, you know. Depending upon the time of year, you could do better, but spring is a strong selling season, plus the car market is picking up a bit, so you won't have too much leverage. Your best bet to see how much leverage you have is to make a low offer, maybe 13-15% below, and see what happens. You'll probably end up 8-10% below MSRP. But always be prepared to walk away from any deal. If you walk away and the dealer doesn't chase you back down with a counter offer or acceptance of your offer, you know the market is strong and he feels he can get more for the car from someone else. No hard feelings. Then you can either go to another dealer and work towards a slightly higher price, or go back to the first guy saying "OK, I'll take your offer." He's a salesman and needs to sell cars to make a living. He knows how low he can go, and you know how much you want to pay. It's really not that complicated once you realize both parties want this to work out. And it's actually kind of fun along the way.
Thanks man. :ohyeah:
Bargaining will come once I return to the dealer to actually pick up the car, assuming I get one from this dealership. Unless we work out some sort of deal via e-mail or over the phone, which I doubt we would so far in advance.
Quote from: Jon? on April 05, 2010, 10:14:35 AM
That seems a bit much. I stop so I can see the rear tires of the car ahead of me. Typically it allows anyone driving a standard enough room to not roll into me, and room for me to drive around if I have to.
That's what I do too. It also leaves enough room that if I'm rearended, I probably won't hit the car in front. Also, it allows enough room that I can start driving as soon as they do, and I don't need to wait for them to put enough distance between us before I start up.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 05, 2010, 10:13:02 PM
Thanks man. :ohyeah:
Bargaining will come once I return to the dealer to actually pick up the car, assuming I get one from this dealership. Unless we work out some sort of deal via e-mail or over the phone, which I doubt we would so far in advance.
Just be careful of getting painted into a corner "because I got this car into my dealership just for you." As long as you haven't given any deposits or signed any purchase agreements, you are still in full bargaining mode. Good luck!
I'd never spend that kind of money on a new car, and I'd never buy a 'luxury' marque brand new. Depreciation will be pretty horrendous. I know it's not your money though...
Quote from: Jon? on April 05, 2010, 10:14:35 AM
That seems a bit much. I stop so I can see the rear tires of the car ahead of me. Typically it allows anyone driving a standard enough room to not roll into me, and room for me to drive around if I have to.
Just "typically"? So, what, they only hit you one time in ten?
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 06, 2010, 10:38:23 AM
I'd never spend that kind of money on a new car, and I'd never buy a 'luxury' marque brand new. Depreciation will be pretty horrendous. I know it's not your money though...
I was resisting going down this road but since you brought it up and the thread has had a good run on the topic at hand...
Yeah, I'd take ~$5k of that ~$35k and buy a well-used Civic or something as college is murder on cars. I'd wait till graduation and a job and then buy something more enticing.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 06, 2010, 10:58:55 AM
I was resisting going down this road but since you brought it up and the thread has had a good run on the topic at hand...
Yeah, I'd take ~$5k of that ~$35k and buy a well-used Civic or something as college is murder on cars. I'd wait till graduation and a job and then buy something more enticing.
College is murder on cars? Maybe if you are going to college in a major city...
I had my Passat all four years in school and it was in pretty much perfect condition by the end of my term; the lease inspector said it was the best lease return he'd ever seen.
Quote from: Raza on April 06, 2010, 11:23:00 AM
College is murder on cars? Maybe if you are going to college in a major city...
I had my Passat all four years in school and it was in pretty much perfect condition by the end of my term; the lease inspector said it was the best lease return he'd ever seen.
On-street parking isn't so kind.
Quote from: ifcar on April 06, 2010, 10:49:39 AM
Just "typically"? So, what, they only hit you one time in ten?
No, that's never happened. Sorry if that wasn't clear. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Jon? on April 06, 2010, 12:24:54 PM
No, that's never happened. Sorry if that wasn't clear. :rolleyes:
I was kidding. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 06, 2010, 11:51:59 AM
On-street parking isn't so kind.
I agree; if I were going to college in a major city where I had to park on the street instead of a lot or garage, I'd agree with Cougs, but I don't know what Chris's college area is like. I had a lot all the way through school, though not always attached to my building, but I parked on the street sometimes as well (especially when I lived out of the downtown area). It's kind of simple to say that "college" is murder on cars when college campuses and surrounding areas are can differ wildly.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 06, 2010, 11:51:59 AM
On-street parking isn't so kind.
I parked in the dormatory lots (even had a spot in a garage for a while) and still got some dings. Worst of which was a mark on the bumper where somebody backing out of a space bumped into me.
My car's suffered no damage from 2 years in a city. None. Lot last year and a garage this year.
Quote from: Raza on April 06, 2010, 12:38:29 PM
I agree; if I were going to college in a major city where I had to park on the street instead of a lot or garage, I'd agree with Cougs, but I don't know what Chris's college area is like. I had a lot all the way through school, though not always attached to my building, but I parked on the street sometimes as well (especially when I lived out of the downtown area). It's kind of simple to say that "college" is murder on cars when college campuses and surrounding areas are can differ wildly.
Even if there was a few scratches and dings, I'm not sure that qualifies as "murder on cars." For those who aren't aware, there's a lot more to a car than the metal on the outside.
Salesman e-mailed me today, said there's 2 like this one in port, and another on it's way that he could get to his dealership. Sent me a pricing sheet along with.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 06, 2010, 03:24:07 PM
Even if there was a few scratches and dings, I'm not sure that qualifies as "murder on cars." For those who aren't aware, there's a lot more to a car than the metal on the outside.
Yes, but nothing kills resale in the eyes of a buyer than obvious visual defects and blemishes (chips, deep scratches, scuffs and dents).
College is murder on cars, that is, if you had a good college experience; puke in the back seat, way overloaded interior carrying anything from stolen street signs to a half a dozen drunken friends, dings in the lot/on street, blizzards/driving on salt/snow-covered roads, burn-outs in the parking lot, jaunts up dirt roads for miles on end to some party spot to gods knows what else. It is proven that 1 college mile is worth exactly 9.32 regular miles.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 06, 2010, 04:55:44 PM
Salesman e-mailed me today, said there's 2 like this one in port, and another on it's way that he could get to his dealership. Sent me a pricing sheet along with.
That's a whole hell of a lot cheaper than most 3ers.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 06, 2010, 08:31:53 PM
College is murder on cars, that is, if you had a good college experience; puke in the back seat, way overloaded interior carrying anything from stolen street signs to a half a dozen drunken friends, dings in the lot/on street, blizzards/driving on salt/snow-covered roads, burn-outs in the parking lot, jaunts up dirt roads for miles on end to some party spot to gods knows what else. It is proven that 1 college mile is worth exactly 9.32 regular miles.
I take it you didn't know anyone else with a car?
Quote from: GoCougs on April 06, 2010, 08:31:53 PM
College is murder on cars, that is, if you had a good college experience; puke in the back seat, way overloaded interior carrying anything from stolen street signs to a half a dozen drunken friends, dings in the lot/on street, blizzards/driving on salt/snow-covered roads, burn-outs in the parking lot, jaunts up dirt roads for miles on end to some party spot to gods knows what else. It is proven that 1 college mile is worth exactly 9.32 regular miles.
You consider that a good college experience? To me, that sounds like shit.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 08:44:55 PM
You consider that a good college experience? To me, that sounds like shit.
Wait til you experience college to pass judgment. It's a unique time in life, and Coug's assessment is pretty good. Not necessarily everything on the list, or even a literal translation, but there are plenty of debauchery and shenanigans that must be experienced.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 06, 2010, 08:31:53 PM
College is murder on cars, that is, if you had a good college experience; puke in the back seat, way overloaded interior carrying anything from stolen street signs to a half a dozen drunken friends, dings in the lot/on street, blizzards/driving on salt/snow-covered roads, burn-outs in the parking lot, jaunts up dirt roads for miles on end to some party spot to gods knows what else. It is proven that 1 college mile is worth exactly 9.32 regular miles.
I'm not sure where you got such numbers from...
In some instances, college can be hell for a car. Most of my friends who went to college in the city had numerous, large scratches, dents, etc by the time they got out, whereas my friends who went to rural/smaller schools generally had less damage. Then again, I'm going on a small, selected population - so it's not a very scientific "study"
Quote from: GoCougs on April 06, 2010, 08:31:53 PM
College is murder on cars, that is, if you had a good college experience; puke in the back seat, way overloaded interior carrying anything from stolen street signs to a half a dozen drunken friends, dings in the lot/on street, blizzards/driving on salt/snow-covered roads, burn-outs in the parking lot, jaunts up dirt roads for miles on end to some party spot to gods knows what else. It is proven that 1 college mile is worth exactly 9.32 regular miles.
Sounds like typical driving for my town and friends. :huh: :lol: Minus the puke. Never had that happen.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 08:44:55 PM
You consider that a good college experience? To me, that sounds like shit.
Ha! Yer setting yerself up for a terrible college experience!
Also forgot - keg rolling around in the trunk, a "party ball" (2.5 gallon plastic keg w/integral pump) breaking in the trunk, blasting through snow drifts, driving out in the fields - I think you get the drift. This comprises exactly 4.5% of my college experience.
I had a good college experience by Cougs' standards (less frats, more hippies), and my cars didn't suffer because of it.
Leave that to some other person's car.
Quote from: Submariner on April 06, 2010, 08:52:03 PM
I'm not sure where you got such numbers from...
In some instances, college can be hell for a car. Most of my friends who went to college in the city had numerous, large scratches, dents, etc by the time they got out, whereas my friends who went to rural/smaller schools generally had less damage. Then again, I'm going on a small, selected population - so it's not a very scientific "study"
Nah - just a superlative on my part.
I would like to think you don't get much more rural than WSU - it's out in the middle of wheat fields; pretty much everything outside this pic is wheat fields:
(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3214/wsucampusweb.jpg) (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/wsucampusweb.jpg/)
Quote from: Submariner on April 06, 2010, 08:52:03 PM
I'm not sure where you got such numbers from...
In some instances, college can be hell for a car. Most of my friends who went to college in the city had numerous, large scratches, dents, etc by the time they got out, whereas my friends who went to rural/smaller schools generally had less damage. Then again, I'm going on a small, selected population - so it's not a very scientific "study"
Want me to take pictures of my car tomorrow? Forewarning: I didn't cause any of the damage myself.
Why was that a warning?
Quote from: Raza on April 06, 2010, 08:44:40 PM
I take it you didn't know anyone else with a car?
Quote from: Rupert on April 06, 2010, 09:12:24 PM
Leave that to some other person's car.
+1.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 08:44:55 PM
You consider that a good college experience? To me, that sounds like shit.
Look at that! Mr. Super-Mature High-School Dude is too grown-up for all these college shenanigans. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Rupert on April 06, 2010, 09:32:26 PM
Why was that a warning?
He's preparing delicate sensitivies for the coming affront.
LOL
Not gonna lie, what Cougs just described sounds like a lot of fun.
I just did a mega clean-up of my closets during the weekend and came across my college pics and associated memorabilia, so those memories, and 1,321 more, were all queued up. I had very good times in college.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 06, 2010, 09:41:33 PM
Not gonna lie, what Cougs just described sounds like a lot of fun.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 06, 2010, 08:31:53 PM
College is murder on cars, that is, if you had a good college experience; puke in the back seat, way overloaded interior carrying anything from stolen street signs to a half a dozen drunken friends, dings in the lot/on street, blizzards/driving on salt/snow-covered roads, burn-outs in the parking lot, jaunts up dirt roads for miles on end to some party spot to gods knows what else. It is proven that 1 college mile is worth exactly 9.32 regular miles.
Save for the puke, that sounds fun.
Quote from: Rupert on April 06, 2010, 09:32:26 PM
Why was that a warning?
It's not; it's life unfortunately.
My rear bumper looks like shit because no one in this goddamn city knows how to drive.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 06, 2010, 09:53:02 PM
Save for the puke, that sounds fun.
The puking isn't fun at the time, but when you're no longer "feeling it," it makes for awesome "WTF happened last night?" stories.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 06, 2010, 10:29:33 PM
The puking isn't fun at the time, but when you're no longer "feeling it," it makes for awesome "WTF happened last night?" stories.
Puke in a black man's car, instant death by random thugs from Cleveland.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 06, 2010, 10:31:18 PM
Puke in a black man's car, instant death by random thugs from Cleveland.
Straight up gangsta. But I won't be riding in a 1987 Monte Carlo rolling on Lexanis anytime soon.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 06, 2010, 09:06:36 PM
Ha! Yer setting yerself up for a terrible college experience!
Also forgot - keg rolling around in the trunk, a "party ball" (2.5 gallon plastic keg w/integral pump) breaking in the trunk, blasting through snow drifts, driving out in the fields - I think you get the drift. This comprises exactly 4.5% of my college experience.
I don't care about all that shit. I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents. I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit. I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents. I'm not going to fool around.
You say that now. I am going to sig this because in a year, your priorities will have changed a bit.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 06, 2010, 10:50:31 PM
You say that now. I am going to sig this because in a year, you're priorities will have changed a bit.
What?
They may have changed, but for now, I really don't care about that shit. I'm not going to fuck up my free-to-me education by partying. I can't afford that.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:52:11 PM
What?
They may have changed, but for now, I really don't care about that shit. I'm not going to fuck up my free-to-me education by partying. I can't afford that.
You speak in extremes. There are no extremes in college except for extremists.
Everything is good in moderation except for moderation.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:52:11 PM
What?
They may have changed, but for now, I really don't care about that shit. I'm not going to fuck up my free-to-me education by partying. I can't afford that.
I have a 3.6 (which is actually pretty damn high for GT; Dean's List is a 3.0) at the #4 engineering school in the country and I still find plenty of time for shenanigans. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Oh yeah, and even after I graduate, neither my parents nor I will have paid a single dime for tuition. :ohyeah:
The social interactions that you learn during your college life, partying and having fun included, are one of the most important things you take away from it. What you learn in cold hard facts will be out-dated in a mater of years but who you meet and the experience that you take from it will be with you forever. Don't be lame and just study.
I'm lame, don't study, and don't socialize properly. And fail. lulz
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 06, 2010, 11:55:32 PM
I'm lame, don't study, and don't socialize properly. And fail. lulz
:rage:
You're missing out on a hell of a good time :P
Quote from: Xer0 on April 07, 2010, 12:03:37 AM
:rage:
You're missing out on a hell of a good time :P
I know it. Too late now. :huh: :cry:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 06, 2010, 11:55:32 PM
I'm lame, don't study, and don't socialize properly. And fail. lulz
Yeah, but you drink, so that's worth something.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 07, 2010, 12:07:16 AM
Yeah, but you drink, so that's worth something.
Indeed. I enjoy that.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 06, 2010, 10:53:43 PM
You speak in extremes. There are no extremes in college except for extremists.
Everything is good in moderation except for moderation.
Everything in moderation,
especially moderation was my college motto, especially in later years.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit. I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents. I'm not going to fool around.
Partying not only is fun, but it forms connections and relationships that will benefit you personally and sometimes professionally down the line.
I really don't care for that stereotypical frat parting, but to me the nerds and "alternative" students have been more fun to hang around.
Quote from: Rupert on April 07, 2010, 01:18:06 AM
Everything in moderation, especially moderation was my college motto, especially in later years.
He'll see when he gets there, and Oklahoma ain't exactly a wallflower school.
dont let work get in the way of your college educaiton...
I'll agree with Cougs. College is hell on your car. Terrible pot holes around our campus, combined with countless door dings and drunkards walking around it all the time, it gets beat to hell. My shocks and endlinks are basically done after I graduate. I'm selling this thing and getting something nice once I move out of here.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit. I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents. I'm not going to fool around.
Be wary that it is quite common that the "I'm not going to fool around" types are the ones that go absolutely nuts once in the college environment and end up not being able to balance the social vs. scholastic scene. Saw it lots of times myself, and had a bit of that early on when I was in school.
In hindsight I think I did probably a bit too much and otherwise could have concentrated more on school but I still managed to graduate with a 3.0 in engineering and to this day all my closest friends are from college and have connected with scores more college (party) acquaintances via FB.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 06, 2010, 09:05:25 PM
Sounds like typical driving for my town and friends. :huh: :lol: Minus the puke. Never had that happen.
Nobody's puked IN my car, but there was a girl who was sitting on the seat with the door opened puking. She for some reason thought that was acceptable until I started badgering her with "GET OUT OF MY CAR!"
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 07, 2010, 09:01:50 AM
Nobody's puked IN my car, but there was a girl who was sitting on the seat with the door opened puking. She for some reason thought that was acceptable until I started badgering her with "GET OUT OF MY CAR!"
Bahahaha.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 07, 2010, 09:01:50 AM
Nobody's puked IN my car, but there was a girl who was sitting on the seat with the door opened puking.
That is so hot.
I puked out of someone's car once, but it was before we started driving.
I also just remembered that I had a dream last night where one of my parents (can't remember which one) randomly bought me a 2010 A4.
:lol:
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 06, 2010, 09:41:33 PM
Not gonna lie, what Cougs just described sounds like a lot of fun.
Oh, it is.
I never did the keg thing though. It was never allowed in any of my apartment buildings, and I didn't host parties anyway. I went to them at times, but I went to bars more often.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 07, 2010, 08:57:37 AM
Be wary that it is quite common that the "I'm not going to fool around" types are the ones that go absolutely nuts once in the college environment and end up not being able to balance the social vs. scholastic scene. Saw it lots of times myself, and had a bit of that early on when I was in school.
This is also true. But then again, our very own TBR hasn't gone nuts, to our knowledge.
Quote from: Raza on April 07, 2010, 11:25:39 AM
This is also true. But then again, our very own TBR hasn't gone nuts, to our knowledge.
Yeah, I mean there are exceptions to every rule, but I know way more people who started partying than people who didn't (including myself).
Apparently the Audi dealer here in Ann Arbor has an A4, black-on-black, 6-speed on their showroom floor. Called the saleswoman my dad talked to, left her a voicemail. Hoping to hear from her ASAP so I can go check it out and maybe put some money on it to secure it!
:mask:
WINNER.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 08:44:55 PM
You consider that a good college experience? To me, that sounds like shit.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:48:54 PM
I don't care about all that shit. I'll be going to college to get an education at a cost to my parents. I'm not going to fool around.
Quote from: CJ on April 06, 2010, 10:52:11 PM
What?
They may have changed, but for now, I really don't care about that shit. I'm not going to fuck up my free-to-me education by partying. I can't afford that.
What the hell are you talking about?
Did they stop offering the 3.2 on the A4?
Quote from: Tave on April 07, 2010, 01:48:34 PM
What the hell are you talking about?
He'll be burnt out by early sophomore year.
Quote from: Tave on April 07, 2010, 01:48:34 PM
What the hell are you talking about?
He has no idea.
DID ANYBODY HEAR ME?! THE DEALERSHIP HERE IN ANN ARBOR HAS A BLACK-ON-BLACK SIX-SPEED ON THE SHOWROOM FLOOR.
MOTHERFUCKERS.
:praise:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 07, 2010, 10:09:58 PM
DID ANYBODY HEAR ME?! THE DEALERSHIP HERE IN ANN ARBOR HAS A BLACK-ON-BLACK SIX-SPEED ON THE SHOWROOM FLOOR.
MOTHERFUCKERS.
:praise:
I'll bite.
Are you going to buy it?
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 07, 2010, 10:13:41 PM
I'll bite.
Are you going to buy it?
If it's the right price, you bet. It's a "premium plus" model with all the blue teeth and shit. MSRP is prolly 35-36k, which I'm sure I can talk down into the 32-33 range. Booya.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 07, 2010, 10:15:10 PM
If it's the right price, you bet. It's a "premium plus" model with all the blue teeth and shit. MSRP is prolly 35-36k, which I'm sure I can talk down into the 32-33 range. Booya.
Nice! That's how you want the car optioned up. The premium pkg is about right in your range. Plus it's already on their lot? That means they really want to move the metal since they've already paid for the car and it's not a transfer from another dealer. A sweet deal for both of you if you can get them down to the right number. But seriously, all that is nowhere near as interesting as knowing that CJ isn't goint to party at all in his college career. Get your priorities straight! :partyon:
Quote from: saxonyron on April 07, 2010, 10:20:56 PM
Nice! That's how you want the car optioned up. The premium pkg is about right in your range. Plus it's already on their lot? That means they really want to move the metal since they've already paid for the car and it's not a transfer from another dealer. A sweet deal for both of you if you can get them down to the right number. But seriously, all that is nowhere near as interesting as knowing that CJ isn't goint to party at all in his college career. Get your priorities straight! :partyon:
Haha Yeah...it's definitely a nice one, and I'm very positive we can negotiate it more into my price range. I'm excited. I'm heading there Friday, and hopefully I can make some sort of commitment (down payment, sign a paper, something) to secure it until I'm out of school!
And you're right...I
do need to get my priorities straight. Gotta show CJ the light, eh? :cheers:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 07, 2010, 10:15:10 PM
If it's the right price, you bet. It's a "premium plus" model with all the blue teeth and shit. MSRP is prolly 35-36k, which I'm sure I can talk down into the 32-33 range. Booya.
Do it.
That sounds like a remarkably good price considering what you get versus the Passat for the money.
MSRP should be $37,100 if it's a quattro. 10% off and you're looking at $33k and change. Good value if you can get close to that. I think my '06 A4 stickered around $38k. As for holding it for 5 weeks, you may find that they want you to sign now. A sale a month away isn't as enticing to the dealer, so you'll lose some bargaining power. It might be worth it to get it now and pay the extra month's payment (or if your grandparents are paying cash, you might have to forego this one and wait to find another in May. It shouldn't be hard to score another good one.
Nah, 3 weeks away. My last exam is 3 weeks from today, so I'll be heading out of town on that Thursday, the 29. Plus, I could always just buy the car and park it at my brother's place if need be.
Car's being paid for in full in cash straight up.
Is paying for a car in full straight up a bargaining chip, or does the dealer care whether they get the money now or later in payments?
Later in payments = interest.
Meh.
Not if you're a dealer. They like the interest you're paying them.
Do you think it will make a huge difference in the price we negotiate to, or just a couple hundred dollars either way?
Honestly, I have no idea. I would think it would matter, but I don't know how much. I don't buy new cars. :huh:
Me either. :huh:
:lol:
I guess that's why this thread is here, eh?
If it's a solvent dealer paying cash isn't a financial incentive. They get to mark in their books the sale the day the papers are signed, and the vast majority of people finance new cars so the process is relatively fine-tuned. It does telegraph that you mean business, but also predicts that you'll probably be a hard bargainer.
I betcha dealers would prefer to finance cars actually as the whole monthly payment song-n-dance is a significant means of putting the buyer at a bargaining disadvantage. "Oh, you're hesitant to pay $2,000 extra for leather, sunroof and power seats? BUT THAT'S ONLY $30 EXTRA A MONTH!" (on a 60 month loan).
Quote from: Rupert on April 08, 2010, 01:05:21 AM
I guess that's why this thread is here, eh?
At the end of the day, you're not paying for the car + you really want it = your position is inherently weak. The dealer will know this. If you want specific recommendation on negotiations from an inherently weak position:
1. Decide the maximum you want to pay FOR REALZ. This means, if you don't get this price you walk. In your position I would choose $31,000 on a $35,000 car.
2. Take this price and subtract 5-10%. ~$29,000 is your first offer. Make the dealer work to get you up to $31,000 - floor mats, options, whatever. NOTE: any factory rebates would be subtracted from this price after the fact.
3. If the dealer balks or does the "I don't deal with low-ball offers" or "I don't do business like this" or whatever, immediately walk.
So is 10-12% below MSRP a good first offer?
That's gonna be a sick car, congratulations if you get it.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 08, 2010, 11:40:28 AM
So is 10-12% below MSRP a good first offer?
By my guesstimate $29k offer on a $35k care is closer to 20%...
Quote from: GoCougs on April 08, 2010, 12:42:06 PM
By my guesstimate $29k offer on a $35k care is closer to 20%...
When did I say I was going to offer 29 on a 35 car? I said 10-12 percent.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 08, 2010, 12:44:16 PM
When did I say I was going to offer 29 on a 35 car? I said 10-12 percent.
My implicit answer in my advice was no (IMO); 10-12% below is a not a good first offer (at least from a buyer's POV). That's probably only at invoice.
So more like 15% would be a safe/good first offer? Or would you suggest going deep to 20%..?
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 08, 2010, 12:55:36 PM
So more like 15% would be a safe/good first offer? Or would you suggest going deep to 20%..?
That is really market dependent. In a buyers' market, you can score a big discount. It's spring and Audi isn't hurting too badly, so you're not going to get any 20% below list. It might be a good starting point, but in my experience, if you get an Audi dealer down to 10% below MSRP, you're doing pretty well. Edmunds has the TMV at $34,800 on a $36,600 sticker. That's only 5% below MSRP. Of course, that's not gospel, so I'd still aim for 10%, going in with a 15% low bid, and working up from there. A 20% offer isn't going to get you too far, unless they're desperate for a sale. And carrying cash is a strong suit for sure. Sure, the dealer can't dick you around with financing BS, but you are an absolute player and they like that. I don't think you'll find a salesman willing to let a cash buyer out of his showroom.
Here's from Edmunds...
The True Market Value? (TMV?) price is our exclusive method for calculating what others are paying for vehicles (based on actual sales data from your region).
2010 Audi A4
2.0T Premium quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
What Others
Are Paying
MSRP Invoice TMV
Base $32,350 $30,085 $30,834
WPS Premium Plus $3,500 $3,256 $3,323
Destination Charge $ 825 $ 825 $ 825
Total with Options $36,675 $34,166 $34,859
Cool. Thanks for the advice...I'm not sure on what the exact sticker price is on it, but I'll see tomorrow when I go meet the saleswoman and check out the car. If we start talking prices, I'll throw out 15% underneath the sticker and go from there.
Just talked to my dad on the phone. Gave me similar advice; he said 15% under window price would be a good starting point. So hopefully I'll talk prices with the lady and I can check in with my parents on it and perhaps head back to the dealer on Saturday to talk more or put down a payment or something...whatever I'd have to do to secure it as mine until the 29th.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 08, 2010, 03:28:00 PM
Cool. Thanks for the advice...I'm not sure on what the exact sticker price is on it, but I'll see tomorrow when I go meet the saleswoman and check out the car. If we start talking prices, I'll throw out 15% underneath the sticker and go from there.
Just talked to my dad on the phone. Gave me similar advice; he said 15% under window price would be a good starting point. So hopefully I'll talk prices with the lady and I can check in with my parents on it and perhaps head back to the dealer on Saturday to talk more or put down a payment or something...whatever I'd have to do to secure it as mine until the 29th.
If you can, just go ahead and buy it and park it at your brother's place until you can pick it up from there. If you want them to keep the car for you, they're going to use that as a bargaining chip.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 08, 2010, 03:50:28 PM
If you can, just go ahead and buy it and park it at your brother's place until you can pick it up from there. If you want them to keep the car for you, they're going to use that as a bargaining chip.
A good point. I could probably do that if need be. Then I could drive it!
Heading to the dealership in about an hour here. Looking forward to meeting the saleswoman - who sounds rather pleasant over the phone - and snagging a car and good deal. Wish me luck! :mask:
What the fuck? They didn't even offer me a price below MSRP for the fucking thing.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 09, 2010, 03:39:43 PM
What the fuck? They didn't even offer me a price below MSRP for the fucking thing.
I'd be very very surprised if they did - standard fare is not to leave money on the table and otherwise make you work for it, plus they know you're not paying for it, they know you really want it, and it sounds like they're the only game in town.
Either way you were going in at like 15% under MSRP, so what happened?
I dunno. I caved, I guess. I didn't even feel like they gave me an opportunity to make an offer. I looked at the car, talked to the saleswoman, and was suddenly at the boss' desk talking about "free Audi care" and "I'm only going to make $1700 margin at this price" and yadda yadda. I'm not much of a hardball talker.
Called the dealership I was at last weekend, though, and off the bat, Robert offered me a grand off MSRP for a Premium model. The one here in Ann Arbor's a Premium Plus, but I just doubt that I could get one into my price range anywhere...38+ thousand with taxes is too much.
I may just go with the Premium from the guy in Grand Rapids. He's ready for me.
And I hate when silly salesmen/women say shit like "well, the LED running lights and Xenon headlamps are a safety feature! So don't forget to tell your grandparents that!"
ZOMG REALLYZ?!
Fuck off. They're not any "safer."
Plus, the "boss" guy was like "oh, yeah! I can get you $1500 off through an incentive program!" Five minutes later he checks the book and - whoops! - it's only for people that have previously owned Audis! Plus, he checked his vibrating Blackberry twice, took two phone calls, talked to three different people that came into his office, and hung out with his daughter. All while I was in his office. It was rather rude. Cool guy, served in Iraq, 29 years old; but cripes.
Oh, thought you went there with the person that is writing the check. I'm not surprised by the treatment - chances they'd spend their time wheeling and dealing with a non-buyer is tiny.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 09, 2010, 04:34:54 PM
Oh, thought you went there with the person that is writing the check. I'm not surprised by the treatment - chances they'd spend their time wheeling and dealing with a non-buyer is tiny.
I called my dad while I was there, and he gave me information so that my dad could wire-transfer money over.
I put $200 on it so they'll hold it through tomorrow. Gonna talk with my parents tonight, but I'm pretty sure it's just too 'spensive. I'll go in there with a printed copy of the price sheet the other salesman showed me, and
maybe they'll do some bargaining, but I doubt it. Meh.
The check-writer is my dad, who's 450 miles away, and I do not expect him to make a trip down just to haggle on a car.
Meh - be happy and don't worry about it. They got you and they know it. It happens. There are worse transgressions in life than paying MSRP for a new car.
However, they probably have you marked for nickel-n-dime action on "fees" so be ready - from "documentation" fee to a "detailing/prep" fee to a "handling" fee to excessive sales/excise tax hold back to extended warranty to even the classic scams of body undercoating and upholstery treatment.
Yeah, even paying below MSRP on a 37k car would be too much. They noted all the fees in the pricing sheet they gave me, including the doc. fee and prep fee.
Well, let me tell you about the first time I bought a car from a dealer (only ever done it twice). Had my heart set on a slightly used Tacoma w/4wd, V6 and extra cab. Found one a bit more than I wanted to pay (read: afford) yet much cheaper than anywhere else. Went for a test drive but it was a POS. They had other similar trucks (in good condition) but the prices were what I expected (out of my range). I tried to bargain but the trucks were just far above what I could pay ($5k+). They in turn gave me the good ole, "hey, we've got this in your price range..."
Enter a slighty used ultra base model Tacoma 4wd, I4 and regular cab (LOL - didn't even have a tape deck). Went for a drive and it was great. It was actually a bit cheaper than I was expecting to pay and $2k below KBB. I tried to bargain but they countered claiming it was already way below KBB. I didn't feel comfortable paying what they were asking so I asked for extras; sliding rear window, hitch, bed liner, fix a small dent on the bed, oil change and a full tank of gas. At the time my daily driver was 20 years old and a mega POS. It was late at night, pouring down rain, and I just wanted a decent car for the first time in my life.
Moral of the story is, I did pay what they were asking albeit I probably got ~$1,000 in extras, but I got it when I wanted/needed it and it was a rock star vehicle for the ~8 years and ~150k I owned it. I sold it at 50% of what I paid for it even though it was 10 years old and had ~165k on the clock. In hindsight I would do some things differently (actually did when I bought my Accord) but I don't regret it at all. Got a fantastic vehicle at a good price and I got more than my money's worth out of it.
Confirmed. Deposit check is in the mail for the car in Grand Rapids. The Ann Arbor dealer said they could get the same car and match the price. Match? Fuck that. I'll get the car from the guy I talked with first and whom actually isn't trying to get me to pay MSRP. :devil:
i nearly purchased a 2010 a4 myself. i had hoped to buy the q5, but wow! the price on that suv was astronomical when fully loaded, plus it had a harsh ride, unlike the smooth as silk (yet sporty and surefooted) a4. i even looked at the avant estate wagon, as i love those large panoramic sun/moonroofs! no decision yet, but the audi is awesome! my very favorite suv/crossover is the awd volvo xc60 turbo. even the non-turbo is sweet. those are my picks.
Quote from: Atomic on April 10, 2010, 12:35:22 PM
i nearly purchased a 2010 a4 myself. i had hoped to buy the q5, but wow! the price on that suv was astronomical when fully loaded, plus it had a harsh ride, unlike the smooth as silk (yet sporty and surefooted) a4. i even looked at the avant estate wagon, as i love those large panoramic sun/moonroofs! no decision yet, but the audi is awesome! my very favorite suv/crossover is the awd volvo xc60 turbo. even the non-turbo is sweet. those are my picks.
:rockon:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 09, 2010, 04:26:40 PM
Plus, the "boss" guy was like "oh, yeah! I can get you $1500 off through an incentive program!" Five minutes later he checks the book and - whoops! - it's only for people that have previously owned Audis! Plus, he checked his vibrating Blackberry twice, took two phone calls, talked to three different people that came into his office, and hung out with his daughter. All while I was in his office. It was rather rude. Cool guy, served in Iraq, 29 years old; but cripes.
cool? rude takes away "cool" for me.
omg! same thing happened to be regarding the audi loyalty program situation, not unlike an extra $1,000.00 at volvo for any former volvo or (interestingly) a saab - but i knew this from volvo ads.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 07, 2010, 02:25:23 PM
Did they stop offering the 3.2 on the A4?
Not here they didn't.
Stroke of genius: I'll get a custom plate that reads "LOTR." Lord of the Rings. Audi. See what I did there? :praise:
Rad.
haha, good one dude. :lol:
I had a feeling you wouln't get much a deal. They're not having any trouble selling those things.
Essentially what mine will look like. Sad to say; I won't have the LED running lights. They're only on the "Premium Plus" models, and they're out of my price range. Oh well. :huh: :cry:
(http://imgs.getauto.com/imgs/ag/ga/07/12/1/WAUFFAFL4AN010712-1.jpg)
I could get the LED running lights in an aftermarket headlight unit, but they might look cheesy...and they seem to be about $350. :facepalm:
I'm sure me and my buddy could figure out a way to wire some in if I ever felt the need.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 10:15:29 AM
Essentially what mine will look like. Sad to say; I won't have the LED running lights. They're only on the "Premium Plus" models, and they're out of my price range. Oh well. :huh: :cry:
(http://imgs.getauto.com/imgs/ag/ga/07/12/1/WAUFFAFL4AN010712-1.jpg)
That's a beautiful car, Chris. Best of luck with it. :ohyeah:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 10:18:02 AM
I could get the LED running lights in an aftermarket headlight unit, but they might look cheesy...and they seem to be about $350. :facepalm:
I'm sure me and my buddy could figure out a way to wire some in if I ever felt the need.
I don't particularly like the LED running lights anyway. Look like somebody strung Christmas lights under/around the headlamps. The halos on BMW's (and now a few other cars) headlamps are a much nicer looking accent, IMO.
I'm almost inclined to agree...the LEDs look almost ricerish. Keyword being almost. I'd take em if my car had them, but I'm not that desperate for them. :ohyeah:
Although, I would love to have the LED tails. :(
My mom got her car before they had the LED tails :cry:
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 11:30:13 AM
My mom got her car before they had the LED tails :cry:
:rage:
Robert - salesman - said I could run regular fuel in the beast. I assumed as much, since I'm sure the computers compensate just fine. That's the case with most newer turbo'd engines, right? I'll probably run premium for the first few tanks, though, for sure, and probably just compromise at mid-grade from there.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 12:18:46 PM
Robert - salesman - said I could run regular fuel in the beast. I assumed as much, since I'm sure the computers compensate just fine. That's the case with most newer turbo'd engines, right? I'll probably run premium for the first few tanks, though, for sure, and probably just compromise at mid-grade from there.
That will be a zero sum game.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 12:18:46 PM
Robert - salesman - said I could run regular fuel in the beast. I assumed as much, since I'm sure the computers compensate just fine. That's the case with most newer turbo'd engines, right? I'll probably run premium for the first few tanks, though, for sure, and probably just compromise at mid-grade from there.
Why the fuck would you buy a 30 grand car and then not run it on the fuel the engine was designed for?
Pretty much my sentiment here...
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 11, 2010, 12:28:16 PM
Why the fuck would you buy a 30 grand car and then not run it on the fuel the engine was designed for?
Ok. Sorry I asked.
I always use Edmunds to determine the range I am willing to pay and have had good luck with it. Settle in somewhere between invoice and TMV, preferably closer or under invoice. Make sure you check for incentives on Edmunds also. $1000 off sticker is a joke. The sticker on my CX-9 was $36,200 and I ended up paying under $31,000. Do you think Audi is making less on an A4?
Quote from: Catman on April 11, 2010, 01:22:45 PM
I always use Edmunds to determine the range I am willing to pay and have had good luck with it. Settle in somewhere between invoice and TMV, preferably closer or under invoice. Make sure you check for incentives on Edmunds also. $1000 off sticker is a joke. The sticker on my CX-9 was $36,200 and I ended up paying under $31,000. Do you think Audi is making less on an A4?
I think Audis in general are doing so well (their sales are up 40% over the past year) that they
can get much better prices. When I checked Edmunds, their info said that people are paying between invoice and MSRP for Premium model A4s.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 05:14:23 PM
MSRP for Premium model with heated seats: $34,995
Invoice: $32,556
"What others are paying": $33,650
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2010/audi/a4/101186697/optionsresults.html?action=2
From page one...
The one I'm getting will be 34,950 out the door; taxes and fees included.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 01:29:30 PM
The one I'm getting will be 34,950 out the door; taxes and fees included.
You really took that $35k budget to heart, didn't you? :lol:
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 11, 2010, 01:42:56 PM
You really took that $35k budget to heart, didn't you? :lol:
:mask: :lol:
I don't know man. I would rather see you get something more reasonable at your age but I can understand having your heart set on something.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 11, 2010, 12:28:16 PM
Why the fuck would you buy a 30 grand car and then not run it on the fuel the engine was designed for?
Ditto.
As to who to trust on what fuel to use, don't trust the sales guy. Trust the manual that comes with the car. My hunch is that it will say to use lower octane fuel only in emergency situations. But maybe not.
Also, yes, to some extent the ECU can use timing and A/F mixture to compensate for knock, but then again knock has to occur for there to be compensation. The end result is the engine can still take a beating and performance and economy will be negatively affected.
Quote from: Catman on April 11, 2010, 01:59:12 PM
I don't know man. I would rather see you get something more reasonable at your age but I can understand having your heart set on something.
What do you mean by "more reasonable?"
Giant, I probably sounded a bit harsh the fuel. I just wouldn't want you to spoil your investment (if you could call a new car that!). You'll get to enjoy the 2.0T the way it was intended to be, even if you will get smoked by Accord V6s (remember Cougs' thread?).
By the way, I also prefer the A4 sans LED 'running' lights. I think you went for the perfect spec, you have some nice extras but not over the top stuff that you don't need and won't recoup any of the cost of when you sell.
Are those 17s or 18s, btw?
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 11, 2010, 02:35:28 PM
Giant, I probably sounded a bit harsh the fuel. I just wouldn't want you to spoil your investment (if you could call a new car that!). You'll get to enjoy the 2.0T the way it was intended to be, even if you will get smoked by Accord V6s (remember Cougs' thread?).
By the way, I also prefer the A4 sans LED 'running' lights. I think you went for the perfect spec, you have some nice extras but not over the top stuff that you don't need and won't recoup any of the cost of when you sell.
Are those 17s or 18s, btw?
No worries. Being as anal as I am about my cars, I'll probably be running premium anyways. I'll be getting much better mileage than in the Bravada, so I'll be okay with it. :lol:
Yeah, the only options mine will have are the chrome exhaust tips and heated seats. The stereo system sounds good, has a line-in and SD card reader, which is awesome. Other than that, it'll be the nicest car I've ever had the pleasure of driving, so I'll certainly be happy with it.
It'll have 17's. If got 18's, it'd just be so so expensive to get tires, especially since the 18's only come with summer tires, and I have to drive this car in the winter.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 02:31:21 PM
What do you mean by "more reasonable?"
Cheaper and more economical.
Quote from: Catman on April 11, 2010, 02:50:16 PM
Cheaper and more economical.
If given $35,000 at age 19 and told "use this to purchase a car of your choice," are you going to buy something "cheap" and "economical?" :lol:
I don't see what isn't economical about an A4. It'll get upwards of 30MPG on the highway, has a surprisingly large trunk, can fit 4 people, I can drive it in the winter, etc.
:huh:
Good lord, Audi is taking you for a ride. My dad got his Avalanche back in January. Sticker was ~50k, they did 10k off right away, and he got the OTD to 35k. Paying MSRP on cars is for suckers. In the case of Audi, where they can get people to pay MSRP, I would be going used, and looking for a car with ~5k on it.
To each his own.
That's an Avalanche. They have to take off 10k to sell the damn things.
Supply/Demand. If people are willing to pay the higher price, that's what they're going to sell it at.
Given the opportunity to get a brand new car of my choice...I'm not going to buy used. :huh:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 03:03:44 PM
That's an Avalanche. They have to take off 10k to sell the damn things.
Supply/Demand. If people are willing to pay the higher price, that's what they're going to sell it at.
Given the opportunity to get a brand new car of my choice...I'm not going to buy used. :huh:
That's cause it's not your money. :ohyeah: ;)
Quote from: Minpin on April 11, 2010, 03:05:16 PM
That's cause it's not your money. :ohyeah: ;)
If I had 35k sitting around for a car, I'd be looking at new anyways. What's wrong with the idea of having something brand new?
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 03:07:14 PM
If I had 35k sitting around for a car, I'd be looking at new anyways. What's wrong with the idea of having something brand new?
It's not the idea, it's the reality. :lol:
But I would do the same as you if I had that kind of money gifted to me just for a car.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 03:07:14 PM
If I had 35k sitting around for a car, I'd be looking at new anyways. What's wrong with the idea of having something brand new?
Did you have to spend the money on a car? Or could you have bought a more economical car, and kept the difference as savings?
I agree with those who say you should follow the owner's manual when it comes to the fuel. NEVER trust the salesman on stuff like that. Car salesmen are not your friend.
I have to admit I agree with Greg. At your age, a less expensive and more economical car would have made more sense. Better to wait until you're settled in a career before getting such an expensive car. But what's done is done, and I really hope you enjoy it.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 03:07:14 PM
If I had 35k sitting around for a car, I'd be looking at new anyways. What's wrong with the idea of having something brand new?
1st and 2nd year of depreciation my friend. I could have spent more on my car, but I didn't need to. Mine's fully loaded (sans sport package :heated: and navigation system) and its sticker price was right around $44,000. I bought it for nearly half that.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 03:34:46 PM
1st and 2nd year of depreciation my friend. I could have spent more on my car, but I didn't need to. Mine's fully loaded (sans sport package :heated: and navigation system) and its sticker price was right around $44,000. I bought it for nearly half that.
I'm thinking seriously about going with pre-owned the next car I get. Maybe a 2-year-old car coming off lease.
Assuming that he couldn't keep the leftover money if he bought a cheaper car, what about this is impractical? It's basically a nicer version of an Accord or Civic, practicality speaking, and no one would be telling him to buy something more economical than that. Shit, give me $35k under those conditions, and I'm coming out with a used Porsche, or some fast convertible.
I mean, if he gets $35k no matter what, then, yeah, I would think a better idea would be $10k of used car, and $25k of college tuition, retirement investment, house down payment, etc.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 03:29:50 PM
Did you have to spend the money on a car? Or could you have bought a more economical car, and kept the difference as savings?
I agree with those who say you should follow the owner's manual when it comes to the fuel. NEVER trust the salesman on stuff like that. Car salesmen are not your friend.
I have to admit I agree with Greg. At your age, a less expensive and more economical car would have made more sense. Better to wait until you're settled in a career before getting such an expensive car. But what's done is done, and I really hope you enjoy it.
Isn't the basis of human psychology to maximize utility? If given x amount of money for nothing, a person is going to use x amount of money, for whatever they wish. In this case, my grandparents buy the grandkids a car so that once we
do get out into the world of real life and have to find careers, etc...we
have a good, reliable vehicle already at hand. Beyond that, my grandfather purchased for each of us a nice amount of IBM stock (enough for, say, a down payment on a house) to also act as a "life-starter." It's not because they're trying to spoil us, it's because they're trying to help. :huh:
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 03:34:46 PM
1st and 2nd year of depreciation my friend. I could have spent more on my car, but I didn't need to. Mine's fully loaded (sans sport package :heated: and navigation system) and its sticker price was right around $44,000. I bought it for nearly half that.
But... It's not his money, and the money bags don't seem to care about such things, so... What's the problem?
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 03:34:46 PM
1st and 2nd year of depreciation my friend. I could have spent more on my car, but I didn't need to. Mine's fully loaded (sans sport package :heated: and navigation system) and its sticker price was right around $44,000. I bought it for nearly half that.
Sure, but it isn't my money, so depreciation isn't as much of a consideration. Even if it were, I'm going to be keeping this car for a very, very long time; no doubt. Perhaps that makes me sound like a "snob" or something, but...I mean...shit. I'm gonna maximize the opportunity, and I'm very very grateful for it. :huh:
See, rich kids? This is an example of not being a dick about mommy and daddy's money. :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 03:38:59 PM
Isn't the basis of human psychology to maximize utility? If given x amount of money for nothing, a person is going to use x amount of money, for whatever they wish. In this case, my grandparents buy the grandkids a car so that once we do get out into the world of real life and have to find careers, etc...we have a good, reliable vehicle already at hand. Beyond that, my grandfather purchased for each of us a nice amount of IBM stock (enough for, say, a down payment on a house) to also act as a "life-starter." It's not because they're trying to spoil us, it's because they're trying to help. :huh:
It depends on whether they say, "here's $35,000, spend what you want on a car and keep the rest" or "you have up to $35,000 to spend on a car, let me know the cost of what you decide upon and I'll write you a check for that amount."
In the second circumstance, the typical person would spend $35,000 on the car, because there's no incentive to spend less. In the first circumstance, a practical person would spend less on a car, and keep the rest of the money for other needs.
Hmmm... $35k for a car in college?
Gimme one of these:
(http://www.rainbowgrp.co.uk/assets/images/vehicle/lotus-exige-s.jpg)
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 03:41:55 PM
Sure, but it isn't my money, so depreciation isn't as much of a consideration. Even if it were, I'm going to be keeping this car for a very, very long time; no doubt. Perhaps that makes me sound like a "snob" or something, but...I mean...shit. I'm gonna maximize the opportunity, and I'm very very grateful for it. :huh:
You seem to have the right attitude about these things. Good for you.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 12:18:46 PM
Robert - salesman - said I could run regular fuel in the beast. I assumed as much, since I'm sure the computers compensate just fine. That's the case with most newer turbo'd engines, right? I'll probably run premium for the first few tanks, though, for sure, and probably just compromise at mid-grade from there.
I wouldn't make any decisions based on the information your salesman provides. Check the owner's manual first and make sure to run only whatever it recommends.
In my voluminous experience kids do better when given less but that's beside the point now - decision's been made so there's no use belaboring the point.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 03:53:42 PM
It depends on whether they say, "here's $35,000, spend what you want on a car and keep the rest" or "you have up to $35,000 to spend on a car, let me know the cost of what you decide upon and I'll write you a check for that amount."
In the second circumstance, the typical person would spend $35,000 on the car, because there's no incentive to spend less. In the first circumstance, a practical person would spend less on a car, and keep the rest of the money for other needs.
Well, to be honest, I don't think anybody's attempted option one. Given that option, I'd be hard pressed in figuring out why to use such money for.
Also, my brother got a used vehicle ('08 Escalade) via this deal. It was what he wanted in the 35k range so that's what he got. And stuff
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 03:34:46 PM
1st and 2nd year of depreciation my friend. I could have spent more on my car, but I didn't need to. Mine's fully loaded (sans sport package :heated: and navigation system) and its sticker price was right around $44,000. I bought it for nearly half that.
Of course, finding a used car spec'ed the way you want can be very difficult. It's one of the reasons why, if I can afford it, I'll buy new. My tastes in cars do not align well with the rest of the population in the region and there are certain things I'm just not willing to settle on.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 04:01:42 PM
Well, to be honest, I don't think anybody's attempted option one. Given that option, I'd be hard pressed in figuring out why to use such money for.
Also, my brother got a used vehicle ('08 Escalade) via this deal. It was what he wanted in the 35k range so that's what he got. And stuff
You don't have to 'use' the extra money. You could put it away for a future need. There will be many.
In any case, I apologize for belaboring the point. Your decision has been made, and I hope you really enjoy your new car, and that it gives you many years of happy motoring.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 04:04:31 PM
You don't have to 'use' the extra money. You could put it away for a future need. There will be many.
In any case, I apologize for belaboring the point. Your decision has been made, and I hope you really enjoy your new car, and that it gives you many years of happy motoring.
Well, I am confused because the question hasn't been answered. If someone was giving me $35K and said here, get a car with it and whatever is leftover is yours than I would not be getting a 35K car. I'd go cheaper and grab a bunch of bike stuff and put the rest in the bank. If the money was just for a car than yeah I don't have an issue with getting the Audi. To be honest I can't really relate to the whole scenario.
Quote from: Catman on April 11, 2010, 04:12:35 PM
Well, I am confused because the question hasn't been answered. If someone was giving me $35K and said here, get a car with it and whatever is leftover is yours than I would not be getting a 35K car. I'd go cheaper and grab a bunch of bike stuff and put the rest in the bank. If the money was just for a car than yeah I don't have an issue with getting the Audi. To be honest I can't really relate to the whole scenario.
I'm basically saying the same thing you are. I can't really relate to the scenario either, but it seems to be pretty common.
Quote from: Catman on April 11, 2010, 04:12:35 PM
Well, I am confused because the question hasn't been answered. If someone was giving me $35K and said here, get a car with it and whatever is leftover is yours than I would not be getting a 35K car. I'd go cheaper and grab a bunch of bike stuff and put the rest in the bank. If the money was just for a car than yeah I don't have an issue with getting the Audi. To be honest I can't really relate to the whole scenario.
He said it was just for a car, third post above yours.
Quote from: Rupert on April 11, 2010, 04:19:13 PM
He said it was just for a car, third post above yours.
That's not exactly what he said, but close enough. Greg's right that the question was actually answered. Not that Chris actually needs to answer it. It's none of our business.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 04:20:15 PM
That's not exactly what he said, but close enough. Greg's right that the question was actually answered. Not that Chris actually needs to answer it. It's none of our business.
Wasn't the question about whether or not he could keep the leftover money? If nobody has attempted to do it like that, like he said, doesn't that include him? :huh:
Quote from: Rupert on April 11, 2010, 04:27:53 PM
Wasn't the question about whether or not he could keep the leftover money? If nobody has attempted to do it like that, like he said, doesn't that include him? :huh:
Just because nobody attempted it doesn't mean it couldn't be done.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 11, 2010, 03:59:49 PM
In my voluminous experience kids do better when given less but that's beside the point now - decision's been made so there's no use belaboring the point.
Yeah? Tell that to my grandparents, who worked their asses off as second-generation immigrants to get to where they are today, whom then provided for my parents and gave them opportunities like aid and money (for higher education, etc.), whom then worked their asses off so that they could provide the same advantages and help to their kids (myself and my two brothers). And you assume I'm not going to do the same, having been given these awesome opportunities and fruits of their labor? I wholly appreciate everything they've done for me, and dream of being able to do the same for my family one day.
You and your "experience" can suck my dick, Cougs.
Quote from: Rupert on April 11, 2010, 03:40:15 PM
But... It's not his money, and the money bags don't seem to care about such things, so... What's the problem?
I was talking about value. Example: assume there was not a new model (we're just talking B7 A4's). He buys a new car for ~35k with one, maybe 2 options. I bought a model a couple years old with all but 2 of the options and a much better warranty (yet with 27,000 miles), who has the better value?
I think I win here.
In the end, I'd probably prefer the B8.
And for the record, a new A4 was out of my price range.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 05:08:53 PM
Yeah? Tell that to my grandparents, who worked their asses off as second-generation immigrants to get to where they are today, whom then provided for my parents and gave them opportunities like aid and money (for higher education, etc.), whom then worked their asses off so that they could provide the same advantages and help to their kids (myself and my two brothers). And you assume I'm not going to do the same, having been given these awesome opportunities and fruits of their labor? I wholly appreciate everything they've done for me, and dream of being able to do the same for my family one day.
You and your "experience" can suck my dick, Cougs.
Dude, you probably took what he said a little more personally than it was intended.
Quote from: Catman on April 11, 2010, 04:12:35 PM
Well, I am confused because the question hasn't been answered. If someone was giving me $35K and said here, get a car with it and whatever is leftover is yours than I would not be getting a 35K car. I'd go cheaper and grab a bunch of bike stuff and put the rest in the bank. If the money was just for a car than yeah I don't have an issue with getting the Audi. To be honest I can't really relate to the whole scenario.
It's for a car. The whole point is for them to help us start life by getting us a new, fresh, reliable vehicle. The vehicle is of our choosing and has a price cap of about 35k.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 05:10:37 PM
Dude, you probably took what he said a little more personally than it was intended.
I don't care. If he's going to make such generalizations about me after I've repeatedly described how I am/feel about the whole ordeal, I'm going to respond in such a way.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 05:10:37 PM
Dude, you probably took what he said a little more personally than it was intended.
I don't think it needed to be said at all, as it has been countless times before.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 05:11:50 PM
I don't care. If he's going to make such generalizations about me after I've repeatedly described how I am/feel about the whole ordeal, I'm going to respond in such a way.
I don't think he was talking about you in particular. At least that's not the way I read it.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 05:15:01 PM
I don't think he was talking about you in particular. At least that's not the way I read it.
I didn't think so either, until I read "but that's besides the point, the decision's been made."
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 05:14:00 PM
I don't think it needed to be said at all, as it has been countless times before.
That's true. We should probably get off this line of conversation, and just congratulate Chris on the car. There's a certain thrill to driving a new car, and I really hope he enjoys it and makes the most of it, in a safe way. :ohyeah:
Quote from: Rupert on April 11, 2010, 03:40:15 PM
But... It's not his money, and the money bags don't seem to care about such things, so... What's the problem?
If it's
his car, depreciation should absolutely matter. It sure as hell mattered when I made my decision.
If I wanted to, I could sell my car for exactly what I paid 3/4 of a year ago. It's my equity going down the drain, not my parents' (although it is registered to them).
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 05:21:59 PM
If it's his car, depreciation should absolutely matter. It sure as hell mattered when I made my decision.
If I wanted to, I could sell my car for exactly what I paid 3/4 of a year ago. It's my equity going down the drain, not my parents' (although it is registered to them).
No, it doesn't matter. I'm going to have this car for a long time. Consider it like this:
A) I buy a 3-year-old used car for essentially $0 and am able to sell it for $6k in five years.
B) I buy a brand new car for essentially $0 and am able to sell it for $10k in five years.
Which am I gonna choose? :huh:
Congrats. If you've driven a Bravada and a Lumina then you're in a whole different category from those who drive new luxury cars from the day they got their licenses.
It's also cool you're not getting the uber-trendy LED running lights. Its like car designers finally discovered the bedazzler. Besides that, what are the other differences between a premium and a premium plus? Same engine, anyway, so what does it really matter?
Quote from: MaxPower on April 11, 2010, 05:28:17 PM
Congrats. If you've driven a Bravada and a Lumina then you're in a whole different category from those who drive new luxury cars from the day they got their licenses.
It's also cool you're not getting the uber-trendy LED running lights. Its like car designers finally discovered the bedazzler. Besides that, what are the other differences between a premium and a premium plus? Same engine, anyway, so what does it really matter?
He will be laughed at without the LED's. Totally embarrassing. :lol:
Quote from: MaxPower on April 11, 2010, 05:28:17 PM
Congrats. If you've driven a Bravada and a Lumina then you're in a whole different category from those who drive new luxury cars from the day they got their licenses.
It's also cool you're not getting the uber-trendy LED running lights. Its like car designers finally discovered the bedazzler. Besides that, what are the other differences between a premium and a premium plus? Same engine, anyway, so what does it really matter?
Premium Plus gets Homelink (garage door openers...who needs that? I've got one), Bluetooth, three-zone climate control (who cares?), rain/light sensing wipers/headlights (don't need that, I can do it on my own), iPod/Phone interface.
Nothing necessary, just technology.
And yeah, driving it is a huge step up from the Bravvy and Monte Carlo. I'm very excited for it.
EDIT: Of the things I listed, the Homelink/Bluetooth, iPod interface, and heated seats are options. So with the Premium Plus, you gain the LEDs, 3-zone climate, and auto lamps/wipers.
Congrats.
Only thing, I'd feel obligated to drive it until the wheels fell off.
Recap:
Configured as such, the Audi I am getting has an MSRP of $33,755, including destination and options. The options included are heated seats and the chrome exhaust tips, which is all that is really necessary to please me. Premium trim, 6-speed manual, Brilliant Black exterior, black leather interior.
The dealer offered to sell it at $32,760.
Out the door, with all taxes and fees included, it's at an out-the-door price of $34,950.
Deposit check is in the mail so that the dealership can snag the car from the port on the East coast.
:cheers:
Quote from: 2o6 on April 11, 2010, 05:41:21 PM
Congrats.
Only thing, I'd feel obligated to drive it until the wheels fell off.
Thanks man. And yeah...I'll be doing a lot of driving this summer. :mask: Thankfully it gets decent gas mileage. :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 05:43:00 PM
Recap:
Configured as such, the Audi I am getting has an MSRP of $33,755, including destination and options. The options included are heated seats and the chrome exhaust tips, which is all that is really necessary to please me. Premium trim, 6-speed manual, Brilliant Black exterior, black leather interior.
The dealer offered to sell it at $32,760.
Out the door, with all taxes and fees included, it's at an out-the-door price of $34,950.
Deposit check is in the mail so that the dealership can snag the car from the port on the East coast.
:cheers:
Be careful with the heated seats. They'll make you infertile... :lol:
J/K man. Congratulations and enjoy. :cheers:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 05:43:58 PM
Be careful with the heated seats. They'll make you infertile... :lol:
J/K man. Congratulations and enjoy. :cheers:
Oh snap! I better not use them...and stop drinking Coke!
I'll be sure to enjoy the hell out of this vehicle. I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get it if I can. Not sure if I can upload pictures from my iPhone to the 'Spin, but I'll try to pose for a picture with it before I partake on my first drive back home! :cheers:
Oh, and I'm probably going to get a vanity plate that reads: LOTR
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 05:46:29 PM
Oh snap! I better not use them...and stop drinking Coke!
I'll be sure to enjoy the hell out of this vehicle. I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get it if I can. Not sure if I can upload pictures from my iPhone to the 'Spin, but I'll try to pose for a picture with it before I partake on my first drive back home! :cheers:
I definitely want to see pictures. I love that car.
I like the A4 but the new one really is plain for some reason. I think I like the last model better.
Quote from: Catman on April 11, 2010, 06:25:12 PM
I like the A4 but the new one really is plain for some reason. I think I like the last model better.
It seems that the three main Audi models -- the A4, A6 and A8, now seem like differently sized versions of each other, with less to distinguish them from each other in terms of styling. I like them, but the styling is very similar among the three.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 06:27:44 PM
It seems that the three main Audi models -- the A4, A6 and A8, now seem like differently sized versions of each other, with less to distinguish them from each other in terms of styling. I like them, but the styling is very similar among the three.
And for the previous generations...the same stuff inside also.
A fully loaded early 00's A6 had everything my car has :praise:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 05:08:53 PM
Yeah? Tell that to my grandparents, who worked their asses off as second-generation immigrants to get to where they are today, whom then provided for my parents and gave them opportunities like aid and money (for higher education, etc.), whom then worked their asses off so that they could provide the same advantages and help to their kids (myself and my two brothers). And you assume I'm not going to do the same, having been given these awesome opportunities and fruits of their labor? I wholly appreciate everything they've done for me, and dream of being able to do the same for my family one day.
You and your "experience" can suck my dick, Cougs.
Interesting. It wasn't directed at you per se as I really don't know anything about you unlike some of the other younger members who talk in length about their family wealth, and if anything the rest of the post was sorta defending you against those criticizing the decision to blow the entire wad on a car and otherwise that it was too much too soon. I even thought I was kinda helping prior in giving advice on the transaction.
I was holding my tongue on this in keeping in line with my trying to turn over a new leaf here on the 'SPIN in trying to be a little more community oriented but unfortunately I feel obliged to return the favor (though don't flatter yourself - I do this primarily because it's so m-f'in g-d obvious):
I think this whole A4 story is 99.9% BS. None of the details of this story add up in any way, shape or form. I won't belabor the point and you can post any and all manner of pictures/proof/anger/whatever, but you'll never convince me this story is legit. The "details" of this thread and your posts of the last few weeks make this scenario virtually impossible. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think that I am. This will be my last post in the thread.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 11, 2010, 07:03:54 PM
I think this whole A4 story is 99.9% BS. None of the details of this story add up in any way, shape or form. I won't belabor the point and you can post any and all manner of pictures/proof/anger/whatever, but you'll never convince me this story is legit. The "details" of this thread and your posts of the last few weeks make this scenario virtually impossible. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think that I am. This will be my last post in the thread.
How on earth could you come to that conclusion? :wtf:
Youze RETARDED :facepalm:
Why are you taking the bait for this fight, Chris? Let it go. You know the truth, and that's all that really matters.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 11, 2010, 07:16:58 PM
Why are you taking the bait for this fight, Chris? Let it go. You know the truth, and that's all that really matters.
That guy. Is beyond belief.
Quote from: GoCougs on April 11, 2010, 07:03:54 PM
Interesting. It wasn't directed at you per se as I really don't know anything about you unlike some of the other younger members who talk in length about their family wealth, and if anything the rest of the post was sorta defending you against those criticizing the decision to blow the entire wad on a car and otherwise that it was too much too soon. I even thought I was kinda helping prior in giving advice on the transaction.
I was holding my tongue on this in keeping in line with my trying to turn over a new leaf here on the 'SPIN in trying to be a little more community oriented but unfortunately I feel obliged to return the favor (though don't flatter yourself - I do this primarily because it's so m-f'in g-d obvious):
I think this whole A4 story is 99.9% BS. None of the details of this story add up in any way, shape or form. I won't belabor the point and you can post any and all manner of pictures/proof/anger/whatever, but you'll never convince me this story is legit. The "details" of this thread and your posts of the last few weeks make this scenario virtually impossible. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think that I am. This will be my last post in the thread.
You, sir, are retarded.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 05:24:33 PM
No, it doesn't matter. I'm going to have this car for a long time. Consider it like this:
A) I buy a 3-year-old used car for essentially $0 and am able to sell it for $6k in five years.
B) I buy a brand new car for essentially $0 and am able to sell it for $10k in five years.
Which am I gonna choose? :huh:
I don't follow. Why would the new car depreciate less than the used car? That's not possible.
Anyways, you can't get a used B8 A4, so we perhaps should not be having this argument.
I wouldn't know how your g-parents/you feel about BMWs, but those on the used side of things...are a completely different story...
I wanted a 328i so badly, but that was out of the question because of the "premium badge."
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 07:56:12 PM
I don't follow. Why would the new car depreciate less than the used car? That's not possible.
:nutty:
He's not paying for it.
A new A4 costs more than a 3-year old A4.
In 3 years, a 3-year old A4 will resale for more than a 6-year old A4.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 07:56:12 PM
I don't follow. Why would the new car depreciate less than the used car? That's not possible.
My initial investment is $0 (because I'm not paying for it).
The newer (new) car will have a greater return on investment than the older (used) car.
:huh: It's not that hard. :huh:
:lol:
I don't understand cougs' jihad for premium compacts.
Quote from: Tave on April 11, 2010, 08:04:26 PM
:nutty:
He's not paying for it.
A new A4 costs more than a 3-year old A4.
In 3 years, a 3-year old A4 will resale for more than a 6-year old A4.
I may have been a bit confusing. I was not referring to my car, but a similar car worth $35,000 that was a couple-3 years used.
A couple-3 years used car purchased now would most likely be worth more than a brand new car in 3 years.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 08:40:41 PM
I may have been a bit confusing. I was not referring to my car, but a similar car worth $35,000 that was a couple-3 years used.
A couple-3 years used car purchased now would most likely be worth more than a brand new car in 3 years.
Ohhh. That could be the case, yeah.
This thread got stupid, fast.
Quote from: Submariner on April 11, 2010, 08:47:45 PM
This thread got stupid, fast.
I'd say 13-14 pages is pretty good for a thread 'round these parts. :lol:
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 11, 2010, 09:05:56 PM
As are you
If that retort was grammatically correct, I'd be inclined to take offense. ;)
Stop ruining my thread. :cry:
:lol:
I'll probably start a new one for pics once I get the car. Bitch on, SPINnaz!
:cheers:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 08:48:35 PM
I'd say 13-14 pages is pretty good for a thread 'round these parts. :lol:
Not bad at all, but if this was a NACar vehicle thread, we'd be over 50 pages already.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 11, 2010, 10:39:32 PM
Not bad at all, but if this was a NACar vehicle thread, we'd be over 50 pages already.
Yeah, but at least half of those posts would be me and others saying single word things like "A4," "Audi," and other randomly related car-like words.
:lol:
Quattro.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 11, 2010, 11:21:29 PM
40:60, F:R
Rearward bias? That's a recent development, I take it.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 11, 2010, 11:24:25 PM
Rearward bias? That's a recent development, I take it.
Ya dewd.
What about maintenance and upkeep costs?
Me? While I love me an A4 Quattro, I got to say I'd probably spend ~$20k on a decent used car and probably use the other $15k for making sure the car looks and runs 100%.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 12, 2010, 12:24:10 AM
What about maintenance and upkeep costs?
Me? While I love me an A4 Quattro, I got to say I'd probably spend ~$20k on a decent used car and probably use the other $15k for making sure the car looks and runs 100%.
I can do shit like change my own oil, brakes, etc.
swift.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 12, 2010, 12:44:17 AM
I can do shit like change my own oil, brakes, etc.
Make sure you keep all the receipts for the maintenance items you buy so you don't void the warranty.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 12, 2010, 12:44:17 AM
I can do shit like change my own oil, brakes, etc.
But can you reset the oil life monitor without some expensive special tool?
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 12, 2010, 01:55:45 AM
Make sure you keep all the receipts for the maintenance items you buy so you don't void the warranty.
No doubt. I'll get a log book to keep track of mileage for oil changes, as well as keep the receipts from the oil/filters.
And MX793, I've no idea about resetting the OLM. In fact, I'm not sure if it has one. Probably just some awkward, complicated pushing of buttons/pedals...
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/BusinessCard.png?t=1271081176)
I wasn't sure about Chris' vs. Chris's. Momma says it should be Chris's, but the Bible always says Jesus', so I went with that awesome source. :rolleyes: :lol:
Fuck it. They're printed and at my house, and I doubt anyone will give a shit.
Quote from: Minpin on April 11, 2010, 03:02:21 PM
Good lord, Audi is taking you for a ride. My dad got his Avalanche back in January. Sticker was ~50k, they did 10k off right away, and he got the OTD to 35k. Paying MSRP on cars is for suckers. In the case of Audi, where they can get people to pay MSRP, I would be going used, and looking for a car with ~5k on it.
To each his own.
That a shitty gas guzzling pickup from a company that was bankrupt not so long ago - whereas as it's already been said, Audi sales are up 40pc in the US YoY.
As for buying used, if I was paying for the car, I'd agree but given the circumstances here I think new is the best option. We're talking a young driver who I assume will be paying for the running costs (insurance, fuel, servicing and any repairs). Might as well get something with a warranty, reliable and relatively frugal, whilst at the same time being fun and aspirational. If you're lucky enough to be in the position giant is in here, it's win-win as far as I can see. Good luck to him.
Unless I missed something, Minpin started this thread to ask for advice about the A4, not general life advice. jeez.
I wouldn't spend my own money on the A4 but if it's what the guy wants then why the hell not? Some of you dudes sound jealous.
I believe Chris' is correct.
If I was given the money to do whatever the heck I wanted with it, I'd buy a used car for less than half that amount of money and save the rest. But if someone was cutting the check for a car for me, and not allowing me to keep the windfall, then I'd do exactly what he did. Except not on an A4, though they are nice cars. ;)
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 12, 2010, 09:54:26 AM
That a shitty gas guzzling pickup from a company that was bankrupt not so long ago - whereas as it's already been said, Audi sales are up 40pc in the US YoY.
As for buying used, if I was paying for the car, I'd agree but given the circumstances here I think new is the best option. We're talking a young driver who I assume will be paying for the running costs (insurance, fuel, servicing and any repairs). Might as well get something with a warranty, reliable and relatively frugal, whilst at the same time being fun and aspirational. If you're lucky enough to be in the position giant is in here, it's win-win as far as I can see. Good luck to him.
:cheers:
Anyways - best of luck to you with the car. The new A4's are fine vehicles indeed. :ohyeah:
the LED's would have been a must for me personally
Quote from: r0tor on April 12, 2010, 10:40:39 AM
the LED's would have been a must for me personally
Yeah, but are they really worth the 3+ grand? Maybe, but then it'd be out of my range. I could always upgrade later, plus I'm gonna spend most of my time driving the beast, not looking at it's LEDs. :rockon:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 12, 2010, 07:16:48 AM
No doubt. I'll get a log book to keep track of mileage for oil changes, as well as keep the receipts from the oil/filters.
And MX793, I've no idea about resetting the OLM. In fact, I'm not sure if it has one. Probably just some awkward, complicated pushing of buttons/pedals...
http://www.ehow.com/how_6136168_do-audi-a4-oil-change.html
http://www.driverside.com/mechanic-answers/reset_service_reminder-14097-29861?page_offset=0
I'm not sure if those are completely correct, but neither involve a tool so you should be fine.
Quote from: Laconian on April 12, 2010, 10:02:50 AM
I believe Chris' is correct.
Maybe one of the English majors will chime in here, but I'm fairly confident that you only omit the final 's' if it's a possessive plural word that ends in an 's' when plural.
Singular noun that ends in a non-'s': Look at all of the sailor's boats! (There is one sailor with many boats.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's' (in plural form): Look at all of the sailors' boats! (There is more than one sailor and more than one boat.)
Singular noun that ends in an 's': That bus's tire is flat. (There is one bus with a flat tire.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's': Those buses' tires are flat. (There is more than one bus with a flat tire.)
In other words, it should be "Chris's".
Wow! I haven't quite absorbed all of the 15 pages of the thread, but it sounds like the car is coming, right? :lol: The deal was tepid at best, but from what I gather a) Audis are selling like mad so they don't have much incentive to cut prices and b) Giant_mtb didn't exactly drive a hard bargain, but hey, it's not like it was his last penny. Even if you dug your heels in and bargained like a maniac, you'd probably be looking at another $1,500 - $2,000 in savings. And yes, I know everyone here will argue that that much money is worth digging in for, and I would agree if it were my pile of cash. And whether or not such an agreement is the best way to handle something like this is a discussion for another day, right? But right now, it sounds like another kick-ass Audi has joined our ranks. :ohyeah:
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 12, 2010, 10:51:02 AM
Maybe one of the English majors will chime in here, but I'm fairly confident that you only omit the final 's' if it's a possessive plural word that ends in an 's' when plural.
Singular noun that ends in a non-'s': Look at all of the sailor's boats! (There is one sailor with many boats.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's' (in plural form): Look at all of the sailors' boats! (There is more than one sailor and more than one boat.)
Singular noun that ends in an 's': That bus's tire is flat. (There is one bus with a flat tire.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's': Those buses' tires are flat. (There is more than one bus with a flat tire.)
In other words, it should be "Chris's".
(http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2009/4/6/128835266647511787.jpg)
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 12, 2010, 10:51:02 AM
Maybe one of the English majors will chime in here, but I'm fairly confident that you only omit the final 's' if it's a possessive plural word that ends in an 's' when plural.
Singular noun that ends in a non-'s': Look at all of the sailor's boats! (There is one sailor with many boats.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's' (in plural form): Look at all of the sailors' boats! (There is more than one sailor and more than one boat.)
Singular noun that ends in an 's': That bus's tire is flat. (There is one bus with a flat tire.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's': Those buses' tires are flat. (There is more than one bus with a flat tire.)
In other words, it should be "Chris's".
Technically, you are correct. But, colloquially, the way he has it is probably fine. Most people don't get too worked up over plural possessives, if they even know the proper format.
From an aesthetics standpoint on the sign, I think Chris' looks a little cleaner than Chris's, and I doubt his business will suffer because the grammar is 'incorrect'.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 12, 2010, 11:00:38 AM
(http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2009/4/6/128835266647511787.jpg)
Quote from: The Pirate on April 12, 2010, 11:05:03 AM
Technically, you are correct. But, colloquially, the way he has it is probably fine. Most people don't get too worked up over plural possessives, if they even know the proper format.
From an aesthetics standpoint on the sign, I think Chris' looks a little cleaner than Chris's, and I doubt his business will suffer because the grammar is 'incorrect'.
Yeah, I don't really care that much. I only corrected him because the issue had already been raised. I never would have just randomly corrected him on that.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 12, 2010, 10:51:02 AM
Maybe one of the English majors will chime in here, but I'm fairly confident that you only omit the final 's' if it's a possessive plural word that ends in an 's' when plural.
Singular noun that ends in a non-'s': Look at all of the sailor's boats! (There is one sailor with many boats.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's' (in plural form): Look at all of the sailors' boats! (There is more than one sailor and more than one boat.)
Singular noun that ends in an 's': That bus's tire is flat. (There is one bus with a flat tire.)
Plural noun that ends in an 's': Those buses' tires are flat. (There is more than one bus with a flat tire.)
In other words, it should be "Chris's".
Cool, that sounds absolutely right. That's what I figured; my mom was essentially an English major and is pretty much the Chief of the Grammar Police, so I knew she was right.
But at the same time, like Pirate said, I think Chris' is much more aesthetically pleasing. Oh well. Nobody in the UP knows what grammar is anyways. :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 09, 2010, 04:26:40 PM
Plus, the "boss" guy was like "oh, yeah! I can get you $1500 off through an incentive program!" Five minutes later he checks the book and - whoops! - it's only for people that have previously owned Audis! Plus, he checked his vibrating Blackberry twice, took two phone calls, talked to three different people that came into his office, and hung out with his daughter. All while I was in his office. It was rather rude. Cool guy, served in Iraq, 29 years old; but cripes.
I've gotten loyalty discounts without the being a loyalty customer. Hell, one time I got service at a VW dealer I knew I'd never go to again and it was my first time there, and they gave me 20% as part of their loyalty program.
Just heard from Robert, the salesman in Grand Rapids. I was gone working out, but he left me a voicemail telling me that my name is officially on the car that's in the port and the next step is for him to get an ETA on it.
Woo!
:rockon:
:rockon:
Out of morbid curiosity, do y'all suspect a new car would arrive at the dealership by Thursday, April 29? That'll be the day after my last exam, and the day that I plan to head for home...also being the day we'd pick up the car.
:mask:
I'm starting to get antsy. It may cut into my sleep. :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 12, 2010, 05:26:21 PM
Out of morbid curiosity, do y'all suspect a new car would arrive at the dealership by Thursday, April 29? That'll be the day after my last exam, and the day that I plan to head for home...also being the day we'd pick up the car.
:mask:
I'm starting to get antsy. It may cut into my sleep. :lol:
Probably. That's two and a half weeks from now. Even if the car has more than one stop on the way over, it still takes A LOT less than two and a half weeks for a semi to drive from the east coast to Michigan.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 12, 2010, 06:49:42 PM
Probably. That's two and a half weeks from now. Even if the car has more than one stop on the way over, it still takes A LOT less than two and a half weeks for a semi to drive from the east coast to Michigan.
I figured as much. Kewl. :cheers:
(http://audi-collection.com/prod_images/AHP567_zm.jpg)
Do want.
I don't know.... young kids and A4s don't seem to mix well around here. Might want to stock up on some extra parts
(Farris and Charlie)
What happened with Farris? I didn't even think he drove an A4.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 13, 2010, 05:50:12 AM
What happened with Farris? I didn't even think he drove an A4.
His first car. Ended up in the wall on the freeway if I remember right.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 13, 2010, 05:50:12 AM
What happened with Farris? I didn't even think he drove an A4.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on April 13, 2010, 07:17:57 AM
His first car. Ended up in the wall on the freeway if I remember right.
It's got to be 4-5 years ago. Farris was enjoying his quattro but did that unfortunate young guy thing of attempting to defy the laws of physics, something we've all tried. Merge enthusiastically, head for left lane, hydroplane, spin, guardrail, sorrow, IIRC.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 12, 2010, 08:38:26 PM
(http://audi-collection.com/prod_images/AHP567_zm.jpg)
Do want.
I approve.
It has been two weeks. The dealership here in Ann Arbor hasn't refunded my $200 deposit yet.
Heads shall roll.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 18, 2010, 11:44:29 AM
It has been two weeks. The dealership here in Ann Arbor hasn't refunded my $200 deposit yet.
Heads shall roll.
If you haven't already bought it, you still have time to take the "Suzuki Kizashi challenge" -- test drive a Kizashi and then go on to buy an A4 (or TSX) and Suzuki gives you $100.
Quote from: ifcar on April 18, 2010, 11:45:36 AM
If you haven't already bought it, you still have time to take the "Suzuki Kizashi challenge" -- test drive a Kizashi and then go on to buy an A4 (or TSX) and Suzuki gives you $100.
Careful, you might convince him to buy a Kizashi instead.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 18, 2010, 11:58:24 AM
Careful, you might convince him to buy a Kizashi instead.
lol
Think they can scam some college kid out of $200? Fuck that. They were quick to charge me the $200 deposit - it went through the same day. Next day when I returned to tell them I wasn't getting the car, saleswoman said she'd "get it taken care of." 7+ days later, nothin'. I dislike this dealership. Very much.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 18, 2010, 11:58:24 AM
Careful, you might convince him to buy a Kizashi instead.
Shh. Not so loud!
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 18, 2010, 12:12:49 PM
Think they can scam some college kid out of $200? Fuck that. They were quick to charge me the $200 deposit - it went through the same day. Next day when I returned to tell them I wasn't getting the car, saleswoman said she'd "get it taken care of." 7+ days later, nothin'. I dislike this dealership. Very much.
Wasn't the deposit deducted from the final amount you paid for the car? :huh: Or did you not buy the car from that dealer?
Quote from: dazzleman on April 18, 2010, 12:41:43 PM
Wasn't the deposit deducted from the final amount you paid for the car? :huh: Or did you not buy the car from that dealer?
Correct, this is the Ann Arbor dealer, from which I'm not buying a car. I'm buying the car from the dealer in Grand Rapids.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 18, 2010, 12:46:25 PM
Correct, this is the Ann Arbor dealer, from which I'm not buying a car. I'm buying the car from the dealer in Grand Rapids.
You just have to keep harassing them. Dealers are generally very sleazy, and they figure that you'll eventually give up and they'll get to keep the money. Why did you give them a deposit in the first place?
Quote from: dazzleman on April 18, 2010, 12:51:27 PM
You just have to keep harassing them. Dealers are generally very sleazy, and they figure that you'll eventually give up and they'll get to keep the money. Why did you give them a deposit in the first place?
'Cause then my name would be on it while deciding whether or not to get it. I figured since it's a refundable deposit, why not? :huh:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 18, 2010, 12:54:10 PM
'Cause then my name would be on it while deciding whether or not to get it. I figured since it's a refundable deposit, why not? :huh:
That was your mistake. You never put down a deposit until you have decided that you will get the car. These cars aren't that rare that you couldn't have found another one if the one in which you were interested had sold.
Car dealers are pretty sleazy. Usually, the higher end German car dealerships try to at least appear to be a little less sleazy. This move sounds like something I'd expect from a Chevrolet or Honda dealer.
Keep after them. If you really want to go ghetto on them, tell them you have a bunch of friends who will show up at their lot with baseball bats and start smashing windshields if you don't get your money back. That worked for somebody I know.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 18, 2010, 12:57:53 PM
That was your mistake. You never put down a deposit until you have decided that you will get the car. These cars aren't that rare that you couldn't have found another one if the one in which you were interested had sold.
Car dealers are pretty sleazy. Usually, the higher end German car dealerships try to at least appear to be a little less sleazy. This move sounds like something I'd expect from a Chevrolet or Honda dealer.
Keep after them. If you really want to go ghetto on them, tell them you have a bunch of friends who will show up at their lot with baseball bats and start smashing windshields if you don't get your money back. That worked for somebody I know.
I certainly wouldn't be afraid to play hardball with them. I have the receipt, I have my credit card statement, etc. $200 is a lot of money for a college kid to have tied up. I could probably call the credit card company today and have them refund it for me, but I'd rather piss and moan and bitch at the dealership.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 18, 2010, 01:01:14 PM
I certainly wouldn't be afraid to play hardball with them. I have the receipt, I have my credit card statement, etc. $200 is a lot of money for a college kid to have tied up. I could probably call the credit card company today and have them refund it for me, but I'd rather piss and moan and bitch at the dealership.
You may not be able to get the money back through the credit card company, if they've already paid the dealership the money.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 18, 2010, 01:13:58 PM
You may not be able to get the money back through the credit card company, if they've already paid the dealership the money.
You should be able to dispute the charge.
Quote from: MX793 on April 18, 2010, 02:04:22 PM
You should be able to dispute the charge.
But he approved the charge when he was at the dealer. They may very well tell him he needs to get the money back from the dealer. It's not that easy to get money back through the credit card. I'm not saying he shouldn't try, but I couldn't say success is assured.
I will call them tomorrow; both the saleswoman and the sales manager. I e-mailed the sales manager earlier today.
Fuckin' wankers. Sales manager responded with "oh yes, I'll get that taken care of for you! Sorry for the delay!" yesterday. Said he'd do it yesterday. Still hasn't.
E-mailed the saleswoman today with a similar e-mail telling her to either go die or give me my money back. Her choice.
(not really)
Don't e-amil for serious matters... e-mails are always easier to ignore
Quote from: r0tor on April 20, 2010, 10:17:36 AM
Don't e-amil for serious matters... e-mails are always easier to ignore
The good thing about emails is then you have a record of the conversation.
I'm going to go there in person tomorrow if it hasn't been done. I have a big exam tonight and don't have much time to deal with the bull shit. After tonight, I'm free and classes are over.
Quote from: Tave on April 20, 2010, 10:19:06 AM
The good thing about emails is then you have a record of the conversation.
True, however he needs to escalate to yelling maniacal asshole levels to get his money back and that can not be done effectively over an e-mail because it would just be ignored.
Quote from: r0tor on April 20, 2010, 10:28:11 AM
True, however he needs to escalate to yelling maniacal asshole levels to get his money back and that can not be done effectively over an e-mail because it would just be ignored.
:lol:
I think email first and then in-person lunacy is the best route.
I'm going in tomorrow for sure. I'm going to take a copy of a letter that I will send to the Michigan Attorney General, the Consumer Protection Division, the FTC, and any other consumer protection agencies I can get my hands on. I'm a fucking idiot as I no longer have the receipt from the transaction, but that's moderately irrelevant as it is on my bank statement which has all the numbers and dates anyways.
If all else fails, I'll mention that I have a lot of college buddies that would be happy to celebrate the end of the semester by smashing up some glass and sheet metal.
All conversations will be recorded via iPhone. And if they give me shit for "well, it's non-refundable," I will procure the e-mail sent to me yesterday which explicitly stated that "Yes! I will make sure that your $200 is refunded today. I apologize for the delay."
Fuck these motherfuckers. I am definitely not taking my Audi there for service once I get 'er.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 20, 2010, 03:47:11 PM
I'm going in tomorrow for sure. I'm going to take a copy of a letter that I will send to the Michigan Attorney General, the Consumer Protection Division, the FTC, and any other consumer protection agencies I can get my hands on. I'm a fucking idiot as I no longer have the receipt from the transaction, but that's moderately irrelevant as it is on my bank statement which has all the numbers and dates anyways.
If all else fails, I'll mention that I have a lot of college buddies that would be happy to celebrate the end of the semester by smashing up some glass and sheet metal.
All conversations will be recorded via iPhone. And if they give me shit for "well, it's non-refundable," I will procure the e-mail sent to me yesterday which explicitly stated that "Yes! I will make sure that your $200 is refunded today. I apologize for the delay."
Fuck these motherfuckers. I am definitely not taking my Audi there for service once I get 'er.
I'd recommend against threats of smashing stuff (especially if you're recording). If, by some coincidence, stuff does happen to get smashed, you'll be pegged as a suspect. Also might want to be careful about recording conversations unless you get their permission first. Not sure what the laws are regarding that.
I'm kidding about the threatening part; I'm not that stupid. :ohyeah:
And phooey; Michigan law makes it a felony to record conversations without consent from both parties.
Meh. I don't think they'll give me too much hassle if I go in there and use legal action as a playing card.
EDIT: Wait a minute...
"Because Michigan?s definition of ?eavesdrop? is to ?overhear, record, amplify or transmit any part of the private discourse of others,? Michigan courts have held that participant recording (even without the consent of the other parties) is not prohibited. Therefore, a party to the conversation can record the conversation himself without obtaining the consent of the other parties. He cannot, however, employ a third party to record the conversation on his behalf without getting the consent of all the parties."
So when are you getting this car?
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 20, 2010, 08:51:12 PM
So when are you getting this car?
Assuming it has arrived at the dealership - which it probably will - I'll be picking it up next Friday on my way home from school. :ohyeah:
Got mah $200 back today. Apparently the sales manager forwarded my initial e-mail to the saleswoman, who had my paperwork. She claimed that she then proceeded to send me an e-mail asking me for my credit card number. Which I never received. Apparently her e-mail is fucked up. :facepalm:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 21, 2010, 04:23:41 PM
Got mah $200 back today. Apparently the sales manager forwarded my initial e-mail to the saleswoman, who had my paperwork. She claimed that she then proceeded to send me an e-mail asking me for my credit card number. Which I never received. Apparently her e-mail is fucked up. :facepalm:
Ya, she is fucked up. Yeah.
Quote from: Catman on April 21, 2010, 06:16:44 PM
Ya, she is fucked up. Yeah.
Quite frankly, I don't get why you use "ya" and "yeah" in two different spellings in the same sentence.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 21, 2010, 06:27:32 PM
Quite frankly, I don't get why you use "ya" and "yeah" in two different spellings in the same sentence.
Too many margaritas tonight! Yeah.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 21, 2010, 06:27:32 PM
Quite frankly, I don't get why you use "ya" and "yeah" in two different spellings in the same sentence.
"Quite frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
Quote from: Tave on April 21, 2010, 06:32:39 PM
"Quite frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
:lockedup: BTW, ya and yeah are two different word mang.
Quote from: Catman on April 21, 2010, 06:34:24 PM
:lockedup: BTW, ya and yeah are two different word mang.
Indeed. One is used by strawberry-blond male bimbos from the fjords of Scandalandia, and the other is used by glassy-eyed burlap-ed beach bumbs from Californada.
I however, was quoting a memorable line from an indelible piece of Americana in an effort to point out the gauche forwardness of questioning your diction on matters so trivial, and now you've forced my hand and here I am writing more and more about this flippant nonsense by the second. Curses to you and the horse you road in on.
I like horses.
Quote from: Tave on April 21, 2010, 06:41:27 PM
Indeed. One is used by strawberry-blond male bimbos from the fjords of Scandalandia, and the other is used by glassy-eyed burlap-ed beach bumbs from Californada.
I however, was quoting a memorable line from an indelible piece of Americana in an effort to point out the gauche forwardness of questioning your diction on matters so trivial, and now you've forced my hand and here I am writing more and more about this flippant nonsense by the second. Curses to you and the horse you road in on.
From a slightly less critically acclaimed movie than gone with the wind:
"ro-ad" :lol:
Quote from: Tave on April 21, 2010, 06:41:27 PM
Indeed. One is used by strawberry-blond male bimbos from the fjords of Scandalandia, and the other is used by glassy-eyed burlap-ed beach bumbs from Californada.
I however, was quoting a memorable line from an indelible piece of Americana in an effort to point out the gauche forwardness of questioning your diction on matters so trivial, and now you've forced my hand and here I am writing more and more about this flippant nonsense by the second. Curses to you and the horse you road in on.
I can't read this post its too long.
Quote from: Catman on April 21, 2010, 06:28:45 PM
Too many margaritas tonight! Yeah.
:rockon:
Drunk posting, Greg? That's great, mang.....I think this is a first.... :ohyeah:
Quote from: Catman on April 21, 2010, 06:48:27 PM
I can't read this post its too long.
:wtf:
Gregory.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 21, 2010, 06:57:57 PM
:wtf:
Gregory.
Cut him some slack, mang...he's wasted.... :rockon:
Greg, were did you go tonight to get trashed? It sounds like fun.... :evildude:
Nah, dude. It's all good. :rockon:
Quite frankly, I find this behaviour unbecoming of a moderator.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 21, 2010, 07:10:04 PM
Quite frankly, I find this behaviour unbecoming of a moderator.
Haha, I like the wasted side of Greg. Pretty cool... :rockon:
Far from wasted but I did indulge a bit at the local Mexican joint.
Quote from: Catman on April 21, 2010, 07:29:11 PM
Far from wasted but I did indulge a bit at the local Mexican joint.
:ohyeah:
You seemed a little wasted. Who am I to talk? I posted really wasted from the train back in December, in between running in and out of the bathroom to throw up.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 21, 2010, 07:31:51 PM
:ohyeah:
You seemed a little wasted. Who am I to talk? I posted really wasted from the train back in December, in between running in and out of the bathroom to throw up.
:lol:
That was one hellish train ride. There were other people on the train who needed to use the bathroom, so it wasn't always empty, and a few times I was desperately trying to keep from barfing right out in the main part of the train. What a fucking mess that was. Of course, I couldn't drive home. Thank God the cab stand was still open at 1 or 2 am when I got there. It wasn't until noon the next day when I felt sober enough to go back to the station and get my car.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 21, 2010, 07:36:30 PM
That was one hellish train ride. There were other people on the train who needed to use the bathroom, so it wasn't always empty, and a few times I was desperately trying to keep from barfing right out in the main part of the train. What a fucking mess that was. Of course, I couldn't drive home. Thank God the cab stand was still open at 1 or 2 am when I got there. It wasn't until noon the next day when I felt sober enough to go back to the station and get my car.
dude, you sound like my drinking habits sophomore year of high school... :lol:
Chris, did you ever go to a stealership by yourself while shopping for the car?
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 21, 2010, 09:36:17 PM
Chris, did you ever go to a stealership by yourself while shopping for the car?
My father was with me when we went to the dealership that we're getting the car from (Grand Rapids). I went to the dealership here in Ann Arbor by myself; though my parents were there a few days before, and they were thus expecting me.
Why?
Quote from: Tave on April 21, 2010, 06:41:27 PM
Indeed. One is used by strawberry-blond male bimbos from the fjords of Scandalandia, and the other is used by glassy-eyed burlap-ed beach bumbs from Californada.
I however, was quoting a memorable line from an indelible piece of Americana in an effort to point out the gauche forwardness of questioning your diction on matters so trivial, and now you've forced my hand and here I am writing more and more about this flippant nonsense by the second. Curses to you and the horse you road in on.
Too bad you mis-quoted it. There's no "Quite" at the beginning. ;)
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 21, 2010, 09:56:33 PM
My father was with me when we went to the dealership that we're getting the car from (Grand Rapids). I went to the dealership here in Ann Arbor by myself; though my parents were there a few days before, and they were thus expecting me.
Why?
I went to a BMW dealership today with a guy I work with (he's well into his 30s, has a 350Z) and I was kind of wandering around by myself looking around and I saw sales people just standing around, look at me, and then continue standing around. I had to go up to them to ask them some stuff. Long story short, I will not be trying to get my mom into a (CPO) BMW.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 21, 2010, 10:18:53 PM
I went to a BMW dealership today with a guy I work with (he's well into his 30s, has a 350Z) and I was kind of wandering around by myself looking around and I saw sales people just standing around, look at me, and then continue standing around. I had to go up to them to ask them some stuff. Long story short, I will not be trying to get my mom into a (CPO) BMW.
lol... I wish sales people would do that more often. If I have a question, I'll ask it. Otherwise, go the hell away.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 21, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
lol... I wish sales people would do that more often. If I have a question, I'll ask it. Otherwise, go the hell away.
Seriously. As I made my way into Best Buy the other day, I got asked no less than 4 times if I needed help finding something. "No! Fuck you! I am just trying to walk from the front doors to the back of the business! For fucks sake!" is exactly what crossed my mind.
I don't mind telling one person one time to fuck off, but I hate it when nineteen different people try to help. I've got a good fuck off face for those places.
Quote from: J86 on April 21, 2010, 09:34:35 PM
dude, you sound like my drinking habits sophomore year of high school... :lol:
I swear... Brother from another mother...
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 21, 2010, 10:18:53 PM
I went to a BMW dealership today with a guy I work with (he's well into his 30s, has a 350Z) and I was kind of wandering around by myself looking around and I saw sales people just standing around, look at me, and then continue standing around. I had to go up to them to ask them some stuff. Long story short, I will not be trying to get my mom into a (CPO) BMW.
Yeah, I hate that shit. Oddly enough, I rarely got that treatment, except for at a local Honda dealership (owned by the family of baseball player Mike Piazza).
This one of the most bizarre threads ever. About 8 different topic changes. Cougs baits yet no one takes it. Greg's drunk. Two isolated discussions about grammar/vocab.
On track to get the car on Thursday Chris?
Your exams are freakishly early btw, I thought mine were early, and they don't start until Friday.
A weird thread, indeed.
Will be picking up the car on Friday. I got an e-mail from the salesman today confirming that the car arrived at the dealership and it's ready for pickup. :ohyeah:
Yeah, our exams seem to be atypically early, but seem to be relatively consistent with most schools in Michigan. Classes were done last Tuesday and exams go through Thursday.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 26, 2010, 05:07:52 PM
A weird thread, indeed.
Will be picking up the car on Friday. I got an e-mail from the salesman today confirming that the car arrived at the dealership and it's ready for pickup. :ohyeah:
Yeah, our exams seem to be atypically early, but seem to be relatively consistent with most schools in Michigan. Classes were done last Tuesday and exams go through Thursday.
Sweet, that's pretty exciting. I am afraid my school work would suffer drastically under these circumstances. 'Luckily' I don't have to worry about that.
Also, I went to the dealership in Ann Arbor (not the one I'm getting the car from) to get my $200 deposit back. They swiped my card and I have a slip that says "refund" on it. This was last Wednesday. The refund has still not gone through...what the fuck?
Quote from: TBR on April 26, 2010, 05:05:07 PM
This one of the most bizarre threads ever. About 8 different topic changes. Cougs baits yet no one takes it. Greg's drunk. Two isolated discussions about grammar/vocab.
On track to get the car on Thursday Chris?
Your exams are freakishly early btw, I thought mine were early, and they don't start until Friday.
Greg being drunk was the best part. It's a side of him we don't often see.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 26, 2010, 05:10:17 PM
Also, I went to the dealership in Ann Arbor (not the one I'm getting the car from) to get my $200 deposit back. They swiped my card and I have a slip that says "refund" on it. This was last Wednesday. The refund has still not gone through...what the fuck?
How long did it take for the initial charge to process? I'd wait another couple of days. The processors that small businesses typically use don't seem to be very efficient.
Quote from: TBR on April 26, 2010, 05:10:10 PM
Sweet, that's pretty exciting. I am afraid my school work would suffer drastically under these circumstances. 'Luckily' I don't have to worry about that.
haha Yeah, I've been getting pretty antsy, but I'm pretty good at keeping it contained. Plus, 3/4 of my exams were done over two days, and my last one is just for a bullshit class, so I haven't had too much to worry about.
Quote from: TBR on April 26, 2010, 05:12:17 PM
How long did it take for the initial charge to process? I'd wait another couple of days. The processors that small businesses typically use don't seem to be very efficient.
The charge went through the day of. At least, it showed up on my online activity statement that same day. I assumed the refund would take no more than a few days. I am getting exuberantly frustrated with this POS dealership.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 26, 2010, 05:11:15 PM
Greg being drunk was the best part. It's a side of him we don't often see.
You old people were probably cool as hell a long time ago.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2010, 05:15:02 PM
You old people were probably cool as hell a long time ago.
We were actually cooler than a lot of you young guys are now, back in our time.... :lol:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 26, 2010, 05:16:16 PM
We were actually cooler than a lot of you young guys are now, back in our time.... :lol:
Well, at least in my case, that wouldn't be saying much. :tounge:
Quote from: TBR on April 26, 2010, 05:17:02 PM
Well, at least in my case, that wouldn't be saying much. :tounge:
I know.... :lol:
HEY.
I'm cool.
Two days. A4.
ISO 216?
You guys and your little paper sizes. Letter? :wtf:
Good choice in choosing the proper paper size Chris. A4. A4 indeed.
A4's license plate will officially read: LOTR
:praise:
Don't hate. I :wub: Lord of the Rings. Audi...rings...get it? :mask:
ISO 216!
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 02:04:49 PM
ISO 216!
Get off meh. Though I must give you credit for that. That's a hell of an idea. :ohyeah: Maybe I'll get that in a year when the registration renews or somethin'.
Ugh, I don't like vanity plates.
ISO 216?
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2010, 02:02:00 PM
A4's license plate will officially read: LOTR
:praise:
Don't hate. I :wub: Lord of the Rings. Audi...rings...get it? :mask:
:facepalm: ^ 2
You know we're not hanging out after I move to Michigan, right?
"ISO 216 specifies international standard (ISO) paper sizes used in most countries in the world today. It is the standard which defines the commonly available A4 paper size."
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 28, 2010, 02:21:36 PM
:facepalm: ^ 2
You know we're not hanging out after I move to Michigan, right?
Blah blah blah. I don't care what people think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm my own man!
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2010, 02:22:08 PM
Blah blah blah. I don't care what people think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm my own man!
Apparently, you're your own Lord... :rolleyes:
And I finally got mah $200 back. Cripes.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2010, 02:21:44 PM
"ISO 216 specifies international standard (ISO) paper sizes used in most countries in the world today. It is the standard which defines the commonly available A4 paper size."
Mildly interesting is a very geeky way.
Quote from: Raza on April 28, 2010, 02:40:51 PM
Mildly interesting is a very geeky way.
:praise:
What's the fun if no one gets it?
People would get 'PAPER OR' on my car, but srsly, ISO 216?
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2010, 05:15:02 PM
You old people were probably cool as hell a long time ago.
:evildude:
I have more cool in my little finger than you do in your entire self. Even as an old dude. I'm down on Bourbon Street this week at a conference and I've already earned some beads. Yup, flashing my man-boobs to those ladies on the balcony really paid off! :praise:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2010, 02:21:44 PM
"ISO 216 specifies international standard (ISO) paper sizes used in most countries in the world today. It is the standard which defines the commonly available A4 paper size."
I'm guessing most folks would see that as a non-vanity plate. And those who get it are bound to be insufferably boring. (Not that you'd be insufferably boring for having it, but you know what I'm getting at..... :lol: )
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 04:56:52 PM
:evildude:
I have more cool in my little finger than you do in your entire self. Even as an old dude. I'm down on Bourbon Street this week at a conference and I've already earned some beads. Yup, flashing my man-boobs to those ladies on the balcony really paid off! :praise:
When you're 6'7, your little finger is probably the size of a regular person's index finger.
But anyway, I refuse to believe that you were/are cool :devil:
Actually, I would say you're pretty cool. But Dave isn't!
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 04:56:52 PM
:evildude:
I have more cool in my little finger than you do in your entire self. Even as an old dude. I'm down on Bourbon Street this week at a conference and I've already earned some beads. Yup, flashing my man-boobs to those ladies on the balcony really paid off! :praise:
No shit, whatchu doin in my adopted city?! Let me know if you want any restaurant/bar/music/general things to do recs...
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 05:58:31 PM
When you're 6'7, your little finger is probably the size of a regular person's index finger.
But anyway, I refuse to believe that you were/are cool :devil:
Actually, I would say you're pretty cool. But Dave isn't!
:rage: :rage:
WTF is that all about?
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 06:29:49 PM
No shit, whatchu doin in my adopted city?! Let me know if you want any restaurant/bar/music/general things to do recs...
I'm at a conference at the Astor on the corner of Bourbon and Canal St. My 1st time in N.O. - quite the place! You went to school down here, right? I can't imagine getting much studying done around here. :partyon: Ate at the Palace Cafe and the Bourbon Cafe right in the hotel so far. Food is amazingly good. Seafood like up in New England, but cooked Cajun style. So any recommendations? I'm hanging with a pretty sedate bunch though. They're easily frightened! Is it any good down by the river at Decatur St, or just a good place to get mugged? I'm used to Boston where you really have to look for a bad place to walk. in N.O, it's a lot easier to find those. :devil:
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 05:58:31 PM
When you're 6'7, your little finger is probably the size of a regular person's index finger.
But anyway, I refuse to believe that you were/are cool :devil:
Actually, I would say you're pretty cool. But Dave isn't!
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 06:47:24 PM
:rage: :rage:
WTF is that all about?
:lol: I think Eddie is still mad because you beat up on him for being a slacker. He's venting. Not sure why he's laying the beat down on me, though. :cry: Although he did say I was "pretty cool", so I guess that's a start.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 06:54:44 PM
I'm at a conference at the Astor on the corner of Bourbon and Canal St. My 1st time in N.O. - quite the place! You went to school down here, right? I can't imagine getting much studying done around here. :partyon: Ate at the Palace Cafe and the Bourbon Cafe right in the hotel so far. Food is amazingly good. Seafood like up in New England, but cooked Cajun style. So any recommendations? I'm hanging with a pretty sedate bunch though. They're easily frightened! Is it any good down by the river at Decatur St, or just a good place to get mugged? I'm used to Boston where you really have to look for a bad place to walk. in N.O, it's a lot easier to find those. :devil:
Ha, I'm at law school down here now. A couple miles uptown of you.
There is a blues club called BMC all the way down Decatur that I like. If you go all the way down Decatur and turn onto Frenchman street, that's the real Quarter where all the jazz clubs are. Bourbon St is fun once in a blue moon, but... You should check it out while you're here, get a Hurricane at Pat O's (sit in the piano bar).
The park by the river right off Jackson Square is pretty cool. Well, I like it b/c I like watching the shipping... it's right at a bend in the Mississippi so you get to see the pilots navigate the long barge strings and freighters through a big current rip, the water guy in my loves that.
I don't know what kind of dinner you are looking for, but in my biased opinion (friends w/ the owner, well until he sold it this past year) the best fancy meal is at Galatoire's on Bourbon. Old old old New Orleans institution. Wear a jacket to dinner. Failing that, at least check out Arnaud's or Antoine's. A local favorite in the quarter is Irene's. Call ahead- waits can be over two hours on busy nights.
There is a restaurant called Herbsaint right on St. Charles Ave across from Lafayette square that is fantastic, and another famous NOLA place. None of the ones I have recommended are cheap, mind you.
Do you have a rental car at all or are you on foot? Get uptown if you can. Once you start heading uptown your options open wide... you should get an old fashioned on the porch at the Columns Hotel, again on St. Charles. If you want funky, right near the Columns (on Amelia St) there is a place called Mayfair that gets an eclectic crowd.
Magazine St. has a ton of cool shit. I spend alot of time down there. If you want a real dive check out Ms Mae's, corner of Napoleon and Magazine. I spend most of my time at the Bulldog, also on Mag.
Let me know if you've got any questions or specifics. If you find yourself wending your way up town at all I'll get you a beer!
Oh, and you should have a Sazerac while you are down here. Go to the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel (on Canal, pretty close to the Astor) for that.
Shit, I didn't know you were still here. We should grab a beer for sure! Don't know how to get uptown though. In fact, not sure what uptown is, since isn't the lake only a few blocks from here? :lol: The conference is at the hotel where I'm staying, and I knew we were downtown, so I pussied out and didn't get a car. I always heard this was a walking city anyway, right? Well, I'm here till Friday, so it would be cool if we could meet up at some point. :cheers:
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 07:05:43 PM
Oh, and you should have a Sazerac while you are down here. Go to the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel (on Canal, pretty close to the Astor) for that.
I've been drinking Abita Ambers. They're pretty good. But the sea food down here....holy shit! Haven't seen a Sazerac yet. What is it?
To meet Ron and Josh at the same time...that'd be a fucking riot.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 28, 2010, 07:24:17 PM
To meet Ron and Josh at the same time...that'd be a fucking riot.
New Orleans GTG! Anyone else around?? Although there aren't too many nice rides around here. No automotive eye candy.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:21:21 PM
Shit, I didn't know you were still here. We should grab a beer for sure! Don't know how to get uptown though. In fact, not sure what uptown is, since isn't the lake only a few blocks from here? :lol: The conference is at the hotel where I'm staying, and I knew we were downtown, so I pussied out and didn't get a car. I always heard this was a walking city anyway, right? Well, I'm here till Friday, so it would be cool if we could meet up at some point. :cheers:
You guys have to meet up! Isn't Colonel Cadillac still there also? Ron, maybe Charlie could get you back into fingering chicks in bars as you're snorting coke..... :lol:
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:27:06 PM
New Orleans GTG! Anyone else around?? Although there aren't too many nice rides around here. No automotive eye candy.
Went there a couple years ago and stayed right there at the Omni. Place sicks IMO, glad I was on the company dime. I liked the food though.
Quote from: Catman on April 28, 2010, 07:34:59 PM
Went there a couple years ago and stayed right there at the Omni. Place sicks IMO, glad I was on the company dime. I liked the food though.
I remember you didn't like it. What was the problem, none of the women there flashed their tits at you? :lol:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 07:28:59 PM
You guys have to meet up! Isn't Colonel Cadillac still there also? Ron, maybe Charlie could get you back into fingering chicks in bars as you're snorting coke..... :lol:
:evildude: From what I've seen on Bourbon Street, I'd fit right in doing that. Is Charlie here too? What's with all the New England guys ending up in New Orleans?
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:37:25 PM
:evildude: From what I've seen on Bourbon Street, I'd fit right in doing that. Is Charlie here too? What's with all the New England guys ending up in New Orleans?
It would be pretty funny if you met, considering that I don't think Josh and Charlie have ever met, even though they've been going to the same school for a year. And the two Tims are Wake Forest (Tave and TBR) have never met either.
I don't know if Charlie is in NOLA right now. He was traveling a bit lately. But it would be pretty cool if you guys met up. If so, post pictures!
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:22:58 PM
I've been drinking Abita Ambers. They're pretty good. But the sea food down here....holy shit! Haven't seen a Sazerac yet. What is it?
That was one of my most pleasant surprises. The local beer is great!
Yeah, hope you like oysters. It's crawfish season right now, and it's actually a pretty good year, so make sure you get some.
Plenty of nice rides- just gotta get uptown into the rich guy area!
As per my PM- hopefully we can catch up tomorrow.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 07:39:57 PM
It would be pretty funny if you met, considering that I don't think Josh and Charlie have ever met, even though they've been going to the same school for a year. And the two Tims are Wake Forest (Tave and TBR) have never met either.
I don't know if Charlie is in NOLA right now. He was traveling a bit lately. But it would be pretty cool if you guys met up. If so, post pictures!
Nah, haven't met Charlie yet. He's been drinkin' with some of my friends though :lol:
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 07:47:48 PM
That was one of my most pleasant surprises. The local beer is great!
Yeah, hope you like oysters. It's crawfish season right now, and it's actually a pretty good year, so make sure you get some.
Plenty of nice rides- just gotta get uptown into the rich guy area!
As per my PM- hopefully we can catch up tomorrow.
I'm jealous that I can't be there for this GTG. You and Ron will have a lot of fun grabbing a drink together!
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 07:48:24 PM
Nah, haven't met Charlie yet. He's been drinkin' with some of my friends though :lol:
That's not saying much. That kid drinks with everyone down there.... :evildude:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 07:39:57 PM
It would be pretty funny if you met, considering that I don't think Josh and Charlie have ever met, even though they've been going to the same school for a year. And the two Tims are Wake Forest (Tave and TBR) have never met either.
I don't know if Charlie is in NOLA right now. He was traveling a bit lately. But it would be pretty cool if you guys met up. If so, post pictures!
They've never met? I think it should be mandatory that any Spinner within a 1 hr drive should meet any fellow Spinner. Or you're out of the club. I've been buried at work lately, so this trip pretty much came up as a surprise, even though it's been booked for over 6 months. I never stopped to think about who might be down here. Sometimes the unplanned events work out better than the planned ones.
Oh, and a Sazerac is Sazerac Rye whiskey, Peychard's Bitters, and some simple syrup, served neat.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:49:58 PM
They've never met? I think it should be mandatory that any Spinner within a 1 hr drive should meet any fellow Spinner. Or you're out of the club. I've been buried at work lately, so this trip pretty much came up as a surprise, even though it's been booked for over 6 months. I never stopped to think about who might be down here. Sometimes the unplanned events work out better than the planned ones.
I'll miss omicron :frown: :lol:
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:49:58 PM
They've never met? I think it should be mandatory that any Spinner within a 1 hr drive should meet any fellow Spinner. Or you're out of the club. I've been buried at work lately, so this trip pretty much came up as a surprise, even though it's been booked for over 6 months. I never stopped to think about who might be down here. Sometimes the unplanned events work out better than the planned ones.
youre catching me during exams, which is an odd time, because it is on the one hand insanely busy, but there are brief periods of complete downtime, such as right after the exam I have tomorrow.
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 07:51:40 PM
youre catching me during exams, which is an odd time, because it is on the one hand insanely busy, but there are brief periods of complete downtime, such as right after the exam I have tomorrow.
Too bad Ron is down there without the Audi. He could have taken you for a really fun ride as part of the GTG!
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 08:00:25 PM
Too bad Ron is down there without the Audi. He could have taken you for a really fun ride as part of the GTG!
Too bad my bud's modded MINI is in the shop (AGAIN!!!) or else I'd borrow that to joy ride around in. Guess we'll have to make do with the Grandpa Cruiser. :lol:
Get out of my thread, you old fogies. :rage:
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 07:51:40 PM
youre catching me during exams, which is an odd time, because it is on the one hand insanely busy, but there are brief periods of complete downtime, such as right after the exam I have tomorrow.
That might work out perfectly - I just PMed you. Maybe our 1st Annual NOGTG tomorrow? :cheers:
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 08:03:24 PM
That might work out perfectly - I just PMed you. Maybe our 1st Annual NOGTG tomorrow? :cheers:
It's on! I'll give you a holler when I get out of the damn exam (sometime hopefully not too far past 5).
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 08:00:25 PM
Too bad Ron is down there without the Audi. He could have taken you for a really fun ride as part of the GTG!
:lol: I think my driving style will fit right in around here. After the cab ride from the airport, I had to change my underwear. Twice.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:22:58 PM
I've been drinking Abita Ambers. They're pretty good. But the sea food down here....holy shit! Haven't seen a Sazerac yet. What is it?
Get an Abita Turbodog while you're down there! It's one of my favorite beers, and you can't find 'em up here. It's a brown ale, so similar to Newcastle, but much much better.
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 08:04:12 PM
It's on! I'll give you a holler when I get out of the damn exam (sometime hopefully not too far past 5).
Awesome! See you then, and good luck with the exam.
Thanks! And yeah, the drivers are nuts. I have two friends who have had their cars toatled...while parked. I get honked at regularly for NOT blowing reds.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 28, 2010, 08:05:49 PM
Get an Abita Turbodog while you're down there! It's one of my favorite beers, and you can't find 'em up here. It's a brown ale, so similar to Newcastle, but much much better.
Turbodog is delicious. My favorite Abita is probably their Red Ale. Their Jockamo IPA is pretty decent, but a bit too sweet for my tastes when Im looking for an IPA.
BTW if youre ever in NYC, Gingerman on E 36th has Abita sometimes.
Well Ron, you could just put on your skirt and rent a Suburban...:devil:
Quote from: The Pirate on April 28, 2010, 08:05:49 PM
Get an Abita Turbodog while you're down there! It's one of my favorite beers, and you can't find 'em up here. It's a brown ale, so similar to Newcastle, but much much better.
I've heard the Turbodogs mentioned. I think I'll shoot back down to the bar and order one up. The night is still young. :cheers:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 08:11:13 PM
Well Ron, you could just put on your skirt and rent a Suburban...:devil:
Now where'd that "Bite Me" smiley go??
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 08:10:41 PM
Turbodog is delicious. My favorite Abita is probably their Red Ale. Their Jockamo IPA is pretty decent, but a bit too sweet for my tastes when Im looking for an IPA.
BTW if youre ever in NYC, Gingerman on E 36th has Abita sometimes.
Now I'm getting thirsty. I might just slip out and grab a pint.
Shoot down to the Acme Oyster House on the corner of Iberville and Royal. Only a block or so from your hotel and they have oysters and Turbodog on draft :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2010, 08:03:07 PM
Get out of my thread, you old fogies. :rage:
Oh Shit! Sorry bout that. Forgot where we were for a minute. So, how's the car coming along? At least the dirtbag dealer gave you the dough back. They figure they'll take their chances that 1 out of 10 people will be to cowardly to ask for the money, so they keep it. It's worth a try...if you're a shitbag crook of a car salesman.
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 08:14:55 PM
Shoot down to the Acme Oyster House on the corner of Iberville and Royal. Only a block or so from your hotel and they have oysters and Turbodog on draft :lol:
I'm on my way. They're about a hundred yards from here.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 08:15:44 PM
Oh Shit! Sorry bout that. Forgot where we were for a minute. So, how's the car coming along? At least the dirtbag dealer gave you the dough back. They figure they'll take their chances that 1 out of 10 people will be to cowardly to ask for the money, so they keep it. It's worth a try...if you're a shitbag crook of a car salesman.
I was kidding, I certainly don't mind. I'll probably start a new thread once I get the beast. :ohyeah: Pickin' it up Friday!
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 08:16:51 PM
I'm on my way. They're about a hundred yards from here.
Enjoy! Join the 15 dozen club... :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2010, 08:18:05 PM
I was kidding, I certainly don't mind. I'll probably start a new thread once I get the beast. :ohyeah: Pickin' it up Friday!
that's sweet! take a pic!
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 08:19:14 PM
that's sweet! take a pic!
I will. I won't be able to post here until probably Saturday (I'll be on the road all day/night Friday), but I'll prolly throw an iPhone picture up on Facebook that someone from here can link to this place. :ohyeah:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2010, 08:18:05 PM
I was kidding, I certainly don't mind. I'll probably start a new thread once I get the beast. :ohyeah: Pickin' it up Friday!
I figured you were kidding, but I really did forget where we were. I thought I was in the New Orleans GTG thread. :huh:
Good luck on Friday. Nothing beats that feeling of picking up a new car. Well, almost nothing...
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 08:10:41 PM
Turbodog is delicious. My favorite Abita is probably their Red Ale. Their Jockamo IPA is pretty decent, but a bit too sweet for my tastes when Im looking for an IPA.
BTW if youre ever in NYC, Gingerman on E 36th has Abita sometimes.
I've only ever had the Turbodog. I'll get to try the rest of them someday soon. And thanks for the tip on Gingerman, I do find myself in NYC fairly frequently (friends and family there).
Quote from: Raza on April 28, 2010, 02:40:51 PM
Mildly interesting is a very geeky way.
The alternative is LOTR. Need I say more.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 08:13:28 PM
Now I'm getting thirsty. I might just slip out and grab a pint.
Or two? Or three?
Quote from: dazzleman on April 28, 2010, 06:47:24 PM
:rage: :rage:
WTF is that all about?
After meeting you, I'm very skeptical about your supposedly delinquent ways before. And your claims of speeding have not been verified yet.
So all in all, you no cool. :devil:
General impressions from all y'all:
-Nick: Much quieter than I was expecting, very much the same person from the forums but toned down
-Eddie: Perhaps it's because it was the first time meeting everyone, but you're quieter than I imagined, and not quite as stereotypically Asian -- which is a good thing
-Ron: Anyone with 37 kids has to have a good sense of humor, probably the sort of person you'd want to grab a pint with
-Dave: ForumDad, you have to wonder WTF he was like before he started taking Geritol :devil:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 28, 2010, 10:22:41 PM
General impressions from all y'all:
-Nick: Much quieter than I was expecting, very much the same person from the forums but toned down
-Eddie: Perhaps it's because it was the first time meeting everyone, but you're quieter than I imagined, and not quite as stereotypically Asian -- which is a good thing
-Ron: Anyone with 37 kids has to have a good sense of humor, probably the sort of person you'd want to grab a pint with
-Dave: ForumDad, you have to wonder WTF he was like before he started taking Geritol :devil:
I was pretty tired from all the driving and what not and yeah I was probably more quiet because I had never met anyone (save for nick) there before.
And whaddaya mean "not quite as stereotypically Asian"
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 10:25:28 PM
I was pretty tired from all the driving and what not and yeah I was probably more quiet because I had never met anyone (save for nick) there before.
And whaddaya mean "not quite as stereotypically Asian"
I mean, Asians only talk about two things usually: school and cars, mostly of a ricey nature. Have you seen Gran Torino? The little Hmong kid who hangs around with Clint Eastwood -- he's stereotypically Asian.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 28, 2010, 10:28:07 PM
I mean, Asians only talk about two things usually: school and cars, mostly of a ricey nature. Have you seen Gran Torino? The little Hmong kid who hangs around with Clint Eastwood -- he's stereotypically Asian.
I don't even remember what I talked about during the GTG.
My dad and I had a very technical discussion about car engines and the future of the IC engine over dinner. My mom started to get ticked off and said "pay the bill and then come out after you guys are done" :lol:
And really, I'm not that asian. I play hockey and ultimate frisbee (the two whitest sports around IMO)! I don't really have an accent either.
Oh and, yes I have seen the movie. Great flick btw.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 10:31:04 PM
I don't even remember what I talked about during the GTG.
My dad and I had a very technical discussion about car engines and the future of the IC engine over dinner. My mom started to get ticked off and said "pay the bill and then come out after you guys are done" :lol:
And really, I'm not that asian. I play hockey and ultimate frisbee (the two whitest sports around IMO)! I don't really have an accent either.
Oh and, yes I have seen the movie. Great flick btw.
My old roommate was stereotypically Asian: "Yo, dude, I just ordered an intercooler for the E30. Yo, I really miss my 500 hp Supra, with an HKS [blah blah]....
[15 minutes later]
Yo, dude, I'm going to drop a 2JZ into my E30..."
That. Was. The. Extent. Of. Every. Fucking. Conversation.
No, you're not stereotypically Asian 'cause it would either be about rice boyz crap or how your life is incomplete because you didn't get into an Ivy League school.
Takeaway: this is a good thing. Feel fortunate you're not.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 28, 2010, 10:35:24 PM
My old roommate was stereotypically Asian: "Yo, dude, I just ordered an intercooler for the E30. Yo, I really miss my 500 hp Supra, with an HKS [blah blah]....
[15 minutes later]
Yo, dude, I'm going to drop a 2JZ into my E30..."
That. Was. The. Extent. Of. Every. Fucking. Conversation.
No, you're not stereotypically Asian 'cause it would either be about rice boyz crap or how your life is incomplete because you didn't get into an Ivy League school.
Takeaway: this is a good thing. Feel fortunate you're not.
:lol:
I get what you're saying now.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 10:00:19 PM
Or two? Or three?
Eh, just 2. And I never got to Acme's Oysters - about 30 people waiting in line on the sidewalk to get in. So I ended back up in the hotel bar. Still a good place to be. :cheers:
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 10:58:06 PM
Eh, just 2. And I never got to Acme's Oysters - about 30 people waiting in line on the sidewalk to get in. So I ended back up in the hotel bar. Still a good place to be. :cheers:
Did you search for a tranny hooker?
Quote from: the Teuton on April 28, 2010, 10:22:41 PM
General impressions from all y'all:
-Nick: Much quieter than I was expecting, very much the same person from the forums but toned down
-Eddie: Perhaps it's because it was the first time meeting everyone, but you're quieter than I imagined, and not quite as stereotypically Asian -- which is a good thing
-Ron: Anyone with 37 kids has to have a good sense of humor, probably the sort of person you'd want to grab a pint with
-Dave: ForumDad, you have to wonder WTF he was like before he started taking Geritol :devil:
Hey Jake, FWIW, you were pretty much exactly as I figured you would be. And yes, I'm hilarious. And since Dave is about my age, you'd better lay off the "Geritol" jokes or we'll both open up a can of Whoop-Ass on you at the next GTG.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 10:59:27 PM
Did you search for a tranny hooker?
:lol: Hell, on Bourbon Street, the tranny hookers search for you. And I'm sure I saw a few these past few days, but just didn't notice. There is one hell of a cast of characters down here!
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 11:09:06 PM
Hey Jake, FWIW, you were pretty much exactly as I figured you would be. And yes, I'm hilarious. And since Dave is about my age, you'd better lay off the "Geritol" jokes or we'll both open up a can of Whoop-Ass on you at the next GTG.
Bring it, Andre!
And is that a good thing or a bad thing? :lol:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 28, 2010, 10:22:41 PM
General impressions from all y'all:
-Nick: Much quieter than I was expecting, very much the same person from the forums but toned down
-Eddie: Perhaps it's because it was the first time meeting everyone, but you're quieter than I imagined, and not quite as stereotypically Asian -- which is a good thing
-Ron: Anyone with 37 kids has to have a good sense of humor, probably the sort of person you'd want to grab a pint with
-Dave: ForumDad, you have to wonder WTF he was like before he started taking Geritol :devil:
Next time you come here, I'm serving you dog food.... :lol:
Actually, you have hit a raw nerve. I think my job is aging me terribly. My old boss retired 2 months ago, and I heard he looks 5 years younger already.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 10:02:07 PM
After meeting you, I'm very skeptical about your supposedly delinquent ways before. And your claims of speeding have not been verified yet.
So all in all, you no cool. :devil:
Delinquent ways? :huh:
We were going a bit over 80 mph on the way to the train. Or did you not notice, because you're so used to driving falling apart rustbuckets that feel like 80 mph when you're doing 40? :evildude:
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 06:56:47 PM
:lol: I think Eddie is still mad because you beat up on him for being a slacker. He's venting. Not sure why he's laying the beat down on me, though. :cry: Although he did say I was "pretty cool", so I guess that's a start.
He based that on actual body temperature. With as little hair as you have left, your body heat dissipates much faster than it does for a normal person.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 28, 2010, 08:36:47 PM
I've only ever had the Turbodog. I'll get to try the rest of them someday soon. And thanks for the tip on Gingerman, I do find myself in NYC fairly frequently (friends and family there).
Ha! I've been there. Famous for its beer selection, I drank bourbon all night long. Mostly Basil Hayden.
:thumbsup:
Quote from: Raza on April 29, 2010, 05:50:10 AM
He based that on actual body temperature. With as little hair as you have left, your body heat dissipates much faster than it does for a normal person.
If we're talking about losing body heat due to lack of hair, Dave would be iceman... :devil:
Quote from: J86 on April 28, 2010, 08:14:55 PM
Shoot down to the Acme Oyster House on the corner of Iberville and Royal. Only a block or so from your hotel and they have oysters and Turbodog on draft :lol:
Luke happy hour! $.50 oysters and half-off drinks!
I sure hope I'm invited for a beer with you and Ron later. I've got these projects due today and tomorrow, but I should be able to do something for a bit tonight.
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 11:12:02 PM
:lol: Hell, on Bourbon Street, the tranny hookers search for you. And I'm sure I saw a few these past few days, but just didn't notice. There is one hell of a cast of characters down here!
I'll say!
Charlie, come on Down! Josh should be around 5 or 5:30. I'm good till 7:15 or so, so it'll be brief but meaningful! 3 New Englanders holding a deep Southwest GTG. :rockon:
deep south that is. Damn phone suggesting these words... :lol:
I'll be there, where's the destination?
where's the booze?
Headline: Bald New England Contractor Lures Two Young Men to Hotel Room
NEW ORLEANS - Early this morning three people were found dead in what appears to be a deranged love triangle murder/suicide pact. The instigator in this incident is survived by his wife and 37 children. Police are refusing to comment, but early responders suspect motives for the crime to be sexual in nature. More details as they become available.
ron are you balding? I can't even see the top of your head so I couldn't tell :lol:
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 29, 2010, 02:16:38 PM
where's the booze?
How about A4 pack?
(http://liveapartmentfire.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dogfish-head-90-minute-imperial-ipa-26645.jpg)
Quote from: saxonyron on April 28, 2010, 07:49:58 PM
They've never met? I think it should be mandatory that any Spinner within a 1 hr drive should meet any fellow Spinner. Or you're out of the club. I've been buried at work lately, so this trip pretty much came up as a surprise, even though it's been booked for over 6 months. I never stopped to think about who might be down here. Sometimes the unplanned events work out better than the planned ones.
I think you northeasterners are a lot tighter of a group than the rest of us. After all, the two major Spin GTGs every year are in Boston and NYC.
Morris Minor doesn't live far from me and we've never met. He has a daughter around my age too. :mask:
Quote from: The Pirate on April 28, 2010, 08:05:49 PM
Get an Abita Turbodog while you're down there! It's one of my favorite beers, and you can't find 'em up here. It's a brown ale, so similar to Newcastle, but much much better.
Really? We get Abita Turbodog, Jockamo, and Purple Haze in Atlanta. I've had Purple Haze, but never tired Turbodog. I'll have to pick up a 6er sometime.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 28, 2010, 10:31:04 PM
I don't even remember what I talked about during the GTG.
My dad and I had a very technical discussion about car engines and the future of the IC engine over dinner. My mom started to get ticked off and said "pay the bill and then come out after you guys are done" :lol:
And really, I'm not that asian. I play hockey and ultimate frisbee (the two whitest sports around IMO)! I don't really have an accent either.
Oh and, yes I have seen the movie. Great flick btw.
The two whitest sports are tennis and skiing.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 29, 2010, 04:59:21 AM
Or did you not notice, because you're so used to driving falling apart rustbuckets that feel like 80 mph when you're doing 40? :evildude:
Having ridden in my dad's 5er a lot, that's actually a likely explanation.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 29, 2010, 03:47:51 PM
I think you northeasterners are a lot tighter of a group than the rest of us. After all, the two major Spin GTGs every year are in Boston and NYC.
The Northwesterners seem to have you beat, too. Hemi's met Laconian, and Secret Chimp and Laconian have met one another several times. I think it's more because, with the exception of Morris Minor, there are no old people out there. Old people are good at organizing things. Total, I've met six people from here on occasion.
QuoteMorris Minor doesn't live far from me and we've never met. He has a daughter around my age too. :mask:
:winkguy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKDdT_nyP54
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 29, 2010, 03:22:03 PM
ron are you balding? I can't even see the top of your head so I couldn't tell :lol:
Not a chance. Raza just likes bust my balls because he's jealous of my hair. He is in fact the balding one. My forehead is growing larger, but by no means am I a balding old fart.
Quote from: Raza on April 29, 2010, 03:08:59 PM
Headline: Bald New England Contractor Lures Two Young Men to Hotel Room
NEW ORLEANS - Early this morning three people were found dead in what appears to be a deranged love triangle murder/suicide pact. The instigator in this incident is survived by his wife and 37 children. Police are refusing to comment, but early responders suspect motives for the crime to be sexual in nature. More details as they become available.
All I can say is :evildude:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 29, 2010, 04:03:13 PM
The Northwesterners seem to have you beat, too. Hemi's met Laconian, and Secret Chimp and Laconian have met one another several times. I think it's more because, with the exception of Morris Minor, there are no old people out there. Old people are good at organizing things. Total, I've met six people from here on occasion.
:winkguy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKDdT_nyP54
Hey, Jake, where's that "bite me" smiley that I keep looking for? That would be the only reasonable response to all your vindictive "old people" comments. You hurt me man. You really hurt me. :mask:
Quote from: saxonyron on April 29, 2010, 04:07:35 PM
All I can say is :evildude:
You know, your head was at cloud level well before I turned on my car.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 29, 2010, 04:03:13 PM
The Northwesterners seem to have you beat, too. Hemi's met Laconian, and Secret Chimp and Laconian have met one another several times. I think it's more because, with the exception of Morris Minor, there are no old people out there. Old people are good at organizing things. Total, I've met six people from here on occasion.
:winkguy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKDdT_nyP54
Is that guy saying Gallado....?
Quote from: saxonyron on April 29, 2010, 04:09:26 PM
Hey, Jake, where's that "bite me" smiley that I keep looking for? That would be the only reasonable response to all your vindictive "old people" comments. You hurt me man. You really hurt me. :mask:
You're acting bitter...like...an old person. :devil:
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 29, 2010, 04:10:04 PM
Is that guy saying Gallado....?
He's from Africa -- give him a break.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 29, 2010, 04:03:13 PM
The Northwesterners seem to have you beat, too. Hemi's met Laconian, and Secret Chimp and Laconian have met one another several times. I think it's more because, with the exception of Morris Minor, there are no old people out there. Old people are good at organizing things. Total, I've met six people from here on occasion.
:winkguy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKDdT_nyP54
That's true. I've met two people from the Spin though (Chimp and Wimmer).
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 29, 2010, 03:54:12 PM
Having ridden in my dad's 5er a lot, that's actually a likely explanation.
So he doesn't let you drive it? Smart man... :devil:
Well, mother and I are in Grand Rapids. After checking into the hotel, we went to the dealership and snuck a peek at the car. It looks goooooooood. Little dirty 'cause it got rained on, but hopefully they wash it in the morning. :mask:
I'm 'cited. I'll throw up a pic or two on Facebook tomorrow with my phone and someone can link it over to this place. :ohyeah:
:cheers:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 29, 2010, 10:33:32 PM
Well, mother and I are in Grand Rapids. After checking into the hotel, we went to the dealership and snuck a peek at the car. It looks goooooooood. Little dirty 'cause it got rained on, but hopefully they wash it in the morning. :mask:
I'm 'cited. I'll throw up a pic or two on Facebook tomorrow with my phone and someone can link it over to this place. :ohyeah:
:cheers:
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG :wub: :whatshesaid:
:praise:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 29, 2010, 04:03:13 PM
The Northwesterners seem to have you beat, too. Hemi's met Laconian, and Secret Chimp and Laconian have met one another several times. I think it's more because, with the exception of Morris Minor, there are no old people out there. Old people are good at organizing things. Total, I've met six people from here on occasion.
:winkguy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKDdT_nyP54
I've hung out with Laconian a bunch, but I don't know that Chimp has... Has he moved back to Seattle yet?
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 29, 2010, 10:33:32 PM
Well, mother and I are in Grand Rapids. After checking into the hotel, we went to the dealership and snuck a peek at the car. It looks goooooooood. Little dirty 'cause it got rained on, but hopefully they wash it in the morning. :mask:
I'm 'cited. I'll throw up a pic or two on Facebook tomorrow with my phone and someone can link it over to this place. :ohyeah:
:cheers:
Send me a Facebook message (or just tag me) when you post the pic and I'll put it up here.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 29, 2010, 06:00:47 PM
So he doesn't let you drive it? Smart man... :devil:
Naw, I've driven it several times, more than anyone else besides him. I even have my seating position on the #2 seat memory button. I just haven't had the need to drive it in quite some time.
Quote from: Rupert on April 29, 2010, 11:03:47 PM
I've hung out with Laconian a bunch, but I don't know that Chimp has... Has he moved back to Seattle yet?
Chimp has been back in Seattle for a month or so.
Will do, Charlie. I don't believe I can tag photos from my iPhone, so if you haven't gotten a notification by noon or so just check my profile or somethin. :ohyeah:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 29, 2010, 04:03:13 PM
The Northwesterners seem to have you beat, too. Hemi's met Laconian, and Secret Chimp and Laconian have met one another several times. I think it's more because, with the exception of Morris Minor, there are no old people out there. Old people are good at organizing things. Total, I've met six people from here on occasion.
Yep.... there were 4 of us living in NC, and I never met any of the 'spinners. JWC, myself, Onslaught, and another that lived near Norfolk (ZCarNut?)
I wanna see the A4!!!!!
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 30, 2010, 12:14:35 AM
Naw, I've driven it several times, more than anyone else besides him. I even have my seating position on the #2 seat memory button. I just haven't had the need to drive it in quite some time.
Sorry Charlie, I got confused. I meant to direct my comment at Eddie, not you. Must be the senility setting in... :evildude:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 29, 2010, 04:59:21 AM
Delinquent ways? :huh:
We were going a bit over 80 mph on the way to the train. Or did you not notice, because you're so used to driving falling apart rustbuckets that feel like 80 mph when you're doing 40? :evildude:
I don't judge speeding by the absolute number. I judge it by the relative speed vs. the flow of traffic. Like if you're doing 80 and everyone else is doing 85. I didn't really pay attention to the flow of traffic but definitely didn't feel like you were going much faster :devil:
Quote from: dazzleman on April 30, 2010, 04:54:31 AM
Sorry Charlie, I got confused. I meant to direct my comment at Eddie, not you. Must be the senility setting in... :evildude:
Setting in? I thought it was already in full stride a while ago?
Quote from: HotRodPilot on April 30, 2010, 01:14:54 AM
Yep.... there were 4 of us living in NC, and I never met any of the 'spinners. JWC, myself, Onslaught, and another that lived near Norfolk (ZCarNut?)
Tave and TBR both currently go to Wake Forrest too.
BEHOLD, VIA GIANT_MTB's FACEBOOK PROFILE, THE HIGHLY DISCUSSED A4.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs346.ash1/29454_1275775455396_1260240097_30647941_6737320_n.jpg)
P1MP!!!!! :clap:
It's very good looking. Keep it like that.
:wub:
Needs some rimz and a drop.
Need moar picz of A4 A4 A4 A4
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 30, 2010, 12:50:38 PM
BEHOLD, VIA GIANT_MTB's FACEBOOK PROFILE, THE HIGHLY DISCUSSED A4.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs346.ash1/29454_1275775455396_1260240097_30647941_6737320_n.jpg)
I was skimming quickly through your post, and all I saw was "BEHOLD, GIANT VAGINA".
Quote from: thecarnut on April 30, 2010, 02:55:25 PM
Needs some rimz
Yes. Preferably black.
Quoteand a drop.
eh--I'm not a huge fan of drops. Wheel wells are symmetric at stock ride-height, and since this is an AWD vehicle bound for the Michigan upper-peninsula, I'm guessing he needs all the height he can get.
I'm drivin right now headin home. This things phenominal. Whisper quiet. Hella quick. Easy to row. I love it! Will post most pox upon arrival back home. Just bout to the bridge.
*more pix
How's driving manual treating you?
You fuck up this car, and I will kill you. Nuff said. It's hawt. :wub:
Congraturations, Chris.
Quote from: Tave on April 30, 2010, 03:06:15 PM
Yes. Preferably black.
eh--I'm not a huge fan of drops. Wheel wells are symmetric at stock ride-height, and since this is an AWD vehicle bound for the Michigan upper-peninsula, I'm guessing he needs all the height he can get.
You have a point about the ride height for winter but I think it would look a bit nicer if it was lowered just a little bit.
Lookin good :ohyeah:
How's all that torque treating you? I don't know if you've driven it enough, but have you noticed how the power drops off before the redline, like 5500+ (which I surmise is the torque dropping off)? It's probably faster if you shift a little before it redlines.
no LEDs :facepalm:
Teuts: I'm doing well with the stick and I'm glad I chose to get the manual. I stalled a couple times puttsin around the lot but was fine on the streets; just super nervous/stressed with the Grand Rapids lunch time traffic. I'm pretty comfortable now, 350 miles later. Got 34 MPG!
Caddy: I haven't revved her that much yet, but cansay I'm terribly pleased with the power this far :ohyeah:
What about Bravvy!? :cry:
Almost home. Will post more in depth opinions /pics asap. :cheers:
Have a drink for me guys; today has been a momentous day! :rockon:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 30, 2010, 05:40:55 PM
Teuts: I'm doing well with the stick and I'm glad I chose to get the manual. I stalled a couple times puttsin around the lot but was fine on the streets; just super nervous/stressed with the Grand Rapids lunch time traffic. I'm pretty comfortable now, 350 miles later. Got 34 MPG!
Caddy: I haven't revved her that much yet, but cansay I'm terribly pleased with the power this far :ohyeah:
You're outperforming PlastiCar.
Once again, awesome choice. You wouldn't be getting numbers like that in a Bimmer.
Those look great in one piece! :devil: Congrats.
Congratulations! It looks pretty sweet. Enjoy!
Quote from: dazzleman on April 30, 2010, 06:08:40 PM
Congratulations! It looks pretty sweet. Enjoy!
You're next to convert to the Audi crew. We're growing...:lol:
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on April 30, 2010, 06:19:09 PM
You're next to convert to the Audi crew. We're growing...:lol:
I'm down to Subaru, BMW, and Audi for my next car. I might be next :mask: in 2012 or so.
Charlie, I'd consider an Audi next time around.
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 30, 2010, 03:25:12 PM
I'm drivin right now headin home. This things phenominal. Whisper quiet. Hella quick. Easy to row. I love it! Will post most pox upon arrival back home. Just bout to the bridge.
So awesome. This drive was probably the ride of your life 'eh? Congrats and I'm VERY jealous, that's one sweet car.
You know I'll let you drive Swift if you let me... ya know... with A4. :winkguy:
I hope you took some pictures of the car on the way home and that the dealer snapped a picture of you and the car together on pickup. Even if you don't want to show that picture to anyone, it'd be something nice to hang on to.
When I bought the Cooper S, the picture the dealer took of me and the car at pickup flew out my window between W-S and Greensboro on I-40, and wish I could go back in time to get it back. Probably the biggest smile I've ever had on my face in that picture.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 30, 2010, 05:54:12 PM
You're outperforming PlastiCar.
Once again, awesome choice. You wouldn't be getting numbers like that in a Bimmer.
I can get over 30 MPG.
Quote from: hotrodalex on April 30, 2010, 07:18:41 PM
I can get over 30 MPG.
I'm getting 33 with the 5-speed and a slightly less aerodynamic body.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 30, 2010, 05:54:12 PM
You're outperforming PlastiCar.
Once again, awesome choice. You wouldn't be getting numbers like that in a Bimmer.
If I keep it to 55 mph, I can get about 33 mpg in my car. Of course, I never do that, and usually get about 29 mpg on the highway.
Quote from: dazzleman on April 30, 2010, 07:25:29 PM
If I keep it to 55 mph, I can get about 33 mpg in my car. Of course, I never do that, and usually get about 29 mpg on the highway.
I'm getting 33 at about 65-70. 29 for your car isn't bad at all. I've never tried to do better.
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 30, 2010, 09:09:59 AM
I don't judge speeding by the absolute number. I judge it by the relative speed vs. the flow of traffic. Like if you're doing 80 and everyone else is doing 85. I didn't really pay attention to the flow of traffic but definitely didn't feel like you were going much faster :devil:
I don't know what you expected. We were on the highway for no more than about 2 miles. At much of it was in the left lane, passing other cars.
Swift gets 39 mpg. A4 is a gas hog.
A4 rocks.
Rad!
Now, did you bring enough for the whole forum?
Nope. I'm a selfish bastard. Just got the one. You're welcome to come over, though, and take 'er for a spin. ;)
ok b there in 30 hrs
You can ride from ID to MI when I start my trip Sunday
Haha, totally tempting, if I didn't have 5 million things to do before June.
Congratulations man...must be a great feeling to finally have the car, enjoy!
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on May 01, 2010, 07:28:43 AM
Congratulations man...must be a great feeling to finally have the car, enjoy!
Thanks man. It is a pretty awesome feeling! 'Twas an awesome start to my summer vacation. :cheers:
congrats... but no led's?!?!? :facepalm:
Quote from: r0tor on May 01, 2010, 08:52:17 AM
congrats... but no led's?!?!? :facepalm:
LEDs are for people with ADD. They're going to look very tacky in a few years, IMO.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 01, 2010, 07:55:56 AM
Thanks man. It is a pretty awesome feeling! 'Twas an awesome start to my summer vacation. :cheers:
No doubt! Make sure you post some pics soon though!
I'm on mobile now so no pics yet, but congrats on the car! And major props for the tranny choice. :ohyeah: You absolutely will Not regret it.
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 09:33:45 AM
And major props for the tranny choice. :ohyeah:
He picked up a tranny? (http://planetsmilies.net/vomit-smiley-31.gif)
Quote from: the Teuton on April 30, 2010, 07:23:06 PM
I'm getting 33 with the 5-speed and a slightly less aerodynamic body.
And half the power. :tounge:
I could probably get more with a manual transmission. Too bad I couldn't find any.
Quote from: r0tor on May 01, 2010, 08:52:17 AM
congrats... but no led's?!?!? :facepalm:
IIRC, the LEDs were part of a package that would have put him over his price range.
No Alex! It was Nick who picked up the tranny. And I prefer no leds.
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 01, 2010, 09:36:55 AM
And half the power. :tounge:
I could probably get more with a manual transmission. Too bad I couldn't find any.
Wait, which car are we talking about?
Quote from: the Teuton on May 01, 2010, 11:05:17 AM
Wait, which car are we talking about?
BMW
I have no idea what my brother's Saturn gets, I've never driven it on the highway. If I would guess I would say 30-33 though (has a 4spd auto).
Wait, your BMW is an auto? :(
His brother's Saturn is an auto.
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 10:31:55 AM
No Alex! It was Nick who picked up the tranny. And I prefer no leds.
Nick likes tranny's?
Everything about him is starting to make more sense now...
Finally home and able to check in again. First of all, I want all you guys to stop bragging about your MPG's. This isn't the Al Gore Car Forum, got it?? 1/4 mile times, 0-60, and how many times you soiled your pants taking an exit ramp at 11/10ths are all legitimate. :rage: But, FWIW, you have to calculate your real MPGs since the Audi's dashboard always exaggerates 5-10%.
And I get 20-21MPG, so there. Now where are the rest of those pics? You've had all day to shoot a roll or 2 or film.
For a minor thread re-hijacking....Here's the update from the New Orleans GTG. I did meet up with both Josh and Charlie and we had a few beers on Bourbon Street. Funny enough, they were exactly as I anticipated, which again is a good thing. We went to Pat O'Brien's and got a table at the outdoor patio with the flaming fountains and cool ambiance. The place might be a tourist trap, but as Josh said, you have to go there if you're in town. We talked college and a little politics. I convinced Josh to become a member of the Tea Party and he now has Ron Paul bumper stickers all over his car. :ohyeah: Charlie was a little late since he managed to take out 2 cars and a fire hydrant with his ride on the way over. But his A4 only suffered minor cosmetic damage, so it was driveable. (Sorry Charlie, that was in seriously poor taste. My deepest apologies. :cheers: ) But it was great to meet Josh and Charlie and continue the trend of meeting very cool CarSpin guys. Except for Dave and Eddie, I haven't been disappointed yet!
:rage:
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 08:39:58 PM
And I get 20-21MPG, so there. Now where are the rest of those pics? You've had all day to shoot a roll or 2 or film.
FILM?!Wow, talk about showing your age...
:lol:
Quote from: dazzleman on May 01, 2010, 08:47:43 PM
:rage:
You know I'm kidding. At least about you! :devil:
Quote from: Rupert on May 01, 2010, 08:56:32 PM
FILM?!
Wow, talk about showing your age...
:lol:
Just making sure you were paying attention. Even someone of my advanced age hasn't even seen a roll of film in about 8 years. But srsly, where are more pics of the smokin' A4? Invquiring minds want to know!
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 09:10:15 PM
Just making sure you were paying attention. Even someone of my advanced age hasn't even seen a roll of film in about 8 years. But srsly, where are more pics of the smokin' A4? Invquiring minds want to know!
Sure, baldy...
If I got a new A4, I sure wouldn't be wasting my time uploading photos; I'd be on a road trip!
Quote from: Rupert on May 01, 2010, 09:17:56 PM
Sure, baldy...
If I got a new A4, I sure wouldn't be wasting my time uploading photos; I'd be on a road trip!
Baldy?? You and Raza just don't want to let this thing die, do you? Your jealousy knows no bounds. And sure, he can take a road trip, but he has a sworn duty to upload at least a few pics for us. Isn't that in our Carspin membership bylaws? :huh:
Yeah, but wait a couple of days...
You're not as much fun to rag on about your age than daz.
Quote from: Rupert on May 01, 2010, 10:25:24 PM
Yeah, but wait a couple of days...
You're not as much fun to rag on about your age than daz.
Well, that's because I have a long thick and full head of hair and I'm commonly mistaken for a 29 year old. Daz is so old, even his walker is getting rusty. :devil:
But seriously, he can outrun me - he's been doing 5k's and running quite a bit. I just stagger over to my girly eliptical trainer every few days, slip into my pumps, and wheeze my way through a 6 minute workout. :huh:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs538.ash1/31508_1277100168513_1260240097_30649852_6041075_n.jpg)
:wub:
Lookin' good dude!
Alright, guys. Here I am. Drove about 120 miles today, all with my best friend. I fucking love this car. I am so glad I got the manual transmission. It's so much nicer to be in total control. I'm fine with starts now, and have had to take on a couple of slight inclines, which I handled just fine. I'm really gettin' the hang of it quickly, and I fucking love rowing my own gears. It just feels like total power over the machine and a real connection with what it's doing and what I want it to do. I will never buy an automatic car again.
Compared to what I've driven and have been driving, this thing handles like it's on rails. To finish off the night, my buddy and I went on the twisty road that we frequent when we're feeling adventurous. My lord does it handle like a dream. There're a couple 90-degree "15 MPH" turns in the town after the twisty road (which itself is a ~20 mile stretch of pure driving heaven) that I easily took at 35 MPH with no chirps, issues, or anything. Just. Pure. Grip. Yay AWD!
Also, while cruising around earlier, we saw a couple guys that my friend knows who are Audi freaks. One of them has a V8 S4, and the other has a chipped A3 2.0T. We were just cruisin' along and saw them, so we turned around to go see 'em. Real nice guys. Talked about the cars, listened to the magnificent S4 V8 and just shot the breeze talkin' about cars. Fuckin' awesome. I let my friend drive it - and he's really the only one who will ever drive it besides me - and he fuckin' loves it, too. That beWst is just so addicting and fun. So much fun. On a back road, we came up on a passing lane and I just punched it. Suddenly, we was goin' 100 MPH. Felt like 60 or 70. "Dude, we were just going 100." "No fucking way!" The car cruises like a dream. Whisper quiet (literally, we could whisper at 70 MPH), smooth as hell, stable at speed...the works.
This car. Is amazing. A great start to an awesome summer.
And since I just have a temporary plate taped up in the window...I figured I'd do this:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs538.ash1/31508_1277100128512_1260240097_30649851_6423826_n.jpg)
:praise:
Sharp!
Although my MSU buddy might not think so :lol:
Yeah, I hope some OSU/MSU peeps don't throw soda at it. :rage:
Put an NRA sticker in the window :lol:
Awesome, man! I love the wheels, too. your writeup reminds me of my 1st test drive when I bought my A4 in 2006. I hit the entrance ramp and rowed through the gears. My (at the time) 12 yr old daughter looked over and said "Dad, you're going a hundred." The speed just pours on. The cars really are made for and geared for effortless Autobahn cruising at 90-100mph all day long. :ohyeah:
Now just be careful and don't get yourself a ticket. It's so easy to space out and find yourself gong 20-30 mph over the speed limit. :mask:
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 10:56:05 PM
Awesome, man! I love the wheels, too. your writeup reminds me of my 1st test drive when I bought my A4 in 2006. I hit the entrance ramp and rowed through the gears. My (at the time) 12 yr old daughter looked over and said "Dad, you're going a hundred." The speed just pours on. The cars really are made for and geared for effortless Autobahn cruising at 90-100mph all day long. :ohyeah:
Now just be careful and don't get yourself a ticket. It's so easy to space out and find yourself gong 20-30 mph over the speed limit. :mask:
Yeah, I use the cruise for the most part and only will speed on roads where I know the chance of getting caught are pretty much nonexistent. :mask:
Yes, cruise control is your friend when your car is too awesome to be slow. V8Q's cruise did not work, and I got a speeding ticket just crusing down the highway. Lame.
More pictures!
More b00st!
Car and I at dealership. The wind really liked playing with my hair that day. :wub:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC02862.jpg?t=1272778404)
aFour's first sunset. :wub:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC02886.jpg?t=1272778641)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC02883.jpg?t=1272778694)
Freshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Got the Liquid Glass treatment today. Looks awesome.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC02899.jpg?t=1272778822)
The car's official name is aFour?
lolz No.
I've yet to name her. I must wait for the correct female name to hit me whilst driving the vehicle before she can be officially named.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 01, 2010, 11:42:35 PM
lolz No.
I've yet to name her. I must wait for the correct female name to hit me whilst driving the vehicle before she can be officially named.
SexyBeast would suffice, no?
'Tis a sexy beast, but no. I'm talkin' real names, dawg. For now, it's just "the Audi."
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 01, 2010, 11:47:10 PM
'Tis a sexy beast, but no. I'm talkin' real names, dawg. For now, it's just "the Audi."
I shall stake out the name SexyBeast then for your car, much the same as mine hails by PlastiCar. I am smitten by your car, and I would likely option one similarly if I could afford it. Do I seem as though I'm sobering up, or am I just an English major who knows how to use the backspace button?
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 09:08:29 PM
You know I'm kidding. At least about you! :devil:
:lol:
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 10:56:05 PM
Awesome, man! I love the wheels, too. your writeup reminds me of my 1st test drive when I bought my A4 in 2006. I hit the entrance ramp and rowed through the gears. My (at the time) 12 yr old daughter looked over and said "Dad, you're going a hundred." The speed just pours on. The cars really are made for and geared for effortless Autobahn cruising at 90-100mph all day long. :ohyeah:
Now just be careful and don't get yourself a ticket. It's so easy to space out and find yourself gong 20-30 mph over the speed limit. :mask:
And yet your last ticket was one of the lamest tickets I've ever seen.... :tounge: What was it, 57 in a 55 or something like that? :evildude:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 01, 2010, 10:47:28 PM
Alright, guys. Here I am. Drove about 120 miles today, all with my best friend. I fucking love this car. I am so glad I got the manual transmission. It's so much nicer to be in total control. I'm fine with starts now, and have had to take on a couple of slight inclines, which I handled just fine. I'm really gettin' the hang of it quickly, and I fucking love rowing my own gears. It just feels like total power over the machine and a real connection with what it's doing and what I want it to do. I will never buy an automatic car again.
Compared to what I've driven and have been driving, this thing handles like it's on rails. To finish off the night, my buddy and I went on the twisty road that we frequent when we're feeling adventurous. My lord does it handle like a dream. There're a couple 90-degree "15 MPH" turns in the town after the twisty road (which itself is a ~20 mile stretch of pure driving heaven) that I easily took at 35 MPH with no chirps, issues, or anything. Just. Pure. Grip. Yay AWD!
Also, while cruising around earlier, we saw a couple guys that my friend knows who are Audi freaks. One of them has a V8 S4, and the other has a chipped A3 2.0T. We were just cruisin' along and saw them, so we turned around to go see 'em. Real nice guys. Talked about the cars, listened to the magnificent S4 V8 and just shot the breeze talkin' about cars. Fuckin' awesome. I let my friend drive it - and he's really the only one who will ever drive it besides me - and he fuckin' loves it, too. That beWst is just so addicting and fun. So much fun. On a back road, we came up on a passing lane and I just punched it. Suddenly, we was goin' 100 MPH. Felt like 60 or 70. "Dude, we were just going 100." "No fucking way!" The car cruises like a dream. Whisper quiet (literally, we could whisper at 70 MPH), smooth as hell, stable at speed...the works.
This car. Is amazing. A great start to an awesome summer.
:rockon:
Glad you love it so much, Chris. There's nothing like the feeling of driving a new car that you love. Have a lot of fun with it.
Quote from: saxonyron on May 01, 2010, 10:35:10 PM
Well, that's because I have a long thick and full head of hair and I'm commonly mistaken for a 29 year old. Daz is so old, even his walker is getting rusty. :devil:
But seriously, he can outrun me - he's been doing 5k's and running quite a bit. I just stagger over to my girly eliptical trainer every few days, slip into my pumps, and wheeze my way through a 6 minute workout. :huh:
Thanks for sticking up for me, Ron. I'm so sick of these punks ragging on my advanced age.... :lol:
Quote from: dazzleman on May 02, 2010, 06:24:35 AM
And yet your last ticket was one of the lamest tickets I've ever seen.... :tounge: What was it, 57 in a 55 or something like that? :evildude:
Quote from: dazzleman on May 02, 2010, 06:26:07 AM
Thanks for sticking up for me, Ron. I'm so sick of these punks ragging on my advanced age.... :lol:
So there's my reward for sticking up for you, eh?? Making fun of my pathetic little ticket? Cruel man, cruel. :cry: It's just that when I decide to speed, I'm so good at ticket avoidance and radar evasion, I never get a ticket for a real big number. It's when I'm cruising at 74 in a 55 that I let my guard down and get bagged. I didn't even fight it in court. Once I found out there'd be no insurance surcharges, I wrote the check. A sad story indeed. Thanks so much for bringing it up. :heated:
Quote from: saxonyron on May 02, 2010, 11:46:31 AM
So there's my reward for sticking up for you, eh?? Making fun of my pathetic little ticket? Cruel man, cruel. :cry: It's just that when I decide to speed, I'm so good at ticket avoidance and radar evasion, I never get a ticket for a real big number. It's when I'm cruising at 74 in a 55 that I let my guard down and get bagged. I didn't even fight it in court. Once I found out there'd be no insurance surcharges, I wrote the check. A sad story indeed. Thanks so much for bringing it up. :heated:
Yeah, I could tell how broken up you were about the whole thing.... :lol:
But you're right, I shouldn't be busting your balls when you're defending my senility and old age.... :evildude:
hmm. What's that smell? Smells like old people in here.
:evildude:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs538.ash1/31508_1277100168513_1260240097_30649852_6041075_n.jpg)
:devil:
No old people allowed.
I might be old, but I'm still sharp enough to realize your post didn't include any new pics. We are not impressed. Even a mature guy like me was able to post about a dozen good pics on day one of my new car. What gives? We expect more from America's youth.
Is that a recent picture? Don't Michigan's trees have leaves yet? SHENS! :evildude:
Quote from: saxonyron on May 02, 2010, 11:46:31 AM
So there's my reward for sticking up for you, eh?? Making fun of my pathetic little ticket? Cruel man, cruel. :cry: It's just that when I decide to speed, I'm so good at ticket avoidance and radar evasion, I never get a ticket for a real big number. It's when I'm cruising at 74 in a 55 that I let my guard down and get bagged. I didn't even fight it in court. Once I found out there'd be no insurance surcharges, I wrote the check. A sad story indeed. Thanks so much for bringing it up. :heated:
19 over isn't that sissy. I got one for 13 over a couple months ago.
Quote from: Laconian on May 02, 2010, 08:54:10 PM
Is that a recent picture? Don't Michigan's trees have leaves yet? SHENS! :evildude:
But man, it's the
MOTHA FUCKIN' U.P.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on May 02, 2010, 08:57:32 PM
19 over isn't that sissy. I got one for 13 over a couple months ago.
My high water mark is 90 in a 55, so 35 over. But that was 20 years ago. Considering how much time I spend in that range, I'm almost depressed that I don't have more expensive trophies to show for it. :(
Quote from: saxonyron on May 02, 2010, 09:01:49 PM
My high water mark is 90 in a 55, so 35 over. But that was 20 years ago. Considering how much time I spend in that range, I'm almost depressed that I don't have more expensive trophies to show for it. :(
Tell me, did they have speed limits when FDR was president?
Quote from: the Teuton on May 02, 2010, 09:03:23 PM
Tell me, did they have speed limits when FDR was president?
Yes, but the cars were so slow, the speed limits were irrelevent. You and PlastiCar would have fit right in. :devil:
So ron, did they start allowing more internet time at the senior home lately or what?
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 02, 2010, 09:46:51 PM
So ron, did they start allowing more internet time at the senior home lately or what?
Yeah, you'd be surprised what kind of benefits you get when you take care of those sexy nurses. Right after my last sponge bath, she asked if I wanted to have a laptop. At first I thought she said "lap dance" and got all excited, but I'm just as happy with the laptop.
Quote from: dazzleman on May 02, 2010, 12:07:49 PM
Yeah, I could tell how broken up you were about the whole thing.... :lol:
But you're right, I shouldn't be busting your balls when you're defending my senility and old age.... :evildude:
It's OK; we can't expect you to remember that stuff anymore.
Actually, Charlie's right. 19 over isn't really a lame ticket. It's borderline modestly impressive, actually. My last ticket was only for 17 over, so I shouldn't be dishing out all this crap to Ron...:lol:
As for Chris' A4, those pictures are off the internet. The car isn't real...:lol:
Quote from: saxonyron on May 02, 2010, 08:47:09 PM
I might be old, but I'm still sharp enough to realize your post didn't include any new pics. We are not impressed. Even a mature guy like me was able to post about a dozen good pics on day one of my new car. What gives? We expect more from America's youth.
I took about 60 pictures on the first/second day. Only a few are worth posting in my eyes, though. I'm pretty picky. :rage:
I'd still gladly take your BMW even though god gave it the wrong transmission. You sorta forgive it in the sense of when you watch "Trading Places" and realize that when Jamie Lee Curtis is showing her boobies, she's still sort of a man.
When doing fast acceleration - and shifting - is it normal for shifts to be a little jerky? As in, if I were accelerating quickly and shifting from first to second, but don't necessarily wait for the RPMs to drop to the ideal shift point and thus get a bit of a jerk...? Is this normal? Is there a modification to my technique that I can do? I don't do many hard shifts or accelerations, but I'm just curious...
Laugh if you please. :huh:
You should be able to make it shift smoothly. Practice, practice, practice.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 03, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
When doing fast acceleration - and shifting - is it normal for shifts to be a little jerky? As in, if I were accelerating quickly and shifting from first to second, but don't necessarily wait for the RPMs to drop to the ideal shift point and thus get a bit of a jerk...? Is this normal? Is there a modification to my technique that I can do? I don't do many hard shifts or accelerations, but I'm just curious...
Laugh if you please. :huh:
Movement of the car is normal, but you might be running into an issue where you're putting your foot back on the gas faster than you're releasing the clutch.
Quote from: Tave on May 03, 2010, 05:56:17 PM
You should be able to make it shift smoothly. Practice, practice, practice.
Another good point. I wasn't really "smooth" in normal driving until I was immersed in driving stick for a couple of months.
Yeah, smoothness comes with time. That said, a quick, WOT shift is going to be a bit jerky just because it's like ACCELERATION - no acceleration - ACCELERATION in a short period of time.
1st to 2nd shift is pretty easy to be jerky.
My 1-2 shift is always jerky if it's about ~3,000 RPM or higher. :lol: :cry:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 03, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
When doing fast acceleration - and shifting - is it normal for shifts to be a little jerky? As in, if I were accelerating quickly and shifting from first to second, but don't necessarily wait for the RPMs to drop to the ideal shift point and thus get a bit of a jerk...? Is this normal? Is there a modification to my technique that I can do? I don't do many hard shifts or accelerations, but I'm just curious...
Laugh if you please. :huh:
If you don't wait for the RPMs to drop, then you are dumping the engine's rotational inertia into the drivetrain, and the clutch is fudging the difference in speeds for you. Not great for the clutcharuuuu!
Quote from: BimmerM3 on May 03, 2010, 06:44:45 PM
Yeah, smoothness comes with time. That said, a quick, WOT shift is going to be a bit jerky just because it's like ACCELERATION - no acceleration - ACCELERATION in a short period of time.
I guess it depends on what he means by "jerky." There should be a surge, but not a lurch, if that makes any sense.
And it should only be one "jerk" forward, like a kick in the back.
But I doubt he's going real hard at it to the point that he should be feeling that.
Don't worry about it Giant, it'll come. Even after driving stick for 5 years, it took me awhile to get used to the clutch in my car.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 03, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
When doing fast acceleration - and shifting - is it normal for shifts to be a little jerky? As in, if I were accelerating quickly and shifting from first to second, but don't necessarily wait for the RPMs to drop to the ideal shift point and thus get a bit of a jerk...? Is this normal? Is there a modification to my technique that I can do? I don't do many hard shifts or accelerations, but I'm just curious...
Laugh if you please. :huh:
Yeah, pretty much what the other guys said. But yeah, a jerk is normal with WOT and a hard shift. As far as just regular shifting and spirited acceleration, it's just getting used to the drivetrain's characteristics. The more you drive it, the faster you'll get the hang of it. I'm always a bit jerky when driving an unfamiliar manual tranny (different clutch take up points, etc.).
It took me forever to get used to the clutch in my Mazda (it has a very short stroke and abrupt engagement relative to my last car), I wasn't terribly smooth for a while.
Quote from: The Pirate on May 03, 2010, 09:38:16 PM
It took me forever to get used to the clutch in my Mazda (it has a very short stroke and abrupt engagement relative to my last car), I wasn't terribly smooth for a while.
Civique?
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 03, 2010, 09:46:59 PM
Civique?
Yes, compared to the Civic. First time I drove a Proteg?, I thought I was in a race car. Zoomy clutch take up, and and pretty fat torque curve (seriously, this thing has great low end grunt for being a 4-banger).
Now I realize that's it's a slow car. :(
Quote from: The Pirate on May 03, 2010, 09:38:16 PM
Yeah, pretty much what the other guys said. But yeah, a jerk is normal with WOT and a hard shift. As far as just regular shifting and spirited acceleration, it's just getting used to the drivetrain's characteristics. The more you drive it, the faster you'll get the hang of it. I'm always a bit jerky when driving an unfamiliar manual tranny (different clutch take up points, etc.).
It took me forever to get used to the clutch in my Mazda (it has a very short stroke and abrupt engagement relative to my last car), I wasn't terribly smooth for a while.
Heh - the Accord's clutch is pretty close to the floor. Whenever I drive someone else's car that has a manual, I usually rev the crap out of it before I get used to the clutch. The main exception was when I drove my buddy's Stratus (what a terrible car that was). His friction point couldn't have been more than 0.5" from the floor. It was insane.
There's such a range of smoothness inherent in manual transmissions (Ranger = jerky, 'Sploder = smooth, but it's the same trans 0_o) and quite a range of what might be jerky, that I hesitate to say yes or no to the question.
My advice is to keep practicing making it smoother. Eventually, it will be as smooth as it can get. :ohyeah:
(Actually, the 'Sploder/Ranger difference it due to the weight of the 'Sploder giving it more momentum or inertia or whichever it is).
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 03, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
When doing fast acceleration - and shifting - is it normal for shifts to be a little jerky? As in, if I were accelerating quickly and shifting from first to second, but don't necessarily wait for the RPMs to drop to the ideal shift point and thus get a bit of a jerk...? Is this normal? Is there a modification to my technique that I can do? I don't do many hard shifts or accelerations, but I'm just curious...
Laugh if you please. :huh:
I'm going to bet your car has a dual mass flywheel and electronic throttle mapping. It's going to take some practice to get smooth, even longer with those two pains in the ass.
Edit: and a low displacement, high booooost engine will make it harder to be smooth too.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on May 03, 2010, 10:25:24 PM
I'm going to bet your car has a dual mass flywheel and electronic throttle mapping. It's going to take some practice to get smooth, even longer with those two pains in the ass.
Edit: and a low displacement, high booooost engine will make it harder to be smooth too.
The whole purpose of a dual mass flywheel is to smooth vibrations out and I don't think it does anything to make shifting jerky. :huh:
You should let your friends learn to drive stick on it and break it in. Cars love to be broken in to.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on May 03, 2010, 10:40:38 PM
The whole purpose of a dual mass flywheel is to smooth vibrations out and I don't think it does anything to make shifting jerky. :huh:
.. the first mass of the flywheel catches, and then the second mass will catch, it's not as natural as... well... a Miata flywheel
Kewl. Figured as much, guys. Yeah, I'm talking about WOT uber acceleration runs. Practice shall make perfect.
The 1-2 shift is still pretty jerky under just normal driving 'cause holy cripes is first gear short. I'm getting better at that, though. I roll off the clutch a little slower. Makes me feel like a gramma puttsin' around, but it'll come.
A4. :wub:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 03, 2010, 11:14:20 PM
Kewl. Figured as much, guys. Yeah, I'm talking about WOT uber acceleration runs. Practice shall make perfect.
The 1-2 shift is still pretty jerky under just normal driving 'cause holy cripes is first gear short. I'm getting better at that, though. I roll off the clutch a little slower. Makes me feel like a gramma puttsin' around, but it'll come.
A4. :wub:
You can probably shift into second at 5 mph or something.
Pretty much. It has many torques.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on May 03, 2010, 10:48:25 PM
.. the first mass of the flywheel catches, and then the second mass will catch, it's not as natural as... well... a Miata flywheel
I don't know, it's been a while since I've driven one, but it's just a vibration dampener and it shouldn't move so much that it makes it jerky between shifts.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 03, 2010, 11:31:24 PM
Pretty much. It has many torques.
And for WOT acceleration, you can probably just do no-lift upshifts. Sure, it may bounce off the rev limiter and burn up, but it cool
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on May 03, 2010, 11:41:37 PM
And for WOT acceleration, you can probably just do no-lift upshifts. Sure, it may bounce off the rev limiter and burn up, but it cool
:rolleyes:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 03, 2010, 11:55:16 PM
:rolleyes:
He's not totally messing with you. I've done 'em before. It's not an every day thing, but they are fun. Nothing like squealing/chirping the tires on a 2nd or 3rd gear shift.
I don't think my feet are physically capable of no-lifting it. :lol:
Usually I spin the wheels on a hard 1-2 shift which decreases the jerk from the shift.... one time though I had a few large friends in my car and I didn't get any wheel spin and instead got a gigantic jerk that made one of my friends smack his head off of the window
Quote from: r0tor on May 04, 2010, 06:02:12 AM
Usually I spin the wheels on a hard 1-2 shift which decreases the jerk from the shift.... one time though I had a few large friends in my car and I didn't get any wheel spin and instead got a gigantic jerk that made one of my friends smack his head off of the window
:lol:
I don't think I'll be able to spin da wheels off a shift with dat Quattro tearin' at the road.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 04, 2010, 06:24:08 AM
:lol:
I don't think I'll be able to spin da wheels off a shift with dat Quattro tearin' at the road.
Just wait til October (or whenever it starts snowing in THE MOTHA FUCKIN' U.P.).
Quote from: BimmerM3 on May 05, 2010, 01:32:34 AM
Just wait til October (or whenever it starts snowing in THE MOTHA FUCKIN' U.P.).
Can I instate a new rule?
It shall never be referred to as just "the U.P." it must always be called "the MOTHA FUCKIN U.P." or "the FUCKIN U.P." or any variation of that.
Or we could just stop saying UP and just say MICHIGAN.
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 05, 2010, 05:56:53 AM
Or we could just stop saying UP and just say MICHIGAN.
Nah, 'cause the douchebags in the lower part don't care (or don't know) that we exist. I refuse to be associated with their ignorant assholes and small penises!
Quote from: BimmerM3 on May 05, 2010, 01:32:34 AM
Just wait til October (or whenever it starts snowing in THE MOTHA FUCKIN' U.P.).
I'll be downstate in October at school, brah. No snow on the roads there pretty much...ever. Except for the "storms" that come and cause everybody to drive <10 MPH on the freeway.
I'll have fun during Christmas break when I come back to THA MUTHAFUCKIN' U.P. :ohyeah:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 05, 2010, 11:58:35 AM
Nah, 'cause the douchebags in the lower part don't care (or don't know) that we exist. I refuse to be associated with their ignorant assholes and small penises!
HEY
I'm mad. :lockedup: :heated: :rage:
he mad
weeez mad
I'm gonna be mad if I don't get more A4 pix.
Here ya go! lol
Had to clean out my garage stall so I could put 'er in once it started snowing. :facepalm:
(https://www.me.com/ro/giant_mtb/Galleries/100010/Shah.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&protocol=roap&item=galleries&asset=media&ver=12732726790001)
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 07, 2010, 04:51:58 PM
Here ya go! lol
Had to clean out my garage stall so I could put 'er in once it started snowing. :facepalm:
(https://www.me.com/ro/giant_mtb/Galleries/100010/Shah.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&protocol=roap&item=galleries&asset=media&ver=12732726790001)
I am not authorized.
Yeah it's dead link for me too.
(http://www.afunnystuff.com/forumpics/cantseeshitcaptain.jpg)
Lame. Not even I'm authorized, apparently.
Photobucket says...
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/web.jpg?t=1273277618)
I want one.
Me, too.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 07, 2010, 06:13:59 PM
Lame. Not even I'm authorized, apparently.
Photobucket says...
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/web.jpg?t=1273277618)
The funny shadows up front make it look like there's damage.
:mask:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 07, 2010, 06:13:59 PM
Lame. Not even I'm authorized, apparently.
Photobucket says...
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/web.jpg?t=1273277618)
Your new ride looks pretty badass from that angle, Chris.... :ohyeah:
Just passed 1,000 miles the other day.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/photo-1.jpg?t=1273771775)
I've got a color screen there :devil:
Yesterday after a week of mayhem and rain. Had a chance to clean 'er up.
New (temp) plate didn't come in yet...can't drive it. :cry:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC03015.jpg?t=1274060285)
I'll drive it for you if you're really itching for some more miles on that beast. :wub:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 16, 2010, 07:38:57 PM
Yesterday after a week of mayhem and rain. Had a chance to clean 'er up.
New (temp) plate didn't come in yet...can't drive it. :cry:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC03015.jpg?t=1274060285)
:rockon: :rockon: :rockon:
Beautiful man, beautiful. I bet you make love to that car.... :lol:
I do enjoy rowing its stick when I drive it, yes. :devil:
:wub:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 16, 2010, 07:44:28 PM
I do enjoy rowing its stick when I drive it, yes. :devil:
:wub:
Just don't let the seats get all sticky.... :evildude:
:lol:
Quote from: dazzleman on May 16, 2010, 07:45:17 PM
Just don't let the seats get all sticky.... :evildude:
Pff leather is easy enough to clean.
Your glorified Passat makes me *wait for it*
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I0KlWPiJ0R8/SgVM_OHqVDI/AAAAAAAAADc/7JiF6_nQfc0/s320/noyphh.jpg)
:praise:
Quote from: 68_427 on May 16, 2010, 07:47:37 PM
Pff leather is easy enough to clean.
But if Chris leaves the sticky stuff there too long, the seats might get stained.... :lol:
Y'all know how I am about my cars. I clean the seats daily. ;)
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 16, 2010, 07:52:33 PM
Y'all know how I am about my cars. I clean the seats daily. ;)
I hope you're not actually serious about cleaning it daily
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 16, 2010, 07:52:33 PM
Y'all know how I am about my cars. I clean the seats daily. ;)
That's probably often enough to avoid getting the seats permanently stained. It's important to keep up with these things.... ;)
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 16, 2010, 07:53:04 PM
I hope you're not actually serious about cleaning it daily
No, no I'm not. A weekly vacuum and wash do well enough. I'll clean the wheels every few days when the brake dust builds up, too.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 16, 2010, 07:55:30 PM
No, no I'm not. A weekly vacuum and wash do well enough. I'll clean the wheels every few days when the brake dust builds up, too.
OHTHATSRIGHT...
I've had to clean German brake dust before. Keep up with cleaning it off. It's a son of a bitch to clean that stuff once it's corroded.
I really need to take my wheels off and clean them. It's been a month or so since I threw my new front brake kit on. My front wheels are definitely not the same color as the rears.
Indeed. I waxed the wheels virtually everywhere to make cleaning easier, and being a detailer...it's no big deal to me to clean my wheels every few days.
Quote from: the Teuton on May 16, 2010, 07:58:32 PM
OHTHATSRIGHT...
I've had to clean German brake dust before. Keep up with cleaning it off. It's a son of a bitch to clean that stuff once it's corroded.
I have that problem with my car. I'm just leaving it. Fuck it. I'm not buying new wheels.
Quote from: the Teuton on May 16, 2010, 07:58:32 PM
OHTHATSRIGHT...
I've had to clean German brake dust before. Keep up with cleaning it off. It's a son of a bitch to clean that stuff once it's corroded.
I think on my next car I'm going to paint the wheels satin black or dark gray to hide the brake dust. Yeah, you can try washing your wheels every few days, but then winter time rolls around and having tried scrubbing my wheels out in the driveway when it's in the 40s outside (so, late fall weather and not even winter cold), I can tell you that you'll soon say "screw it, I'll just let the dust build" while you're trying to thaw your hands.
Quote from: MX793 on May 16, 2010, 08:02:31 PM
I think on my next car I'm going to paint the wheels satin black or dark gray to hide the brake dust. Yeah, you can try washing your wheels every few days, but then winter time rolls around and having tried scrubbing my wheels out in the driveway when it's in the 40s outside (so, late fall weather and not even winter cold), I can tell you that you'll soon say "screw it, I'll just let the dust build" while you're trying to thaw your hands.
Take your car to the local DIY car and use the awesome warm, pressurized water inside and take a bottle of wheel cleaner with ya. :huh:
Quote from: dazzleman on May 16, 2010, 08:01:53 PM
I have that problem with my car. I'm just leaving it. Fuck it. I'm not buying new wheels.
There were customers that complained when their wheels were spotted with brake dust. One time, specifically, one of the service reps told a woman that if she brought her car in for regular maintenance and had her wheels cleaned more than once every 6 months, she wouldn't have had that problem.
Newer 5er, like yours. With free scheduled maintenance, there's really no excuse.
Quote from: MX793 on May 16, 2010, 08:02:31 PM
I think on my next car I'm going to paint the wheels satin black or dark gray to hide the brake dust. Yeah, you can try washing your wheels every few days, but then winter time rolls around and having tried scrubbing my wheels out in the driveway when it's in the 40s outside (so, late fall weather and not even winter cold), I can tell you that you'll soon say "screw it, I'll just let the dust build" while you're trying to thaw your hands.
Professional oven cleaner works like a charm...unless you never wash your wheels. It'll tarnish chrome, but the matte wheels are perfect for it.
Quote from: the Teuton on May 16, 2010, 08:06:51 PM
There were customers that complained when their wheels were spotted with brake dust. One time, specifically, one of the service reps told a woman that if she brought her car in for regular maintenance and had her wheels cleaned more than once every 6 months, she wouldn't have had that problem.
Newer 5er, like yours. With free scheduled maintenance, there's really no excuse.
Well, I never knew they offered wheel cleaning as maintenace. I should have just had them washed more often. To be honest, I don't really care that much. I'm not all that fussy when it comes to my car. Plus, it's not exactly convenient for me to bring the car in for servicing frequently. The dealer isn't exactly around the corner from me, and they're only open Monday to Friday, when I'm working.
Quote from: dazzleman on May 16, 2010, 08:12:54 PM
Well, I never knew they offered wheel cleaning as maintenace. I should have just had them washed more often. To be honest, I don't really care that much. I'm not all that fussy when it comes to my car. Plus, it's not exactly convenient for me to bring the car in for servicing frequently. The dealer isn't exactly around the corner from me, and they're only open Monday to Friday, when I'm working.
web.me.com/giant_mtb
:devil:
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 16, 2010, 08:14:51 PM
web.me.com/giant_mtb
:devil:
Pretty good website. When I'm out in Michigan yupping it, I'll let you know and you can detail that sucker.
Quote from: the Teuton on May 16, 2010, 08:08:14 PM
Professional oven cleaner works like a charm...unless you never wash your wheels. It'll tarnish chrome, but the matte wheels are perfect for it.
I was just gonna ask what's good for cleaning wheels. Danke Teutonicdude.
Giant, you should call your business
C3
Pretty much.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 16, 2010, 08:05:34 PM
Take your car to the local DIY car and use the awesome warm, pressurized water inside and take a bottle of wheel cleaner with ya. :huh:
The only enclosed car washes around here are fully automated drive-thru types. All of the DIY washes are open on two sides, meaning you'll still get plenty cold.
Quote from: MX793 on May 16, 2010, 08:45:19 PM
The only enclosed car washes around here are fully automated drive-thru types. All of the DIY washes are open on two sides, meaning you'll still get plenty cold.
They don't have closeable doors? The ones around here do so you can close yourself in when you're washing and they have signs that say "please close doors after use" or whatever posted around.
Quote from: dazzleman on May 16, 2010, 08:12:54 PM
Well, I never knew they offered wheel cleaning as maintenace. I should have just had them washed more often. To be honest, I don't really care that much. I'm not all that fussy when it comes to my car. Plus, it's not exactly convenient for me to bring the car in for servicing frequently. The dealer isn't exactly around the corner from me, and they're only open Monday to Friday, when I'm working.
BMW sells stuff for $20/bottle at their dealerships, but it's very similar to the same purple oven cleaner the lot attendants use to clean the wheels. Really, it's like putting a roundel on a piece of shit and jacking up the price 2 or 3 times...except on a bottle of spray cleaner. I'd hate to see what their brillo pads would sell for.
We had to wear gloves with the stuff and had giant vats of it labeled 'LSD' (acid -- get it?). That stuff is mean on the skin and worse on the sinuses. But it'll make your wheels looks all shiny again!
(http://rbrentadams.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/buddy-jesus.jpg)
Acid is the only stuff that will really really really clean your wheels. Doesn't really matter what it's called; whether it's oven cleaner, grill cleaner, engine degreaser, or wheel cleaner...it all works. Wonderfully. :rockon:
Thanks for the tip, Teuton and Chris. I would not have thought to use oven cleaner.
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 16, 2010, 08:00:10 PM
I really need to take my wheels off and clean them. It's been a month or so since I threw my new front brake kit on. My front wheels are definitely not the same color as the rears.
The Mazda was really bad at that too. I was cleaning the wheels every week or two, it seemed. Ceramic brake pads did wonders there. Minimal dust at all now (if any), and they work very well too. I'm definitely going to be staying with ceramic pads.
Quote from: The Pirate on May 16, 2010, 10:15:30 PM
The Mazda was really bad at that too. I was cleaning the wheels week or two, it seemed. Ceramic brake pads did wonders there. Minimal dust at all now (if any), and they work very well too. I'm definitely going to be staying with ceramic pads.
They are better for the environment too, right? WA state is banning copper brake pads because it messes with the salmon's pathfinding abilities.
Quote from: Laconian on May 16, 2010, 10:17:11 PM
They are better for the environment too, right? WA state is banning copper brake pads because it messes with the salmon's pathfinding abilities.
Interesting. Copper is one of the main components of a semi-metallic brake pad, as far as I know. Will ceramics become more prevalent now? Similarly, organic pads used to contain asbestos, and those are long gone, with Kevlar being one of the components of organic pads that are still available.
I have no idea how bad ceramic pads are for the environment. I'd be inclined to think that the impact is less than you'd find with metals.
Considering that ceramic is basically mud, yeah. :lol:
I suppose there could be additives and stuff, but whatev.
I'm not sure I'd use any sort of acid-based cleaners on painted wheels. Seems like something that would take the finish off.
Your car reminds me of how filthy my car is. I used to be able to clean my car whenever I wanted to, but now... :cry:
Looking good.
Quote from: MX793 on May 17, 2010, 04:19:14 AM
I'm not sure I'd use any sort of acid-based cleaners on painted wheels. Seems like something that would take the finish off.
Painted wheels, yeah, you'd want to be careful. But in the right dose, acid-based cleaners are about the best you can do for wheels. :ohyeah: Just about any wheel cleaner you buy is slightly acidic...there's just a threshold where they become "too acidic." I've read that a mix of about 10-12% acid and the rest water is good for wheels. I've never mixed it myself, but who knows.
I always just use a sponge and water to clean my wheels.
My BMW's wheels are pretty clean. I get all of it off except for the really hard creases with just soap and water. Switching to ceramic brake pads this last brake job helped as well.
If you guys want some heavy cleaning stuff, I have some organic solution stuff that is supposed to be diluted with water but I never do. I used it to clean the power steering box I picked up in the junkyard. Thing was covered in grease and that plus brake cleaner and a wire brush took it off pretty well.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 17, 2010, 06:13:14 AM
Painted wheels, yeah, you'd want to be careful. But in the right dose, acid-based cleaners are about the best you can do for wheels. :ohyeah: Just about any wheel cleaner you buy is slightly acidic...there's just a threshold where they become "too acidic." I've read that a mix of about 10-12% acid and the rest water is good for wheels. I've never mixed it myself, but who knows.
Depends on the pH of the acid, I would imagine...
Quote from: Rupert on May 17, 2010, 10:42:36 PM
Depends on the pH of the acid, I would imagine...
Well, yeah. I think in a lot of wheel cleaning acids, the acid used is phosphoric. I could be wrong, but I think that's what it is.
Poor Mach1 running race gas. :(
:praise:
Quote from: MX793 on May 16, 2010, 08:02:31 PM
I think on my next car I'm going to paint the wheels satin black or dark gray to hide the brake dust. Yeah, you can try washing your wheels every few days, but then winter time rolls around and having tried scrubbing my wheels out in the driveway when it's in the 40s outside (so, late fall weather and not even winter cold), I can tell you that you'll soon say "screw it, I'll just let the dust build" while you're trying to thaw your hands.
An RX8club member bought a set of super pricey volks in a matte bonze finish... after the first rain they became water spotted PERMANENTLY. He bitched and the response from them was "You let your $3,000 rims get wet?!?!?!?"
:facepalm:
Quote from: r0tor on May 19, 2010, 05:55:58 AM
An RX8club member bought a set of super pricey volks in a matte bonze finish... after the first rain they became water spotted PERMANENTLY. He bitched and the response from them was "You let your $3,000 rims get wet?!?!?!?"
:facepalm:
Like buying super expensive diamonds? "Super expensive" is a little redundant there don't ya think?
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 17, 2010, 06:13:14 AM
Painted wheels, yeah, you'd want to be careful. But in the right dose, acid-based cleaners are about the best you can do for wheels. :ohyeah: Just about any wheel cleaner you buy is slightly acidic...there's just a threshold where they become "too acidic." I've read that a mix of about 10-12% acid and the rest water is good for wheels. I've never mixed it myself, but who knows.
Many wheels are clear-coated, you don't want to use any kind of abrasive or strong chemicals on them.
:orly:
(http://www.brentkerlin.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/1251711714-119402d1251226722-funny-strange-random-pics-captain-obvious.jpg)
:rastaman:
Well it seems my mom's caught the Audi bug. She may be joining the A4 club soon. But in wagon form.
:rockon:
She actually dragged me to the Audi stealership today.
You had to be dragged to an Audi dealership?
We have some friends with an A4 with 30K on the odo. I think they have had every part in the car replaced at least once. They had another one prior that was much better but this one has been so bad they will never get one again. Repair costs are outrageous.
Quote from: Catman on May 22, 2010, 07:13:37 PM
We have some friends with an A4 with 30K on the odo. I think they have had every part in the car replaced at least once. They had another one prior that was much better but this one has been so bad they will never get one again. Repair costs are outrageous.
Huh?? Any repairs should have been covered under warranty. :huh: I have only paid $475 for brakes on my A6, plus a set of tires and wipers. No other repairs. Audi covers all the maintenance even. Mine's a CPO car, so I think I get a better deal, but even so, at 30k miles, warranty should cover it all, even a new one. And I have only needed normal maintenance and one repair for a check engine light at about 50k miles. Of course that's not statistically significant, but in general Audi's have been scoring real well with Powers and CR.
(http://disconaplondon.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/lemon.jpg)
Quote from: saxonyron on May 22, 2010, 07:35:23 PM
Huh?? Any repairs should have been covered under warranty. :huh: I have only paid $475 for brakes on my A6, plus a set of tires and wipers. No other repairs. Audi covers all the maintenance even. Mine's a CPO car, so I think I get a better deal, but even so, at 30k miles, warranty should cover it all, even a new one. And I have only needed normal maintenance and one repair for a check engine light at about 50k miles. Of course that's not statistically significant, but in general Audi's have been scoring real well with Powers and CR.
It must have a bit over 36K because the warranty is expired. They took it in for pulsating brakes and a rough idle and they ended up doing the brakes, cylinder heads and the choke thing in the air box. While it was at the dealer the drivers window stopped working.
Quote from: Catman on May 23, 2010, 06:18:00 PM
It must have a bit over 36K because the warranty is expired. They took it in for pulsating brakes and a rough idle and they ended up doing the brakes, cylinder heads and the choke thing in the air box. While it was at the dealer the drivers window stopped working.
Brakes are certainly a wear item, but the rest is unacceptable on a modern car with that mileage. I'd probably be leery to buy another one too. Hopefully their car was just as a lemon.
I think that car is the exception. Like CJ's accord...
Quote from: The Pirate on May 23, 2010, 06:30:36 PM
Brakes are certainly a wear item, but the rest is unacceptable on a modern car with that mileage. I'd probably be leery to buy another one too. Hopefully their car was just as a lemon.
Not to sound to fanboy-ish, but it seems like this is more the exception to the rule. Any car can be a lemon so that's the chance you take no matter what you buy. Look at all the Toyota owners who used to be so smug. :devil: But I know that Toyotas are incredibly reliable for the vast majority owners, and the same is true for Audis. My A4 ran 45,000 miles till I turned the lease in. There was only one minor unscheduled "check engine light" stop at the dealers that didn't cost me a dime. Otherwise it was perfect. But that's yet another reason why I prefer the CPO's at a year or 2 old. You get the full manufacturer warranty to 100,000 miles, plus maintenance to 75,000. Come to think of it, I'm hitting 70,000 miles tomorrow. That means the next scheduled 75k mile maintenance is my last freebie. :rage: At least I have another year or so of no repair costs.
I might talk my mom into a CPO. But it seems like there aren't many low mileage Audi CPO's to choose from. BMW has tons, but Audi doesn't seem to. We went to the closest Audi dealership and their newest CPO on the lot was a '08 I think.
Quote from: saxonyron on May 23, 2010, 10:42:50 PM
Not to sound to fanboy-ish, but it seems like this is more the exception to the rule. Any car can be a lemon so that's the chance you take no matter what you buy. Look at all the Toyota owners who used to be so smug. :devil: But I know that Toyotas are incredibly reliable for the vast majority owners, and the same is true for Audis. My A4 ran 45,000 miles till I turned the lease in. There was only one minor unscheduled "check engine light" stop at the dealers that didn't cost me a dime. Otherwise it was perfect. But that's yet another reason why I prefer the CPO's at a year or 2 old. You get the full manufacturer warranty to 100,000 miles, plus maintenance to 75,000. Come to think of it, I'm hitting 70,000 miles tomorrow. That means the next scheduled 75k mile maintenance is my last freebie. :rage: At least I have another year or so of no repair costs.
Nothing wrong with a little bias, we all have it. I'm inclined to agree with you, hence the lemon comment. But per Greg's original post, the car has a history of issues. As much as I love Audi, that would personally leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. Warranty work or not, a car doesn't do any good as transportation (or fun) when it's spending a lot of time at the dealership. We're all funny that way, statistics may say otherwise, but if our specific example of a car proves to be unreliable, then many of us will have burned a bridge with that manufacturer. You've got a solid MO, CPO with a warranty. Were I to buy a nice car, that's the way I'd go too.
And fer chrissake, don't bring Toyota into this! This is an enthusiast forum, are you trying to scare off the members? :devil:
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 22, 2010, 03:30:52 PM
Well it seems my mom's caught the Audi bug. She may be joining the A4 club soon. But in wagon form.
Do it!!! I take the new A4 out whenever I get the chance. It's got to be so much more fun than the A6 wagon.
(http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/673/img0110vc.jpg)
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on May 24, 2010, 11:13:25 AM
Do it!!! I take the new A4 out whenever I get the chance. It's got to be so much more fun than the A6 wagon.
(http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/673/img0110vc.jpg)
We looked at a A6 wagon (CPO) briefly but she decided she liked the A4 wagon moar.
I have discovered that AFour does have a sort of hill-start-assist function. Essentially, if the handbrake is left on or engaged, a certain amount of throttle/clutch let-out/movement trips the computer to disengage the parking brake so the car can move and not roll back. Nifty. I've used it in real traffic a couple times, and discovered it accidentally when backing out of a parking spot and thought "hm, I should prolly turn off the handbrake!" but it had already done so for me once the car started to tug.
:rockon:
Is it a mechanical handbrake or an electronic one?
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 26, 2010, 10:43:13 PM
I have discovered that AFour does have a sort of hill-start-assist function. Essentially, if the handbrake is left on or engaged, a certain amount of throttle/clutch let-out/movement trips the computer to disengage the parking brake so the car can move and not roll back. Nifty. I've used it in real traffic a couple times, and discovered it accidentally when backing out of a parking spot and thought "hm, I should prolly turn off the handbrake!" but it had already done so for me once the car started to tug.
:rockon:
I'm not saying you're wrong, but a car can move forward with the handbrake on.
Why does the Audi A4 smell like brakepads now?
Quote from: Laconian on May 27, 2010, 10:33:18 AM
Why does the Audi A4 smell like brakepads now?
A lot of times, I'll drive for like 10 miles with the emergency brake. That doesn't say a lot for me, but it really doesn't say a lot for the emergency brake.
It's not really an emergency brake. It's an emergency make-the-car-smell-funny lever.
Quote from: Tave on May 27, 2010, 11:06:59 AM
A lot of times, I'll drive for like 10 miles with the emergency brake. That doesn't say a lot for me, but it really doesn't say a lot for the emergency brake.
It's not really an emergency brake. It's an emergency make-the-car-smell-funny lever.
When did the emergency brake moniker come about? I always knew it as a handbrake until I was in cars that had the brake pedal or button activated.
Quote from: Tave on May 27, 2010, 11:06:59 AM
A lot of times, I'll drive for like 10 miles with the emergency brake. That doesn't say a lot for me, but it really doesn't say a lot for the emergency brake.
It's not really an emergency brake. It's an emergency make-the-car-smell-funny lever.
Been there done that, but Chris's A4 has an electric handbrake so I imagine that isn't an issue.
Quote from: Tave on May 27, 2010, 09:19:26 AM
I'm not saying you're wrong, but a car can move forward with the handbrake on.
No kidding, but it's an electronic handbrake and the indicator light turns off when I do the hill-start thing, and I can hear the servo disengage it. :ohyeah:
+ there's no foul smells or binding or slow movement. I'm quite sure it's a failsafe for the very purpose of keeping you from driving with the handbrake on.
Quote from: giant_mtb on May 27, 2010, 12:49:53 PM
No kidding, but it's an electronic handbrake and the indicator light turns off when I do the hill-start thing, and I can hear the servo disengage it. :ohyeah:
+ there's no foul smells or binding or slow movement. I'm quite sure it's a failsafe for the very purpose of keeping you from driving with the handbrake on.
Is there a failsafe for the failsafe? VAG electronics, you know. :devil:
(http://www.leftfieldcinema.com/files/filmupload/normal_dr_strangelove.01.jpg)
Reverse causes the clutch to make an odd, grinding-like sound? Does not make the same sound in first when starting out, just in R. Is there something different about R? I don't gettttttt ittttttttttttttt.
Quote from: giant_mtb on June 26, 2010, 03:55:59 PM
Reverse causes the clutch to make an odd, grinding-like sound? Does not make the same sound in first when starting out, just in R. Is there something different about R? I don't gettttttt ittttttttttttttt.
Yeah, what's different is R goes the other direction form the other gearz. I bet it's not the clutch. Your tranny is toast.
It makes the noise right before the clutch fully connects the trans/engine. Sounds similar to the sound you'd hear if your brakes were rubbing.
Quote from: giant_mtb on June 26, 2010, 04:11:08 PM
It makes the noise right before the clutch fully connects the trans/engine. Sounds similar to the sound you'd hear if your brakes were rubbing.
Time for a new car.
Quote from: giant_mtb on June 26, 2010, 04:11:08 PM
It makes the noise right before the clutch fully connects the trans/engine. Sounds similar to the sound you'd hear if your brakes were rubbing.
Sounds like whirrrring? I think that just does that. I don't really know why.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on June 26, 2010, 07:24:57 PM
Sounds like whirrrring? I think that just does that. I don't really know why.
If it's whirring, it's because reverse is a straight cut gear and straight cut (spur gear) gears always whir. That's why race cars have the whirring noise, it's because they use straight cut gears.
Forward gears are helical gears so they are quiet. Not as strong though.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 26, 2010, 08:16:41 PM
If it's whirring, it's because reverse is a straight cut gear and straight cut (spur gear) gears always whir. That's why race cars have the whirring noise, it's because they use straight cut gears.
Forward gears are helical gears so they are quiet. Not as strong though.
Oh cool. I never knew why.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 26, 2010, 08:16:41 PM
If it's whirring, it's because reverse is a straight cut gear and straight cut (spur gear) gears always whir. That's why race cars have the whirring noise, it's because they use straight cut gears.
Forward gears are helical gears so they are quiet. Not as strong though.
I wouldn't say not as strong. Many of those reverse gears are just tiny little shit things compared to the rest, too.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 26, 2010, 08:16:41 PM
If it's whirring, it's because reverse is a straight cut gear and straight cut (spur gear) gears always whir. That's why race cars have the whirring noise, it's because they use straight cut gears.
Forward gears are helical gears so they are quiet. Not as strong though.
Yes, but the whining sound would be present the entire time the car is moving when in reverse. From the description, it sounds like it only happens at clutch engagement.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on June 26, 2010, 08:51:45 PM
I wouldn't say not as strong. Many of those reverse gears are just tiny little shit things compared to the rest, too.
Straight cut gears are generally stronger than helical gears, which is why race cars use them. However, that's not the logic behind straight-cut reverse gears since they are almost always the weakest gear in the box. Straight cut gears are also cheaper to make than helical gears, which is why reverse gears use them.
Quote from: MX793 on June 26, 2010, 08:52:26 PM
Yes, but the whining sound would be present the entire time the car is moving when in reverse. From the description, it sounds like it only happens at clutch engagement.
Which is just silly. Other than the noisy reverse gears, there isn't anything else happening that wouldn't happen at least occasionally in forward gears, too.
Quote from: MX793 on June 26, 2010, 08:52:26 PM
Yes, but the whining sound would be present the entire time the car is moving when in reverse. From the description, it sounds like it only happens at clutch engagement.
I thought Bimmer was talking about the reverse whining that you hear when cars back up, which may or may not be what Giant was talking about. :huh:
Quote from: MX793 on June 26, 2010, 08:54:34 PM
Straight cut gears are generally stronger than helical gears, which is why race cars use them. However, that's not the logic behind straight-cut reverse gears since they are almost always the weakest gear in the box. Straight cut gears are also cheaper to make than helical gears, which is why reverse gears use them.
I was referring to the use in race cars.
I want a straight cut transmission.
Do your side view mirrors lower to show the curb when you back up?
Maybe it's the electric motors in those making the sound?
My car whirs
Quote from: HotRodPilot on June 26, 2010, 08:59:39 PM
Do your side view mirrors lower to show the curb when you back up?
Maybe it's the electric motors in those making the sound?
I hate that. Every time I put it in reverse I jump and wonder what that sound is. Then I figure out it's just the car being smarter than me. That little bitch.
Quote from: MX793 on June 26, 2010, 08:52:26 PM
Yes, but the whining sound would be present the entire time the car is moving when in reverse. From the description, it sounds like it only happens at clutch engagement.
Right. Yes, reverse gear whirs slightly, but there is another more prominent sort of whirring/friction noise at clutch engagement.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on June 26, 2010, 08:59:39 PM
Do your side view mirrors lower to show the curb when you back up?
Maybe it's the electric motors in those making the sound?
Nah.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 26, 2010, 08:57:21 PM
I was referring to the use in race cars.
I want a straight cut transmission.
No you don't
BTW, those lowering mirrors can be a convenience, but most of the time I've had nothing but issues with the angles they cut to. I wish they'd stay stationary.
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 30, 2010, 03:52:08 AM
No you don't
In a track car why not?
In a DD, no way. I think I would go crazy after a day or two.
Quote from: the Teuton on June 30, 2010, 06:59:34 AM
BTW, those lowering mirrors can be a convenience, but most of the time I've had nothing but issues with the angles they cut to. I wish they'd stay stationary.
Srsly.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 30, 2010, 10:33:28 AM
Srsly.
All of the newer BMWs do it, the SRX does it, and I'm sure there are other cars that do it. It's annoying as hell.
That would be quite obnoxious. Pull dem fuzes.
On the 7 you can flip the window adjustment switch to the right and the mirror will stop going down.
Even my dad's Avalanche does it. It's not an exclusive thing anymore.
The good news is that the history and heritage of my moms 02 M-B E320 broke the moving mirrors, so now they are normal mirrors! :rockon: :rockon:
I sometimes like it so that I can see the curve, but other times it doesn't let me know what's going on out back. I have a switch where I can just turn it off and it will raise if need be.
Quote from: Minpin on June 30, 2010, 12:25:16 AM
I hate that. Every time I put it in reverse I jump and wonder what that sound is. Then I figure out it's just the car being smarter than me. That little bitch.
Just set your adjustment to the driver's side mirror. That should cut it out.
I didn't know there was so much hatred for the reverse mirrors. I love 'em.
Never tried a car with 'em I think
My BMW's mirrors work well, especially for the one time a year that I parallel park. :lol:
Aren't straight cut gears less lossy?
Quote from: thecarnut on June 26, 2010, 08:57:21 PM
I was referring to the use in race cars.
I want a straight cut transmission.
You really don't
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmJH84FnQa8
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs312.snc3/28280_1328311408762_1260240097_30766287_7796644_n.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC03230.jpg?t=1278027058%5Bimg%5D%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%5Bimg%5Dhttp://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs070.ash2/36858_1325079287961_1260240097_30758749_7618246_n.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC03154.jpg?t=1278027247)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC03192.jpg?t=1278027311)
Quote from: 2o6 on July 01, 2010, 12:29:51 PM
Aren't straight cut gears less lossy?
Lossy? :facepalm:
What the hell is on top of your A4 badge?
A goddamn Fox badge from the dealership.
(http://www.traversecityfilmfest.org/include/pages/sponsor/logos2006/FoxMotorsLOGOonline.jpg)
It's on the list for removal.
Foxes are cool. Can you save the badge for me? I'll put it on teh Swift.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 01, 2010, 05:35:21 PM
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/DSC03154.jpg?t=1278027247)
Chopped. :thumbsup:
Quote from: SVT_Power on July 01, 2010, 05:37:53 PM
Lossy? :facepalm:
Let him make up his own goddamn language if he really wants. After all, his normal excuse has been that he's not an English major, so he doesn't have to speak the language properly.
I wish I had the money to get some ceramic brake pads. I'm sick of feeling the urge to clean my wheels after every 25 miles. I try to brake as little as possible, but Christ; this shit just piles on like crazy. :rage:
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 01, 2010, 06:32:22 PM
I wish I had the money to get some ceramic brake pads. I'm sick of feeling the urge to clean my wheels after every 25 miles. I try to brake as little as possible, but Christ; this shit just piles on like crazy. :rage:
(http://nkilkenny.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/analretentiveguy.jpg)
I'm a detailer...whaddya expect. :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 01, 2010, 06:37:50 PM
I'm a detailer...whaddya expect. :lol:
Duct tape some plastic wrap inside of your spokes. It will block the brake dust until it melts to your wheels.
Quote from: the Teuton on July 01, 2010, 06:06:28 PM
Let him make up his own goddamn language if he really wants. After all, his normal excuse has been that he's not an English major, so he doesn't have to speak the language properly.
Was thinking of computer terms.
MP3 is a lossy format. FLAC is lossless.
Quote from: 2o6 on July 01, 2010, 06:58:54 PM
Was thinking of computer terms.
MP3 is a lossy format. FLAC is lossless.
Computer terms...transmission talk...gears...1001010111...
Doesn't mix. :huh: :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 01, 2010, 06:32:22 PM
I wish I had the money to get some ceramic brake pads. I'm sick of feeling the urge to clean my wheels after every 25 miles. I try to brake as little as possible, but Christ; this shit just piles on like crazy. :rage:
I'm not advertising a car care business on my car, but I just let mine go for awhile. I clean 'em every month-month 1/2. It's next to impossible to keep a car clean down here without a garage anyway.
Quote from: the Teuton on July 01, 2010, 06:06:28 PM
Let him make up his own goddamn language if he really wants. After all, his normal excuse has been that he's not an English major, so he doesn't have to speak the language properly.
I'm a goddamn engineering student and even i don't make up silly words. We're supposed to be the ones that are terrible with engrish.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on July 02, 2010, 01:10:33 PM
I'm not advertising a car care business on my car, but I just let mine go for awhile. I clean 'em every month-month 1/2. It's next to impossible to keep a car clean down here without a garage anyway.
A month? Jesus. I wash my car once a week, whether or not I've got a sign on my car. But, I've always been into keeping my cars clean anyways, so yeah. :huh: I do love the fact that I have a garage. Unfortunately, I won't have one once I go back to school. Ugh.
Quote from: SVT_Power on July 02, 2010, 01:12:56 PM
I'm a goddamn engineering student and even i don't make up silly words. We're supposed to be the ones that are terrible with engrish.
Well, technically...
lossy |ˈl?sē; ˈl?sē|
adjective
having or involving the dissipation of electrical or electromagnetic energy.
? Computing of or relating to data compression in which unnecessary information is discarded.
:mask: :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 01:14:40 PM
Well, technically...
lossy |ˈl?sē; ˈl?sē|
adjective
having or involving the dissipation of electrical or electromagnetic energy.
? Computing of or relating to data compression in which unnecessary information is discarded.
:mask: :lol:
Well...well...well... SHUT UP!
I'm not a silly ECE student either. Mech ftw!
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 01:13:40 PM
A month? Jesus. I wash my car once a week, whether or not I've got a sign on my car. But, I've always been into keeping my cars clean anyways, so yeah. :huh: I do love the fact that I have a garage. Unfortunately, I won't have one once I go back to school. Ugh.
Doesn't rain there everyday does it? :ohyeah:
I like my car a lot, but I'm not going to wash my wheels every single friggin Saturday.
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on July 02, 2010, 01:22:37 PM
Doesn't rain there everyday does it? :ohyeah:
I like my car a lot, but I'm not going to wash my wheels every single friggin Saturday.
Well, no. We just got through ~2 weeks of straight rain. Pissed me off. Slows down the detailing business a lot. :( Now it's nice, though! Should be for a couple weeks, with a couple random days of rain. :rockon:
(http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/classic-motoring/WheelWax.jpg)
Took the damn Fox dealership badge off. Payed $35K for a car and they want to get free advertising on mah trunk? Fuuuuuck daaaaaat! Nothin' a piece of floss and some Goo Gone can't take care of in 5 minutes. :rockon: :lol:
There's still a faint outline of the badge from crap building up around its edges, but it'll come off 100% next time I wash the guy. You still want dat Fox, Nick?!?!?!?!
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/Debadge.jpg?t=1278099777)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/Fox.jpg?t=1278099866)
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on July 02, 2010, 01:43:12 PM
(http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/classic-motoring/WheelWax.jpg)
I wax my wheels whenever I clean them, as I use a spray wax to clean them. :ohyeah:
Yeah, I want the fox. :lol:
For real? 'Cause I'll send it to you in tha mail. I could probably get away with putting it in an envelope inside a card or somethin'.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 01:45:26 PM
I wax my wheels whenever I clean them, as I use a spray wax to clean them. :ohyeah:
And the brake dust still styx? Ugh. This is never anything I would worry about, but you're a detailing guy...
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 01:46:02 PM
For real? 'Cause I'll send it to you in tha mail. I could probably get away with putting it in an envelope inside a card or somethin'.
You don't have to go through all that trouble. I like tigers better, anyway. :lol:
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on July 02, 2010, 01:46:28 PM
And the brake dust still styx? Ugh. This is never anything I would worry about, but you're a detailing guy...
Of course. Dust will stick to anything, regardless of how much it has been waxed. If dust didn't stick to waxed things, my car would never ever ever ever be dusty. Alas, it is.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on July 02, 2010, 01:49:11 PM
You don't have to go through all that trouble. I like tigers better, anyway. :lol:
It would take 4 minutes of my life, and it'd be hilarious to see my Fox badge on your Swift, but whatevvvvvv.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 01:50:03 PM
Of course. Dust will stick to anything, regardless of how much it has been waxed. If dust didn't stick to waxed things, my car would never ever ever ever be dusty. Alas, it is.
Smoothies
(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4842/1801/24603400082_large.jpg)
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 01:50:41 PM
It would take 4 minutes of my life, and it'd be hilarious to see my Fox badge on your Swift, but whatevvvvvv.
Eh, I'm probably selling the Swift... or the Sonoma... or both. And soon. Rodeo time is nigh.
Whatever, mang.
I look retarded in hats.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 02:20:55 PM
I look retarded in hats.
I also have this problem. Easy solution though.
Quote from: Minpin on July 02, 2010, 02:21:59 PM
I also have this problem. Easy solution though.
Don't wear hats?
Precisely. I think.
It's amazing what a good education does these days. No alcohol really paid off for you CJ! Keep up the fantastic work! You're the best! Stellar! Bravo!
He's not fucking around :lol:
Quote from: Minpin on July 02, 2010, 02:25:35 PM
It's amazing what a good education does these days. No alcohol really paid off for you CJ! Keep up the fantastic work! You're the best! Stellar! Bravo!
Alcohol is bad, mmmkay?
Quote from: Minpin on July 02, 2010, 02:29:20 PM
Look what it did to me!
It gives me heartburn, sometimes. :mask: :nono: :pullover:
We have to rent field vehicles this year at exorbitant prices. They are brand new (well, they're well broken in, now) Dodge 3/4 tons that do not meet any of the specs that we set out in the contract (except the tires), and they came with the stupid dealership badges on the back. I told my crew people that I would not be mad if those accidentally came off. I got one broken in half from one of the crews, and it's going on my peg board. :lol:
OK, that was a good story.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 01, 2010, 06:32:22 PM
I wish I had the money to get some ceramic brake pads. I'm sick of feeling the urge to clean my wheels after every 25 miles. I try to brake as little as possible, but Christ; this shit just piles on like crazy. :rage:
Is it true that waxing wheels make them easier to clean in the future?
Quote from: 2o6 on July 01, 2010, 06:58:54 PM
Was thinking of computer terms.
MP3 is a lossy format. FLAC is lossless.
Compression algorithms are not all bad.
Quote from: giant_mtb on July 02, 2010, 01:13:40 PM
A month? Jesus. I wash my car once a week, whether or not I've got a sign on my car. But, I've always been into keeping my cars clean anyways, so yeah. :huh: I do love the fact that I have a garage. Unfortunately, I won't have one once I go back to school. Ugh.
A month? Jesus. I wash my car approximately once a year. (Whether it needs it or not!)
I wash my car once every other week right now. I will have the sads when I can no longer do that...and when road salt starts fucking up my automobile.
There's a $6 deluxe car wash near me that I'll use, but it rains just about every single day here so there's really no point.
I wash fancy cars every other week or more, but I wash utilitarian cars in the spring and in the late summer/fall only.
Plate came! I never got around to purchasing it myself, so my brothers did so for me for my birthday. Sweeeeeeeeeet. H8rz kan h8.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs402.snc4/46513_1378673027771_1260240097_30892793_6144257_n.jpg)
Quote from: giant_mtb on August 25, 2010, 12:29:21 PM
Plate came! I never got around to purchasing it myself, so my brothers did so for me for my birthday. Sweeeeeeeeeet. H8rz kan h8.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs402.snc4/46513_1378673027771_1260240097_30892793_6144257_n.jpg)
It's alright - Led Zeppelin likes LOTR, ergo, I do too.
Almost the one-year anniversary! Saturday will be the day. I'll probably crest 20,000 miles that day. I'm at 19,850-something, so I could probably find 150 miles to eat up over the next two days so i can say I drove 20,000 miles exactly in a year. :lol: Gonna give it a good wash tomorrow after this week's annoying rain and probably rotate the tires (and oil change when I get home). She'll be all clean and tidy for the drive home on Sunday.
And I'm super jacked to get home and give 'er a real deep clean. Gonna get it up in the air, clean the frame/chassis/whatever the hell else is underneath. Probably take out the wheelwell liners and clean those and all the areas they cover. Give it a once-over with a finishing pad and light polish to get the year's worth of washing swirls and imperfections out. Restore the trim, polish the exhaust, clean under the hood, etc. Then put 4 million coats of Liquid Glass on it.
It'll be a long day(s). :lol:
And yes, I'm still in love with this car. I love looking out my window and seeing it sitting out there waiting for me to drive it. :wub:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/photo-7.jpg?t=1304036398)
Nice!!
How the crap did you put 20k on it in one year? :lol:
I think I've put about 4.5k on mine so far. I'll probably put 8k on it by the end of 1 year.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 28, 2011, 06:23:55 PM
Nice!!
How the crap did you put 20k on it in one year? :lol:
I think I've put about 4.5k on mine so far. I'll probably put 8k on it by the end of 1 year.
Well, I dunno. I drove a lot last summer because I just love driving it so much. And when you live 450 miles from home when you go to school, the miles add up. I think I drove home (1,000 miles round trip basically) four times this year. And I'm always one to say "I'll drive!" I love to drive it. :rockon:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 28, 2011, 08:31:39 PM
Well, I dunno. I drove a lot last summer because I just love driving it so much. And when you live 450 miles from home when you go to school, the miles add up. I think I drove home (1,000 miles round trip basically) four times this year. And I'm always one to say "I'll drive!" I love to drive it. :rockon:
Ah. I live 50 miles away from home and a lot of times am too busy to go driving for fun. Also, I can't really say "I'll drive" since I can't take anyone anywhere. :lol:
haha Very true, very true. ;)
Just hit 30,000 miles last night. It's been about 22 months of ownership (April 30th of this year will be the 2-year anniversary) including 3 months of storage this winter. So, I've averaged about 1,500-1,600 miles per month since day one (that's counting 19 months of driving). It still feels and smells like a new car. I cleaned it out yesterday and prepared it for the sloppy spring season that's coming up soon...lined the driver and passenger carpets with 3-mil black plastic and put beater floor mats on top to keep the stock floor mats and carpet underneath away from too much salt and moisture.
I still love this car ever so much. I can't wait, once again, to give it a good spring cleaning. A once-over with some fine polish and a finishing pad to remove any winter residue and take out any fine scratches left over from washing it and it'll look good as new again. :rockon:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1/giant_mtb/IMG_1044.jpg)
Congrats, dude. May it give you more trouble-free miles.
What did you drive during the winter?
And I wouldn't stack the floormats -- at least for the driver's, take out the original so there's going to be a risk of pedal entrapment.
Quote from: ifcar on March 10, 2012, 07:01:16 AM
What did you drive during the winter?
And I wouldn't stack the floormats -- at least for the driver's, take out the original so there's going to be a risk of pedal entrapment.
I was driving the Bravvy since Thanksgiving. The shitty mileage (13mpg) and not-A4-ness were starting to get to me. :lol:
And I worded that funny...I don't have the floor mats stacked. The originals are safely in my bedroom.
I've put on 5.5k on in about 9 months, amounting to a total of 11k miles on the car. I'm always too cheap to aimlessly drive around (as much as I'd like to). I'm also never the one to drive, as getting into my car is such a PITA. When a bunch of us are going somewhere, we usually just pile in my friend's Accord.
I'm pretty okay with aimless driving if I'm in the mood to rip around town a bit. I like driving long distances and my car is perfectly fine for four people over long distances. And since I have the nicest/most reliable car, I usually end up being the guy doing the driving. And I just usually don't like being a passenger...a lot of people my age scare the shit out of me with the way they drive. :mask: :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on April 03, 2010, 04:57:45 PM
The drive was great. It achieves 250+ lb-ft. of torque at a Death Valley low 1500 RPM. It pulls very very well, and the turbo feels great. I drove an automatic, and the "S" mode on the transmission was very cool. It holds gears longer, so going through twisties (which we did), it'll hold a gear much longer, and downshift a lot more quickly. The cornering feel is awesome. Extremely limited body roll. Point and shoot! Conversely, it felt great on the bit of freeway we traversed. It was a rainy/very windy day, and the car stayed straight, planted, and smooth, and still didn't require us to yell to communicate at 80MPH even though it was pouring rain. We were driving down a 55-MPH road, and he said "go ahead and punch it." Gobs of thrust and seconds later, we were suddenly going 80. The engine is phenomenal, and so is the transmission! I still think I want to get a manual, though, that's for sure. So our salesman was really nice; said he even used to detail cars as his job, but got married and decided to sell cars instead. We got along well.
I want this car. It's amazing.
Coming from a kid who drives a Bravada and used to drive a GM w-body, keep in mind. :ohyeah:
the A4 is fantastic! two friends each have one... the previous generation. the current A4 is more upscale looking, IMO and certainly much roomier. i test drove a sweet A4 premium plus model immediately after my thorough inspection and test drive in an audi Q5. the A4 sedan impressed me far more than the Q5 crossover/SUV with the popular premium plus package be certain to check out all three packages:
- premium
- premium plus
- prestige (very hard to find)
i am pretty much sold on the volvo XC60 for increased cargo room, sitting up higher, panoramic roof, etc. however, this is due to my tragic motor vehicle accident (2010), sustaining a major concussion and many long range issues from countless broken bones and all. if not for "feeling safer" in the three crossover/SUV vehicles (to alleviate an intense fear of driving for which i have a counselor), i would purchase the A4 in a heartbeat. BTW, i narrowed the list down to: a new 2012 or MY13 volvo XC60 T6 or XC60 R, BMW X3 (either 6) and audi Q5 premium plus or prestige...
having looked closely at several AWD/4WD sedans prior to deciding on a crossover/SUV, the audi A4 was the car for me. who knows... if things change, i, too, may become an audi A4 owner :praise: good luck!
i started a thread featuring what we can expect from audi for the 2013 model year...
check it out: http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=26960.new#new
Quote from: Atomic on March 10, 2012, 08:30:00 PM
the A4 is fantastic! two friends each have one... the previous generation. the current A4 is more upscale looking, IMO and certainly much roomier. i test drove a sweet A4 premium plus model immediately after my thorough inspection and test drive in an audi Q5. the A4 sedan impressed me far more than the Q5 crossover/SUV with the popular premium plus package be certain to check out all three packages:
- premium
- premium plus
- prestige (very hard to find)
i am pretty much sold on the volvo XC60 for increased cargo room, sitting up higher, panoramic roof, etc. however, this is due to my tragic motor vehicle accident (2010), sustaining a major concussion and many long range issues from countless broken bones and all. if not for "feeling safer" in the three crossover/SUV vehicles (to alleviate an intense fear of driving for which i have a counselor), i would purchase the A4 in a heartbeat. BTW, i narrowed the list down to: a new 2012 or MY13 volvo XC60 T6 or XC60 R, BMW X3 (either 6) and audi Q5 premium plus or prestige...
having looked closely at several AWD/4WD sedans prior to deciding on a crossover/SUV, the audi A4 was the car for me. who knows... if things change, i, too, may become an audi A4 owner :praise: good luck!
I could only afford the basic Premium package. My only options were heated seats and chrome exhaust tips. :lol:
My brother should be taking delivery of his brand new Q5 in a few days here. Apparently the Audi in my blood rubbed off on him. :ohyeah: