We eclipsed the 5,000-mile landmark in our A4 Avant over the weekend. So Monday morning we called our buddies at Santa Monica Audi to schedule an appointment. They accepted the car in the morning, changed the oil and filter, performed their routine inspections and returned it to us later that afternoon. Based on past experience with this dealer, that is fast.
Our conversation with the cashier at pick-up was just as quick. "No charge for your first scheduled maintenance appointment, sir. Sign here, please. Have a nice day."
Now we haven't forgot about their failure to order Q7 parts in a timely manner. Or the time they forgot to tell us our R8 was ready for pick up. Or that day they left a pair of channel locks in the engine bay. But this is the most pleasant experience we've had at this dealership in the past 3 years. Could it be a sign of things to come? I'm skeptical.
Cost: $0
Days out of service: 0
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 5,359 miles
legacygt says:
05:47 PM, 01/ 6/09
I've found the A4 to be a pretty attractive car but I'm not sure I ever saw this full profile shot before. It really isn't the best way to view this car. I can't tell exactly what is bothering me but the lines don't seem to flow too well and the D pillar looks like it's on the wrong car.
rick8365 says:
07:19 PM, 01/ 6/09
I agree ..... long time fan of the car but...my first reaction to this photo wasn't good. I think it's the roof line, beltline and the D pillar combining to make the car look like it is drooping down in the rear. Or like it is high centered on something and is sagging on both ends. I'm sure it is more or less this shot and lighting (I hope) because this car always looks sharp to me.
daytona_500 says:
07:47 PM, 01/ 6/09
I actually disagree with both of you guys, I find this to be the best looking view of the car. I love that long wheelbase.
blueguydotcom says:
10:31 PM, 01/ 6/09
You should be skeptical. Audi series is horrendous. Wait until they deny claims - "that's not covered..."
audisport says:
06:10 AM, 01/ 7/09
I also disagree with the two of you. I think the D pillar as well as the side profile as a whole look great, however if Audi had designed it to be a bit more upright the car would hold a bit more cargo. After seeing all of the photos in these posts, I would with out a doubt choose the avant over the A4 sedan. The avant is simply a great looking car from any angle I look at, imo.
chavis10 says:
08:19 AM, 01/ 7/09
I find this view flawless. The extra wheelbase length and shorter front overhang really help make the car look much sleeker than the bland previous version. BMW and Japanese makes could learn a lot from this design- a good looking car with no stupid styling gimmicks.
milt721 says:
08:31 AM, 01/ 7/09
^^ "BMW and Japanese makes?" I call bias. American car companies have no stupid styling gimmicks? Come on!
kjmiller1 says:
08:34 AM, 01/ 7/09
I love this car from all angles :)
Dealer service has got to be a huge reason why some people hate VW/Audi ownership. Enthusiasts on forums seem to know more about the best way to diagnose and fix problems then the dealers do and they charge ridiculous amounts of money to slap expensive parts at a problem. At least BMW dealers seem to know something for their expensive costs.
hondacura4 says:
05:39 PM, 01/ 7/09
"I love this car from all angles :)"
I was thinking the exact same thing. Audi really covers all angles when it comes to design.
steaven says:
10:01 PM, 06/ 5/09
I give the commercial execution major points for using what is becoming a viral + catchy tune. I am left wondering where is the content regarding the site and consumers who want more information. For someone who is not in the market to buy a car, let alone a Q7, I will not be delving further to find out information. I will dislclose that I honestly have not been to car website in quite some time, so clearly there is something working…but its not quite all there.