Opinions on spec'ing new car

[Chris G]

You don't seem 100% confident, surely if you have it in writing they will have to supply the wheels? I have noticed that the configurator allows you to select the sport pack and the V spokes, not that it means much.

Given the comments about the steering, i wonder how the car would drive without DRC and Dynamic steering?

the configurator tool does allow sport pack and v spokes but charges an additional £1300-ish for the option.

[ARSEY4]

If I was speccing I would bin the dynamic steering, the sports pack comes with drc, sports exhaust, titanium 20s and dynamic steering and costs 2250. Speccing titanium 20s, sports exhaust and drc comes to 3950 when choosing individually. As far as I can see you cannot spec the sports package and ask them to delete dynamic steering or has anyone done that?

[535dboy]

You don't seem 100% confident, surely if you have it in writing they will have to supply the wheels? I have noticed that the configurator allows you to select the sport pack and the V spokes, not that it means much.

Given the comments about the steering, i wonder how the car would drive without DRC and Dynamic steering?

Yes I agree, I am sure it will come with the wheels.

I am just wondering if when the dealer gets invoiced for the car whether it will have the V spokes on as an extra cost. I think if the dealer has made an error then he will swallow cost

He has been spot on about everything else so far eg when it would be coming and what engine it would have etc before it was even officially announced

[adsgreen]

You don't seem 100% confident, surely if you have it in writing they will have to supply the wheels?

Hmm... I'm guessing you've not bought many new cars or if you have you've not read the small print.

Until the build is physically confirmed an order doesn't mean <beep> (even then it's not 100% binding). The dealer/manufacturer can change what they like without penalty.
The ONLY thing in your favour is that if the specs or prices are changed then you can legally decline the changes and walk away with a full 100% deposit.

[blueaudi]

You don't seem 100% confident, surely if you have it in writing they will have to supply the wheels?

Hmm... I'm guessing you've not bought many new cars or if you have you've not read the small print.

Until the build is physically confirmed an order doesn't mean <beep> (even then it's not 100% binding). The dealer/manufacturer can change what they like without penalty.
The ONLY thing in your favour is that if the specs or prices are changed then you can legally decline the changes and walk away with a full 100% deposit.

Sadly you guessed wrong, in my professional life I've negotiated the purchase of too many cars to mention and my personal habit runs to a couple of new cars every 24 months or so! My experience is that regardless of small print, the dealer should comply with the written agreement, I guess if not you walk away, but I've never known a situation where the dealer didn't budge (and I've been in a few).

[adsgreen]

You don't seem 100% confident, surely if you have it in writing they will have to supply the wheels?

Hmm... I'm guessing you've not bought many new cars or if you have you've not read the small print.

Until the build is physically confirmed an order doesn't mean <beep> (even then it's not 100% binding). The dealer/manufacturer can change what they like without penalty.
The ONLY thing in your favour is that if the specs or prices are changed then you can legally decline the changes and walk away with a full 100% deposit.

Sadly you guessed wrong, in my professional life I've negotiated the purchase of too many cars to mention and my personal habit runs to a couple of new cars every 24 months or so! My experience is that regardless of small print, the dealer should comply with the written agreement, I guess if not you walk away, but I've never known a situation where the dealer didn't budge (and I've been in a few).

Without trying to cause offence, then quite frankly you should know better then. Every single new car order I have made (and I've made a fair few too) has clearly stated that the manufacturer reserve the right to change specification or prices until such time as the build is confirmed - this also includes errors made during the order process. So if an order has been made in error (for example, supplying wheels as part of a pack that are not actually part of a pack) then the manufacturer and dealer can legally refuse to sell the bits. They must either offer the customer a full refund of the deposit or to pay the difference. I have been in positions where things were not 100% as per the order and the dealer didn't budge - 2-3 year order waiting list will give you very little room to move!

Just because it's in writing doesn't make it binding.

[blueaudi]

[/quote]

Without trying to cause offence, then quite frankly you should know better then. Every single new car order I have made (and I've made a fair few too) has clearly stated that the manufacturer reserve the right to change specification or prices until such time as the build is confirmed - this also includes errors made during the order process. So if an order has been made in error (for example, supplying wheels as part of a pack that are not actually part of a pack) then the manufacturer and dealer can legally refuse to sell the bits. They must either offer the customer a full refund of the deposit or to pay the difference. I have been in positions where things were not 100% as per the order and the dealer didn't budge - 2-3 year order waiting list will give you very little room to move!

Just because it's in writing doesn't make it binding.[/quote]

I do understand your point, I think you've missed mine. Your attitude is a little offensive, suggesting I've not bought many new cars or should know better is hardly friendly, but I seriously don't get worked up on internet forums and assure you that I take no offence. I have been in situations where cars delivered did not match the order and where it was possible to make amends the dealers obliged. I suggest that it 'should' be the case with 535boy but accept that he could end up disappointed, especially if he comes up against a petty, know it all who insists on sticking to the letter of the law, but you tend only to do business once with people like that.

[adsgreen]

The point and observations were based on this:

You don't seem 100% confident, surely if you have it in writing they will have to supply the wheels? I have noticed that the configurator allows you to select the sport pack and the V spokes, not that it means much.

Your original comment made out that as 535boy that he is sorted. This is fundamentally and factually wrong and not what is stated in the terms and conditions of a new car order. Just because 535boy has it in writing doesn't guarantee that it will happen. At worst he'll have the option to walk away deposit intact or pay the difference but these are still very much potential outcomes for him (not forgetting the one where he does get what he asked for).
To me that comment showed a degree of naivety that I wouldn't have expected from an experienced new car purchaser or one that had read the fine print.
Sure you may get a friendly dealer who will sort this out for you but then again you're just as likely to not.
You are completely putting your trust in your dealer which is your choice but can't guarantee it will always work. Perhaps based on your own personal purchasing history a dealer may be willing to go further than they would for others. Can't say it will be the same for all.

[535dboy]

Hey guys don't fall out over me

My uncertainty was based on what adsgreen is implying

I know it is on my signed order and I can see it on the audi system so i expect to get the correct wheels

This is all based on what Audi UK told my dealer to put on the order forms so he is done what he has been told.

So in the back of my mind when the car is delivered and Audi invoice the dealer for my car will it have a £1300 extra for these wheels on that invoice and therefore they should pass on that cost to me or as I am expecting they have either got away with it or they will swallow the extra cost themselves as a discount.

[blueaudi]

I have a feeling you will get charged the difference, if not then you have really got away with it, but I'd expect them to deliver the car with the V spokes. I think it's a shame that the sport option confines you to the rotary wheels, unless you're willing to fork out another £1300, can't help but think Audi have made a mistake with this.

[535dboy]

I have a feeling you will get charged the difference, if not then you have really got away with it, but I'd expect them to deliver the car with the V spokes. I think it's a shame that the sport option confines you to the rotary wheels, unless you're willing to fork out another £1300, can't help but think Audi have made a mistake with this.

I don't believe I will get charged because of the relationship I have with my dealer.

[adsgreen]

I have a feeling you will get charged the difference, if not then you have really got away with it, but I'd expect them to deliver the car with the V spokes. I think it's a shame that the sport option confines you to the rotary wheels, unless you're willing to fork out another £1300, can't help but think Audi have made a mistake with this.

I don't believe I will get charged because of the relationship I have with my dealer.

Thats the key

Seriously though - hope you do get away with it as I honestly can't understand Audi's stance on this. The difference between the wheels is what 100quid iirc?
Or is it pure simple greed on Audi's side <sigh>

[ecav]

I asked the Audi UK rep at the ride and drive event. Reason is that they get a bulk discount on the rotors from Audi AG because they (Audi UK) use them on a lot of UK cars. The v spoke is Quattro GmbH manufactured and a lower volume product so they can't / don't want to discount it as much as the rotor ones in the sports package. Arguably they should offer it at a lower price if combined with sports pack...

[adsgreen]

How to devalue a halo brand in one easy step.
'Use the same wheels as every other model as we get a discount'

[535dboy]

How to devalue a halo brand in one easy step.
'Use the same wheels as every other model as we get a discount'

And you know the V spokes will appear on everything soon too anyway!