B8 issues (purchasing) inc configurator and test drive...

[RossDagley]

The configurator is now not available for the RS4 as the new model A4 is due for release later in the year it's been removed.

So I'm left looking at cars that are available in new stock, which is a royal pain as I wanted an Audi Exclusive colour and ceramics - the combination of which I'll almost certainly never get from stock. ANYWAY....

The bigger issue is the test drive. I've just phoned the Sales Manager of Hitchin Audi to express my disappointment regarding the interactions I had with their sales process the previous weekend - I was denied any form of extended test drive (by this I mean, I was offered to "drive it round the block in town"), the configurator wasn't available, and the sales man could not crunch any numbers on any car due to a system issue. On my phone call today with the Sales Manager, he said it's their policy not to allow unattended test drives on S or RS model cars, of any level, to anyone. This rather stunts ones ability to make a decision of how the car "feels" when you can only drive it on such a short drive, and are expected to make a huge financial commitment on the back of that.

As much as I'm extremely loyal to Hitchin for years of great service, I'm now having to look elsewhere after a number of disappointing interactions, of which this is the straw that's broken the camels back so to speak. Are there other dealers, anywhere, that will allow extended test drives of an RS4? I can't be the only person who doesn't want to commit to £65k after a 15 minute drive with a salesman next to me...

[MikeFish]

Bored of the 6 already?

[RossDagley]

Bored of the 6 already?

Bored isn't the right word. I miss the 'connection' of the RS4. The 6 is very detached. In a straight line or for a long journey, the 6 is the best car I've ever owned. But I do miss the 4...

[miatang]

My local Halesowen audi gave me the rs4 and v10 r8 on unaccompanied test drives.

[RossDagley]

My local Halesowen audi gave me the rs4 and v10 r8 on unaccompanied test drives.

Cheers. This is the kind of info I'm after. Especially as they are part of Jardine - the same as Hitchin!

[markwm]

I had two test drives in the RS6 recently at two different audi's, one extremely brief, the other 20-30 minutes or so. On both occasions the salesman knew ZERO about the car, nothing. At another Audi recently the salesman tried to sell me a car without having a car for me to test drive!! "It's definitely the right car for you"...he says.

It's a shame that they expect you to part with so much cash with so little 'sell'. If they're not willing to offer extended unacompanied drives, then at the very least they should employ people who know about the products and are actually able to demonstrate the car during the shorter test drive.

[RSphantom]

This would really me off if I had been a loyal customer to a dealership. In terms of test drives etc. my dealership always lets me take a car out on my own. Before I brought my RS4 I had one for the day, before I brought my RS6 I had one for 3 days. They even lent me an R8 V10 plus which was 3 months old to take my Nephew to his prom which was a 450 mile round trip from me to his home and back. I also had the use of two other R8's and numerous A8's/A7's as loan cars. That's why I deal with them. I don't always get the best deal against other deals people have got, but they are pretty close usually and you can't put a price on good service in my opinion

[Graeme4130]

The problem I guess you'll have now is that because the car is out of production, not many dealers will still have demo cars
Have a look on the Audi approved used cars page and look for RS4's that have a release date on them. These will largely be demos, so look up the dealer and express your interest in a car through them

[daytonamart]

Or.....get yourself back in a B7.

[RIV]

Or.....get yourself back in a B7.

Be like taking a backwards step

[daytonamart]

Maybe in the quality department but as Ross says it's the "connection" he's looking for.

I think you'd agree the B7 has this and that's why Dave keeps coming back for more.

[RIV]

B7 is a great car, but I wouldn't go back now I have the b8
Unless it was a charged one with ramics

[RossDagley]

It's hard to quantify that feeling the RS4 gave - it really was a connection. I've driven some awesome handling cars but the "complete package" car was the b7. I'm told that the C7 RS6 retains the feel and handling of the B7 RS4, whilst has the power of the C6 RS6, so... the smart move would be to look at those, but I can't afford one quite yet. And god help me try and get a C7 for an extended test drive...

The logical thing of course is to keep the C6 for another year and look after it - then step into a C7 depending on my christmas bonus... But having not driven either a B8 or a C7, I'm drawn towards what I know the bloodline of - the B8.

Who else has gone from a C6 to a B8? Anyone know? I need to PM them!

[Ian_C]

The problem I guess you'll have now is that because the car is out of production, not many dealers will still have demo cars
Have a look on the Audi approved used cars page and look for RS4's that have a release date on them. These will largely be demos, so look up the dealer and express your interest in a car through them

Likely to be reason. Any dealers that do have pre-reg cars with minimal mileages will be wanting to keep them as low mileage as possible - probably sat in the main showroom

However, the strange think is Ross mentions "The Sales Manager.... said it's their policy not to allow unattended test drives on S or RS model cars, of any level, to anyone."

Strange considering I was invited to drive the S3 and RS4 back-to-back via my dealer, Hitchin Audi. I drove the RS4 alone. This was only 18 months ago? And yes, Hitchin Audi have always been superb.

Ross - maybe they've seen your avatar pic haha.

[RossDagley]

Ross - maybe they've seen your avatar pic haha.

lol quite possibly! Interesting point about your solo test drive at Hitchin 18 months ago. I'll certainly mention this to them on Thursday when the sales manager (Christian) calls me back. If that's ok with you?