making the switch. bye bye audi. :(

[B7...kyle...A4]

well as some of you might remember my car was totalled by my step mom whilst i was in the UK. Basically the insurance did pay out buti cant really afford to replace the car with another the same. (40k)

So ive been looking around this weekend and my decision was swayed towards the 350z or mustang Shelby. (ino ino u can say what you want.)
but now my mind has been made.

some wont like, some might, some will flame but the price is gooood for what you get. so the car... Pontiac G8 GT. its good looking and 6.0L V8 361hp 385lb-ft of torque. fully loaded for only 31k.

so what do you guys think.

(old car: 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro S-line, Nav, Conv. Quarts on black.)


just want to know what people think of the car because its only been out 2 weeks.

thanks,

[nSun]

Generally it's a family car with a big engine, but from all the review of the Pontiac and the original Holden versions, it seems to be a very good car. Enough power to blow the doors off of most cars on the roads today, decent handling and a very very reasonable price. All this while being able to haul the whole family around town comfortably. I think it's a good buy, but I personally won't buy it, since I'm only 20 yrs old. If you're looking at the G8, I think you should wait for the GTP to come out, it's gonna be quite a car. Btw IIRC navigation is not offered on G8's, just a minor detail but could be a deal breaker.
Just my 2cents.

[3.2some]

get the new S5

[LAS]

not really into american cars unless it'd be one of the higher end models (vette, shelby, etc.). personally wouldn't have this car in my short list. but got to admit, for the price, not a bad choice.

[lokeh]

i am not into much american cars either, but i would say of those 3 options, i would get the pontiac.

or if you want to sway a little out of that price range, the 135i is nice. :)

[Louis J.]

BIG downgrade. If you think you're getting a bargain because you're buying a new car with all that power for "only" $31k, it won't take long before you find out just what kind of "deal" you got.

American cars = cheap quality = fast depreciation. Chrysler got my attention when they launched the 300 and the Mustang. I've since driven both cars (they're available at every airport in the country) and what POS they are! Everything from the finish to the handling is awful.

If you buy the G8, within about a year or two you'll realize you're driving a car that looks pretty much like the rentals (lovely [rolleyes]). It won't be cheap running that thing with the big powerful V8, which you probably won't use most of the time and it'll be worth peanuts within a short period of time. Want proof? Look at the value of a two year old 300, Mustang, Grand Cherokee, Cadillac etc.

The future is big power from small engines, turbos, diesel and station wagons. The past is SUVs and big engines with poor fuel efficiency. I think Audi and the A4 are ahead of the curve (also BMW with the 3.5TT engine) and American cars with big V6 and V8 engines are living in the past. Why? Look at what Europeans buy to deal with their high gas prices. Gas today is on average $0.75/gal higher than last year. What do you think is going to happen now that oil is trading consistently above $100/bbl? Can you say $4/gal by summer?

I started looking at the B7 2.0T and decided to also look at B6 and B7 S4s. I didn't buy one because as I searched, I realized the market is very soft on these cars. They sit and sit and don't seem to sell unless they're given away. Why? Because they guzzle gas. Even the highly desirable RS4 can be easily purchased today used for just under $60k because the demand is just not there. Think about this also in the context of going into a recession.

One more point. Big power is nice, but if I remember correctly you're fairly young which begs the question, do you even know what to do with all that power, especially in what will likely be a poor handling car? As a guy who tracks a 300HP car and has many friends who track similar cars also, I can assure you it takes a lot of seat time to know how to drive 300HP at the limit. I can't claim to have full command of my car and it keeps me humble from time to time. Driving a slow car fast is a lot more fun than driving a fast car slow, IMO.

I hope you don't take this as flaming; I'm trying to give you food for thought and your old A4 and the G8 are miles apart. If you can't afford a new A4 s-line, why don't you buy a used one with a few miles on it? There's three 08 S-lines with less than 5k mi that have sold in the low $30k range.

GL, whatever you decide to do.

[b7cruiser]

If you're going to buy an American car... Gold Trans Am w/optional sweat suit with zipper that only goes half way up (chest hair optional) and gold chains... ;)

[d. wig]

i would say to make sure you know what you want out of a car before jumping ahead and getting one.. $31k is not bad for that kind of performance.. but are you going to be happy driving a pontiac??

I was always a german car fan.. sold my 02' s4 when i graduated because i wanted to save some money since i was moving out of state... bought a legacy gt because i thought i would like the bang for the buck factor that the car provides.. it was a huge mistake because i was spoiled by german car luxury..

now here i am.. sold my legacy gt after only 8months, and got a 08' a4..

so if you are getting a car strictly for performance.. than make sure that is all you want from a car.. or else you will be dissapointed..

[TSlice]

(also BMW with the 3.5TT engine)

BMW 335 and 535 = 3.0L TT

[bike867]

IMO it was between the Audi S4 B6, the G8, or the GTO. I bought the S4 over the G8 because of the AWD, and I wasn't a fan of the G8's interior. The G8 had something going on with the engine that got it better gas mileage on the highway?? but I never understood how that worked and it still didn't seem to get great mileage anyways. I would have to say though, if you don't need the trunk space, get a GTO. The back seats have a lot of room and can still fit 4 people comfortably. The engine is a beast and you can tune them easily, since it is an LS2 (as long as you don't get the 04 version). If I was you I would head over to http://ls1gto.com/forums/ and see what they have to say about it, they are a good group of guys over there. Good luck with the new car! (pontiac dealers are shit too, another reason why I never bought the GTO)

[Phrost]

If I was in your shoes, I'd go for a cpo BMW, rear wheel drive since you live in Cali.

Those sound like fun cars though, so do whatever you like [:)] You know you'd miss the personality of a euro though...

[Louis J.]

BMW 335 and 535 = 3.0L TT

True, true. I keep forgetting they changed their model designations with the newer cars.

[AudiWxGuy]

Yeah, you'll pretty much get what you pay for with the American car. IMO, if you don't mind FWD I would go with an Alitma Coupe, loaded with the V6. Makes about 260 something HP and is a very nice car. Before I got my Audi, that was the car I was going to get. The intereior is pretty nice. The NAV is great. For 31,000 you'll get everything in that car from keyless entry, to Nav, to a great BOSE Stereo system. I actually never test drove it, but I did test drive the Altima Sedan with the V6. Very powerful engine. Also, the back up camera is great the NAV scree is huge.

The Japanese cars are cheaper than ours, but the technology in them is amazing. You can change cabin temp with a verbal command.

Yes it's FWD, but it's not all that bad. Plus it gets good gas milage. I think almost 30 mpg highway.


Also, FYI, the G8 I don't think will be offered with a manaul trans.

Just my two cents.


A used IS300 or 350 (new model) may not be bad road to go either.

CPO BMW's are nice, but for 31,000 you wont get one with much in it. You can find some 335i's out there that are still almost 40k.

[ABL2point0T]

I like the g8, the depreciation can't be any worse than it is on the A4 already. It'll be fast as hell and wont cost an arm and a leg to maintain. v8's are fun.

[AudiWxGuy]

They also get 15 mpg and will cost an arm and a leg to fill up every 3 days.

[B7...kyle...A4]

haha. thanks for all the feedback guys. just to let you know its not just for the power. it really is a nice car except the badge(pontiac) u need to see it in person. really. the interior is stunning and roomy. you really need to go see it much nicer in person. i know some people here live in the ventura area so stop in the thousand oaks auto mall and see it. also there is a v6 version that looks exactly the same in and out so that could be an option aswel but for the 2k price dif i think the v8 is worth it.

[d. wig]

im sure its a nice car.. but the overall fit and quality might not be there..

good luck with whatever you get.. and sorry to hear about the car being totalled

[B7...kyle...A4]

i know its knowhere near the A4 quality and experiance. i loved my A4 and would get it back if i could! the best car i have ever owned but i cant. i just want you guys to know im not switching because i think the g8 gt is better because i dont. the A4 IS imo the best car out there. I love it and will be backing the A4 all the way. still my fav car and fav car forum :D

you guys have been soooo helpful and the way this forum is honest is the best. if you feel that someone is making a mistake you will say, if you think something is horrible you will say, and thats what we need someone to be honest and not kiss ass! ino theres some ricers on here, ino theres some spoilt kids on here and hard workers and parents but thats what makes it good a wide point of view. im just chattin sh!t now so just want to say thanks for all the help and i will still be visiting to see whats going on as ive made a lot of friends here. :D thanks guys see you over in the pontiac forum lmao joke!

p.s. i have like 4 awe tuning decals and a audi a4 key if any1 wants them 4 freeeeeeeee

[A4addict]

haha. thanks for all the feedback guys. just to let you know its not just for the power. it really is a nice car except the badge(pontiac) u need to see it in person. really. the interior is stunning and roomy. you really need to go see it much nicer in person. i know some people here live in the ventura area so stop in the thousand oaks auto mall and see it. also there is a v6 version that looks exactly the same in and out so that could be an option aswel but for the 2k price dif i think the v8 is worth it.
It's sounds like you're convincing yourself that you're making a good decision, and in fact you probably already made a decision and bought the car.

I hate American cars.

[B7...kyle...A4]

haha true! no i havnt purchased the car yet. i really want my A4 but like i said no can do. i am trying to convince my self its good!!! because i dont want to be depressed about the dream car i had! but ah wel what can i say.

[A4addict]

Get a used S4 or something! Stay European!! [:(]

[a4dc89]

PONTIAC G8 hands down the best car on the market! European type handling and American V8 power. You cannot get much better than that and for the price what is not to like. I will buy one for my next car after my audi has had its useful life.

PS the g8 WILL be offered in a manual transmission

[jriddle11]

Take it from experience I went from an Audi to a 300C thinking I would like the change. But after a year I hated it and had to sell it to get back in an Audi. I would either by a CPO Audi, BMW, or Lexus. I will never own an American made car again.

[jdubbs119]

if im not mistaken, your car during the street or during traffic cuts down to 4 cylinders and then on the highway opens up to 8 to help the fuel econmy.

[B7...kyle...A4]

Take it from experience I went from an Audi to a 300C thinking I would like the change. But after a year I hated it and had to sell it to get back in an Audi. I would either by a CPO Audi, BMW, or Lexus. I will never own an American made car again.

its austraillian not american. the american company pontiac just sell it in america under a different name


in the uk its a vauxhall vxr8
in the us its a pontiac g8 gt
in austrailla (wheres its made) its a Holden commodore

its not an american muscle car like people think

[oakenfolde]

i valet at mandalay bay and i get pontiacs all day long.. they SUCK. do not get one. they are built like crap, and extremely cheap inside.


but do what u wish, if u have ur heart set on it, enjoy it.

[CX-7&A4]

I say go for it, it's a nice big V8 powered car with a nice looking interior, great handling and a good automatic to boot.
I just worry about the MPG, it will cost you!

[Erocko]

I think Holdens are great. I wanted to buy a GTO and Monaro it out. They have one of the sickest badges out there. I also read that they are gonna bring the Ute here as an El Camino :)

You should get the G8 and look into changing it to the Aussie front fascia:
http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/2006_Holden_VE_Commodore_1.jpg

[Vorsprung]

heres a review of the vauxhall VXR8 (british counterpart)...

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Vauxhall-VXR8/?&R=EPI-4372

... and what it can be turned into

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Vauxhall-VXR8-Supercharged-Carbon-Edition-by-Wortec/?&R=EPI-5813

IMO not a bad car just not my cup of tea

[SilverB7FL]

get the 135i [:D] if I were to get another car that would be my choice. I drove the 335i and that thing is really fast for stock. Would beat my A4 any day and you can stay in the german family!

[AudiWxGuy]

The 135i would be great. Once you start adding options though it gets kind of expensive. If I knew they were coming out with that when I was looking for cars I would've waited and gotten a loaded 135i for about 42k.

[RedS-line]

IMHO, the G8 is a nice car and a great deal. unfortunately, i also think that once you get it you might start comparing all of its features to the audi and end up saying, "man i miss my audi". As someone said before, once you get used to your audi youre spoiled for life and downgrading to a pontiac or whatever it really is will only make you frown. your only hope is that the engine under the hood is enough to offset that frown :) The 2.0T doesnt have a lot of power out of the box but real drivers know that there is MUCH more to great driving than having a big engine. CPO......

[tomasmdiego]

get the 135i [:D] if I were to get another car that would be my choice. I drove the 335i and that thing is really fast for stock. Would beat my A4 any day and you can stay in the german family!

x2

[windextor]

ok heres the deal...I totaled my 07 A4 sline titanium and all that stuff...I thought for sure I was screwed and could never get another audi...then I went and drove a bunch of other cars...went back to audi and payed 31000 for a cpo with 9000 miles on it...as fully loaded as is possible...so im not sure why this is even an issue if you have 31000...there is no car in the world that should even come close to being considered before exhausting all options with audis...

[bike867]

I think Holdens are great. I wanted to buy a GTO and Monaro it out. They have one of the sickest badges out there. I also read that they are gonna bring the Ute here as an El Camino :)

You should get the G8 and look into changing it to the Aussie front fascia:
http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/2006_Holden_VE_Commodore_1.jpg


That is EXACTLY what I was going to do, let me know if you're interested in doing this and Ill give you all the contacts!! It was a little expensive though...

[CX-7&A4]

Starting at 34K? Why not get another Audi?

[ABanT]

if im not mistaken, your car during the street or during traffic cuts down to 4 cylinders and then on the highway opens up to 8 to help the fuel econmy.

It's actually dependent on how you're driving. If you're driving like a grand ma it'll only have half the cylinders active, then when you ask for more power it'll turn on the other 4 as well.

Back to the topic though, why not just get a used A4?!?!

[nuctech]

DONT DO IT! There HAS to be a better option than buying American(or Australian). Just my $0.02 worth.

I HATE American cars!

[windextor]

ok heres the deal...I totaled my 07 A4 sline titanium and all that stuff...I thought for sure I was screwed and could never get another audi...then I went and drove a bunch of other cars...went back to audi and payed 31000 for a cpo with 9000 miles on it...as fully loaded as is possible...so im not sure why this is even an issue if you have 31000...there is no car in the world that should even come close to being considered before exhausting all options with audis...

trust me its the right move...american cars suck for the lose

[Quigaboo]

well as some of you might remember my car was totalled by my step mom whilst i was in the UK. Basically the insurance did pay out buti cant really afford to replace the car with another the same. (40k)

So ive been looking around this weekend and my decision was swayed towards the 350z or mustang Shelby. (ino ino u can say what you want.)
but now my mind has been made.

some wont like, some might, some will flame but the price is gooood for what you get. so the car... Pontiac G8 GT. its good looking and 6.0L V8 361hp 385lb-ft of torque. fully loaded for only 31k.

so what do you guys think.

(old car: 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro S-line, Nav, Conv. Quarts on black.)


just want to know what people think of the car because its only been out 2 weeks.

thanks,

If you can't afford an A4 for about 40K, how can you afford a mustang shelby which is +/- 46K. I have been looking at one and if I am lucky I will get it for 46. The dealer has been getting 5K over sticker.

[AudiWxGuy]

I had a Mustange as a rental car once. It was so incredible loud on the inside, but I think that may be a factor of bad tires. One of the guys at work has a GT with the upgraded stereo. It's a pretty nice car actually. You can change the color of the gauges and radio and stuff. Plus, it sounds awesome. I saw a couple of Shelby's the other day, they are really cool looking, the sticker was like 48k though.

[B7...kyle...A4]

thanks for the advice guys really does help. yer the shelby was more than i thought because i can get anycar at invoice but the shelby isnt direct from ford its aftermarket production so doesnt count.

[Brian@AudiMV]

You can probably get your hands on a nice 2.0T Q S-line CPO in the higher 20s if you look for like an '06. Plus in '06 you had free maintenance through the duration of the warranty (last service at 45k).

Stick with Audi, take this from a guy that has an American car as a weekend car. They're great when you first get them, but at 20k miles, you start hearing the squeaks and rattles... then the road noise starts. The cars just don't hold up well over time.

[OceanBlueB7]

Stick with Audi, take this from a guy that has an American car as a weekend car. They're great when you first get them, but at 20k miles, you start hearing the squeaks and rattles... then the road noise starts. The cars just don't hold up well over time.

Amen to that!

[TurboCK]

You can probably get your hands on a nice 2.0T Q S-line CPO in the higher 20s if you look for like an '06. Plus in '06 you had free maintenance through the duration of the warranty (last service at 45k).

Stick with Audi, take this from a guy that has an American car as a weekend car. They're great when you first get them, but at 20k miles, you start hearing the squeaks and rattles... then the road noise starts. The cars just don't hold up well over time.

Is this true for all 06 audi's?? I just bought an '06 from another dealership, I wonder if that still applies?

[Brian@AudiMV]

Yes, it's an AoA thing, the 15k, 25k, 35k and 45k are all covered by Audi!

[Phrost]

So 2007 and on, is the 50k mile warranty (and 100k mile cpo warranty) the same, but you have to pay for the service intervals?

Can't you also purchase a package to pre-pay all of it and save money in the long run?

[Brian@AudiMV]

So 2007 and on, is the 50k mile warranty (and 100k mile cpo warranty) the same, but you have to pay for the service intervals?

Can't you also purchase a package to pre-pay all of it and save money in the long run?

Yes you can, at the time of purchase as a new car. I also believe they let you do it after the purchase, it just has to be before the first service. is needed. In '07 it was $590, which is pretty cheap since everything the owner's manual states to do at the given mileages is done by the dealer. For 2008, Audi raised it to $650 for the maintenance package. If the car is an 05 or 06 CPO car, you can purchase the extended maintenance for $750 which covers the 55k and 65k services, at the time of purchase from a dealer.

[Kschroers1]

Stick with Audi, take this from a guy that has an American car as a weekend car. They're great when you first get them, but at 20k miles, you start hearing the squeaks and rattles... then the road noise starts. The cars just don't hold up well over time.

+1,000,000. I'm a GM tech. at a local dealer that has Chevrolet, Hummer, and Caddy line's, also has Toyota, Porsche, Audi, VW, and all of the GM cars start having squeek and rattle issues by a mear 20k miles. I owned a GM car before the Audi line at the dealership I work for offered a smokin deal on a lease program through them that I immediatly jumped on. The only reason why I love American Cars, is because they break down a lot and always pay out and I go home with money in my pocket easily! haha[wrench]

[b6onboost]

There is so much bias towards audi in this thread. Sure, its an Audi forum...but use some rational thoughts.

Calling a G8 a 'family sedan' is like calling an STI an 'economy car'. Sure, both have truthful roots...but both cars are obviously performance oriented...much more so than an A4.

Saying an american car 'depreciates fast' [O_O] Look what you're driving...Audi has one of the worst depreciation rates. Worse than BMW, MB, ect.

I prefer Audi [race]. I suggest the OP stays Euro, but I'm sure the G8 is a fine choice as well. I know the GTOs are solid and pretty nice for american cars.

[AudiWxGuy]

IS350's are nice....The Nissan Altima Coupe is nice as well. I heard one on youtube with (the 3.5 V6) with borla exhaust and it sounded great. For about 31, you can get a 6 speed with pretty much every option available. It also makes about 276 hp. That would be my choice right now. As well as a used IS350, or CPO Audi or BMW. I will never buy an American car, ever.

[OceanBlueB7]

American cars are designed to be used and then disposed of. Keeps the stupidly brand-loyal customers coming back for more. Audi's aren't built with that same mentality.

[AWDTurboLuvr]

It's a pretty nice car...having a V8 and RWD is fun as well...much more fun than an understeering Audi. Sometimes you need a change in cars; change is good! Hopefully they won't have peeling interiors and coilpacks blowing out...hahahaha!

[joec500]

The 135i would be great. Once you start adding options though it gets kind of expensive. If I knew they were coming out with that when I was looking for cars I would've waited and gotten a loaded 135i for about 42k.


HA Try like 46k....

[joec500]

For less than 30k you can get a REALLY nice sorted Stage III B5 S4...

I would get one of those and then keep the rest of the cash for maintenance.
AWD, HUGE power, but decent gas mileage if you don't floor it everywhere.

Thats what I would do if I had 30K to buy a car. BUT make sure you take your time to find the right one.

[AudiWxGuy]

HA Try like 46k....

Close enough! LOL My point was that's a cheap BMW.

[davis449]

OMG, this is an easy decision. If you loved your Audi so much, why don't you just go find a CPO A4 from 2006 or 2007? I'm sure they're in that price range by now. Hell, if they're still too $$$ go for a B6 USP! They're on ebay for like $28K CPO.

[Unleaded20T]

Yes you can, at the time of purchase as a new car. I also believe they let you do it after the purchase, it just has to be before the first service. is needed. In '07 it was $590, which is pretty cheap since everything the owner's manual states to do at the given mileages is done by the dealer. For 2008, Audi raised it to $650 for the maintenance package. If the car is an 05 or 06 CPO car, you can purchase the extended maintenance for $750 which covers the 55k and 65k services, at the time of purchase from a dealer.


Just adding to the previous post: If you are buying a cpo with less than 50k you can buy an audi care for $650 and it will cove for 15k, 25k , 35k, and 45k service. If you are buying one close to 50, they will sell you the 55k and 65k service for $750 which is still good.

Considering that 55k and 65k out of pocket will be $1300-$1600 depending where you live and labor rate of the dealer.

I would go with low mileage CPO, which should be easy to find if you go to audiusa.com. Im sure you can buy an '06 or '07 at this time for less thank 30k.

[Unleaded20T]

There is so much bias towards audi in this thread. Sure, its an Audi forum...but use some rational thoughts.

Calling a G8 a 'family sedan' is like calling an STI an 'economy car'. Sure, both have truthful roots...but both cars are obviously performance oriented...much more so than an A4.

Saying an american car 'depreciates fast' [O_O] Look what you're driving...Audi has one of the worst depreciation rates. Worse than BMW, MB, ect.

I prefer Audi [race]. I suggest the OP stays Euro, but I'm sure the G8 is a fine choice as well. I know the GTOs are solid and pretty nice for american cars.

Every new car you buy, regardless of the make and model will depreciate fast year or two. That's why most of the people here keep mentioning CPO's, cuz someone already took the hit or it was a lease.

A4's are good cars cuz theyre comfy, solid, safe and they have quattro (for ppl that get snow storms). did i mention reliable?. They are also really easy to tweak and have fun with.

Just grab a cpo spent 2-3k and you can take it to the track for the weekend.

...And that's why i love audi's.

[lokeh]

thanks for the advice guys really does help. yer the shelby was more than i thought because i can get anycar at invoice but the shelby isnt direct from ford its aftermarket production so doesnt count.

so do you have a budget for what you 'can' afford? I mean from what I can see, the G8 is between 25k and 35k depending on options and such. Thats a pretty big gap. :)

I know some people have commented about buying a slightly used car but I hadn't seen a response from you on it. Is that not an option at all for you?

agreed about 135i is very nice but gets pricey with options that you want to add. =/