What Comps Did You Guys Shop?

[KlRBY]

Just curious what other cars you guys looked at before setting on the A4?

What did you think about them, and what in particular did you like/dislike about them?

I'm assuming lots of people looked at the 3 series, maybe the G37, Acura TSX, the C Class, and perhaps the ES 350 or IS 250/350?

[fredjones]

I compared Infiniti G37, BMW 335i, Acura TL (couldn't handle the beak), and Lexus IS 350. Shopping around is half the fun. Then the real work is making the deal.

[ZomgZombies]

Just curious what other cars you guys looked at before setting on the A4?

What did you think about them, and what in particular did you like/dislike about them?

I'm assuming lots of people looked at the 3 series, maybe the G37, Acura TSX, the C Class, and perhaps the ES 350 or IS 250/350?


you havent even meantioned the best competitor yet, the kizashi! [rolleyes][rolleyes][rolleyes]

I test drove the 3 series, then when the sales rep asked if I was better suited to a honda dealership, I left [>_<]

Of what youre looking at, the A4 would be comparable to the g35/37x, TSX, C300, IS250, but its all preference.

IMO, if you want a "drivers" car go for a beemer or audi (lower price points audi is better, but higher price points, beemer wins out maybe minus R8 vs M6).
I feel like the lexus' IS series was all gadgetry and style with not much love for the driver.

Honestly the best thing to do it go drive atleast one of each series. I was completely not ready to fall in love with the 2009 R32, but after test driving it.... [drive][drive]

[FmL 50cmonsters]

I looked into the 328xi, c300 4matic, and the a4. The audi was far and away the best car of the three IMO. It was also the cheapest. 335 is in a whole different league performance wise. Quattro is just so much more advanced than other awd systems it puts them to shame.

[joeyo]

After I got over the VW Tiguan, I checked out a BMW 328i xDrive Sedan, Infiniti G37x Sedan, Lexus IS250 AWD, Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic, and Acura TSX. IMO, the Infiniti didn't give me enough headroom, the Lexus was way too cramped front & back, The Acura's interior was terrible. The A4, C300, and 328i were the top runners, but in the end, the Audi won.

[LI Audi]

I came from a BMW E90 328 so I didn't shop the 2009, I compared the C300 4Matic...........absolutely loved everything about it except the cheap plastic interior
the G37XS....loved the power, style it was a very close second
Lesus IS250 AWD... I liked the interior, fit and finish were superb, but the back seat was so tiny, I knew a rear facing baby seat would be a tough fit
VW CC, loved the style, I passed because in order to get AWD, you had to move up to the V6 and it was nearly 10k more with options than the comparable 2.0T

[NPuter]

I compared the 328, is250, and A4...

However, I pretty much knew who the winner would be before I even started [;)]

[a4_bob]

I looked at the g37 the most, thinking the extra hp would make a huge difference but was really underwhelmed when driving it. I also didn't like the interior all that much. I looked at bmw328 specs but couldn't actually make myself do a test drive - i just don't go for the whole bmw 'tude that so many project & perceive. I used to like the Acura TL but i just don't get the new design, especially the grill.

Having seen the A4 online, I thought it looked too goofy to consider. when I saw them on the lot i became hooked. very happy with choosing it.

[FmL 50cmonsters]

I used to like the Acura TL but i just don't get the new design, especially the grill.

All new acuras are just so poorly styled that they honestly hurt my corneas. I saw one picture of the TL and crossed it off my list.

[formula1guy]

for my car, didn't even look at anything else. For the wife's, we looked at the 3 series, Merc GLK and C300, Lexus IS, etc... She sat in the 3 series and immediately hated the interior so we left. Same with the C300. The GLK got a second test drive because she wanted to compare to the Q5. In the end, it was the A4's interior that won her over. Ultimately, we both think she got the most car for the money with the A4.

[NPuter]

for my car, didn't even look at anything else. For the wife's, we looked at the 3 series, Merc GLK and C300, Lexus IS, etc... She sat in the 3 series and immediately hated the interior so we left. Same with the C300. The GLK got a second test drive because she wanted to compare to the Q5. In the end, it was the A4's interior that won her over. Ultimately, we both think she got the most car for the money with the A4.

I agree completely with your last sentence... i.e. a similarly equipped 3 series is a decent amount more than an A4....

lol - as I'm typing this out, a 3 series ad banner is staring me in the face [>_>]

[Boarderline12]

I agree completely with your last sentence... i.e. a similarly equipped 3 series is a decent amount more than an A4....

lol - as I'm typing this out, a 3 series ad banner is staring me in the face [>_>]
+1

I had an IS so that was out and my company gets a deal on the g37 so everyone has one of those, again out. Agree with previous posters that Acura ruined their cars with the new styling so it came down to the a4 and 328xi/335xi. To me the a4, especially chipped was plenty fast and as my buddy with an '09 m3 says "I want my engine in your car." interior/exterior styling won the day

[Okan509]

I came from a 2006 C230 sport

Now I am driving the sport package A4, it has a lot more power and I love it.

I was considering a Mini Cooper, a C300, a 330xi, and a Volvo C30, and an A5

I wanted the A5 but it was a tad pricey and if the 2009 they had on the lot had sport package I would probably have ended up with that.

The Mini Cooper was out because I'm 6'3'' and I thought it would look a little ridiculous.

The volvo had a shit interior despite getting pretty good reviews as far as driving.

They wanted too much for the 330

I got a deal of 25,000 for a 2009 C300, which was dirt cheap for a brand new car but it was red like my old car and I hate the new interior.

I am more than happy with this car and I love driving it everyday.

[FmL 50cmonsters]

I got a deal of 25,000 for a 2009 C300

Thats incredible. Like 10 grand under MSRP kind of incredible. It was brand new???

[jordancl]

After I totalled my supercharged scion I went car shopping. I shouldn't have ended up in an A4 because I couldn't afford it. I went to Audi looking to drive the A3 with plans to compare the new GTI, leftover G37x, TSX and anything else.

I had driven the G37x but you can't get AWD in manual so I basically eliminated that. I drove the A3 but it was pretty lackluster to me. I decided to drive the A4 because I figured I could get about 8% off MSRP meaning I could buy a P- with nothing on it if I loved it. And boy did I love it. I didn't even drive a GTI or a TSX (probably too girly anyway). Then I spent 3 weeks finding the best deal I could, since I didn't want to buy an Audi w/o the LEDs. Ended up finding a previously owned P+ w/ 700 miles and upgraded 5 spoke 18s in the color I wanted and talked the guy down from 36 to 32. Up there with LASIK for best purchase I've ever made :)

[Okan509]

Thats incredible. Like 10 grand under MSRP kind of incredible. It was brand new???

yeah it was 8-9k off, they had a whole lot full of 2009 and my dad and I have purchased many cars with them so they were trying to give us a deal and get the ca off their hands

[FmL 50cmonsters]

Up there with LASIK for best purchase I've ever made

Hmm I was thinking of getting LASIK..A4's and LASIK seem to go together so I guess I'll go for it. And yea Okan thats a pretty incredible deal, but in the end the A4 is the better car so good choice.

[KlRBY]

For me, personally, I looked at the following:

Infiniti G37x : I liked this car in theory, but not in practice. I have a close friend with a G35x and this car was similar. It has a nice engine, but I'm not a big fan of the Japenese style styling, the analog clock face, the wood facade, etc. It just appeared a little 'cheap' for my taste but I do like the design enhancements they've made to the exterior aesthetics.

BMW 328i: This is supposedly the ultimate "driver's car". It has a great engine, the included maintenence plan is nice, though its really just a built in cost. However, the interior styling was a simplistic for my taste, and perhaps the biggest turn of was the size of the vehicle. I'm 6'1, and the back seat and front compartment just felt too cramped for my taste.

Lexus ES-350: I like the way the Lexus rides more than the other cars, I think it's the most 'comfortable' as far as highway driving and long car rides. Its really quiet on the road, and the styling is tastefully done with a lot of cool technological features like the Mark Levinson stereo. In the end, though, its just too similar to a Camry, especially with concerns to the exterior styling, which desperately needs a face lift.

I felt like the A4 was the most car for the money, easily the winner in interior/exterior styling, and the DRLs were just the defining aesthetic feature that seperated this car from the various competitors. I felt it was a good compromise between the 'driver' elements of the 3 series, and the interior styling elements of Lexus/Mercedes. Combining all of those features, plus the fuel economy & Quattro sold me on this car.

In retrospect, I know I made the right decision. I love driving this car, and I doubt I would have been as happy in one of the comps.

[a4_bob]

I felt like the A4 was the most car for the money.
strongly agree

[Comp4k]

BMW: 328i: Loved the engine, steering, and handling, but hated the interior, looked really dated. Back legroom was also very small.

Lexus IS250: Cabin felt cramped, power wasn't available until the higher RPMs. Again, rear legroom was too small. I have to drive around my brother and sister so backseat comfort was important. I liked the comfort-ness of the seats, but it was little too high for me even at the lowest setting. Navigation was very well rendered, especially more impressive since it was DVD based. But it's locked out when driving which is really annoying.

Infiniti G37: I don't know why, but nothing really appealed to me in this car.....

Acura TSX: Cheapest of the lot, and it felt like it. Audio quality was pretty bad, lots of hard plastic in the interior. Suspension was too stiff for my taste, and the sales guy said it was great, because it's better on the track. (I wanted a daily driver not a track car -__-). Power was okay, the automatic transmission wasn't very smooth. Like everyone else, exterior became hideous with the facelift. Much better than the TL but still....terrible. What I did like is Acura's voice command system, lots of common phrases, you can even control air conditioning with it.

Audi A4: I was mesmerized by the LED DRLs haha. I fell in love with the styling. Lots of torque in the lower RPMs which makes my commute better because 90% of my driving is city miles. Back legroom is spacious compared to all the other cars. The sales guy at Lexus said it only looked bigger on paper, and invited me to go try it out and see for myself. He added that it wouldn't be much, and the Lexus is a better car overall. I ended up with a P+ w/ Nav A4 ;). Its a non-quattro, but it wasn't in my budget....I had to get an auto because my parents refuse to learn manual. Quattro + tip would have added a couple thousand more. In the end, I am extremely pleased with my purchase. I got a great deal, $33,200 for P+, w/Nav.

[1stgsxr06]

I tested the following cars G37, TL-SH, A5, A4 around August 2008

G37 Coupe: The V6 motor is strong and smooth. Car handled well. I felt there was a noticable amount of road noise in the cabin. The interior looks cheap and as with any coupe poor rear leg room. Instant no!!!

TL-SH: Great power and handling (it was raining too). The Navi was by far the best to use. Very roomie but gave me the felling of driving a boat. The central console was overwhelming, too many buttons on display. The main issue...the looks especially the rear. The only reason why I considered the TL is because the TSX was too small and the dealer was giving me the car below invoice since I've done business with them in the past.

A5 V6: This V6 was not as impressive as the other. The car really opened up 3rd gear and on. Great handling, much more responsive than the G, and the car looks beautiful. At first the central console looked overwhelming, but was easy to navigate with that one test drive. This test car had the B/O stereo which was also a plus. Rear leg room wasn't as bad as the G, decent for a coupe. This car was not in my price range. We all can dream :)

A4 Prem: For a 4 banger this car moves. The handling was solid, but not as sharp as the others. Similar to the A5, tasteful interior. I didn't worry about the stereo since I knew I had to get the B/O. All in all I ended up with the A4 Prestige S-Line. The A4 beat the G and TL on looks, interior, and overall package. I didn't even know about the LED DRL. The more and more I learned about what I was getting, made me more confident in my choice. I have to say that Acura's Navi is the best. From what I hear 2010+ A4 owners have a better Navi system.

I didn't bother to look into BMW or Lexus. Both companies have ridiculous amenity packages. If I built a 3 series similar to my A4, the 3 would easily be 15K more. I do believe you pay for what you get, but the better value is the A4. Don't care much for MB.

[Boarderline12]

From what I hear 2010+ A4 owners have a better Navi system.


Having driven an '09 and owning a '10 with Nav, the 3G MMI is a huge upgrade.

[a4_bob]

Just drove a 328i sports pkg today. The handling is awesome and the RWD feels kinda nice too. I wish Audi steering was more like BMWs.

[Runge]

Is250 - wanted awd..and 6sp..and X package..but don't offer it anymore
sti - alot of money for 300hp and no options..45k for car with options less than a base yaris
s4 - didn't have the money :(

[cory_can]

I wanted (another) Euro sport wagon....coming from a string of Volvo Wagons I wanted something different and unfortunately the choices are extremely small.

First went to BMW and they only offer the 328xi Touring in Canada ....it wasn't bad but the interior was tight and rather boring. If the 335xi Touring was available I probably would have dealt with the small cabin to get that engine/chassis combo.

Test drove a loaded 530xi Touring that was a 2 years old......VERY nice car, although the iDrive interface was a little kludgy.....terms of the deal stopped this one. NOW....no 5 Series Touring imported into Canada anymore [:(]

Went to Mercedes.....no C Class Estate in NA anymore.....I was told that GLK was the logical replacement [:(] ......E Class Estate too big.

Audi was only other choice that I was interested in......nice design, newest technology available but NO S4 Avant in NA [:(] So, I bought a loaded A4 Avant and I LOVE it.

F'n SUV/CUV's and MiniVans are screwing the wagon market in NA......why don't people understand how ideal wagon's are? They are a TRUE sport utility.....something that offers utility/style and actual sportiness!!!!

[gamer2k]

Primarily was looking at a G37 when I decided to look for a new ride. Infiniti just seemed to offer the best bang for the buck on paper. However after dealing with the local dealership (only Infiniti dealer in town) I was pretty underwhelmed with the service as well as the usable power of the G37. Lexus and Acura just don't do anything for me so I decided to look at the Germans.

Took a look at the C-class... really love the exterior on those cars. However, the interior was just offensive and I couldn't see myself shelling out big bucks for a cabin that looks so cheap. BMW was another story... I really enjoyed test driving the 328i, just an excellent handling car with a super smooth engine and a good-looking cabin. But in the end I just couldn't bring myself to love the E90 exterior.

I really liked what Audi has been putting out and was eventually drawn to them. Was convinced by the low-end power and the excellent interior of the A4... had I known I'd be lucky enough to snag a much better job so soon after my purchase I would have gone for the S4 =( Oh well, I suppose if the supercharged V6 ever makes it into the S5 I'll consider trading up for it.

[naemcivic]

well, Benz C350, Subaru STI, Audi TTS, Ford SHO, Sabb