Newbie purchase question

**nola22** · 04-19-2008 11:59 AM

I'm looking to purchase a 2008 a4, but I live in Spokane Washington and my local Audi dealer has a minimal selection. Surfing the net, I've found the model I want at a dealership in Louisiana. Does anyone have experience buying from out of state dealers and getting the vehicle shipped? Would I be better served by contacting the out of state dealer or asking my local dealer to try to find the model I want--of course, the local guy is hot to move his own inventory.

Any advice would be appreciated.

**Phrost** · 04-19-2008 12:02 PM

Dealers will always want to sell what is on the lot first, but they will find you one (or order it) if that's what you really want.

I would just go to the closest Audi dealer, and specifically tell them exactly what you really want and to either outsource one, or else get one ordered. If you don't think you're assertive enough, just call them over the phone and set up the deal that way.

Ordering a new car takes a bit of time though, I would first try to make them look for exactly what you want, then pick through it and try to settle for what you can get.

What do you want to buy exactly?

**Louis J.** · 04-19-2008 12:34 PM

I've bought several used cars out of state and sight unseen including my recently purchased 06 A4 (bought in PA and I'm in BC). It all depends on your comfort level but I have no issues doing so if it's the right car at the right price, especially if it's from a new car dealer. I believe Audi is winding down the production of new B7s so 08s may start getting harder to come by as we get closer to the fall, when the B8 is expected to arrive at dealerships. If the LA car is exactly what you want and the price is right, get them to quote you on shipping at their wholesale cost and buy it. Shipping should be ~$1,300 from LA to WA.

**nola22** · 04-19-2008 12:37 PM

I'm looking for a 2.0T Tip quattro. I have some color flexibility, but I prefer dolphin or quartz gray, with ebony interior, and I really want to avoid the aluminum trim in favor of wood or piano black. Leather seats are essential, via premium or SE package. Don't want bluetooth, navigation or other costly options that will be useless for me.

**Louis J.** · 04-19-2008 02:19 PM

2.0T with tip in dolphin or quartz with ebony is fairly common so it should be an easy find. The interior trim will likely be wood or alu. Piano black only comes in the titanium package but you can swap that fairly easily and cheaply. In fact, I have the piano black trim and I may be interested in a swap + cash. I don't think you need to look outside of WA or OR to find what you're looking for.

**nola22** · 04-19-2008 02:54 PM

Thanks for the feedback, Louis. The car I want is widely avaliable with the aluminum beltline trim right here in Washington, and my best bet might be to swap out the trimline after market. You mention that this is a relatively cheap and easy process. Could you point me to some sites with instructions about how to switch the trimline? I get a little anxious picturing myself with a screwdriver trying to pry out the trim on my new car!