A4 2.0T Spec edition, newbie question

[rablaw]

I am deciding between a 2008 A4 and Mercedes C300 (Luxury ed.). Any advice? I'm just an old guy who wants a comfortable riding (bad back), mid-size/compact car with all wheel drive, automatic, xenon headlamps, very good handling, and some "coolness".

Audi has a lease special on the A4 Special ed. - is that a good deal?

I have read some threads comparing the 2.0 with 3.2, but, no comments on the smoothness or noisiness of the 2.0 vs. the 3.2 - any comments from the experts?

Saving $$ on gas is nice, but I am concerned about the 2.0 allowing me enough confidence when merging onto NJ highways.
Many thanks.

[Polskidebesciak]

I was in the same situation and picked Audi, I love it
The interior of MB is tragic

[GottaAudi2]

I am deciding between a 2008 A4 and Mercedes C300 (Luxury ed.). Any advice? I'm just an old guy who wants a comfortable riding (bad back), mid-size/compact car with all wheel drive, automatic, xenon headlamps, very good handling, and some "coolness".

Audi has a lease special on the A4 Special ed. - is that a good deal?

I have read some threads comparing the 2.0 with 3.2, but, no comments on the smoothness or noisiness of the 2.0 vs. the 3.2 - any comments from the experts?

Saving $$ on gas is nice, but I am concerned about the 2.0 allowing me enough confidence when merging onto NJ highways.
Many thanks.

You won't have any problem with the 2.0. it is a great little motor - yes, a little noisy compared to other engines, but I've grown fond of its sound (and I'm on my 3rd 4cyl A4) - a little raspy at times, but a nice growl under way. Rt 46 and 80 merging should be a piece of cake. The parkway will be fun.
The seats though IMO are not made for big people - if you are above average height you might find long trips a problem, especially where your right knee will lean against the center stack.

[Sharkfin]

The 2.0T has been rated as one of the best engines in the world and gets much better gas mileage than the 3.2 V6. As for comfort, I'm 6'5'' 235lbs and fit very comfortably (the seat is all the way back almost meaning its tough to have someone sit behind me). The ride is smooth, the all wheel drive is the best in the world (looks like you'll need it because your in NJ, I am in PA). It does have coolness and luxury plus the interior is more well made. You won't be looked at as the old guy with the benz (in a negative light). As for merging on to NJ highways you won't have an issue, I do a lot of driving including some high speed highway driving and you can hold/pass anywhere from 60mph-100mph with no problem.

Overall I would take the specs and options into consideration as well as the better financial deal and take a few test drives in each.

[srsly]

only if you add the conviniance package will you get xenon headlamps with the SE A4

[rablaw]

Thank you! No, height's not a problem, at least in the car, I'm 5'5". My concern would be seat comfort for long drives. As to the engine - is the 3.2 noticeably quieter?

[rablaw]

Thank you all for the advice.
Another question: can you recommend a dealer in Northern NJ? Jack Daniels is nearby.

[slimmj0k3r]

^^ riverside audi or paul miller audi i'd stay away from jack daniels.

[Jay B7]

the 3.2 is definitely quieter.

Thank you! No, height's not a problem, at least in the car, I'm 5'5". My concern would be seat comfort for long drives. As to the engine - is the 3.2 noticeably quieter?

[dave405nyc]

Thank you all for the advice.
Another question: can you recommend a dealer in Northern NJ? Jack Daniels is nearby.

DCH millburn took care of me =) look for Leo, gave us a kick ass price on an A3

[SEXICÄN]

When you sit inside of the base MB, you KNOW you are in the base C-class....!

[thenicholsterr]

if you have a bad back, DONT GET S-LINE. From 2005.5-2007, the standard A4 rides on stock suspension and the ride isnt harsh and is very comfortable witht the immecable leather. However, 2008 comes standard with S-line = sport suspension, which translates to BETTER handeling but FIRM and HARSH ASS ride ..., especially on bad roads. Nevertheless, i still choose it over the MB. Try to get quattro if it's availble and maybe get a CPO with low miles. GOOD LUCK

[AudiWxGuy]

No, the SS is not a hard ass ride. No, all 2008 do NOT come standard with sport suspension. They come with the S-line exterior package. That does not include the Sport Suspension.

[quattro.it]

I was in the same situation and picked Audi, I love it
The interior of MB is tragic

+1 Audi is much higher quality and best awd in the business.

[minameismud]

No, all 2008 do NOT come standard with sport suspension. They come with the S-line exterior package. That does not include the Sport Suspension.

+1

I was confused about this too, but I confirmed it at the dealer (and by asking here and reading a bit).

Concerning ride quality: My last rides were full-size pickups and a new camry. The A4 is definitely not as soft as the camry's suspension, but it is FAR more controlled. My wife suffers from chronic physical pain (centered around her back & neck), and the lightest bumps can cause her discomfort. Well, she rarely complains of any back issues after riding in the car, even after our 5 hour roadtrip to Minneapolis. For the record, she's 5'3" and somewhere between 110 and 140 pounds (she'd kill me if I put the exact number on here).

So, GET THE AUDI!!!

[PolishPete]

I've got an SE...just picked it up three weeks ago and I've got 1,100 miles on her. I love it. Most fun driving of any car I've had, plus so many other benefits.

If it helps you...I did the lease offer, and here are the terms I worked out (using three dealers against each other).

Starting Offer: $538/mo, 15K miles, 36 mo, $2500 down

Final Deal: $497/mo, 15K miles, 36 mo, $999 down (this was the TTL), free Audi Care maintenance ($650), free winter floor mats, free coffee mug, loaners delivered for service (they take my car back), free car washes for life.

(note: this was on a fully loaded SE which added convenience package, nav package, and bluetooth)

[rablaw]

Well, I drove a 2.0 today - very nice, but the only one available to to test was a sport suspension, a little too hard a ride. I'm trying another dealer tomorrow who has more stock.

As to the noisiness of the 4 cyl engine, is it noisy/shaky only when accelerating and when idling at a stop light? If so, I don't see any reason for me to get a 3.2, 6 cyl engine.

Can anyone tell me if I will feel the rumble of the engine/hear noisy engine while actually driving on city streets or on highways?
Thanks again. The A4 is much nicer than the MB C-300 I was considering.

[Con]

I have a bad back and I don't enjoy our seats.

Everything else is fine. I take trips >12 hours few times a year.

[delta]

The seats are pretty comfortable. I drive every few weeks or so from the Fort Lee/ Englewood area down to New Brunswick to go to school and I find the seats comfortable. However, the engine noise is a little louder than other cars in its class and vibration is also a little bit annoying. The ride could also be more comfortable considering I don't have sport suspension. The ride is as stiff as my old 3 series on sport suspension, but with more body roll than the 3er.

Edit: the vibration goes away while cruising. It's only really noticable on idle and accelerating from a stop or slow speeds as you mentioned above.

Check out Riverside if you haven't already. It's close by to you and they offer a great selection of cars and the service is top notch.

[rablaw]

Thanks to all who replied.

[kooltechie]

I have a bad back and I don't enjoy our seats.

Everything else is fine. I take trips >12 hours few times a year.

+1
the driver seat is one of few problems with A4....absolutely no lateral support.

[Vito Roma]

+1
The Driver Seat Is One Of Few Problems With A4....absolutely No Lateral Support.

+2

[rablaw]

Thanks to all of you who answered my inquiries.
FWIW, I drove the 2.0 standard suspension today, and its back to the MB C300 or even the Lincoln MKZ. The A4 drove superbly, and I wanted to like it, but, it the ride was a little too harsh and the seat did not have enough support.

[2007DolphinA4]

Why are you comparing A4 only to C300? What about BMW E92? I don't like the way E90 looks, but I think E92 looks great and offers very competitive overall package.

If you are looking only at these two, A4 is a much better choice in my opinion. MB's biggest problem is interior. It looks and feels very cheap. Also with similar options, MB is going to cost you more than A4.

[rablaw]

I agree about the interior, but the C300 has a more comfortable ride. I am not an "enthusiast", just want a very good handling car with a comfortable ride, AWD and Xenon lights. What is an E92? I can't locate it on BMW's site. But unless it has a cushier ride than the 328xi, and A4, I wouldn't be happy with it.

[AudiWxGuy]

Go with the new C series. It's a beautiful car, and the interior is fine. An MB is just not made to attract the same crowd as BMW/Audi

[rablaw]

Well said, AudiWxGuy. I am not a sports car person, I like the handling, but not the ride. C300 suits me and it will spare me from getting a Lincoln MKZ (comfortable, decent handling, but makes me feel too old :)

[Zebman]

just want a very good handling car with a comfortable ride.

Good luck.

And E92 = 335i. Haha! To whoever recommended it; are you serious? You expect a TT sports coupe to ride more comfortably than our car? Lulz

[AudiWxGuy]

I drove the C300 when it came out. Feels like more car than ours. Heavier and just not as sport oriented as ours. The pop up nav in those cars is pretty awesome!

[2007DolphinA4]

Good luck.

And E92 = 335i. Haha! To whoever recommended it; are you serious? You expect a TT sports coupe to ride more comfortably than our car? Lulz

E92 is the new generation 3-series coupe. You can either get 328 or 335. So since OP was looking at A4 2.0T and C300, E92 328 would be their competitor.

[CardNation]

I'm an Audi guy.

But if I had my choice, I'd choose the C300 hands down.

My Brother has had his 08 C300 for about 4 months now and it really is a wonderful machine.

[ducati]

Im also moving over to a 2009 C300.B7 A4 was a good car,it drove well,interior was one of the best,unstoppable in the snow but I couldnt get over the diesel feel of the engine and wasnt as responsive as my previous 2005 BMW 3 series.I like the C300 because its feels like more comfortable and the road handling is so smooth and quiet.Handles well has enough pick up and the 4matic is just as reliable as the quattro system.I also love the look of the car when 19 rims are installed and lowered.Its a knock out imho..

[Tanner]

Seats in the B6/B7 are horrible, the 'sporty' seats as they call it and far from sporty and personally I don't really find that comfortable.

If you need comfortable seats, do I dare say Volvo? I'm not sure how the seats are in their later cars but the one I sat in, guessing a model around 2006-2007, the seats were really comfortable.

[JPT]

If you need comfortable seats, do I dare say Volvo? I'm not sure how the seats are in their later cars but the one I sat in, guessing a model around 2006-2007, the seats were really comfortable.

Volvo seats are great... now if they could just do something to make the exterior look somewhat sexy... Volvo's are perfect inside, but their outsides leave a lot to be desired.

[doughboy17]

The A4 is a great road car with comfortable seats (althought not supportive for cornering). I love my 3.2L!

[Apollo]

Since this nearly 3 year old thread has been brought back from the dead, I'm actually kinda curious to know what the OP ended up buying...

[Leo14]

Holy thread revival batman! Yeah I am curious too.. but seeing as he is only a 1 ringer i dont think he went with the audi haha

[a4dc89]

Maybe I need new shocks on my A4 but with the sport suspension its pretty uncomfortable/unsettled over large bumps on the freeway (bridges and overpasses) I get pretty significant head toss and sometimes feel like i bump out of my seat almost lol

But in around town its not as bad