Leasing an A4 Allroad without a test drive and MPG query
Discussion
I am thinking of leasing (so not buying strictly) an Audi A4 Allroad. It would be over 2 years. Now I don't think that the car is going to be awful, far from it - on paper it ticks an awful lot of boxes. So am I taking an intolerable risk in taking the plunge without a test drive?
Not only would I feel guilty about wasting the local dealers time as there is no potential sale in it for them but the local dealers don't have an Allroad - just an Avant for me to try.
The Avant would give me an idea of seating position, space and engine response but no idea of ride or handling as the suspension is completely different.
Plus, how much of a feel for a car can you get in a 15min drive on a pre-determined route anyway?
I will go and have a look at one in the showroom tomorrow and have a good bounce around in the seats and read up on all the online reviews. At the end of the day, it will spend most of it's time with the cruise control set at 70mph on the M6 (I know, it's an Audi so make that 80mph, 2" off your bumper in the outside lane) ,so as long as the seat is comfy and e radio loud, I should be happy!
Finally, can any owners comment on the fuel consumption of the 2.0TDi manual version of the car when driven at legal speeds for a long motorway trip? Honest John suggests 40mph as a real world figure but this is across mixed driving.
Steve
Not only would I feel guilty about wasting the local dealers time as there is no potential sale in it for them but the local dealers don't have an Allroad - just an Avant for me to try.
The Avant would give me an idea of seating position, space and engine response but no idea of ride or handling as the suspension is completely different.
Plus, how much of a feel for a car can you get in a 15min drive on a pre-determined route anyway?
I will go and have a look at one in the showroom tomorrow and have a good bounce around in the seats and read up on all the online reviews. At the end of the day, it will spend most of it's time with the cruise control set at 70mph on the M6 (I know, it's an Audi so make that 80mph, 2" off your bumper in the outside lane) ,so as long as the seat is comfy and e radio loud, I should be happy!
Finally, can any owners comment on the fuel consumption of the 2.0TDi manual version of the car when driven at legal speeds for a long motorway trip? Honest John suggests 40mph as a real world figure but this is across mixed driving.
Steve
I've had one as a courtesy car since Tuesday and it really does feel like an A4 Avant which rides a bit higher, definitely softer than the S4 I used to have.
Not sure I like the plastic wheel arches but everything else very pleasant and very smart.
I've got the 3 litre diesel so not a direct fuel comparison but it has been doing 30mpg around town so I would fully expect 40's to be achievable out of the smaller engine on the motorway.
As for test drives I always try to get a go in a car I'm buying beforehand given its a big mistake to make if you don't gel with it but have compromised on testing similar engine/drive-train where an exact version wasn't available.
Cheers,
Phil
Not sure I like the plastic wheel arches but everything else very pleasant and very smart.
I've got the 3 litre diesel so not a direct fuel comparison but it has been doing 30mpg around town so I would fully expect 40's to be achievable out of the smaller engine on the motorway.
As for test drives I always try to get a go in a car I'm buying beforehand given its a big mistake to make if you don't gel with it but have compromised on testing similar engine/drive-train where an exact version wasn't available.
Cheers,
Phil
Steve vRS said:
Not only would I feel guilty about wasting the local dealers time as there is no potential sale in it for them but the local dealers don't have an Allroad - just an Avant for me to try.
I wouldn't worry too much about that. They'll want the servicing business anyway, and would rather you bought an Audi from a different dealer (or privately) rather than a BMW...I'd expect they would happily quote you for a lease vehicle anyway.
As for Avant vs. Allroad - you haven't said why you want an Allroad instead of an Avant? Unlike the A6, A4 allroad doesn't have air suspension, so I expect the suspension is pretty much the same as the regular A4 Quattro but with longer springs.
You're paying quite a premium for longer springs and a plastic bodykit...
There is an excellent lease deal on Allroads at the moment.
http://www.centralukvehicleleasing.co.uk/vehicle/d...
They also tick a lot of boxes in my next car list too. I just think they look good too!
Steve
http://www.centralukvehicleleasing.co.uk/vehicle/d...
They also tick a lot of boxes in my next car list too. I just think they look good too!
Steve
Steve vRS said:
There is an excellent lease deal on Allroads at the moment.
http://www.centralukvehicleleasing.co.uk/vehicle/d...
That was interesting, until I realised it's just 5000 miles a year. Works out at almost £0.96 per mile for the 3.0 TDI just in leasing costs, by the time you add VAT.http://www.centralukvehicleleasing.co.uk/vehicle/d...
silentbrown said:
That was interesting, until I realised it's just 5000 miles a year. Works out at almost £0.96 per mile for the 3.0 TDI just in leasing costs, by the time you add VAT.
It's 6p per mile extra and for an additional £5 per month, you get an extra 1000miles per month. Having said that, I'm re-reading an email from them and it isn't explicit if it is £5 buys an extra 1000miles per month or just an extra 1000miles...I've requested clarification.
Steve
Edited by Steve vRS on Friday 9th January 15:09
Steve vRS said:
20k per year.
So assuming the excess mileage fee is a flat rate (plus VAT), it will cost you £10211.58, or £425 a month. Quite a lot!For comparison Freedom are doing a deal on the Golf GTD which will cost £9147.26, or £380 a month. Seeing as the list price of both these car is approximately £2k apart, the Audi looks about right. You problem sir, is your mileage!
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