New Audi A1, parking sensor question
Discussion
Hi,
So I've recently purchased a 2021 plate Audi A1 which is due to be in my possession the back end of this month.
My model doesn't come with parking sensors fitted which initially I didn't think would be a deal breaker, however upon test driving an S-line with the same engine (just to get a feel for it) I noticed it had parking sensors and when I tried parking it I noticed the massive difference it made. My current car (Toyota) has a reversing camera and as I'm only 22 it was the first car I ever owned and the only one i've ever driven so I'm not at all used to having no sort of guidance when it comes to parking.
The sensors are roughly £300 to add on, which in a few months time I could see myself considering, but i'm just wondering if anyone has gone from being quite dependant on sensors/reverse cameras to a car with none of those and found it difficult or if you adjusted easily enough? Another worry for me is that the A1 is more of a shaped/not flat back, whereas my current car (Toyota Aygo) is completely flat backed so I know how close I can get to things (with the help of the camera) before I get too close.
I have a few weeks until pick up, so I want to try & make the choice before I drive it away from the dealership, hopefully I can arrange a fitting the day the dealership gets the car so I can drive it away that day with the fitted sensors.
Just hoping for some input on if it'll be an easy enough adjustment. (for added context, I'm a reverse parker, I absolutely hate driving forward into a space)
So I've recently purchased a 2021 plate Audi A1 which is due to be in my possession the back end of this month.
My model doesn't come with parking sensors fitted which initially I didn't think would be a deal breaker, however upon test driving an S-line with the same engine (just to get a feel for it) I noticed it had parking sensors and when I tried parking it I noticed the massive difference it made. My current car (Toyota) has a reversing camera and as I'm only 22 it was the first car I ever owned and the only one i've ever driven so I'm not at all used to having no sort of guidance when it comes to parking.
The sensors are roughly £300 to add on, which in a few months time I could see myself considering, but i'm just wondering if anyone has gone from being quite dependant on sensors/reverse cameras to a car with none of those and found it difficult or if you adjusted easily enough? Another worry for me is that the A1 is more of a shaped/not flat back, whereas my current car (Toyota Aygo) is completely flat backed so I know how close I can get to things (with the help of the camera) before I get too close.
I have a few weeks until pick up, so I want to try & make the choice before I drive it away from the dealership, hopefully I can arrange a fitting the day the dealership gets the car so I can drive it away that day with the fitted sensors.
Just hoping for some input on if it'll be an easy enough adjustment. (for added context, I'm a reverse parker, I absolutely hate driving forward into a space)
I’d have them fitted, but I’d also want to be sure that they are colour matched and flush fitting rather than being black and protruding above the bumper surface. You could also consider having an after market reversing camera fitted if there is one available which can display on your navigation screen (if you have one).
Another point, if you drive other cars which do have sensors you might forget when you’re reversing a car without them.
Another point, if you drive other cars which do have sensors you might forget when you’re reversing a car without them.
DarkMatter said:
I’d have them fitted, but I’d also want to be sure that they are colour matched and flush fitting rather than being black and protruding above the bumper surface. You could also consider having an after market reversing camera fitted if there is one available which can display on your navigation screen (if you have one).
Another point, if you drive other cars which do have sensors you might forget when you’re reversing a car without them.
Thanks! This was another worry, when reverse parking the test drive car, the sensors beeped well before I would have stopped had they not had them, so in that case I'd have probably hit the post/wall that was behind me. Another point, if you drive other cars which do have sensors you might forget when you’re reversing a car without them.
The sensors are £300 but the camera is around £700 (this is Audi retail price, so I imagine you can get them for cheaper) so for the price difference I think I'd just settle for the sensors. I'm having a problem with knowing the date my car arrives at the moment so I don't know if I have 2 days or 2 weeks to think and put some money aside.
I would get the Parking Sensors fitted if you are used to having that extra help while parking.
I am of an era of cars that didn’t have any aides fitted but I do prefer the new technology such as the Parking Sensors and Rear Camera.
I know by talking with the younger drivers at work that they have cars with all the tech and parking aides are a must for them. Not saying they couldn’t park without them but it is what they have always known.
If you are getting any finance for the car could you not just add the Parking Sensors to that balance and if so maybe push for the camera also.
I must admit my Tiguan has the best camera I have ever used.
Hope you get sorted and enjoy your new car.
I am of an era of cars that didn’t have any aides fitted but I do prefer the new technology such as the Parking Sensors and Rear Camera.
I know by talking with the younger drivers at work that they have cars with all the tech and parking aides are a must for them. Not saying they couldn’t park without them but it is what they have always known.
If you are getting any finance for the car could you not just add the Parking Sensors to that balance and if so maybe push for the camera also.
I must admit my Tiguan has the best camera I have ever used.
Hope you get sorted and enjoy your new car.
Dark Star said:
I would get the Parking Sensors fitted if you are used to having that extra help while parking.
I am of an era of cars that didn’t have any aides fitted but I do prefer the new technology such as the Parking Sensors and Rear Camera.
I know by talking with the younger drivers at work that they have cars with all the tech and parking aides are a must for them. Not saying they couldn’t park without them but it is what they have always known.
If you are getting any finance for the car could you not just add the Parking Sensors to that balance and if so maybe push for the camera also.
I must admit my Tiguan has the best camera I have ever used.
Hope you get sorted and enjoy your new car.
Thank you! I am of an era of cars that didn’t have any aides fitted but I do prefer the new technology such as the Parking Sensors and Rear Camera.
I know by talking with the younger drivers at work that they have cars with all the tech and parking aides are a must for them. Not saying they couldn’t park without them but it is what they have always known.
If you are getting any finance for the car could you not just add the Parking Sensors to that balance and if so maybe push for the camera also.
I must admit my Tiguan has the best camera I have ever used.
Hope you get sorted and enjoy your new car.
I'm only 22 so I'm in that category of 'young drivers who don't know any different' my first ever car had a camera and the car I learned to drive in had sensors. I did wonder if adding it to finance was an option, but when I asked the salesman he had a 'do what you want, it's not my problem' approach. Let's just say he was a bit of a pain, I think when a 22 year old girl comes in asking for a 2021 A1 they instantly assume and judge, he got friendlier as he realised that I was actually going to go through with the deal.
I'm thinking of driving it for a few weeks without sensors, and if i'm paranoid or just can't get a feel for it, i'll have to have them added. I just think £300 is a hefty amount of money for a car that's brand new and in my opinion should come with them anyway!
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