Nuts! T350. Toddler. Now bonkers A4 offer. Thoughts?
Discussion
Hi All. Just looking for your thoughts, really.
I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
grumbledoak said:
Hi All. Just looking for your thoughts, really.
I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
Ask yourself this:I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
(1) Will it sound like a TVR, go like a TVR or look like a TVR?.
(2) I can rent a 'family car' but can I rent a TVR when I want a 'play day'
The answer is going to be no. I suspect you won't find it as engaging or exciting. Baby seats fit in TVR's take your baby out for a blast when you get the urge aand keep renting when you need to.
Shep
I went through teh same turmoil a year ago, eventually selling the T350. It had become just a commuter car, and though it looked great on the drive and was fun enough on the occasional solo supermarket trip, it was a pointless luxury as the whole family could never enjoy it together. I do wonder if I'll get another when my son is old enough to come out and play properly (just 18months old now) but right now I'm happy to make do with my dull-but-different 4x4 replacement. I love my son and family togetherness more! 
grumbledoak said:
Hi All. Just looking for your thoughts, really.
I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
You might as well cut out the middle man and get a French people carrier and start sitting down to pee. I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
Get an Addison Lee account. Totally reliable firm and cheaper than a second car.
Also has the huge advantage of when you're out with the family you have to be back at a pre-defined time, thus preventing those terrible extra hours of wandering purposelessly like all the poor suckers out with their wives staggering around Westfield.
DonkeyApple said:
Totally reliable firm and cheaper than a second car.
They are re-considering the kid's seat policy and couldn't help us last weekend. But, otherwise, I'd agree- taxis and renting are cheaper than running the toy, and a second car would mean renting a parking space. Which isn't cheap either!Anyway, please keep the thoughts coming. The amount of unexpected good advice I've seen and had here is genuinely astonishing.
There are loads of great deals out there at the moment. The first question you should ask yourself is do I want to sell my TVR? If the answer is no then end of story. If the answer is yes then replace it with a car you actually want rather one that is just a great deal. Personally I can think of few cars that I find less exciting than an Audi A4. The only saving grace is that it isn't a diesel. No offence to diesel A4 owners intended.
An Audi A4 Convertible is possibly one of the worst cars we've had in our family fleet. It had lots of niggling issues, attracted the wrong attention (first one was stolen by breaking into our house for the keys), had overheating from day 1, 4 or 5 clutches (I forget) and on top of it all required a new head... It still overheated the day we traded it in to a BMW dealer and as it was crunching into third, I am glad we managed to get shot when we did. Completely ignoring that it was like driving anesthetic, the dealers are useless and the car itself wasnt particularly able in any way shape or form. I'd give it a miss.
I think you're in a difficult position, I'd say Cerbera, but honestly I think they may be a bit 'much' for a young family - especially when you want extra room for all the associated stuff (prams etc etc.) I would also suggest you are looking at the wrong cars to replace the T350... I'd start with an E39 M5, but for T350 money you could look at all sorts; Maser Quattroporte/AMG's/Newer M cars. Good luck with what ever you chose, but if you have to compromise, make sure that compromise has atleast 400bhp.
I think you're in a difficult position, I'd say Cerbera, but honestly I think they may be a bit 'much' for a young family - especially when you want extra room for all the associated stuff (prams etc etc.) I would also suggest you are looking at the wrong cars to replace the T350... I'd start with an E39 M5, but for T350 money you could look at all sorts; Maser Quattroporte/AMG's/Newer M cars. Good luck with what ever you chose, but if you have to compromise, make sure that compromise has atleast 400bhp.
I know it's a happy family scene at the momentbut just wait till the novelty wears off, where will you be, tivless with a boring 1,8T!
Before you know it, another little one will come along then that's it, playtime over.
Keep the tiv as you will really appreciate getting away for a blast when you have a spare couple of hours, you know it makes sense!
I have 4 children, I know, once you give up, as said, it's people carriers and bicycles, (for fecks sake) and it will take ages to regain what you lost.
Course, you could move out of London and have your jam sponge and eat it!!!
Before you know it, another little one will come along then that's it, playtime over.
Keep the tiv as you will really appreciate getting away for a blast when you have a spare couple of hours, you know it makes sense!
I have 4 children, I know, once you give up, as said, it's people carriers and bicycles, (for fecks sake) and it will take ages to regain what you lost.
Course, you could move out of London and have your jam sponge and eat it!!!
BCA said:
I would also suggest you are looking at the wrong cars to replace the T350... I'd start with an E39 M5, but for T350 money you could look at all sorts; Maser Quattroporte/AMG's/Newer M cars. Good luck with what ever you chose, but if you have to compromise, make sure that compromise has atleast 400bhp.
What he said ^^^^, I've been lucky and kept my Elise and we got a focus as family car!!! Oh and kids love sports cars by the way, you should see the look on my 3 year old's face when I pick him up from nursery....oh and the look of disgust on some tree hugging parents is also priceless!!!!!BCA said:
An Audi A4 Convertible is possibly one of the worst cars we've had in our family fleet. It had lots of niggling issues, attracted the wrong attention (first one was stolen by breaking into our house for the keys), had overheating from day 1, 4 or 5 clutches (I forget) and on top of it all required a new head... It still overheated the day we traded it in to a BMW dealer and as it was crunching into third, I am glad we managed to get shot when we did. Completely ignoring that it was like driving anesthetic, the dealers are useless and the car itself wasnt particularly able in any way shape or form. I'd give it a miss.
I think you're in a difficult position, I'd say Cerbera, but honestly I think they may be a bit 'much' for a young family - especially when you want extra room for all the associated stuff (prams etc etc.) I would also suggest you are looking at the wrong cars to replace the T350... I'd start with an E39 M5, but for T350 money you could look at all sorts; Maser Quattroporte/AMG's/Newer M cars. Good luck with what ever you chose, but if you have to compromise, make sure that compromise has atleast 400bhp.
"(Audi) dealers are useless" now there's a sweeping statement. Surely you mean the one(s)in your area?I think you're in a difficult position, I'd say Cerbera, but honestly I think they may be a bit 'much' for a young family - especially when you want extra room for all the associated stuff (prams etc etc.) I would also suggest you are looking at the wrong cars to replace the T350... I'd start with an E39 M5, but for T350 money you could look at all sorts; Maser Quattroporte/AMG's/Newer M cars. Good luck with what ever you chose, but if you have to compromise, make sure that compromise has atleast 400bhp.
willtvr said:
"(Audi) dealers are useless" now there's a sweeping statement. Surely you mean the one(s)in your area?
Audi UK said they were unable to go beyond our area. That was not helpful. They failed us in many ways, were very awkward about the whole situation, caused my mother considerable extra stress at a point when her health was an issue and it will not be forgotten anytime soon. I could put a much larger post about it on here, but as I suspect you work for Audi, I'll instead be more than willing to talk to you in person at a TVR event in future, it does not reflect well. I hope that it is just a reflection of our area (which is no where near you) but our impression of Audi UK is hugely damaged regardless.
We now have a BMW 120d - it was found locally, but BMW still searched nationally for the same spec and different colours for our benefit - as it happened, we loved the colour in the flesh, the test drive went well and we were offered a part ex that eclipsed the previously offered valuation from Audi - which included goodwill from Audi UK to reflect our troubles. We spent 60k with Audi and if they had bothered to try and help, we would have spent another 30k. Amazing. Their loss, there are plenty of other manufacturers out there; a fair few family purchases of VAG cars have been lost. For the moment, we're done.
Regardless, to replace a TVR with a family friendly solution directly; you need serious power, not a four pot beige saloon. I'd be thinking V8, 400bhp+, RWD, best handling possible.
BCA said:
willtvr said:
"(Audi) dealers are useless" now there's a sweeping statement. Surely you mean the one(s)in your area?
Audi UK said they were unable to go beyond our area. That was not helpful. They failed us in many ways, were very awkward about the whole situation, caused my mother considerable extra stress at a point when her health was an issue and it will not be forgotten anytime soon. I could put a much larger post about it on here, but as I suspect you work for Audi, I'll instead be more than willing to talk to you in person at a TVR event in future, it does not reflect well. I hope that it is just a reflection of our area (which is no where near you) but our impression of Audi UK is hugely damaged regardless.
We now have a BMW 120d - it was found locally, but BMW still searched nationally for the same spec and different colours for our benefit - as it happened, we loved the colour in the flesh, the test drive went well and we were offered a part ex that eclipsed the previously offered valuation from Audi - which included goodwill from Audi UK to reflect our troubles. We spent 60k with Audi and if they had bothered to try and help, we would have spent another 30k. Amazing. Their loss, there are plenty of other manufacturers out there; a fair few family purchases of VAG cars have been lost. For the moment, we're done.
Regardless, to replace a TVR with a family friendly solution directly; you need serious power, not a four pot beige saloon. I'd be thinking V8, 400bhp+, RWD, best handling possible.
How about a Monaro?
grumbledoak said:
Hi All. Just looking for your thoughts, really.
I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
My thoughts are as follows;I'm pretty central in London, and don't often need a family car; we normally rent. But I do have a family, and I'm really not getting the benefit of the toy as much as I'd like. I've just been made a bonkers offer of a pristine A4 but don't have two parking spaces so it would mean selling the toy.
How much would I hate it? I think it's a 1.8T.
I had a T350 for 2 years, then bought a new A4 2.0T S-Line with fill b/kit and 19 alloys. Bored as buggery after 1 year,bnow own a Sagaris. Just could not adapt to a normal car at all.
Honestly, it wont work. Ive tried exactly what you propose!!!!!
Justyn
BCA said:
Audi UK said they were unable to go beyond our area. That was not helpful. They failed us in many ways, were very awkward about the whole situation, caused my mother considerable extra stress at a point when her health was an issue and it will not be forgotten anytime soon.
I could put a much larger post about it on here, but as I suspect you work for Audi, I'll instead be more than willing to talk to you in person at a TVR event in future, it does not reflect well. I hope that it is just a reflection of our area (which is no where near you) but our impression of Audi UK is hugely damaged regardless.
We now have a BMW 120d - it was found locally, but BMW still searched nationally for the same spec and different colours for our benefit - as it happened, we loved the colour in the flesh, the test drive went well and we were offered a part ex that eclipsed the previously offered valuation from Audi - which included goodwill from Audi UK to reflect our troubles. We spent 60k with Audi and if they had bothered to try and help, we would have spent another 30k. Amazing. Their loss, there are plenty of other manufacturers out there; a fair few family purchases of VAG cars have been lost. For the moment, we're done.
Regardless, to replace a TVR with a family friendly solution directly; you need serious power, not a four pot beige saloon. I'd be thinking V8, 400bhp+, RWD, best handling possible.
I had an S4 tiptronic and traded in for a T350. TVR took the S4 and I took the Arancio Atlas T350. Job done.I could put a much larger post about it on here, but as I suspect you work for Audi, I'll instead be more than willing to talk to you in person at a TVR event in future, it does not reflect well. I hope that it is just a reflection of our area (which is no where near you) but our impression of Audi UK is hugely damaged regardless.
We now have a BMW 120d - it was found locally, but BMW still searched nationally for the same spec and different colours for our benefit - as it happened, we loved the colour in the flesh, the test drive went well and we were offered a part ex that eclipsed the previously offered valuation from Audi - which included goodwill from Audi UK to reflect our troubles. We spent 60k with Audi and if they had bothered to try and help, we would have spent another 30k. Amazing. Their loss, there are plenty of other manufacturers out there; a fair few family purchases of VAG cars have been lost. For the moment, we're done.
Regardless, to replace a TVR with a family friendly solution directly; you need serious power, not a four pot beige saloon. I'd be thinking V8, 400bhp+, RWD, best handling possible.
Seriously our Audi dealer was also useless which is why I got the TVR - never looked back now on my second Sag
BCA said:
bobd do you know where your old T350 is?? We would quite like one that colour - IIRC its a pearlescent Orange one?
It was part ex at Hexham Horseless Carriages and I believe it is now owned by a lady in the north east/scotlandFull circle really as it was owned by TVR and used by Sasha, Nikolais cousin for the first 3000 miles prior to my ownership.
Spec was 3:73 diff. close ratio box,350 bhp at rear wheels - dynod, nav, nitrons, corner weighted, power exhaust, momo trek and lots more. Colour is Arancio Atlas which looks like tangerine when theres no sun
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