Audi A4 - Black Edition Plus - Thoughts?

[Andrew Dalmeny]

So, i've never owned an Audi but my VW Passat 58 Highline has gotten tiresome enough that i fancy a change. (Had a BMW 320D company car for a while until i took the passat back off my wife, while i wasn't that impressed it has motivated me to buy a new car)

After flipping between Jaguar XF or an Audi A4, i've decided to go for an Audi. I'll go off to Audi on Thursday to purchase an Audi A4 Black Edition Plus (New).

Knowing practically nothing about Audis except i like the drive, styling and feel inside.. What are your thoughts on the model i'm purchasing? Worth plucking for the Avant version? I know my wife would prefer i did but at 31 i'm not quite sure whether i'm prepared to drive an estate car yet unless the benefits are beyond more room to put shopping in.

Also any optional extras i should really consider, sorta ones you'd be stupid not to and would regret if i didn't after purchase?

[nukeproof]

I ordered a black edition plus last week (saloon, prefer the look) folding mirrors, sports suspension, high tech package, electric seats
This one

there is no such thing now, due to the wait, any cars after build week 21 get updated to the new engine models, all 2.0TDi 177 get updated to the new 190ps engine and the black edition plus has been rebranded the black edition nav with the tech package included (came back a lot cheaper which was a nice surprise)
In terms of options the black edition comes with almost everything i wanted

Would have liked keyless and a few other little things but the cost was building up so I had to be realistic

[Andrew Dalmeny]

Very nice bud.

Yeah i heard about the uprating to the 190.

Do you have details of the spec list? Can't seem to find it.

I think generally i just want:

- Sat Nav
- Bluetooth hands free calling
- Decent stereo
- Folding mirrors

Those are my main must haves and the black edition pretty much suited my needs, i assume its got all that lot?

Also did you go for that colour? I'm torn between going all black or white.

Would agree the saloon is the nicest, although i would say Audi have the best looking estate car. Can't stand the C/E Class Mercedes estate or the BMW 3 series, the 5 series isn't that bad though.

[nukeproof]

The sat nav and stereo are standard, comes with the top end nav and the bang and olufson sound system, mirrors are a couple of hundred and I'm not sure in Bluetooth as I've never used it
The online configurator will build you the car you want and all the extras, at the end it displays a list of everything, if your on an iPhone then the ap is pretty good as well

[apache24uk]

Get the storage package, otherwise the car won't have a lockable glovebox (crazy its not standard!!) and you'll also get cup holders in the rear armrest

[AGW82]

Are you in a rush to buy? There will be a completely new A4 in September..

[Andrew Dalmeny]

Are you in a rush to buy? There will be a completely new A4 in September..

Not in a rush - but deal presented.

So i noticed a lease deal.. Was £340 a month over 3 years plus £1000 deposit and 15,000 per annum... This was for the 177 Black Edition Plus + MMI HDD Sat Nav.. My wife leases a car and term wise there is little difference between PCP and Lease when you factor in most come away with little or no equity in PCP.

I went to the Audi Dealership to see what they could do, they invited me in when i queried about servicing. Thought why not? Went in and they basically said they couldn't get anywhere close to it.. Their equivalent PCP deal for a 190 edition Black Edition Plus was in the realms of £450-£460 a month over 3 years (And i'd be waiting till September...), so quite a way off. Salesmen was a bit snotty due to it being a lease but when i asked he agreed the terms are practically the same for wear and term PCP vs Lease and only difference is equity you build up as even he conceded most good lease companies will offer to sell you the car at the end of the term if you ask.

They also offered a 177 on PCP as they had one at another dealership, also added additional deposit contribution... Was still £410 a month over 3 years though.

I would wait for the new Audi A4 next year - but i'd imagine the lease deal is cheap due to the change to the 190 and fact a new ver hits next year. Plus since this came with the sat nav, it was a no brainer.

Eventually went for the lease, my new car comes June 11th.