Hey Guys,
Sorry for the noob questions, but I hadnt considered an Audi before until I laid eyes on the new A4, 3.2. So sadly I don't know much about them. I sat in an 09 A4 the other day, but the salesman, although a nice guy, knew less than I did about it.
1. How is Audi's reliability and how is their service staff to deal with? I have only heard horror stories about other German cars, BMW having the wort reputation.
2. If you dont get the Nav, do you still get the screen, and if so what is displayed on it? Are the sat. radio stations displayed if there is no Nav?
3. Is the Audi Drive Select worthwhile, and if you just get the S-line pkg, is the ride the same as the stiffest setting on Drive Select?
4. Is the Shifttronic tranny pretty impressive, or just the same as any other auto w/ paddles?
5. How does the paint hold up, is it good quality or soft like BMW's?

Appreciate the help, thanks.

 

1) As far as I know (based on Consumer Reports and people I know who own Audis), the reliability has improved greatly in recent years (I sure hope so after having made the break from nothing but Hondas for the last 17 yrs) - I believe CR rates most newer Audi models as average reliability.

2) Yes, you get the screen regardless of nav. It displays radio/music info., heating/cooling info., phone info. (with Bluetooth option) and various other car maintenance & set-up info. (e.g. DRL settings, auto locking, miles to next service, etc.).

3) Can't comment - I have Prem+ model.

4) Paddle shifters only come with Sport Package and S-Line models - all others have a Tiptronic tranny. I've actually found myself using the Tiptronic more lately (after 2.5 months of ownership) and find it to be pretty smooth/slick.

5) Regarding quality of paint, I found people on Honda forums used to complain extensively about the orange-peel effect on newer Hondas, but I've actually noticed this more with my A4 than with my Hondas; however, I haven't heard anyone else raise this issue on this or other Audi forums.

 

You get the screen on all models, but it is black and white on the standard spec in the UK, only the SE and S Line bring a colour screen.

The paint finish is the best I have had on a new car. I requested that my new A4 S Line B8 was not prep'd before delivery so it arrived dusty. I have a passion detailing cars and did this myself. Its rock hard clear coat and free from swirls and marks upon delivery. No orange peel effect like on my 2006 BMW

 

Had a silver 2001 A4, and the paint was still like new when I traded it in on an '09 last week. I am hoping all the work Audi did improving the A4's dynamics carries over to include improved reliability.