Hello,

I have been looking at this and other Audi forums, trying to decide if I should purchase a new 2011 A4 Avant available locally. I have never owned a foreign auto before, let alone a premium European brand. All of my prior cars have been "practical", to quote my wife. Currently drive a '05 Buick LeSabre with 103k on it!

Anyway, there is a still new '11 Avant available and I thought this might be a "cooler" ride but still be practical. It is Meteor grey, with the premium plus line and dark walnut trim. List price is $44175 but it is available for $38950 which seems like a pretty good deal?

My concern is about owning a Audi. I typically keep cars a long time and I have a 50 mile commute every day. Are Audi cars generally reliable? I know that all cars can sometimes have things go wrong and will need basic service, but I don't want to be having huge service bills all the time. For example, besides oil changes, I have had to spend only about $700 for service on stuff that was not regular wear and tear on the Buick over the course of 103k miles.

I love the look of the Avant and the interior quality but just don't want to regret spending that kind of money on a new car.

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

 

You'd be buying a European luxury car. Proper care and maintenance is important, as with any other car, to ensure it runs a long time and to keep repair costs low. But parts for a VW/Audi can be expensive in my experience with our 2001 Beetle. Things can come up...

 

According to True Delta, the B8 A4 (2009+) is more reliable than most cars out there.

Proper maintenance will go a long way with these cars. If you are buying new and planning to keep the car a while, I would also get the Audi Care package. You pay up front for all your maintenance through the warranty, but save quite a bit.

 

I absolutely agree with newbie88.... Purchase the Audi care up front and make sure you do the suggested mantinence at the time it is suggested and you will have one of the most reliable vehicles you have ever owned.

 

Definitely buy the Audi Care. I'm not certain, but I think it was $750 at the time of purchase and was a savings of about $450 for the services. It's a great piece of mind, and I know that Audi will cover their work and do a great job with servicing the vehicle. We plan on owning the car for at least 10 years and want to ensure it is in the best condition possible when it comes time to part with it. We also plan on doing the Audi Care Extended Coverage after 45k...

 

Also, avants will no longer be offered in the US except for the all road starting in 2013, so if you like the avant, get it now.

 

Agree-here in my neck of the woods none of the dealerships(3)in the state have any new Avants whats-so-ever. One dealership has two used 2012 Avants. No 2011 Avants.
So snap it up if you find one. And buy the Audi Care package with it.