The Captain's Log

The search is on!

   Wed, September 24, 2008 - 12:53 AM
So I test drove the Audi A4 2.0T today. Nice handling, the ride was firm (just how I like it) and the tiptronic transmission did a nice job, especially in Sport mode. Even with 200HP, I still found the engine to be a little sluggish off the mark, but once it got into 2nd gear it really took off. Much to my surprise the dealer told me that I could have Audi "chip" the car to 265HP for $1500 and still be under full warranty! That's pretty cool considering the 2001 S4 my ex-wife owned was about the same amount of horse power. Next I need to go drive a BMW 330i and see how it rides. Can't say I feel the love for a BMW quite in the same way I feel it for Porsche or Audi, but I am willing to give it a fair shake. The only problem I have with the cars are that they are about as common as Honda Accords in the bay area.



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Fri, September 26, 2008 - 3:50 PM
Only two days have passed, but I'm curious -- have you driven anything else yet?

I had dinner with a friend last night who was excited that I am considering buying a new car, and did his best to convince me that I absolutely MUST have an Ultimate Driving Machine. We shall see... but only test drives will convince me, and I'm hesitant to test drive until I'm certain I really HAVE to buy a car...
Fri, September 26, 2008 - 6:46 PM
No I haven't driven the BMW yet, but when I do it will only be a 330i. The power of the 325i is pretty pathetic for what your paying, and it makes the Audi look like a much better deal. The other downside to a BMW is that they are about as common in the bay area as a Honda Accord. Everyone's driving one. Literally I see tons of them on the road every day. Now maybe its the male in me, but I don't like the idea of driving another cookie cutter vehicle. On the other hand, they are well built and people do swear by them. By people also say the same things about the Honda Accord. So I take peoples viewpoints with a grain of salt, just as you should do with my opinion. Car buying is a subjective process when you get down to the decision making point. You can compare spec's and people opinions until your blue in the face, but in the end what really matters is how well YOU connect with the vehicle, after all, your the one who is going to own it and drive it every day until you grow bored with it or it dies...