Ham's New FL Wheels

[Hammy969]

Afternoon All

Well after having my exisiting A4 saloon for nearly 3 years I was beginning to get itchy feet for something new for daily use. I struggled to really justify it as I bought one of the first RS3 last year, (mid life crisis) which is tucked up in it's bed and comes out occasionally to frighten my license!!

Anyway as has been posted by Pitch I also had looked at a 5 series and was actually surprised by the deals on offer for M sport models. This was in March when I wasn't really looking seriously. Once I start looking it really is only a matter of time before the saloon had to go.

The decision was then what to buy, I need some way of transporting my various bikes and I do like something that looks good and it has to be reasonably economical and I guess German.

I guess it came down to a 5 serice M sport or a new A4 saloon or avant. After some initial enquires it became obvious that Audi could do some good deals on the A4 which made it cheaper (finance assistance). That ruled out the 5.

The next question was what engine, I tried a couple of 170s, 2wd and 4wd. The 4 was the more sure footed car as you would expect but neither felt considerably quicker than my 143 and to be honest if i need a speed rush I just needed to take it out of the garage!

I decided on another 143. The to avant or not. I toyed with the idea of a saloon with a tow bar easy for the bikes or just get an avant. Well the avant was the way forward.

Then did I need to factory order or not. My dealer looked through what was coming through that was not commited. Not much to be fair, but as luck would have it there was one Monsoon Grey Black Edition 2.0TDI 143 Avant available. Well the rest is history. I now have it sitting at the door!

Differences

Dashboard is better finished, piano black will require a duster in the car at all times!
The ride appears better the old saloon was pretty hard.
The car appears to be quite quick considering it is new, normaly take 20K to run.
B&O is excellent, didn't have this before.
DAB is a step change in radio clarity.
Seems to be quieter again.

I will get a picture up once I can resize them to the point the site will allow them to be up loaded.

Ham

[Guest 2]

Looks awesome!

Enjoy!

[kodkod.84]

That colour is ace- the black edition avants really do look the biz

[MFGF]

Gorgeous looking car!! What size are the wheels? They look very smart with Monsoon Grey - almost the same colour!

MF.

[Hammy969]

MFGF

They are 19" and you are right they almost are the same as Monsoon. I was not sure about the wheels as I have always been more keen on the silver 5 segment wheels which are a no cost option on the Black Edition. However where they match the car and they do look good.

Had a longer run today and did 150 miles no issues and is going to be a great mile muncher as the last one was. It's reflection looks good in the shop windows too!
One thing I have noticed between the saloon and the avant, the saloon turned in slightly better. Might be something to do with slight extra weight.

Ham

[Longdog]

The wheels are very easy to clean as well. Really like the monsoon grey and almost went for it myself but settled on Lava which was new to the S4 for the new model.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

[Hammy969]

Longdog

The wheels are easy to clean, I have them on the RS3. I do like your Lava S4, The 3 on my short list were Lava, Daytona and Monsoon. In fact your S4 started my back looking at replacing my A4 after you posted the pictures on RS246.

Ham

[Longdog]

Glad you like it, thanks. How's the RS3?

[pitch3110]

Looks great Ham and congrats mate. One of my best pals has a Black Edition Avant and they truly do look fantastic and that grey looks the biz also.

I think I have settled for a Sophisto Grey M Sport Saloon and as you have mentioned once you start talking serious to the dealers the deals are incredable and the price is tumbling. They seriously seem to have agendas to get 4-Ring owners out from behind their steering wheels and behind a blue and white propeller.. APR's are down to 3.9% and 12%+ off list is seeming the norm.

Have fun with both mate and enjoy.

Everyone else........ There is a lovely high spec 143 Multitronic S line saloon in Suffolk looking for a new home soon...

Cheers Ham

Pitch

[Hammy969]

Pitch

Good luck with the 5, I think you are probably right about the blue and white propeller squad trying to reduce the 4 ring market share. Keep us posted with your progress, I will be interested to see what your thoughts are when comparing it with the A4.


Longdog

The RS is just unbelievable for what it is, I thought about selling both cars and replacing with an S4 or if I sold a kidney a RS4 but to be honest most of my work mileage is long boring motorway journeys, so i decided to go for another diesel and keep the RS3 for some fun.
I have tried an S4 and the RS is quicker and breaks better. I am not sure about the handling, didn't push it that hard. The RS is good. The S4 is obviously more practical and has a far better driving position in my opinion. I need to use the RS more to get some mileage on to it as they appear to get even quicker from what I have read. My license takes a lot of deep breaths every time the RS comes out, but I always have a smile after a run in it, no matter how short. From the sound to the comical way it accelerates!