A6Louie

Really? You're going to compare an upgraded stereo system to a political ideology? You must be a blast at parties :P

Seriously, though, there doesn't seem to be any heated discussion going on here, just people talking about what they wish they would've gotten. I think we're all well aware that in many cases, the idea of something is much more appealing than the reality of it, but more than anything, I was just curious, because I've spent a fair amount of time of late agonizing over options.

markcincinnati

I'll tell you what I got that I probably would not get a second time. . . .

I special ordered my 2009 A4 in white with the ecru interior with wood. I optioned my Prestige version with tiptronic, 19" sport package, power rear and manual rear-side sunshades, heated seats and ADS. I think there were three options I did not tick off: a pearl paint color, automatic cruise control and S-Line.

At first I loved the ADS -- and truth be told I had no regrets on the ADS selection due to the fact that in 2009 the 2.0T engine was mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. I set my "individual" choice to keep the performance level a bit higher by keeping the transmission in S mode, the steering in dynamic mode and the suspension in comfort mode (remember I had the sport suspension and 19" summer only tires.)

When it came time to re-up for my 30th Audi, I test drove the current offering -- which came with an 8-speed auto transmission. The current offering also no longer offers the sport package with 19" wheels -- they are 18'-ers and hence the profile is a bit higher (and the ride quality ever so slightly softer.)

Today, if ordering a new A4 I would only order the Prestige version; I would order the sport package and all the rest, except ADS. For nearly $3,000 the primary value (TO ME) was the improvement in engine/throttle response afforded by the individual setting.

On a brand new A4 with the 8-speed, the feeling was "as if" I had the 6-speed auto with ADS. I see, currently, no need for ADS -- and especially no need for ADS if it costs any more than about $1,000.

I'd rather have the sport differential option offered -- stand alone on a Prestige sport package 2.0T.

So, for me, in 2009 the ADS was a must have -- to compensate for things I thought were slightly lacking in the A4 2.0T. Today, not so much -- the 8-spd auto takes away that need (FOR ME).

I would also urge anyone who is considering one of these great cars to make certain you can get it with the blind spot warning feature -- it ought to be standard equipment.

gary135r

Auto dimming side mirrors. I don't think that was available as a check box for my trim but seeing that here in Maine it gets dark pretty early and light very late in the winter it is something I wish this car had (seeing that I do a lot of highway driving with someone always at you rear).

utollwi

About to turn in my lease on my 2009 Prestige - all options except sport and rear airbags.

It's been a great ride since October 2009. I'll never order another car without Adaptive Cruise Control - love it!

JD15

I ordered my 2011 Premium Plus with 8-speed automatic, sport package, navigation, and B&O. If I had to order again, I would choose exactly the same options, except that I might have coughed up the additional $10k for the 3.0T (S4) option. The only option I would consider skipping is the navigation; if the backup camera, color DIS and better integrated MMI controls could be included for a significantly lower price without the navigation system itself, I would go that route, as I do not use navigation often enough to justify the $2500. I also don't have any interest in the gadgets like adaptive cruise control and ADS, that will push the price of the car into S4 range.

ugli

I regret not getting Prestige, just for the backup cam. Too many crapper drivers at my work's parking lot to be careful of.

A6Louie

Backup cam comes with Nav + Rear Parking Sensors (Prestige not required)

I5

The "RS" package!!!

prestigesline

When I ordered my 2011 A4 Prestige S-Line I ticked every option box. I have bought new cars in the past and wish I would have gotten this or that option. When I bought my A4 I did not want to go through the "I wish I had that option" or the "option envy" feeling again. I am extremely happy that I paid the extra money to get all the options. For me, they are worth there weight in platinum. They make the car that much more special.