Is it too much to ask to get exactly what you want when you spend nearly $30,000? I am frustrated with the process of ordering an A4. The dealer says (essentially) that they will require a 10 percent deposit if I don't get the options THEY want on MY car (their rationale is that if I change my mind then they'll be stuck with an unsellable audi), yeah right. This is an issue because I'm considering NOT getting the quattro (mild climate, don't really want the added weight and mechanical complexity). Anyone have similar problems? Any suggestions? Am I mental?

Well, a $3000 deposit is a bit much..but their logic is somewhat valid. I don't understand yours though - you want what you want..so, are you not willing to pay for it? Is the deposit the issue? It seems like they will order what you desire if you put up some green.

Otherwise, just go find a dealer who will order the car you want for a smaller deposit. Seems pretty simple.

When I ordered my 98 A6 without quattro, all they asked for was $500. I recently went back with a friend to find an A4 without Q, and he found just what he wanted on their lot--they had ordered it but it hadn't been touched since arrival--all plastic still on it and only 11 miles. They were also willing to order a 2000 that way, with same deposit. Just ask around. You're not crazy, but neither are they.

Bruce W
98 A6 Bose and 16" only

nt

I just ordered my A-4 and the dealer accepted a $500 deposit. He explained that as long as you are not ordering a fully loaded vehicle, he would accept $500. Otherwise, the deposit would be $1,000.

We made a list of what equipment we wanted on a 1.8T quattro, gave 1st and 2nd color choices, and asked them to find one that was unaccounted for. They located a car on the dock in Germany that was not allocated, we gave them a $1000 deposit, got the VIN, and waited 6 weeks for delivery.

This cannot be any more trouble for the dealer, and you will not wait as long for your car.

If the dealer is not willing to do this "locate" for you, find another dealer. Post what area of the country you are in, and the A4.org'ers will steer you to a good Audi sales organization.

If not, then walk. My dealer asked for (and got) a $1,000 "deposit" when I ordered my 2.8 Avant, loaded with things like a five-speed, sport suspension, pelican blue paint and other items that dealers seem convinced the "station wagon buyers don't want."

I say "deposit" because they never actually cashed the check. It was a demonstration of good faith on my part that I would pay the agreed-to price when the avant finally arrived. The check was attached to the paperwork when I picked up my baby. We tore up the check and that was that.

As an aside, my salesperson told me that the dealership had four offers in two days to buy my avant while it sat in the showroom waiting for me. That said, I wonder why they're so conservative in speccing all the unsold A4's on their lot.

These guys want 10% down! That's not a deposit, it's non-refundable. My problem is that the next closest dealer is 3 hours away. Can you say monopoly? I'm considering having the dealers in Seattle fight over me so that I might get some respect from the Portland guys, but with the speed at which the A4s are evaporating from their lots, I doubt they'll be motivated to apease me in any way. Thanks J.

-Jon

It matters cause I won't have the cash until I sell my other car, at which point I will have no car until the audi arrives. A bit of a predicament wouldn't you agree?