...asking for quality dealership and certainly great prices, from people who ar familiar with MD and DC areas! Also, I think the FAQ article on differences between 98 and 98.5, is not correct. I got my car in December '97 and it has all the features mentioned as 98.5 model.
Any comments greatly appreciated.
Mike J
Silver 1.8TQMS, 16,500mi

There are a number of Audi dealers in the MD/DC/VA area. Each of the dealerships and their service departments have been both praised and flamed in this forum, depending on the individual and the circumstance. My good purchase experiences at Rockville have been matched by bad experiences by others. My not so good experience at Tischer has been countered by opposite opinions posted by others. I can make specific recommendations based on my recent, personal experience via email. Feel free to contact me.

Steve W. (in MD)
99.5 Avant 1.8TQMSS

Email me....I may be interested.. I live in MD and I am looking to purchase another A4.

Thanks,
sean
98 A4 1.8tqms APR1bar.

I posted this a few months ago regarding chip-friendly dealers:

I spoke with the service department of 4 DC dealersregarding performance chips:

- Heishman Audi (Arlington, VA) is ok with chips as long as engine/mechanical failure doesn't result. Seemed the most easy-going of the 4 dealers.

- HBL Audi (Tysons Corner, VA) says that they go with the manufacturer's specs which means chips aren't recommended. However, they won't say anything about chips as long as there are no engine/mechanical problems due to the mod.

- Rockville Audi's (MD) service department are a bunch of idiots. Any mods done to the A4 that's not in the "Official" Audi service book will void the warranty. Replace your brake pads? Voided warranty. Install a chip? Voided warranty. Their quote, "Do anything you want with your car, heck.. paint it lime green if you like, but AFTER
your warranty expires... not before." I've dealt with them twice before and won't go back again.

- Tischer Audi (Silver Spring, MD) replied to my email inquiry with: "Any ECU performance chip would void the factory warranty on your vehicle. Tischer does not sell or support aftermarket chips." I bought my car with them, unfortunately, and need the free car loaner they provide.

My Thoughts It seems to me that service departments won't say anything about the chip unless you fry your engine or transmission. I think 1.8T's would be more scrutinized and have a greater risk of mechanical failure than the 2.8's because of the turbocharger and significant power gains causing more wear & tear. From my findings, the various 2.8 chips can only get an additional 8-15 HP and 10-17 ft/lbs torque increase.

I bought my wife's '99.5 at FSK, which at the time (last November) was the most price-flexiblel of any of the Wash-Balt area dealers. Did all of it over the phone in about 15 minutes--$1000 over invoice, with ZERO extra nuisance charges.

nt

I just had a miserable experience with Criswell in Annapolis. I cannot recommend that dealership to anyone, IMHO, stay away.

I had a great purchase experience with Rockville, I bought used from Jimmy Elefantis and the experience was about as trouble free as possible. Can't speak for service though, I will probably do that at Heischmans as for me it will easier.

JDietz

'97 A4 tqms

For what it's worth, I bought my A4 1.8 Avant from Criswell three weeks ago and had a very positive experience with the place, with my sales guy and with the sales manager. Went smoothly, got as good a deal as I could have expected, and left with the car I wanted. Follow-ups with them, so far, have been productive and positive, as well. Guess things work out differently for different people. Stuff happens.

Jack