I just accepted a new job in the Richmond, VA. area. I am curious about advice on dealerships in the area. Who is recomended and who to avoid! Any insight in areas to live would also be greatly appreciated!

I am going to miss the quattro in the snow but I won't miss the Cleveland winters.

Thanks,
Craig

98.5 1.8TQ w/ APR

I haven't bought from them but I have talked to them. Seemed like your run of the mill dealer.
There is a dealer in Newport News, VA. and 3 to 4 in Northern VA.

I am yet another Richmonder... In the area like they posted below you'll only find Hawthorne Imports (http://www.hawthorneimports.com). I service my car there and they really are just your average dealer. Nothing fancy. They sell, VW, Audi, Porshe, Subaru and Saab. The Audi Rep here is a younger guy and he told me that he wouldn't care if I were chipped. Well I am, and he doesn't know it since I (like yourself) have the APR chip and I swap it out about 1 week prior to taking the car in. There is another dealer (the closest other than Hawthorne) in Charlottesville, VA. It is about 45-55 minutes west of Richmond (if you live on the West End)... They are Pegasus Audi and they also have a website and are A4 sponsors. I bought my car from them and they did a great job making sure I am happy. Their service, from what I have heard is approximately the same as Hawthorne although they only sell Audi and BMW (so you may expect better care).
I hope I'll see you around... I thought I was the only APRed Audi in the area... There are very few A4 1.8Ts that I've seen and it is mostly 40+ women driving them with kids in the back. I drive a 99.5 1.8TQMS w/ APR and it is Casablanca White (Plates EEH@KIE where @ is the Virginia Tech Seal) I have seen another Audi in the area that is white and has a spoiler but I don't know who owns it... it looked very nice.

See you around
Dimitri

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99.5 1.8TQMS /APR

I grew up near Richmond and couldn't be paid enough to go back. I think even folks who might like Richmond would admit its not easy to like.

'00 1.8T QMS in two weeks <--- A4 Content

which is my hometown. I used to drive to and through Richmond. I can tell you to stay out of the center of town, and the southern end too, from what I can remember. Richmond is supposed to be the murder capital of VA, sorry to put a damper on things by saying that. Be careful there. I'm biased b/c I don't like big cities (like I said I grew up in Fredericksburg).

I had a friend who lived on the Northeast side (Parham road) and it was a really nice side of town, both from what I saw and what I was told. Maybe just the northern area in general is okay.

My brother goes to VCU and lived in the "Fan" for awhile, which was quite a nice area for being "inside" the city. I would say it's an historic district from the look, but don't quote me - it's been awhile.

As far as dealerships, I've had limited experience with Pegasus in Charlottesville VA, which is less than an hour away from Richmond, depending on where you're coming from. They were nice the times I visited, even though I was a poor college kid at the time.

If it were me I would live on the northern side of town, maybe west a bit so I could make it to the mountains & foothills for some nice driving.

Feel free to email me if you've got more questions! My brother still lives there and may have a better idea of the area.

Mark Collett

I bought my Audi A4 and TT from Hawthorne. I think they are the only ones around. I didnt find them too bad at all. I think it depends on which sales rep you get. I havent been in yet for my first service (on either car) so my experience has only been with the sales department.

Lived in Richmond for about 5 years, went to U.of Richmond, then worked over at Innsbrook for a while. I really do like the place. Is within reasonable reach to various things, the beach (to the east), the mountains (to the west), and DC (to the north), and the Dean Dome (Jordan's palace to the south). Of course all of these are about 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours or more away, but is all good if you got an A4. As for dealerships, I do think that Hawthorne is the only one in Richmond. I didn't buy from them, but did spoke with them several times, and they seemed okay. I bought my car up in Toronto, where I moved to, so it wasn't anything negative about Hawthorne. As for living, don't know if you are looking for an apartment or house, I lived at the HoneyTree apartments before, fairly nice and decent price, if you move to the West End, prices would rise, but those are usually newer and nicer. Some people like to live downtown in the "fan", but I hate to have to park my car right off the streets and all. So I prefer the West End. Hope this helps...