Of course I was just joking as this forum is definently not stuffy.

So now for my question, I took my S4 Cab in earlier this week for a CEL. They ordered a part and gave me an 04 A8L to drive.

Now for the delima, I really like this car, and am thinking of trading the A6 in. I have searched the forum but am curious as to your thoughts on the following issues.

I am 28 and wonder if my customers will get the wrong idea if I show up in a $76,000 automobile and try to sell them on my company as a low cost, value leader.

Also the car they gave me has 5000 miles on it and they are offering me 2000 of MSRP for repeat business as I just bought the S4 a few months ago and they are offering me 2000 of MSRP cause of the milage as well as extending the warranty. Is this a fair price?

My wife is already complaining the car is too large for her to drive, and I enjoy driving the S4 some of the time, but if I have an A8 those days may now be few and far between, is it possible that her dislike for driving a big car will go away and thoughts on that would be appreciated.

Thanks

Who's your dealer? If you buy the A8 will they give you an RS6 for a loaner?

Seriously though,

Going from the S4 to the A8 would make the A8 seem like a large vehicle. My previous car was a MB wagon, so it didn't take me long to adjust to the size. My husband drives an RS6 and once in awhile drives the A8 and he doesn't seem to have a problem adjusting to the size. The good thing is, once you get used to the car, it doesn't drive like a big car - my last loaner car was a big cadillac and it definately felt like I was driving a battleship down the road. The A8 feels more like it's an extension of you.

As far as your clients... do they really care what kind of car you're driving? If they ask, just tell them you are a true businessman, and as such, you negotiated a great deal on it. :) Although I am wondering if you can get a little better price on it.

You might also ask for a complete history of the service records on the car. Never hurts to ask.

Brian Harris Audi in Baton Rouge, LA they have given me an Allroad, a Porsche Boxter and now an A8 as loaner cars.

What would be a fair price to pay ? I dont mind buying a car from them with miles, they have always taken care of my problems quickly and professionally.

Its one of the nicest friggin cars on earth. I personally would take one over a rolls or a bently. (If I was the driver) If I was just a passenger well thats a different story. That and an S600 but thats cause you clober the quarter mile with minimal mods in the mid 11's (and embarass a lot of people in the process)

I get out of Greenies A8, (I am sure a few of you have heard me say this) and get into my B5 S4 and I feel like I just sat into a Kia.

I would say try to locate an RS6. Then you can just debadge it and most folks won't know the difference. (think its an aggressive looking A6) If your company is trying to sell cost and value A8 might be pushing the envelope a bit. Wife might pick up some speedin tix in the process. Plus it gives you a chance to drive V8 or Turbo V8. :-)

I have found that "showing" your success is a plus. Many have said after the sale; "when I saw your car I knew you were successful. . .I wouldn't want to do business with someone who was not." The car you drive is analogous to your wearing apparel. With many companies and individuals to choice from, who would buy from; a salesman appearing in a sweatshirt and jeans or a quality business suit? My experience is it is a plus.
Price. This car with 5,000 miles; wouldn't pay more then $70K for it. Check its Vin. #; it may have been around a while. You definitely want as late a Vin.# as possible.
"Wife and Big Car"- Obviously it depends on the wife. This car does not drive like a "big car" to me. This is one of its features. My Mother recently rode in the back seat of Mr. Plum. She loved it. Her comment was; "for the first time in years when I got out of your car my back didn't hurt." Perhaps you can arrange to have the wife drive the car for a few hours before deciding? Mrs Ricco has never had a problem to adjusting to various sizes of luxury.

betting it would be Mother Ricco)

"I am 28 and wonder if my customers will get the wrong idea if I show up in a $76,000 automobile and try to sell them on my company as a low cost, value leader"

Depends on what you are selling, where in the US you are selling, and who your customers are. At the end of the day, customers care more about who you and what value you deliver than what you drive.

Be who you are, drive what you want.

Robin