Wow, I was just reading what went on here earlier today! Jeez...I think everyone should calm down and relax...It's SUNDAY..before most of us go back to work tomorrow.(Right Jim H?) Anyway, I kinda agree with both sides here. When I went to Beiner Audi yesterday, I took a test drive in a manual and then a Tiptronic A41.8T. I needed to see which one I want (a total of 2 test drives) I don't think I pissed Marshall off too much. And, he said in his sales pitch that Beiner ALWAYS gives out a loaner car(as long as you buy/lease from THEM!) I just hope HE will give me the price I WANT when I buy. (at most 5% of course)<br>And if someone gets a loaner car for one or two days while their baby is being fixed, at least you got wheels! (and you can see why you never bought the loaner car you were given.) I personally wouldn't complain about getting a loaner, being that I live at least 20 miles away from the closest Audi service center. <br>I am 23yo and I often get strange looks by dealers, and I expect that. I don't look like I can afford the car! (I was actually laughed at for looking at a '93 Supra once!) But dealers should also expect the stigma they have placed on their heads by many consumers. Thats why some people will pay Saturn close to MSRP set prices so they don't have to haggle. Maybe one day, the relationship between customer and dealer will get better, but for now, it's a struggle to just keep things as smooth as possible. <br>I don't think Jim H was trying to hurt anyone here, but sometimes retail can get to a person. It's also hard for long time forum goers to hear the same old questions being asked by newcomers. I have been loyal to it for about a week now, and I already see the same things, but hey, I did the same thing! How much is the car, what color, options should I buy...Life goes on!<br>Sorry this was so long, I feel like Im preaching here. So take care everyone AND HAPPY MOTORING!!!

Great meet guys.<p>Lets try to organize a race day!!!<br>1996 a4 2,8 qm<br>r-28 on order<br>thinking lltek suspension<br>upgraded stereo in progress<br>

I can relate to the "young buyer"/dealer relationship.<p>I took me quite some time to find a suitable dealer and I actually ordered from one that is the farthest of 5 local dealerships.<p>The others simply saw me walk in wearing my Cleveland Browns cap, blue jeans and sweater (yes as a junior developer I can dress really casual) and ignored me flat out.<p>I actually stood around around one dealer for at least 30 minutes. There were plenty of salesreps sitting around joking and having coffee but none were interested in talking to me.<p>I don't think that my being 24 and borrowing money from my folks should be a problem for a dealer.<p>Hell, when I went out and bought a TV, the salesperson didn't care about my age or how I was going to pay for it. Quite frankly it's none of his/her business, and that goes for the Audi salespeople as well. Don't take me wrong, I don't view any car as an appliance or mode of transport since I AM an enthusiast.<p>I can only say that trying to buy an A4 has been challenging and I did manage to squeeze a 5 minute test drive out of one of the "discriminating" dealers. Interestingly enough, right after the short spin, the salesrep started to push me to sign for one. I don't like that because I can make own decisions about how to spend $46K (Canadian).<p>Though I have to disagree with Jim H. about the way in which he mentions the young buyer (derrogatory at best), I must say I agree with him about the loaner.<p>Any other car (yes cars other than Audis or A4s do exist) would be an excellent loaner compared to a bus ticket or better still walking.<p>As for using this Forum to vent frustration or anger; I don't think that belongs here. In the time I have frequented the forum, most posts (even if they complain about something) have been informative rather than attacks at any specific users/groups/demographics. I would like to see that continue.<p>Cheers and try to think happy thoughts...<p>My 2 cents.<br>Kevin<br>1990 Jetta GTX w/95 VR6 motor swap<br>99 1.8TQMS due in March

The business does need a change, badly. <p> I'm young, 25yrs old, and fairly new in this business. I'm having a hard time working this business the way I see some of the older and more established people are working. I feel ethics should be more respected. Qualifing should be more of a constant. Just to name a couple of my differences. It's just that as I become more established in this business, my differences become more established as well. I hope that you, Jim H, and all of the other young salespeople reading this, recognize your differences in how things are working, and as you get established we can change things into a healthier enviornment for both the workers and the customers.<p>This isn't everything I had to say, nor is it exactly what I wanted to say. I just want to pass along the idea...

It's funny, I'm 23 and have had my A4 for about 3 months, but I never had much of a problem with the dealers. I just made sure I went in dressed half decent with my dad, and voila, service galore. But even so, the rep was totally helpful and I don't think I would've bought the car if it wasn't for him. Not sure how it would've been if I hadn't gone in with my dad, but I almost think it's to be expected. A4s are not cheap cars, and generally (should I be generalizing?) young people don't have as much money as older people....so....slightly different treatment can almost be expected? Well anyway, I think everyone should just relax....and enjoy their cars.<p>BTW: I payed for the car, not my dad, he just came with me to check it out and exercise his considerable bargaining powers! ;-)<p>Cheers,<p>-Ash<br>98.5 Silver 1.8TQMS<p>PS: Did you get my email Kevin?