Kirk
03-05-1999, 07:26 PM
Well, I have to say, I just haven't had the time to peruse the board for a while. Too many teeth to fix, and too little time...<p>Anyway, my 99 A4 2.8 QTip just had it's 7500 mile service (YIKES). I had a rattle in the R rear seat latch fixed and a CD changer is on order for my randomly skip-p-p-p-p-ing ppplayer (who says Germans never stutter). Anyway, not too annoying (yet). I did have an interesting experience at Mt. Bachelor last weekend. I stepped out of my wunderbar A4 and went to the trunk, opened it, got the ski boots out, went back to the front of the car, doors are locked, alarm is NOT on, trunk is still open. Hmm, interesting, good thing that I always take my key out with me when I leave the car. Weird, hasn't happened before or since.<p>Had a great experience at Carrera Motors in Bend, OR. Stopped in after Parts closed and fellow Audi enthusiast Tom Robertson (and Audi Brand Specialist) was nice enough to go dig up and comp me some windshield washer fluid. I really appreciate that Tom. That is what service is all about. BTW, NeilM, he says "hi."<p>Well, I had an interesting call and follow up letter (complete with complimentary Audi desk clock) from Tomas Reiger, Audi AG. Seems that he was reviewing my service order when I had the cracked valve cover replaced on my new 99 A4 a few months ago and he was EXTREMELY concerned that I might be in the least way disappointed or unhappy with my car or the repair. He explained that he was an engineer with Audi AG in Germany, calling from AoA and wanted to be sure that I was taken care of. He asked if I had ANY problems or disatisfaction with my car and offered to call my dealer (who I gave excellent ratings too) or "send" someone to my dealer to check on my car if I was displeased in any way shape or form with this piece of German artwork. I told him that I was very pleased with my car, the plastic valve cover crack did not concern me, it happens, and that I was pleased as punch that he would call me personally to ask. He mentioned that he would be sending me a little gift (previously referenced desk clock) for my trouble and that I could call him at any time if I had a problem. Now, I am not certain if others have had this experience, or if it is just because I have that magic Dr. in front of my name (still trying to figure out how he found out about that)(BTW, verrrry helpful in securing restaurant reservations, but I don't promote it a whole lot...)<p>Anyway, I have never had such a positive personal experience with an auto manufacturer before. Enough said.<p>Well, keep in mind this is about three months of catchup on the A4.org board, so bear with me. Remember, I always used to be a prolific and rambling poster, and this personality gem has not changed....<p>Anyway, many trips in snow, rain, slush, and ice. The Michelin Arctic Alpins perform a glorious symphonic concert when matched to the Quattro. And, at the last rotation, exactly even treadwear all around (1/10th in 4800 miles for those who keep track of such benign facts).<p>My trip last weekend to Bend/Bachelor was quite enjoyable, even if the freezing rain/windy/poor visibility conditions on the mountain were a drag. The highway from Biggs to Bend was uneventful except that I finally pushed the limits of the V6 and I gotta say, this bad boy can play well at 110+ MPH (I figure the snow tires are rated for 112 so I shouldn't exceed the limits, too much) Little did I know that Sheriff Bob employs a deputy for the sole purpose of patrolling THAT highway in the Grass Valley area. Fortunately, I caught him on a coffee break but I sure didn't speed on the way home. Oregon State Police are WAY too proud of their tickets...<p>Well, that is about all I can think of for now, so, if anyone is still reading, I hope to keep closer tabs on the site.<p>Goin' to Seattle this weekend, and praying for snow in the pass.....<p>Ok, so I typed so long, I have to sign back in on DUN.<p>Kirk<br>