jprieur
09-04-2011, 08:47 PM
One final post, though I was never particularly active on the forum. Sold the 2010 GC Laredo 4x2 3.7 for an Audi A4 Avant (wagon in Audi speak). Enjoyed the Jeep and it served its purposes well during my time in New Orleans (needed a high riding utility vehicle due to the combination of flooding and horrendous street quality) but live in Dallas now so needed a good highway cruiser.
While I didn't find too much fault with the Jeep, it just didn't serve duty well as on the highway and found the engine labored too much to move the car around and overall lacked refinement. I thought the ride was acceptable, and I found it quiet as well for an SUV. Loved the exterior looks, in my mind everything a 'ute should be, chiseled and not too round, indicative of strength and power yet not offensive. I loved my color too (Inferno Red). The interior to me was the major weakness of this car, too much hard plastic and uncomfortable seats. Quality was hit or miss, the doors groaned upon opening and closing (only 1 year and 15k miles) and the A/C blend door seemed to have a mind of its own.
Enter the A4 Avant. I didn't want to give up all the utility of an SUV, yet wanted to have car like ride and handling. To me the wagon is perfect in this regard. No I do not have kids, nor am I married as so many of my friends and co-workers seem to point out. Wagons sell well in Europe to younger couples without kids, its only in the US do they carry the minivan stigma. I equally enjoy having a car that doesn't appear in every parking lot, another plus for the wagon.
Considered the WK2 for a bit, but ultimately, even though I thinks its a HUGE step up from previous, the interior just didn't sell me. I realize the quality is there, but the design to me just looks like a generation removed japanese design, sort of like something you would see on a 2005 lexus/Toyota. Again, HUGE step up from WK.
I wish you all well - pics of old and new attached.
While I didn't find too much fault with the Jeep, it just didn't serve duty well as on the highway and found the engine labored too much to move the car around and overall lacked refinement. I thought the ride was acceptable, and I found it quiet as well for an SUV. Loved the exterior looks, in my mind everything a 'ute should be, chiseled and not too round, indicative of strength and power yet not offensive. I loved my color too (Inferno Red). The interior to me was the major weakness of this car, too much hard plastic and uncomfortable seats. Quality was hit or miss, the doors groaned upon opening and closing (only 1 year and 15k miles) and the A/C blend door seemed to have a mind of its own.
Enter the A4 Avant. I didn't want to give up all the utility of an SUV, yet wanted to have car like ride and handling. To me the wagon is perfect in this regard. No I do not have kids, nor am I married as so many of my friends and co-workers seem to point out. Wagons sell well in Europe to younger couples without kids, its only in the US do they carry the minivan stigma. I equally enjoy having a car that doesn't appear in every parking lot, another plus for the wagon.
Considered the WK2 for a bit, but ultimately, even though I thinks its a HUGE step up from previous, the interior just didn't sell me. I realize the quality is there, but the design to me just looks like a generation removed japanese design, sort of like something you would see on a 2005 lexus/Toyota. Again, HUGE step up from WK.
I wish you all well - pics of old and new attached.