Audi - better than Benz and BMW? Why

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Affluent folks that buy a new Audi, BMW or Benz don't keep them long enough to deal with the problems 4-5 years down the road.

It's the people buying them used with no warranty that find out just how expensive these German vehicles are to repair.



"The most expensive car you can buy is a cheap, used Mercedes."

Hmm... I might be in trouble soon then. Got a couple of them and they were both under 20k to buy but listed for over 60k when new. So far they've been fine. Parts prices are a little bit more than a Ford, but not really outrageous unless you need an engine or transmission. Labor is the same as I use the same indy and he doesn't care if it's a Ford or Mercedes, labor hour rate is the same and the amount of repair time is about the same.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted By: PimTac
I believe that quality is perception. There is no clear definition of quality and that would be difficult as quality can be described in a number of ways and goals.

When I purchased my 1995 Toyota Tacoma brand new, it was at the top of the quality lists back then. The mechanical and body portions did show quality but the interior, while put together very tightly consisted of a very thin hard shell dashboard and interior trim that was also very thin. This was a pickup though and my goals were not to have a luxury interior.

Expectations of consumers play a big role as well. In the last year or so we have seen a big push towards soft touch interiors and elements that make the interior feel more luxurious. My Mazda certainly achieved this with their “class above” thinking.

You are right. People for example complain about BMW suspension (in older BMW's). But what do you expect from such tight suspension. For me it is maintenance part that between 80-100k on my X5 I will have to replace two bushings that are particularly overloaded. But it is not that BMW did not know how to make it. They made it purposely.
Tacoma's suspension will last longer, but then Tacoma does not grip road like X5.

 

[edyvw]

These two videos explain BMW very well. While complexity part is still there, they manage to kill good part:

 

[PimTac]

Originally Posted By: edyvw
Originally Posted By: PimTac
I believe that quality is perception. There is no clear definition of quality and that would be difficult as quality can be described in a number of ways and goals.

When I purchased my 1995 Toyota Tacoma brand new, it was at the top of the quality lists back then. The mechanical and body portions did show quality but the interior, while put together very tightly consisted of a very thin hard shell dashboard and interior trim that was also very thin. This was a pickup though and my goals were not to have a luxury interior.

Expectations of consumers play a big role as well. In the last year or so we have seen a big push towards soft touch interiors and elements that make the interior feel more luxurious. My Mazda certainly achieved this with their “class above” thinking.

You are right. People for example complain about BMW suspension (in older BMW's). But what do you expect from such tight suspension. For me it is maintenance part that between 80-100k on my X5 I will have to replace two bushings that are particularly overloaded. But it is not that BMW did not know how to make it. They made it purposely.
Tacoma's suspension will last longer, but then Tacoma does not grip road like X5.





Good discussion edyvw. While I look for a easy driving yet comfortable crossover like my Mazda, you are looking more at road handling and the driving experience. Others look for reliability and durability. My brother has a BMW convertible. I couldn’t tell you the model as I’m not up on that but it’s about ten years old and has the straight six engine. Him and his wife enjoy weekend drives in that car. He thoroughly enjoys it and hasn’t had any mechanical issues or otherwise. He is more of a lead foot than I am too.

 

[GON]

Originally Posted By: mightymousetech
Originally Posted By: GON
Originally Posted By: mightymousetech
Originally Posted By: GON
I have a 2008 BMW 335i coupe .... Both are very reliable


Really?


Only two issues were recalls. One for the fuel pump, one for a wire harness issue. Never had a breakdown because of them.

We are older drivers, maybe that has something to do with it????

The 335i has been great.


Impressive. Surprised you have not been hit by the wastegates on the turbo, injector issues or the water pump yet. My sister got hit by all three, and at only 50k km.


Guess it might be a good idea to start stashing some cash away for those items. I did some research after your post and found to replace the turbos about $5k.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: FermeLaPorte
Go with the superior Italian or Japanese sport cars. You won't look back. I drove a Supra for many years.


Apples to Oranges.
After years hearing of Japanese reliability I too took the plunge. Sure, my Lexus is far more reliable than Audi, BMW and MB put together, but it's handling is a huge drawback.

Despite being thousands more, I often find myself wishing I got the (slightly) revised Subaru BRZ. Not because it's a manual, but because it's actually fun to drive. Even at completely legal speeds