The Wait Is Interminable... But Not Why You Think!

Fox5150

Fox5150

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Hi, I'm Simon and have been lurking on here for the past couple of months. I decided a few months back that I was going to treat myself to a new car and have my heart set on the A3. I've recently undergone surgery on my wrist at the beginning of September and decided to put off the whole car buying process until after I'd recovered.

Well that was a thoroughly stupid decision! I expected to be off the roads for about 3-4 weeks, but it's just passed 7 and I'm still not cleared. The irony is it's because I can't pull a handbrake or change gear; the A3 will be coming with an electronic parking break and S-Tronic! If I'd ordered the car before I went in, I'd be cleared to drive already. I do see the funny side, honest :)

Not being cleared to drive means I haven't even had a test drive yet. Not that I think it's going to be a problem, but I do want to try out the two suspension options. Plus, I'm not keen on buying a new car without driving it first.

I've never had a new car before, always had slightly older cars, but I'm in a position now where I can treat myself, and I want to spend the money! Of course, all this down time has given me ample opportunity to research. I think I've read every thread in this section and watched every video. I even bought a copy of the Owner's Manual as car technology has moved on so far from my current '01 Ford Focus that I found it all a little baffling and didn't want to look the fool when it (finally) comes to my test drive.

After much deliberation, and from reading on here, this is the spec I've settled on:

-Sportback, S-Line, 1.4 TFSI CoD
-Daytona Grey
-Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
-Audi Parking System Plus
-Bang & Olufsen sound system
-Comfort package
-Door mirrors - auto-dimming on the driver's side, electrically adjustable, folding and heated
-Electrically adjustable lumbar support
-Extended mono.pur interior finish
-High-beam assist
-Hold assist
-Interior lighting package
-LED highlights
-Technology package with Mobile telephone preparation - High with Audi Connect


Got to have the Sportback as I play in a band and need the room. Really love the look of the saloon, but not quite practical enough for me. LED headlights are simply because my night vision is atrocious and need all the help I can get. Pretty much every thing else is self-explanatory. Pretty sure I'll be going with the sports suspension, but need to try it out first. I also plan or getting another sim on my EE contract for a fiver a month - same as I have in my iPad. Seems pretty good value and the data bundle is shared across my devices.

Got a pretty decent deal with Audi Maidstone through Carwow, plus they're relatively close to me. They're also holding the discount until I'm clear to drive and order. Been very helpful so far so am favouring them over my nearest dealer, which is Audi Southend.

Hopefully, I'll be cleared to drive on November 11th so my order will be placed just as soon as I can get a test drive. I don't do well with patience, so this waiting game is a nightmare. From what I've read, it's only going to get worse!

Thanks for reading,

Simon
 
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Are there any option boxes left to tick? Haha.

Hope youre able to get a test drive soon. My old A1 was in Daytona, stunning colour. One thing to point out though, people have said the Xenons are brighter than the LEDs. (Dont slaughter me LED crew) Maybe something to read into?
 
Don't forget to add reverse camera otherwise you'll be kicking yourself for not doing it and having to go the retrofit option which costs more,

Also rear privacy glass? Aftermarket ones are never as good as factory fitted privacy glass.
 
OliJ said:
Are there any option boxes left to tick? Haha.

Hope youre able to get a test drive soon. My old A1 was in Daytona, stunning colour. One thing to point out though, people have said the Xenons are brighter than the LEDs. (Dont slaughter me LED crew) Maybe something to read into?
Click to expand...

There are plenty left :p The ones I haven't ticked I don't think I'll have much use for. Famous last words!

I've read lots of the discussions on here regarding which headlamp option, and it's as clear as mud. I suppose I should arrange a test drive when it's dark, if that's possible. See what's what.
 
Liquidfusion-S3 said:
Don't forget to add reverse camera otherwise you'll be kicking yourself for not doing it and having to go the retrofit option which costs more,

Also rear privacy glass? Aftermarket ones are never as good as factory fitted privacy glass.
Click to expand...

I haven't actually read much about the reversing camera. I suppose I should go have a search and see what I can turn up. I suppose if rear visibility is poor then I should consider it.

I wanted privacy glass, but my wife was quick to point out that she won't be able to see to get her car off the drive. Unfortunately our drive is pretty small and they only fit on this way round. Our road is also a bit busy and she has enough trouble pulling her car off the drive and has effectively put her foot down.

Off to look into the reversing camera!
 
Fox5150 said:
There are plenty left :p The ones I haven't ticked I don't think I'll have much use for. Famous last words!

I've read lots of the discussions on here regarding which headlamp option, and it's as clear as mud. I suppose I should arrange a test drive when it's dark, if that's possible. See what's what.
Click to expand...

Nice spec mate!
By November the 11th it will get dark around 3pm ,so you should be fine to have the night driving experience!! Lol:)
 
Liquidfusion-S3 said:
Don't forget to add reverse camera otherwise you'll be kicking yourself for not doing it and having to go the retrofit option which costs more,

Also rear privacy glass? Aftermarket ones are never as good as factory fitted privacy glass.
Click to expand...

For £275 it seems like a no-brainer. Time for a spec change :)
 
Having done this before, bear in mind that the value of the options will be wiped off the minute you drive off the forecourt. It's all well and good, sucks a bit come resale time though.
 
I wouldn't say the Xenons are brighter than the LED's.

The LED headlight beam is much more like natural day like. Xenon is more blue / yellow in colour and therefore I think may give the impression they are brighter.

One thing I can say from personal experience - you can pick up much more detail in front of you with the LED's so in the OP's case probably what he wants considering his eyesight.

I have said a few times in other posts about my disappointment with the LED's - but I think my expectations where too high when I ordered them considering the cost over Xenons and my (wrong) belief they must be brighter!

As a side - my neighbour tells me they blind him when he passes me driving in to our road as he is leaving.......
 
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Hi Simon

I'm currently waiting for my A3 from the same dealer via Carwow. Assume you are dealing with Donna as well? I'm 25 mins away from them so that's why I chose them over Coventry Audi who offered about 1% better discount.

Your spec is good, defo get the privacy glass but at the same time add the black pack. That's what I did on my Daytona anyway.

My view on the reversing camera is that I've driven a Sportback for around 3 years and know the length of it, plus rear parking sensors is ample for me. I didn't have them on my last A3 so only having parking sensors is a step forward in itself.

Mine is due early December but I'm going to wait until January before registering it and collecting it as I personally think it adds some value to the car with it being 2015 registered (obviously still a 64 plate though).
 
That's a good point actually Pulp, I do wonder if the temperature of the light changes the effect on visibility. I personally prefer the cooler light of the Xenons over standard warmer lights, someone has probably researched it.

As a side note, does anyone ever get people flashing them as if you have your high beams (in reality dipped xenons) on when driving at night? Happened to me a couple of times on country lanes.
 
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OliJ said:
Having done this before, bear in mind that the value of the options will be wiped off the minute you drive off the forecourt. It's all well and good, sucks a bit come resale time though.
Click to expand...

I'm planning on keeping the car for a little while so the depreciation is less important to me than enjoying the "toys". I appreciate the point though, thanks!
 
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Pulp84 said:
I wouldn't say the Xenons are brighter than the LED's.

The LED headlight beam is much more like natural day like. Xenon is more blue / yellow in colour and therefore I think may give the impression they are brighter.

One thing I can say from personal experience - you can pick up much more detail in front of you with the LED's so in the OP's case probably what he wants considering his eyesight.

I have said a few times in other posts about my disappointment with the LED's - but I think my expectations where too high when I ordered them considering the cost over Xenons and my (wrong) belief they must be brighter!

As a side - my neighbour tells me they blind him when he passes me driving in to our road as he is leaving.......
Click to expand...

This is it exactly. I'm only 37, but even at this age I can feel my night vision getting worse. Granted I'm driving a 13 year old Focus at the moment, so anything is going to be a drastic improvement. From what I've read about the LED headlights on here, it does seem to be more about picking out more detail than the brightness of the Xenons. For me, I think the LED's are warranted, but I'll see when I test drive as I really am coming from the "dark" ages ;)
 
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A3Kent said:
Hi Simon

I'm currently waiting for my A3 from the same dealer via Carwow. Assume you are dealing with Donna as well? I'm 25 mins away from them so that's why I chose them over Coventry Audi who offered about 1% better discount.

Your spec is good, defo get the privacy glass but at the same time add the black pack. That's what I did on my Daytona anyway.

My view on the reversing camera is that I've driven a Sportback for around 3 years and know the length of it, plus rear parking sensors is ample for me. I didn't have them on my last A3 so only having parking sensors is a step forward in itself.

Mine is due early December but I'm going to wait until January before registering it and collecting it as I personally think it adds some value to the car with it being 2015 registered (obviously still a 64 plate though).
Click to expand...

Indeed I am and she's been ever so helpful. I picked Maidstone Audi for pretty much the same reason. I'm about 40mins away on the other side of the river, but it's convenient as I'm from Kent originally so I'm always popping back to see friends and family.

I keep flip flopping on the black pack and have "almost" decided to not have it. I only like it with the 10 spoke matt wheels and I'd rather put the money to some other options. I really like both so I think I'm going to save the money ;)

Much as I like the privacy glass I'm still trying to decide if it's worth the aggro with "she who must be obeyed". Playing in a band and gigging regularly, I've often got expensive gear on the back seats, so I'm thinking about using that as justification. I'll try softening up the ground over the next couple of weeks.

I was hoping to get in to order before the end of October, but that won't happen now. When I spoke to Donna it was looking good for delivery for my birthday (early Jan) which would have been great. Suspect I'll miss that now. She did give me a good impression that the wait time isn't too long as she'll slot my build into a car they've already got on order, so should allow around 6-8 weeks for delivery. This does not help my champing at the bit to test drive and order!
 
OliJ said:
That's a good point actually Pulp, I do wonder if the temperature of the light changes the effect on visibility. I personally prefer the cooler light of the Xenons over standard warmer lights, someone has probably researched it.

As a side note, does anyone ever get people flashing them as if you have your high beams (in reality dipped xenons) on when driving at night? Happened to me a couple of times on country lanes.
Click to expand...

Being the guy (currently) not used to modern Xenons, I often think that the car has their main beam on when it's just them on dipped.
 
Fox5150 said:
This is it exactly. I'm only 37, but even at this age I can feel my night vision getting worse. Granted I'm driving a 13 year old Focus at the moment, so anything is going to be a drastic improvement. From what I've read about the LED headlights on here, it does seem to be more about picking out more detail than the brightness of the Xenons. For me, I think the LED's are warranted, but I'll see when I test drive as I really am coming from the "dark" ages ;)
Click to expand...

They will be a big step step up from your halogens on your Focus!

I have tested the LED's in my car over the Xenons on my dad's MY15 A3 down the same country road where I live. The LED's appear no brighter when they turn on, but when driving down a dark rural road, the projection feature really does give a brilliant amount of detail. You don't get that with the Xenons.

Added with the high beam assist it really does make nighttime rural driving very easy. Good to see you have specced it OP!
 
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Pulp84 said:
They will be a big step step up from your halogens on your Focus!

I have tested the LED's in my car over the Xenons on my dad's MY15 A3 down the same country road where I live. The LED's appear no brighter when they turn on, but when driving down a dark rural road, the projection feature really does give a brilliant amount of detail. You don't get that with the Xenons.

Added with the high beam assist it really does make nighttime rural driving very easy. Good to see you have specced it OP!
Click to expand...

Some of the gigs we play are off the beaten track and down lots of unlit country roads. We play a lot of golf clubs and the like and they're always hidden away. It's situations like this that I really find myself drawn to the LED's.

Looking through the configurator for the Audi, plus all the posts on here have really made me see how far car technology has shifted from my faithful old Focus. Can't wait to enjoy them firsthand!
 
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I'm going to be a bit controversial, have you thought about canning a few options and going for a better performing car? You may not be interested in snappy acceleration and quicker overtake times depending on where you live though.
Me? I'd rather have an S3 without toys than a 1.1 with them all. But I live in a rural location.
 
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More toys as standard and better residuals. Just make sure not to go for sepang, awful colour.
 
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Fox5150 said:
I wanted privacy glass, but my wife was quick to point out that she won't be able to see to get her car off the drive. Unfortunately our drive is pretty small and they only fit on this way round. Our road is also a bit busy and she has enough trouble pulling her car off the drive and has effectively put her foot down.
Click to expand...


Privacy glass is privacy from the outside, it has little to no effect from the inside.
 
monopole said:
Privacy glass is privacy from the outside, it has little to no effect from the inside.
Click to expand...


This is true in the daytime, but try reversing down an unlit country lane at night and it sucks.
 
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steeve said:
I'm going to be a bit controversial, have you thought about canning a few options and going for a better performing car? You may not be interested in snappy acceleration and quicker overtake times depending on where you live though.
Me? I'd rather have an S3 without toys than a 1.1 with them all. But I live in a rural location.
Click to expand...

I was toying with this and did look into it. I decided to stick with the A3 and the toys as that suits what I'm looking for more. Maybe next time ;)
 
Last edited:
monopole said:
Privacy glass is privacy from the outside, it has little to no effect from the inside.
Click to expand...

She is viewing it from the outside. My wife's car is parked the other side of my car and she moans already about it blocking her view when she's trying to get her car off the drive. Privacy glass would make this worse and so she's not keen. I am though, so we'll see...
 
I was cleared today by the Consultant to return to driving and was on the phone almost straight away to book a test drive with my local dealership (Southend). All fixed up for Friday afternoon, so hopefully there will be a nice shiny new A3 on order over the weekend! They're getting me both suspension options (standard and sport) and going to make sure there's a car available with the LED headlamps so I can check them out.

It's getting closer :)
 
Congrats on your health update. Good Luck on Friday!:thumbs up:
 
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OliJ said:
That's a good point actually Pulp, I do wonder if the temperature of the light changes the effect on visibility. I personally prefer the cooler light of the Xenons over standard warmer lights, someone has probably researched it.
Click to expand...
Colour wise, yellow light is better for night time driving, hence why French cars used to have yellow lights. LEDs and halogens are better than HIDs for colour rendering (meaning the colours you see are closer to the colours you'd see in daylight). That can help with picking out details, especially if they are a colour that HIDs don't illuminate well. Halogens' advantage here is largely eclipsed by the much greater brightness of HIDs though, hence the popularity.

OliJ said:
As a side note, does anyone ever get people flashing them as if you have your high beams (in reality dipped xenons) on when driving at night? Happened to me a couple of times on country lanes.
Click to expand...
Not had much of that myself, but my car has LEDs so maybe they glare less.
 
Went to my local dealership today and had a test drive. Simply put, it was a truly incredible experience and promptly ordered it this afternoon. I managed to persuade them to match the offer I'd been given through Carwow, plus they're right on my door step!

Scheduled for BW9, with an estimated delivery date of 31/03/2015. Apparently there's something in my spec that's pushing it out. Hopefully they'll be able to bring it in a bit.

Now the real wait starts!
 
That's Great! Happy for you. :thumbs up:
 
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Yes, get the reversing camera. The rear visibility, like all modern cars, isn't great and it works very well in the dark as well. You'll feel awful if you get the parking system but not the camera. I got it as a gimmick but it's pretty much essential.
 
cilurnum said:
Yes, get the reversing camera. The rear visibility, like all modern cars, isn't great and it works very well in the dark as well. You'll feel awful if you get the parking system but not the camera. I got it as a gimmick but it's pretty much essential.
Click to expand...

Never read so much rubbish on here in my entire life! Rear camera "essential"?! - LMAO!!

By all means get it if you want to but classing it as an essential feature is idiotic. Rear parking sensors are merely "useful" not essential, let alone the camera. If you genuinely can't park without a rear camera then you shouldn't be on the road.
 
Yeah, certainly not essential, there's no rear view mirror in my work van never mind sensors or cameras and I manage just fine thanks.
 
Vertigo1 said:
Never read so much rubbish on here in my entire life! Rear camera "essential"?! - LMAO!!
Click to expand...
It helps, let's put it that way. The simple fact is the A3 doesn't have the best rear visibility around, to put it mildly. On a car like this it would be going on the options list straight away.

By all means get it if you want to but classing it as an essential feature is idiotic. Rear parking sensors are merely "useful" not essential, let alone the camera. If you genuinely can't park without a rear camera then you shouldn't be on the road.
Click to expand...
Again, the rear visibility of this car isn't great no matter how well you think you can park and no one here is claiming they cannot reverse park otherwise without it. Feel free to put your embarrassingly small equipment back in your pants and zip that fly back up thank you.
 
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If you can't parallel park in a tank, you shouldn't be on the road! lol

i-have-a-tank-meme-generator-i-have-a-tank-your-argument-is-invalid-77fbcb.jpg
 
cilurnum said:
It helps, let's put it that way. The simple fact is the A3 doesn't have the best rear visibility around, to put it mildly. On a car like this it would be going on the options list straight away.
Click to expand...

You didn't say it "helped", you said it was essential.

Again, the rear visibility of this car isn't great no matter how well you think you can park and no one here is claiming they cannot reverse park otherwise without it. Feel free to put your embarrassingly small equipment back in your pants and zip that fly back up thank you.
Click to expand...

Right, so when you make a ridiculous assertion that a rear parking camera is essential equipment and someone takes you task over it, you change your claim to say it merely "helps" and then hurl abuse.
 
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