coach1

For fun....I did a test drive of an Audi A5 yesterday. I was impressed that their 2.0T engine performed as well as it did. I liked it allot. I have a 2003 SC430 with 58,000 for which they were willing to give me $20K trade-in.

Would I be sorry? Not sure I would miss the convertible since it doesn't come down much, but the car has given me 4yrs of great service with very little maintenance cost . I would like to hear your thoughts. or

VVTiBob

Sounds like you have an itch and if you don't scratch, it's going to drive you crazy. If you really don't put the top down as much as you say, then you'll be fine. I drive mine with the top down more than 90% of the time. Someday I'll miss it, or be just too old to care.
Good luck with your decision. Remember life's to short to live with regrets, sounds like a fair "dealer"offer without knowing more about your car and its condition.

Harold57

Be sure to check out the reliability history on Audi A5s. Then on your next test drive be sure to observe how you feel in the car and try to determine if it is something that is just a neat thrill in a couple of areas or something that you'd enjoy for a long time.

barncat

As far as your value on the sc430; I just paid $24000 at a dealer for a 2003 with 38000 miles. One owner, excellent condition. Sounds like a pretty good offer but you always do better selling privately then negotiating the price of the new car. Some people just don't want the hassle of dealing with others coming to their house. Your call!

coach1

Well I did it.....After test driving a bunch and researching the crap out of what was available, 2009 BMW 528:s, VW CC, Lexus ES, 2012 BMW 3 series, the Audi won out hands down. Acceleration, quality, price. I ended up with a 2012 Audi A4, Manager's demo, satisfied with the discounts and what the SC brought. I'm sure I could have sold to a private buyer. I'm done with wheeling and dealing. It's not fun. Reliability wise....I purchased the extended factory warranty and maintenance. no worries.

The Lexus was good to me, plan on sticking around the forum, and hope the Audi experience is as good.

cyberlexus

iTrader: (2)

The 2.0T A4 is a nice car that gives good MPG, but it's not as classy as the SC

husker741

+10000. agreed!

Harold57

What?!? You didn't go for the 2012 SC430? Oh wait, there isn't a 2012 SC430. Never mind.

bacardi

sorry to see your leaving hope your not sorry months from now.
my thoughts i'm 69, nice car paid for, insurance not bad, heaths so so.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Congrats! the A4 is nicely appointed and well rounded car!

KBALL

I did a 2 year lease on an a4 in '06. Loved loved loved that car. Put a smile on my face every time behind the wheel. And i think the redesign since is even better. Good call on extended warranty.
And if the A4 avant was about 10k cheaper i'd trade my 4runner for it. Probably gonna swap for a tsx wagon instead.
If you didnt go top down all that much the a4 will probably serve you better

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

I would have gone higher up like A6 or a new GS

lexie

well, I just checked consumer reports rating and A4 reliability is not as good as SC430; well at least coach1 got the extended warranty.
Enjoy your new toy!

carbuff

The 2008 SC430 was a wonderful car. I loved mine in every way. Cicumstances required that I replace it with a car that had more space. I opted for the 2012 Audi A4 Avant.

The strides Audi has made during the past years is amazing. Their new cars are not only visually attractive but provide simply great technical features.

In addition, the appoitnments of the interior are better than the interiors of most luxury competitors. That said, no car that I have looked at recently can compare to the beauty of the SC430 interior!

You will also find that the immedate swiftness of the Audi product these days is breathtaking. My A4 flys from a standing start to high speed in the blink of an eye. I have the S-line Quattro verson and the aerodynamics and ground-turning stability of these features far surpasses that of my former SC430. There is no comparison driving these cars at high speed.

I will always remember my SC with great pleasure. It was a great car to own and drive.

Today, my Audi is a far superior automobile in all aspects save the elegance of the SC interior.

Good luck with your decision.

coach1

Carbuff....You said it perfectly. Our taste in cars change over the years. Technology & Automotive Engineering have made major advances in the last couple of years. I admire old American muscle cars, but they suck to drive, things of beauty. thou. I my 70 yrs old and just beginning to accept the new technologies. I thought I was the coolest guy on the planet when I got my Motorola cellular portable bag phone....in the car. Luxy and I had fun & some day I will probably sell the Harley too, but for now, It's the right mix.............Thanks for the comments all