5 Tips For Buying a Used Audi

Photo Credit: UggBoy♥UggGirl on Flickr

As much as we would all like to buy a brand new Audi, sometimes it makes more economical sense for you to purchase a used Audi instead. After all, you're still buying an Audi, right?

There are some important things to think about before you go out and buy a used car. If you're an expert in this, I'd love for you to share a comment and offer your own thoughts or tips.

Here are my 5 tips:

1. If you're buying from a private seller, ask to see receipts for any repairs that were done to the vehicle. This will give you an idea of how much maintenance has gone into the car and the costs involved.

2. Do your due diligence and compare prices online. You can use sites like www.buyacar.co.uk to find out if there are other people selling the particular model you’re interested in and what it’s being valued at.

3. Read online reviews of the model you’re interested. Audi cars come with a wide variety of features that you may be able to do without if you’re on a budget. Don’t just read reviews published by car magazines. Make sure to check out Audi forums and blogs as well.

4. If your concern is the reliability of the car, you may want to consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Audi from a dealership. This means that you will have a car that has passed a 300+ inspection, plus you’ll get a limited warranty and any other bonuses the dealership wants to throw in. Keep in mind that you may pay a little more than if you were to buy from a private seller, but at least you’ll have some peace of mind.

5. If you do decide to buy an Audi from a private seller, have your mechanic do a thorough check of the car. Also, take an extended test drive on various roadways and highways.

When buying a used Audi, the more thorough you are with your research, the more confident and empowered you will feel when it comes to making the actual purchase.

Audi's Social Media Strategy Has Come A Long Way

Just a little over two years ago I talked about how Audi was not taking advantage of social media and missing out on connecting with their customers.

Well, the company has come a long way just this past year alone. Considering how innovative and forward thinking the company is, it was only a matter of time that they would begin using social media.

In the following video filmed at the Chicago Auto Show, Douglas Clark, General Manager Customer Strategy & Engagement, talks about the different ways Audi is using social networking sites to interact with people...



Connect with Audi and follow on:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Flickr
• YouTube

Likewise, you can follow The Unofficial Audi Blog on:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Flickr
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Audi A7 Winner of “Auto Bild” Design Summit + Video Review

From the moment we first laid our eyes on the Audi A7, we knew there was something special about this particular model. It definitely had a Je ne sais quoi element that drew you in. So, it comes as no surprise that the A7 was selected the winner of the “Auto Bild” Design Summit. Out of ten cars, it was voted number one by a wide margin for its outstanding design.

Watch a video review of the A7 courtesy of Auto Express...




The new 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) will be available for order at a later date, and the multitronic transmission use an average of just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg); the CO2 emissions of just 139 grams per km (223.70 g/mile) is groundbreaking.

What do you think about the A7's design?

Easy Ways to Keep Your Audi In Tip Top Shape

by Sam Briones

Car maintenance can not only be inconvenient, it can be expensive as well, especially on a luxury car like an Audi. One way to save money is to invest in preventative measures that can keep your Audi running smoothly. Not only can you prevent major expenses later, you can keep your Audi in top shape, and give it a better chance for a fantastic resale later. Just follow the tips below!

Change your car’s oil every 3000 to 4000 miles - Oil is needed for the lubrication of your car’s engine. Leave oil in for too long and it becomes thick and goopy, and can even cause damage to your engine. Audi owners should get an oil and filter change according to the recommendation of their car’s service department (usually every 3000-4000 miles). If you haven’t done it recently, check the date on the oil change sticker, and take it in if it’s overdue!

Regularly check brake fluids, transmission and power steering - When something goes wrong with these parts of the car, it could usually mean big trouble for the owner, so make sure your Audi is checked regularly for these items. See if your brakes are still working well, and the car is easy to maneuver. You can make these observations yourself, or you can go to an Audi service shop to have these checked as well.

Check tire pressure monthly - You don’t want your tires blowing out on the highway, so make sure your tire pressure is checked regularly. Tire pressure can be greatly affected by changes in temperature, so if you’re from a place that has wildly fluctuating temperature, give your tires a check. Perfect tire pressure is not only safer on the roads, but will give your Audi better mileage as well.

Make sure your batteries and cables are free from dirt and corrosion - Dirt and corrosion could mean that it may be time to change the cables or the battery in your car. The last thing you need is your battery to die out in the middle of nowhere, leaving you stranded. Prevent this by having your Audi service center look at your battery on a regular basis.

Make sure your lights are working - When your lights aren’t working perfectly, it’s not only unsafe, but it could land you a ticket and a hefty fine. Don’t compromise your safety, or the safety of other drivers – check your lights regularly.

Sam Briones is a writer who covers an array of topics from finding cheap auto insurance to safety tips.