DeskJockey wrote: Sun Oct 12, 2025 8:11 pm
That's serious criticism of Audi. Crazy that they don't recognise the value in supporting the enthusiast community long-term.
Audi are an awful company for that.
I was doing the cambelt on the TT 18 months ago, I had to order a single new stretch bolt for the engine mount, I can't remember if they said I had to order 10 or 20 of them. So I asked what would happen if I had taken it in for a cambelt service and he just Gaelic shrugged me.
In the end I bought one from eBay from a guy who bought a load and then sold them individually.
Did a couple of airport runs in the x5 round to Heathrow, and while sat on the motorway realised I couldn’t actually hear the engine at all, only tyre noise unless giving it some throttle.
I did wonder whether the silence of an ev would really be the life changing experience some owners make them out to be. I guess getting more than 25mpg would be quite nice, but also think I’d miss the v8 noises.
This Saturday I did virtually the same trip again, only coming off the m25 at the m40. I was in the alfasud though. You know what, it’s actually fine for motorway cruising, didn’t ever feel like I was holding anyone up, spent more time than you’d imagine in the outside lane. It’s comfortable enough and has enough squirt to go from 70 - 80 quick enough if you either want to pull out or pass someone to get back in.
It’s comfortable enough, but it’s kind of intense. It’s spinning at just over 4K at 70 in 5th, so there’s some mechanical noise. Best driven with the window down a couple of inches so you get the wind noise you expect rather than closing it and getting the annoying wind noise of 70s aerodynamics and 45 year old seals. The main issue is you feel pretty vulnerable, always paying attenting to everyone around you and far more closely that perhaps you usually would. Outward visibility is great. Lots of nice clear glass and twig thin pillars. However the mirrors are small, rubbish and don’t like staying in the position you leave them.
On lightly trafficked roads I find it very enjoyable and relaxing motoring. Surrounded by heavy modern traffic which doesn’t like to respect your personal space it can be a bit stressful and rather tiring.
I’ve really enjoyed getting a lot of use from it this year, so bit of a shame the seasons are turning, roads will soon be permanently damp greasy and dirty and likely covered in salt.
integrale_evo wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 9:19 pm
roads will soon be permanently damp greasy and dirty and likely covered in salt.
I was doing my f-gas qualification near York last week, about an hour and 10 to get there and back each day, and the dirt all over the back of my car says they’re already starting to get that way
It’s not too bad here yet unless it rains. Will get worse with less daylight and the sugarbeet season getting under way.
We did have pigs in the field opposite which meant several tractors a day spreading a trail of mud up and down a hundred yards of road to get to / from the farmyard. It seems they’ve all been moved to the farm side, and hoping they stay there over winter as everything has stayed noticeably cleaner over the last few weeks.
I’m not that bothered by rain or a bit of dirt, but definitely do everything I can to avoid getting it salty.
