How Insane Am I?

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,I have just picked up a 2008 Audi A4 S Line rental car to drive up to Tennessee. It is a 1,500 mile trip. I rented this car to a) smoke in the car, something I never do in my M b) keep miles off my car. This is the third time I have rented a car to do this since I got my M. I am just about to hit 40,000 and am now preforming heroic measures to avoid this.Help,M.LP.S The A4 is a sweet little car. The 2.0 4 is pretty doggy at low revs.

[THT]

Hello,I have just picked up a 2008 Audi A4 S Line rental car to drive up to Tennessee. It is a 1,500 mile trip. I rented this car to a) smoke in the car, something I never do in my M b) keep miles off my car. This is the third time I have rented a car to do this since I got my M. I am just about to hit 40,000 and am now preforming heroic measures to avoid this.Help,M.LP.S The A4 is a sweet little car. The 2.0 4 is pretty doggy at low revs.

This is why I own a beater that I don't care how many miles it racks up.

[M45-Zero260]

Mark,

First of all, Great post! ...and, no, you are not insane. Renting a brand new car of a different brand is good to stimulate our senses. Have fun with it. For your car about to turn 40...don't worry, it only matures with age. And don't hesitate to stomp on your M's accelerator once in a while. You don't need to rent a car to do this. You obviously take good care of your Infiniti, it's ok once in a while to turn off that VDC button and stomp on the accelerator while your left foot is still on the brake. It's good for the car and good for your heart...(not so good for the tires, but it sure is fun )

...good choice on the Audi by the way, I take it there was no R8 available?

[Gmunford]

Welcome to the asylum. Done the same thing - also with an ragtop A4S - and a Vette, a fun Mazda MX5 and a XLR Caddy - which inspired me to skip my business meeting and drive to Memphis (from Nashville) and back in search of some good BBQ. Thank God for Hertz!

[Mark Linkous]

Mark,

First of all, Great post! ...and, no, you are not insane. Renting a brand new car of a different brand is good to stimulate our senses. Have fun with it. For your car about to turn 40...don't worry, it only matures with age. And don't hesitate to stomp on your M's accelerator once in a while. You don't need to rent a car to do this. You obviously take good care of your Infiniti, it's ok once in a while to turn off that VDC button and stomp on the accelerator while your left foot is still on the brake. It's good for the car and good for your heart...(not so good for the tires, but it sure is fun )

...good choice on the Audi by the way, I take it there was no R8 available?

Hello,I wish I could have found a R8. To find an A4 rental involved swapping out four cars in three hours. Was given a Ford Edge drove it 5 miles to another Enterprise to get an Envoy with hopes of Sat radio. The Envoy was ragged so was given a Mazda CX7. The CX7 was ok I suppose, but, not fun. Finally, I called and begged for something decent given this will be a 1,500 mile trip, and they found the A4. Really hoped for a G35. Then again, get to drive those all the time with dealer servicing. The interior of the Audi is stunning I must say. Not so crazy about the CVT transmission. The paddle shifters (part of S line package) are fun. Very attractive car.Thanks for the replies,Mark

[nmgoodthing]

Mark, You obviously take good care of your Infiniti, it's ok once in a while to turn off that VDC button and stomp on the accelerator while your left foot is still on the brake.

I'm not too sure about everybody else's M's, but you can not do a power brake in my car.

VDC off, and press the gas, you get nothing but strain on the gears. The All wheel brake system prevent this, unless there is something I don't know.

[CakeDaddy]

Hello,I have just picked up a 2008 Audi A4 S Line rental car to drive up to Tennessee. It is a 1,500 mile trip. I rented this car to a) smoke in the car, something I never do in my M b) keep miles off my car. This is the third time I have rented a car to do this since I got my M. I am just about to hit 40,000 and am now preforming heroic measures to avoid this.Help,M.LP.S The A4 is a sweet little car. The 2.0 4 is pretty doggy at low revs.

Im in the Jag XJR(non SupChrg) the Caddy DTS, Dodge Charger(hemi), & the Hummer from Avis from time to time, so I understand what you are going through.

I get a very snoody look from others while driving the Caddy and Jag, but nothing beats the looks from others when I pull up quick at the red lights in my M.


Modified by CakeDaddy at 4:32 PM 5/15/2008

[M45-Zero260]

I'm not too sure about everybody else's M's, but you can not do a power brake in my car.

Sorry, my post was a bit confusing now that I re-read it...I wasn't really talking about power braking per se, more of a tire smoking launch at full throttle leaving a rubber trophy in your work parking lot on a Friday.

[nmgoodthing]

My bad too... I just re-read my post and I meant that you can't hold the brake down and press the gas at the same time and smoke the back tires.

I wish there was a way to disable the all wheel brake system temporarily so that the front brakes only lock up. I'd love to do some sick burnouts and do-nuts(sp) in an empty parking lot before I get my new tires.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Well, one 87 in a 70 speeding ticket later, I made it. South Georgia is one giant speed trap. The bizarre thing is I have to call in 8 days to find out how much the ticket is. It is literally on the ticket to call ten days after the offense. I miss my M. The seats in the Audi do not compare. I have been waiting for my O.E.M Pilot's to wear for some power sliding related mischief, but still, got tons of tread.Cheers and keep it slow in So. Ga,M.L
Modified by Mark Linkous at 12:11 PM 5/18/2008

[MaxBolus]

Man, you guys are having all the fun.. I've been traveling to Baltimore for work lately, and with 84K on the M, don't want to add 600 miles a week.

But..I've been getting the basics: a Gran Marquis LS, a Buick LaCrosse. Both drive like mushy pillows, a bit uneasy over 80mph. The Marquis was a pain, too- everybody thought I was a cop, so those ahead were hitting their brakes, and nobody would pass me. One woman, gabbing on her phone, matched my speed and rode my quarter panel for over 10 miles. She had traffic backed up behind her farther than I could see.

I'd love to rent the premium cars, but the company wont cover them.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello, Max, I think I might go for a new Malibu over the Crown Vic/ Marquis or La Crosse. I have got to say that car is a massive step forward. I really think Bob Lutz is doing some good things at the General. I know what you mean about people driving in Crown Vic's, it definitely causes one's heart to drop if speeding. Followed by I would imagine nasty looks upon passing. I always try to see if the car is equipped with dual tailpipes (interceptor package) before really getting worried, but still. By the way, how is your car holding up at that mileage? Cheers, Mark