u/Calm_Project723

As I’m getting closer to a purchase, I went today and drove a 2021 a6 allroad, a 2020 a4 allroad and a 2019 e450 wagon.

None of these individual vehicles are ones I would think of purchasing they were just intended to be representative of the models.

I drove the a6 allroad first. I guess just visually I find this the most attractive of the three cars. Super luxury, large cargo area (a need with a greyhound), cooled seats. Beautiful interior and easy to navigate interface.

It certainly has tons of power, and I went back-and-forth between the comfort and sport suspension setting. However, even in sport, it felt somewhat ponderous and did not really want to turn in. I unintentionally made the tires howl on a 180 degree on ramp.

The primary impression was of wonderfully serene calm driving with the capability of rapid acceleration.

I drove the a4 allroad which was a high spec, including cooled seats. I kind of think cooled seats might be on my must have.

The A4 drove much more like I want a car to drive. This had the adaptive suspension and in sport felt quite responsive not top heavy. Acceleration may be was not quite what it felt like in the A6, but still perfectly adequate for fun.

A really, very nice car that doesn’t have a large enough cargo area for my needs. If it did, I might not look further.

Then off to see the 2019 e450. This had non air front suspension and the Amg package. I assume that was only cosmetic but along with the larger wheels it has a 15 mm lower suspension.

The engine was maybe not quite as smooth sounding as either Audi at idle. Interior and cargo size was similar to the a6 but with much more functional spaces for front seat occupants, phones and what not. How does the a6 not have anywhere for a phone? The wireless charger for the mb worked on my iPhone in a case. Sucks that the mb needs runflats, the cost tons and there are not many options.

The mb power was similar to the a6, but then the salesperson put it in Sport plus and I felt it hold the gear on deceleration, exhaust burble and my eyes opened.

I asked if we could try a corner or two at a little elevated speed, which he was comfortable with.
I was quite happy with how quickly and calmly it handled the corners, one I took a little faster than intended due to a decreasing radius . Not tons of body roll or electric Nannie’s cutting in, just flat and sharp.

I think my next car will be a e400 or e450 wagon with that Amg package. And an extended warranty.
Other than that, what packages do I want? Leather is nice, but between the two I would rather have cold seats than leather. Of course, I would love to have both.

I love the matte brown ash wood, or the dark open pore, but I don’t like the high gloss walnut. I would rather avoid a panoramic sunroof. I assume all have heated seats and steering wheel.

Thoughts?

As someone with little knowledge or skill, is there any hope to save the leather here?

I was at an estate sale that had a large quantity of African art and purchased this mask, which says it is Bombara from Sudan, kove society.
Any guess if this has a chance of being authentically from those people? If so, what era might it have been produced in?
Also, is the white material I see on it mold? Should it be cleaned and how?

When I upshift I have been noticing a ticking noise that has me flummoxed. I had the trans oil changed, 130k miles.
As if a bushing is worn out?
Ideas?

I got a ticket, I had not noticed a temporary no parking sign.
I don’t notice it because it was tied to a tree which was ten feet, at least from the curb. My pencil shows where my vehicle was, you see the overhanging branches obstructing the view of where the sign was.
Am I just effed or do I have recourse short of taking a day off work to fight a $50 ticket?

My 72 has the “heavy duty” wheels. I need to find the nut size so I can confirm the 120 lb torque prior to a long trip in a few weeks. Need to redo the witness marks because the shop who worked on the hub did not redo them.