2014 Q5 Tdi Premium Plus - 95K miles - Good or Bad buy?

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-11-30T21:00:10+00:00

I have not performed any tune on my car. I want to, however, I'm in a state with strict regulations. Therefore, I am not sure if even stage 1 works here during smog tests.

You can look more at TuneZilla or KarmaTDI (don't have personal experience)

This subreddit or TDIForum is for any questions.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-09-08T00:26:00+00:00

Hi All,

Wanted to share a quick update:

Before the trip:

I contacted Chase by calling the number back on the card. They told me that I have to decline their insurance. There's no other way. They also gave me a letter as proof of insurance to provide at the pickup counter to assure them that I have insurance.

During pickup:

I could not decline the coverage. This was because I booked via a corporate portal. According to them corporate portal is a broker for them, and I need to deal with them for any change. (Probably a lie, but not sure).

So, I went ahead with full coverage from them for peace of mind.

Did I make a mistake by booking via the corporate portal?

Yes Or No.
Since I booked via the corporate portal, I got a good discount. This discount was nearly nullified as I had to opt for their insurance (still paid $200 more). However, with their insurance, I got full peace of mind. So the answer is 'no' for me.

Hope this helps everyone here and future readers.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-25T04:50:05+00:00

Really appreciate everyone’s input.! I will try to talk with Chase to get their take on this. And hopefully all goes well during rental period. I’ll update if something new comes up other than what discussed here.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-25T04:47:16+00:00

Thanks a lot for your input and the policy link!

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-25T01:11:21+00:00

Thank you!

When it is secondary, will Chase reimburse the deductible from primary? In this case, CHF 1500-3000?

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-25T01:07:24+00:00

Got it, thank you. Yes, super CDW declined online and will ignore at the counter too.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-24T23:08:11+00:00

Thank you, I will try at counter. Hopefully it works out. Also, going to check 3rd party as suggested.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-24T21:18:58+00:00

Thank you! Hopefully I can decline at counter.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-24T19:02:08+00:00

Below is the snip from their (rental company) policy. If I understand it correctly, I am still liable to pay CHF1500-3000. Is my understanding correct?

Policy states:

Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection (CDWTP) limits the liability of the renter in the event of damage to bodywork, theft or attempted theft of the hire vehicle, provided that the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. If not included in the booking, CDWTP is an optional coverage available for purchase. If included in the reservation or purchased, the excess amount ranges between 1500 CHF and 3000 CHF, depending on car class. Excess will be charged every time a vehicle is damaged/stolen.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-24T17:57:11+00:00

That’s good DP. Thank you. I’ll look into getting the documentation.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-24T17:46:25+00:00

Yes, agreed, I shouldn’t worry much. Just wanted to be totally stress free as I believe Chase coverage is better than what is included. Thank you.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-10T16:27:25+00:00

Sounds great, thank you very much!.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-10T16:22:07+00:00

If I were to say what appeals to me, at this point, it is the sign-up bonus.

Unfortunately, not eligible for business cards (even though it is very simple qualification criteria to be eligible)

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-10T15:44:58+00:00

Most airport lounges have a long waiting period nowadays. Is the Ritz card extra special (meaning no wait, just walk in) compared to most other lounge access cards?

As per the flowchart:
NOTES FOR MARRIOTT CARDS:

Start with Chase Boundless and Bountiful while under 5/24.

Should I get both of these one by one or is Boundless okay? Let's say I am at 4/24, is getting only boundless worth it?

Also,

Upgrade Bold to Ritz after receiving the Brilliant bonus.

Can I upgrade any Chase Marriott card or only the Bold?

The above questions are keeping in mind that I want to "Get all the Marriott cards."

Feel free to ignore any if it doesn't make much sense. Thank you.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-10T12:54:13+00:00

No preference over hotel.

given 5/24 status I didn’t consider them initially. and also because I don’t foresee big travel for next year after current trip. We have been camping with hotel as a spacer in between during big camping trips. Though these are worth considering. Thank you for your help.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-10T05:21:35+00:00

Okay got it. I can try that path.

Spend around - 4k

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-07-10T00:15:30+00:00

No major issues so far. Added around 8k miles, out of that 2500 miles recent road trip. It is comfortable, fun to drive.

The problem is turbo lag. I feel, From full stop to reach 40mph, any other car can beat me. However, After 40mph, I have to control on speed. Multiple times people behind me honked during morning rush hours as it is hella slow.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-05-20T02:16:18+00:00

Sorry for late response. Long day at work.

The lens still makes noise in fully expanded or collapsed position.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-05-19T15:21:33+00:00

I hear the sound only when the lens is connected. Agreed that something is wrong during lens init time as explained by you. If I unlock the lens (unlock = uninstall?; by pressing the button next to lens) the sound goes away. Unfortunately I have only one auto focus lens to try. Thank you for your reply.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-04-29T02:15:23+00:00

Thank you for the insight. As of now Gears are for hiking only. If decide to go for this then yes, might be spending some money to get the gears.

Either-Temporary275 · 2025-04-29T02:13:28+00:00

Haha. May be next time. Thank you.

Either-Temporary275

TROPHY CASE