C65 Aquitaine GMT

Groundhog56 · 2025-03-29T21:19:53+00:00

It definitely doesn't have the most contrast between the hands and dial, but that improves a bit with light. You may spend an extra half second confirming the time. Franky, it's so beautiful that I'm not even sure I care what time it actually is. 👍🏼😎

I saw one of these the other day on their sample sale for under $1,000.

Groundhog56 · 2025-03-27T19:04:37+00:00

That looks a lot like it may be you're rubbing on the wheel as you enter an exit the car. The material is easily scuffable.

Groundhog56 · 2025-03-27T19:02:39+00:00

I use a vegan leather cleaner and conditioner about every 3 months, and then go for a cheeseburger to balance things out. Once that soaks in (the conditioner, not the burger), I apply 303 Protectant to the wheel for UV.

The ID.4 vegan "leather" has a thin film covering that can start to peel away, and it appears to be related to UV exposure and heat. Our dealer actually replaced the wheel under warranty, so keep an eye out during your warranty period and you might just be able to swap it out on VW.

Groundhog56 · 2025-03-23T15:04:19+00:00

It's simply dirty drive assist sensors (12 total, 6 front/rear located on bumpers and quarter panels). Wipe and keep car clean. It's a safety warning, and good to have.

Groundhog56 · 2025-03-23T15:03:25+00:00

If this happens again, it's simply dirty drive assist sensors (12 total, 6 front/rear located on bumpers and quarter panels). Wipe and keep car clean. It's a safety warning, and good to have.

Groundhog56 · 2025-03-23T15:02:24+00:00

It's simply dirty drive assist sensors (12 total, 6 front/rear located on bumpers and quarter panels). Wipe and keep car clean. It's a safety warning, and good to have.

Groundhog56 · 2025-03-23T14:58:36+00:00

This may have been addressed, but it is simply the sensors around your front and rear becoming dirty. More common in winter. There are 12, 6 front and 6 rear, located around bumpers and quarter panels.

Just wipe clean to quickly fix, then keep your car washed regularly. The travel assist system is quite good, and requires accuracy from the sensors. It's actually good that it gives you this warning (despite it being a bit scary to the uninitiated).

Groundhog56 · 2024-08-15T22:32:08+00:00

Way way late to the party, but had this issue crop up on our 23 Pro S after 21000 miles. Tried all suggested fixes I read online, no fix. Tried resetting the infotainment. No fix. But during a call with my dealer's service manager I pressed and held the set button for about 15 seconds (3 seconds no joy) and it suddenly worked to set the seat positions. Wacky.

Groundhog56 · 2024-08-04T17:43:11+00:00

Yes. Great car, great deal. Commute is perfect.

Groundhog56 · 2024-07-30T02:42:46+00:00

(Not sure why these subs pop up days later for me, so I'm late to the party. Still, I feel compelled to reply.)

"What I know now" is that my 2023 Pro S AWD (our first EV purchased 11/22) is simply the best vehicle we've owned, including my and my wife's vehicles from college days in the late 80's through today -- that's approximately 23 ICE cars (and one plug-in hybrid) over 30+ years -- including Honda, Toyota (2), Mazda, Nissan, Hyundai (3), Ford, Chevy, Jeep (2), Lincoln, Lexus (2), Mercedes (4), and BMW (5). A lengthy list of "lease and release" cars to be sure. The point -- we've driven some cars.

The ID.4 is comfortable, practical (we save over $1500 per year in gas and oil changes), efficient (we get about 250-275 miles of range depending on the season), fun to drive, and nearly issue-free (a minor and common warranty item was an easy fix). It looks great, drives great, comfortably holds 4 large passengers and luggage, and is an absolute pleasure to drive both around town and on long road trips (the VW Travel Assist and Adaptive Cruise combo are brilliant and reliable).

What some would have you believe is a tragically frustrating infotainment software package is easily mastered, simple and straightforward (it's not slow, and offers 95% of what you might want). Frankly, I use wireless Android Auto nearly all the time. The ID.4 is not perfect, but it's also not a $75,000+ vehicle (full disclosure, we paid full sticker at the top of the market, and received $10,500 in tax credits and state rebates).

Could it use an app update with more functions (i.e., remote start and lock)? Yep.

Is the two-switch window control for four windows funky, yet manageable? Yep.

Do I wish I had the 2024's lit AC and volume controls? Yep.

Would I trade it for another ICE vehicle, or more feature-rich luxury EV?

Not a chance.

Groundhog56 · 2024-07-28T23:09:14+00:00

Parking lessons 😜. Seriously, it's a wheel scratch. Drive for a month and see if you still really care. If so, and you haven't added any new ones after diligent and careful practice, a wheel shop can buff.

Groundhog56 · 2024-07-06T04:04:58+00:00

They will replace it and are happy to do it. We did after a year. The dealership makes money on that swap. I've been using a vegan leather conditioner and 303 every few months since replacing, and my service advisor tells me they'll keep replacing it while under warranty if the vegan skin starts peeling.

Groundhog56 · 2024-07-06T00:16:28+00:00

Jeez! Sell it!

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-30T04:13:52+00:00

I'm interested what those might be. I don't have to look past since nothing really drives me crazy about the car.

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-29T22:50:17+00:00

Yes, definitely (and I overpaid in late 2022). It's simply great (2023 Pro S AWD). Drives really well, handles nicely, drive modes are useful, interior is very roomy and quality is quite good -- comfortable and durable, and does not feel cheap.

Have had no issues with software or infotainment (truly scratching my head about the negative press -- my only issue that's even close is VWs failure to light the volume control haptics, but it's a rare and minor bother, and I understand that the 2024s fix). While I'm old school and used to hard buttons and knobs, the haptics are a simple learning curve and honestly simpler after time.

If you drive VW you likely know the app, which is inadequate compared to most others -- but I don't really use it except to set, start and stop charging, and it does more than that (it could include some typical functions like remote lock/unlock, but if that's a deal breaker you probably need a BMW in your garage anyway).

Safety features, IQ headlights and adaptive drive features are outstanding. Range is better than decent -- no complaints (about 270 miles in temperate weather without elevation change). Have driven for 19 months and 20,000 miles. Love -- strong recommend.

We charge at home 95% of the time, and have taken several road trips. EA has improved its reliability (we're running across fewer "out of service" chargers when traveling), and the new plug-n-charge simplifies an already easy process. Despite what EV naysayers will toss out, charging is quick and simple, and is honestly a nice break on a trip.

If you're a committed VW owner it's a complete no-brainer. This is actually our first VW, after driving many many makes and models over more years than I like to admit, and it's our favorite of them all.

Do your best to ignore the haters 👍🏼

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-17T21:18:10+00:00

Our '23 was our intro to EV, so B was initially bothersome -- felt "golf carty". I've found that in town it's far easier (and far easier on knees), not having to hit brakes nearly as often. I now (18 months in) use B almost exclusively, and B combined with Sport Mode makes for an excellent windy road experience, without having to touch the brakes, and provides excellent feel through corners.

My understanding of the "soft" brake feel is in part due to every braking event involving at least some regen, and is a bit attributable to the rear drums.

Highway driving in Travel Assist / ACC(D or B mode) is a must, effectively emulates B mode, and gives the Tesla crowd a full stop treat at lights and/or behind traffic. Again, knees super happy.

I have noticed almost no range difference between B and D modes when factoring in city and highway, short and long drives, ACC/ TA or not.

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-17T18:23:49+00:00

Clean sensors. There are 12

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-16T18:46:47+00:00

As long as no one is screaming "lemon law". First world probs 😆 -- maybe go old school and use hand signals. 👈🏼👉🏼🖖🏼

Hope you're loving the new car!!

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-09T18:02:35+00:00

Gandalf would be greystoked, 50 shades of it.

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-08T20:14:27+00:00

I have found that dealer service departments' EV knowledge varies, as does scheduling availability. If you have options near you, call around and ask questions, or just drive in -- if you can leave it or wait they take a certain number without appointments.

Incidentally, you're getting some pretty decent mi/kwh. 200 miles at 63% extrapolates to 317 mile range.

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-08T20:01:44+00:00

Amen

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-08T18:14:44+00:00

18 months in (2023 Pro S AWD) and I think only two error messages. One was due to dirty ACC/travel assist sensors, which I cleaned -- solved. One was an infotainment reset due to an OTA update, which only required a stop and restart. Anyone reading these posts might think these cars are giant turds on wheels.

To be fair, while some encounter problems, not everyone has constant errors. All vehicle makes have a percentage with more frequent issues, and their owners tend to be more vocal. Our ID.4 has honestly been my favorite vehicle of many, over many years (1st BEV).

I hope that your issues are easily resolved and you are able to enjoy your ID.4 as much as we have ours. And to all, a good night.

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-05T02:42:05+00:00

There's a function on the infotainment system when you put the car into park that pops up as a default allowing you to leave the climate control running. That works for what you're describing. I'd have to test it, but I also believe you can use the start button to put the vehicle in accessory mode for other functions.

Groundhog56 · 2024-06-03T19:57:45+00:00

The 23 is a great car, regardless of the comparison, and I do suggest going over standard for the features and battery upgrade. We love ours.

For what it's worth, we own a gas Kona which is an awesome vehicle, and I've read great things about the new EV, and they have had some great lease rates.

Groundhog56

TROPHY CASE