Don't buy new Audis

[Joel Skousen <jskousen@enol.com>]

I don't buy the strategy of buying new Audis to try to influence AOA.
Anyone who knows how corporate automobile people think knows that
sending negative messages is many times more effective than trying to
influence with the positive--at least if you are working from a MINORITY
POSITION as we are.  A company like Audi who is desparately trying to
make a comback in the American markets would be very sensitive to a
group of its most ardent devotees, calling for a boycot of new Audis.
The affluent image buyers of new Audis far outnumber we performance
types, so the few of us that can vote with our big dollars is only a
long shot.  But if we were to start to use our Internet influence to put
active pressure on AOA sales (negatively), we might even get the big
executives to condescend to talk to us and see what our legitimate
grievances are about. I for one have been a loyal Audi buyer of used
vehicles since my first first car--an red Audi 90 in 1970.  I have gone
through the entire AUDI line up until the 1990s, and have never felt
once that AUDI ever gave a hoot about us used car buyers except to milk
us for all we are worth in extremely high parts prices.  This alone is
worthy of a backlash.  We have been docile for too many years, and even
though we have complained about prices over the years, AOA has never
graced us with even a hint that they read the list occassionally.  I
hope they do take an additional glance at the list.  

But before you all flame me for suggesting the "unthinkable", I'll bet
this letter gets forwarded to some AOA exec (in damage control) before
any of those suggesting buying our way into their favor. The time to hit
Audi is now before they turn the corner and get more successful--where
they can kiss the performance devotees goodbye and favor only the
well-healed executive buyers--who will never give Audi any reason to
lower parts prices.  What do you think?    Best Wishes to all for a
great New Year.  You all are definitely the most savvy auto list I've
subscribed to.  

Joel  Skousen 
(with 3 Audis and 3 volkswagens--so I get hit with the same parts
pricing every way I turn)