Then there is the whole tuning thing... everyone says Bootmod3 is the way to go but then I see people complaining about spun crank hubs on the N55 even though I thought that was mostly an S55 thing? Its so annoying trying to figure out what actually matters for a reliable track build versus what is just for clout or whatever. I really dont want to blow my engine or waste money on parts that make the car feel worse to drive on the street.

• intercooler (which one actually fits without cutting?)


• stage 1 tune


• brake pads that wont squeal like a school bus

What are the actual must-have performance parts that wont ruin the car's balance or break my bank?...

First option is going with the Aerofabb front splitter and maybe their rear spoiler extension. I keep seeing them on Instagram and the fitment looks super clean like it came from the factory that way. My concern is I live in Chicago and the potholes here are basically craters so I'm scared of snapping a 400 dollar piece of plastic on day one. It just seems like a lot of money for something that sits two inches off the ground.

The other route I'm looking at is the ECS Tuning gloss black kit... specifically their trunk lip and maybe some side skirts. It would let me do more parts for the same money but I’ve heard their quality control can be hit or miss lately with the mounting tape and gaps not being perfect. I really want that OEM plus vibe where it looks like a special edition from VW directly.

Which one would you guys pick if you were trying to keep it tasteful? Should I prioritize one high quality piece or get the full wrap-around look with something a bit cheaper?

I live in Seattle so its basically raining 24/7 and I have a labradoodle who loves mud and two kids who think the backseat is a trash can so floor mats are my top priority. I spent hours looking online and everyone says to get either Lasfit or WeatherTech but then I saw a thread saying the Lasfit ones sometimes slide around and the WeatherTech ones feel too much like a utility van and not a nice car. Is there a middle ground that looks sleek but actually catches the PNW muck?

Also the piano black trim... oh my god. I read that it scratches if you even look at it wrong and my wedding ring is definitely gonna destroy that center console within a week. I saw some people talk about those wrap kits or covers but they look kinda cheap in the photos or hard to install and I am literally the least handy person on earth so I dont want to mess up a brand new car.

Here is what I am looking at so far:

• heavy duty floor mats that dont look like a truck


• something for that deep center console because it just looks like a giant hole where stuff will get lost


• maybe a screen protector? (some people say the glare is worse with them though)


• seat covers for the back so the dog doesnt ruin the vegan leather

I have about $500 set aside for this and I really want to get it right the first time before the kids and the dog do their worst this weekend. Does anyone have specific brands that actually fit perfectly? I really dont want to be returning stuff to Amazon for the next month...

• $2k budget


• Desert weekend trips


• Solo or small group runs

What are the actual must-haves for me?

Ive done some digging online and keep seeing people scream about oil consumption issues on the older 2.0T engines like they just drink it like water. But then I read other threads where people say that was only an issue until like 2014 or 2015 and the newer B9 generation is totally fine? Its honestly pretty confusing because some guys on the forums act like every Audi is a money pit and others say theyve gone 150k miles with just basic oil changes. I also keep seeing stuff about the water pumps and thermostats leaking like crazy but is that a "it might happen" thing or a "it will definitely fail at 60k miles" thing?

Here is what Im looking for:

• Budget: 15k to 18k tops


• Use case: Daily driver 60 miles round trip mostly highway


• Year: Ideally 2017 or newer if I can find a deal


• Priorities: Reliability and not having it sit in the shop every other month

I found a 2017 Premium Plus with about 75k miles on it near me but the service history is a little spotty and Im worried about that DSG transmission service. Some people say if you miss that 40k mile fluid change the whole thing is toasted but is that actually true? Im just trying to figure out what are the absolute "must-check" items before I sign the papers because I really dont want to end up with a 5000 dollar repair bill two months in. Is the 2017 really that much better than the 2015 or am I just overthinking the whole engine generation thing...