Living with My Q5

Since I took the delivery of 2014 Q5, it's been rather busy two weeks. The car now has about 350 miles on it and it's been an enjoyable one so far. However, I just haven't put much effort into updating the blog every since the delivery and I am hoping to change that soon. So... stay tuned!

Delivery Day!

It was finally a delivery day today! More story coming up!

Inside Audi Beverly HIlls via Google Street Cam

As I am getting to ready to pick up my Q5 today, I found something neat on Google Maps. Now you can take a look inside the Audi Beverly Hills dealership via Google's Street Cam. I read about Street Cam going inside building, but I thought inside navigation would only be for famous landmarks and what not. Thus I was pleasantly surprised to see that Google Street Cam camera went inside the 'humble' dealership. It looks like it was taken quite recently as all models displayed inside are 2013 and later model year cars. While it does not take us to every corner of the dealership space, it's still nice to see the main areas. Not all Audi dealerships are available for this 'tour' at this time from my brief research. Other one available was Santa Monica Audi. You can check it out yourself here. Well done Google and Audi Beverly Hills!

[ Source :: Google Maps ]

Tracking My Q5 :: Shipped and Arrived at my dealer!

Finally! My Ibis White 2014 Q5 2.0T has been delivered to my dealer, Audi Beverly Hills. Current status at Group Vehicle Logistics says "Shipped" and I received a call/email from my Audi Brand Special list telling me that my Q5 is now at the dealership. Exciting! I plan to take the delivery of the Q5 this upcoming weekend.

Tracking My Q5 :: Released to Carrier

Now that all port-installed items are installed on to my Q5, the status of my Q5 has been updated to "Released to Carrier" with an estimated shipping date of Sunday, August 18. It will be transported from National City, CA to Beverly Hills, CA in one of Fleet Car Carrier's vehicle carrier truck. I might have to drop by the dealership tomorrow to finally meet my Q5!

Tracking My Q5 :: In Process - MDO Installed

My Q5 is inching closer to being ready to leave vehicle delivery center. Quick check on Volkswagen Global Logistics page reveals that my Q5 now has port-installed options installed. Status screen reveals that some other Audis that were on Grand Vega along with my Q5 are now released to the carrier. I imagine my Q5 will also be release to carrier within a day or two for dealer delivery. woo-hoot!

However, I now need to sell my current 2010 Audi A4 Avant Prestige S-Line. Please let me know if you'd like more info on it.

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega at Port Hueneme

Just because my Q5 is now in the land doesn't mean I have forgotten about our celebrity vehicle carrier Grand Vega! She is currently docked at Port Hueneme, dropping off various BMW group vehicles, including Bimmers, MINIs and Rolls Royces. Yours truly is quite familiar with Port Hueneme, as I have visited the port 2 years ago to see my Countryman unloading from another celebrity vessel, Auriga Leader.  (Pictured above is not my particular MINI.. but a shipmate!) I am sure some BMW/MINI guys/gals are very happy today!

2014 Audi Q5 Wheel choices.

Out of 9 different wheels available for 2014 Q5/SQ5 models in US, only 2 are available for 2.0T P+; standard (A) 18" 5-Spoke V-Design wheel and optional (B) 19" 5-Double-Spoke wheel for $800. It is rather very limited, forcing me to stay with the standard 18"s. I did consider forking out $800 for the 5-double-spoke wheels, which actually look quite good on Q5, but I decided against it as I do plan on acquiring 20"s. I personally like (D) 20" Turbine-Design 10-spoke wheels available for 2.0T Hybrid model the most. The flat, polished surface contrasted with anthracite details in the turbine design spoke make the Q5 look fantastic, especially in Ibis White or Glacier White. I also would not mind (F) 20" 5-arm design wheels or (G) 20" 5-segment design, aka "Peeler" , wheels, either in titanium finish as shown above or silver finish that was available in 2010-2012 model year Q5s. (I) 21" 5-double-spoke Star design wheels optional for SQ5 is very nice as well, but I am guessing they will be quite hard to come by in 2nd hand market and might cost more than what I am willing to pay for. What about other after-market wheels? I prefer OEM+ look on my cars. Thus I will stick strictly with Audi OEM wheels - I am also open to other wheels choices from other Audi models.

So if you own Q5 2.0T Hybrid with 20"s, and looking to change them up with something else, Let's talk! =) Or if you are looking to sell other 20" or 21" OEM Q5 wheels as discussed above. Full Wheels availability matrix after the break.

Tracking My Q5 :: In Process - Awaiting MDO Install

As my Q5 is officially in US soil, it's time to go through customs/vehicle processing center. It normally takes anywhere from 3-7 days for a vehicle to pass through various states at the vehicle distribution center.I am expecting my Q5 to arrive at my dealership, Audi of Beverly Hills, sometime next week.

The Volkswagen Group has contracted with Pasha Group to do its vehicle processing/distribution in San Diego. Pasha Group, established in 1947, is a family-owned global logistics and transportation services company. The San Diego vehicle distribution center, located at 1309 Bay Marina Drive, National City, California 91950, was established in 1990.

Tracking My Q5 :: Photo of Grand Vega in Emden with cars waiting to be loaded

So what cars are inside Grand Vega other than yours-truly's 2014 Audi Q5? Assortment of VW group vehicles, including various 911 models you see above! Also, as it stopped by Bremerhaven and South Hampton, it is probably also carrying BMW/MINI vehicles.

The picture was taken by Hartema/Heyken on July 17, 2013.

[ Image Credit to Hartema/Heyken, Marinetraffic.com ]

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega arrived in San Diego!!

So it is here finally. Grand Vega has docked at the Port of San Diego earlier today, around 17:30 PST. According to schedule I have, it will unload about 1,870 vehicles during its approximately 24-hour stay. The crew will have to get very busy, as they will have to take one vehicle out in less than a minute, according to my calculation. (24hours = 1440 min)

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega is close to Port San Diego

Grand Vega is nearing Port of San Diego with ETA of 17:30 PST. It's only about an hour away!

[ Source :: Vesselfinder.com ]

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega arriving at Port San Diego TODAY!

Today is the arrival day! After about 25 days of trans-Atlantic voyage that also include sailing through Caribbean Sea, Panama Canal, and along the coast of Central America, celebrity vehicle carrier Grand Vega carrying my Q5 is set to arrive at Port of San Diego today, at around 17:30 PST. Latest tracking information indicates that Grand Vega is currently off the coast of Ensenada traveling toward San Diego at speed of 16 knots, according to vesselfinder.com and marine traffic.com. While I won't be repeating a port visit (2 years ago, I visited Port Hueneme on the arrival day of  vehicle carrier Auriga Leader, to see the unloading of MINI Countryman - While I witnessed unloading process, unfortunately, I didn't see my exact one that day) it is nevertheless quite exciting to know that today is the arrival day. This time, however, I will be able to track its status through the vehicle processing center. Stay tuned!

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega is 'hanging out' off the coast of San Quintin, Mexico?

The crews in our celebrity vessel, Grand Vega, must like to party! The Grand Vega has basically not moved since I last reported its position on Saturday, August 10. It's just been cruising in the area, according to both vesselfinder.com and martintraffic.com - both basically get the data from same source and display. However, the good news is, the updated schedule indicates that Grand Vega will arrive in Port San Diego tomorrow, August 13. I guess it's time for the crew to get over the hang over and get to work, sailing the ship to SD!

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega is cruising off the coast of San Quintin, Mexico

Grand Vega is now off the coast of San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico. It's not too far away from US - Mexico border and at this speed, it probably will arrive at the port of San Diego within 48 hours, on Monday, August 12. My guess is once it gets there, it will spend a night on the sea before docking to unload my Q5 along with others.  

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega cruising along the coast of Baja California

The Grand Vega is back in range!! According to Vesselfinder.com, the Grand Vega is currently cruising on the coast of Baja California peninsula (Latitude23.71918 N / Longitude112.6269 W) , at the speed of 15.6 kn, heading to Port of San Diego. The ETA has been changed to August 14, instead of August 13 as posted earlier. It's only a couple of days left until my Q5 lands on American soil!

By the way, Baja California is quite an awesome place. I had a pleasure of going on a surfing trip for about a week couple years back. Its vest amount of untouched, inhibited land and beautiful scenery were certainly something to remember, as well as uncrowded surfing spots, delicious fish tacos, and lobster! Would I have a chance to do it again in Q5? We shall see....

AUDI FINANCIAL SERVICE LEASE RATE FOR AUGUST

The key to figuring out a reasonable monthly payment for a lease is knowing all the variables in the complicated mathematics of a lease calculation. Money Factor (Lease Rate) and Residual value are two key variables that one needs to know and understand. While I won't go into details on vehicle leasing, as there are other excellent source for that information (my favorite is LeaseGuide.com), what I will be able to provide to you, the readers of Q5 Motoring, is Audi Financial Service's Lease Rate. The terms change periodically, thus I will be providing updates as they change. You can find the August Lease Rate from Audi Financial Services after the page break. Rates for only common lease terms are listed.

Tracking My Q5 : Grand Vega is scheduled to arrive at the port of San Diego on August 13

Ro-Ro vessel Grand Vega carrying my Q5 is scheduled to arrive at the Port San Diego on Tuesday, August 13. That's a day earlier that originally scheduled! Woo Hoot!

Tracking My Q5 : Grand Vega sailing on the coast of beautiful Costa Rica

Grand Vega is currently cruising on the coast of beautiful Costa Rica. I've not been to Costa Rica, yet, but I'd really love to one of these days!

Tracking My Q5 : Grand Vega at MiraFlores Locks

Finally. Grand Vega is entering the first lock at MiraFlores Locks.

Tracking My Q5 : Approaching Pedro Miguel Locks

The Grand Vega had passed Gatun Locks last night and is currently approaching the second passage, Pedro Miguel Locks. There is no live cam available for this location. However, the next and the last locks, Miraflores Locks, does have one, and the weather seems to be overcast, but good enough to give us a nice view.

Tracking My Q5 : Heading toward Gatun Lock in Panama Canal

So here it is: The Grand Vega, a car carrier vessel, carrying 1870 cars, one of which is my Ibis White 2014 Audi Q5 2.0T P+ is currently set sail in Limon Bay toward Gatun Locks, its first passage in Panama Canal. Unfortunately, since it is a night time, I won't be getting a clear images via Live Cam provided by Panama Canal Authority. If I can continue to stay up, I will try to get some snapshots.

Welcome to Audi Q5 Motoring!

Welcome to Audi Q5 Motoring! 

Yup.. this ____ Motoring thingy is getting some traction. First it was the lovely 2011 MINI Countryman (Currently in the hands of my sister). Than, briefly E46 M3 Motoring (Search only..), and now, it's time to move over to the star of Inglostadt, AUDI. 

I will be either leasing or buying the 2014 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium Plus model for a family duty. It hasn't been decided just yet. This blog will cover every aspects of ownership from researching the car to the day I either return or sell the Q5.

The car has been ordered already, and it's already on its way, currently at the port of Cristobal, heading toward Gatun Lock at Panama Canal. So, here another interesting, fun journey begins.