quattro digest, Vol 1 #722 - 17 msgs

[TheRingmeister at aol.com]

Andrew, I can't say I've actually switched, we've just added a Tip to the 
family.  I've been driving the cq now for upwards of 8 years (5 spd).  We had 
a V8q that was a full auto, and although it had a lot of power that made up 
for the slushbox shortcomings, it was still an auto.  We got rid of it and 
now have a '99 A4 Avant 1.8T Tip with the sport package that has the shifter 
buttons in the steering wheel, as well as the shift lever performing the 
chore if you so choose.  I love it. (both the sport package and the 
tiptronic....both is even better)  I can't say it's as pure as a stick from a 
driver's point of view, but I've maybe used the auto mode twice in the last 
year or so.  Remember, it's the wife's car, but when I do get to drive it, 
that one extra motion moving the car from park to D, then right into Tip mode 
is almost second nature for me.  It IS second nature for her.  We wanted 
something bigger, but after driving a 98 A6qAvant, we drove the A4 with the 
Tip, and she was hooked.  She won't even consider a car that's not a 5 spd or 
a Tiptronic now.  She'd love to have a manual, so would I b/c we could get an 
S6 Avant, but the tip is so easy if you've got kids,phone, a Whopper, or 
whatever occupying your attention.
good luck....email me privately for more if you need it.

Wylie Bean
TheRingmeister
90 cq
99.5 A4Avant 1.8Tq

In a message dated 12/27/00 10:39:40 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
quattro-request at audifans.com writes:

<< Are there any stick drivers out there that have switched to a
 tiptronic transmission and would care to share some of their
 thoughts on how well it suits them?
 
 I'm *done* with the automatic on my A6QW, and am getting another
 car this spring. I really want a stick, but that limits my options
 significantly in the Quattro product line.
 
 Tiptronic has been around for a while. How does it compare (when it's
 in "shift mode") to a stick? Will I end up hating it as much as the
 slushbox I have now?
 
 How does it handle things like braking to a stop when in a high gear?
 Does the fluid drive just handle it (and you'll get no acceleration
 when you start), or will it drop back into first?
 
 I'm going to test drive one very soon to see what my own impressions
 are, but I'd like to poll the audience before trying to eliminate
 two of the wrong answers.
  >>