A4q - a retrospective

[Ti Kan]

Now that my new S4 is imminent I am in the process of selling my beloved
'96 A4 2.8 quattro 5-speed manual in pearl white to a friend, in order
to make room for the new car.  

Over the past 4.5 years this A4q had been a stellar and dependable
performer.  All features and controls (and there are many, my A4q has
all options for that year sans auto trans and phone) work without a
glitch.  Mechanically the car has had absolutely ZERO defects and
required nothing beyond normal maintenance.  The only dealer warranty
replacement items were the Delta CC radio (which had developed poor FM
reception), a cupholder spring, and an addition of an air bag ground
wire in the steering wheel (recall item to prevent high static charge
from causing unwanted deployment).  I replaced the battery a couple of
months ago but I would consider that normal wear.  No electrical
gremlins, no clunks, no squeaks, no unpleasantries.

The engine always starts and runs smooth as silk, no matter what the
ambient temperature or condition, and while it is no drag racer, it
delivers a satisfying rush when scooting from 70 to 90mph in top gear.
Highway cruising is relaxed, the engine all but inaudible even at 80mph.
The car still rides velvety smooth and that granite-like, rattle-free
solidity has not faded with age.  When asked to dance on the twisties
in the hills the A4 belies its smooth ride and carves the corners precisely
and effortlessly, in speeds that one would not believe the car could do
on stock suspension; and did I say effortless?

I recently acquired the VAG-COM software and adapter (as well as the
Baum VDSPro/VWtool and OBDscan/OBDtool software) so I could connect my
laptop PC to the car's OBDII port.  There were no fault codes in any of
its ECUS, and all readouts are right where they should be.

The A4's gorgeous styling both inside and out are still the paragon of
design and good taste.  Every panel, surface, texture and contour
in its interior pleases the eyes and the touch.  The burled walnut is
beautiful as is the feel of the rich leather.

I cannot say enough superlatives... this is one damn fine car.  Some
cars impress only at first acquaintence, this one continues to impress
over the years.

It's going to be sad to see a such a reliable good friend leave, but I
know it's going to a good home, and the S4 will be another A4 (albeit an
ultimate expression of such).

-Ti
01 S4 2.7 biturbo (coming)
96 A4 2.8 quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
-- 
    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
   ///   AMB Research Laboratories, Sunnyvale, CA. USA
  ///    ti at amb.org
 //////  http://www.ibiblio.org/tkan/
///