quattro Digest, Vol 2, Issue 129 - A4 Purchase

[Larry C. Leung]

While I generally agree with Matt, (if you want 
quattro and a Tip, consider a Passat 4-motion, same basic
chassis, more room, less price, but not as stylish outside, 
certainly especially after the 2001.5 facelift, JUST as stylish
inside.) suit your own needs with respect to the Tipo box. 

Two reasons. With reasonable anticipation, the Tip is a better
than average autobox. It WILL give you the gear you want 
most of the time if you work the lever/paddles. Personnally, 
when I've driven my Mom's Passat, the gearbox has rarely 
let me down, and it's suitably fun. Not as fun as a 5sp, but
still fun. Now, this is with a 2.8 30V in a 2001.5. And, I'd 
have to admit, the A4/A6/Passat chassis is notably stiffer
than my type 44. As for FWD, I'd still go quattro/4-motion,
however. The ONE advantage of the FWD is that the cars
are noticably lighter than the AWD cars. 

LL - NY

> Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 15:00:58 -0600
> From: Matt Evans <matt at mattevans.org>
> Subject: A4 purchase 
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Message-ID: <20031215210058.GA7093 at staypuft.ledhazard.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> I don't see the point of getting a non-quattro audi.  If you dont
> want/need AWD, getting a BMW will give you similar interior room,
> luxury, etc, but the wheels will be at the correct end, and will be 
> a much
> "sportier" overall experience (if you care).
> 
> In the case of the fwd A4, you're paying more money for a smaller 
> passat.
> (a better looking passat, granted :)
> 
> Putting the right drivetrain and transmission on the car makes it 
> worthwhile,
> however.  the 2000 2.8 A4Q is a very nice car to look at, ride in, 
> and drive.
> 
> Furthermore, i will always recommend against any automatic 
> transmission car.
> Manuals are easier to work on, more reliable, more performant, and 
> less 
> finnicky.  You can drop start a manual.  It doesn't have its own ECU 
> thats
> always trying to out-think you.
> 
> Being willing to do your own work is a pre-req for ANY used german 
> car.  The
> A4 isn't special in this regard..  i'm just a new audi owner but i 
> have
> VW, BMW, and Audi in the stable currently.  All need lots of work as 
> they age
> unless you fanatically replace things on an ongoing basis.  
> 
> If you're going to get an A4, don't bother unless its a quattro 5 
> spd.  
> the poor tiptronic transmission will cost money, add weight, slow 
> you down,
> and try to out think you at all junctions.  If you want to spend a 
> lot
> of money a nice front wheel drive car, there are lots of options 
> that will
> cost you a lot less in maintenance over the long run.  
> 
> Matt
> 88 BMW M5
> 88 Audi 90Q 
> 00 Passat Wagon
> 80 BMW 528i (sold)
> 
> 
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> End of quattro Digest, Vol 2, Issue 129
> ***************************************
> 
>