leaving the list

[Jeremiah@curryclan.net]

Sad to say it, but I will be leaving the list.  I have been a member since about 1997 and had the following vehicles
1984 5000s
1984 Coupe GT
1985 Coupe GT
1991 200 20v
1999 VW Passat V6
2001 Allroad.

Traded in the allroad for a non Audi last week.

Thanks to all who have helped me along the way!  The list has been a lifesaver and a source of much entertainment.

If you are interested in the longer version; The Allroad turned out to be more than we could take in terms of maintenance and repair, kind of soured us on the whole luxury segment to tell the truth.  After rebuilding the transmission for $5k, then the front air suspension, air suspension ECU, front suspension bushings, and finally having the transmission start to go again we gave up.  We had spent more on maintenance than I paid for the car in 3 years.  For the record the 200 20v was more fun to drive, got better gas mileage was more reliable and more comfortable.  We initially bought the allroad because we wanted something we could adventure offroad in and it did a great job there.  But now I have a 97 Land Cruiser with locking front, center and rear diffs, which handles the offroad duty much better.  I also have a MR2 turbo for the fun roads.  Which led us to get a 06 Prius (I know I know, boring utilitarian car) for my wife to run around town in and for family road trips.  Should save me over $1000/yr in gas alone.  I don’t love it, but I do love the idea of saving some money and using it for other automotive indulgences like my 1957 Triumph TR3.  I also work from home and don’t really drive much.

Maybe someday I will be back in the audi fold.  I love the new A4 and A5, and would certainly love an R8.  But for now I can’t justify the maintenance .