Re: A4 5 speed vs Auto for commuting..........1997 A4 prices

[Steven_C._Neumann@bridge.com (Steven C. Neumann)]

     In reply to Carl Cox <carlcox@alaska.net>:
     > Being that I will soon buy an A4 for our move to Seattle some
     > knowledgeable in urban commuting have suggested that I would be
     > crazy to get a car without an auto due to the stop and go traffic
     > (Seattle is terrible during rush hour...I-5 is a parking lot!).
     > While I want the 5 speed for all the right reasons I am
     > reconsidering.  Anyone commute in stop and go traffic 1 hour per day
     > in a 5 speed.....is the 5 speed still worth it?
     
     I don't do that long a commute every day, but I remember times being 
     stuck in 1/2 hour jams with both manual and auto cars, and let me tell 
     you, the auto was (as in all other conditions) a PITA!  In stop and go 
     traffic, much of the time you're stopped.  In an automatic, this means 
     you've got to be pressing on the brake constantly, whereas in a manual 
     you can just sit there with no effort (on a flat road, obviously).  
     And when you're going, it's generally only in 1st gear, so there's no 
     shifting!  What could be easier?
     
     IMHO, there is absolutely no reason to get an automatic transmission. 
     (It's an extra thousand bucks too!)
     
     > Also...what are the new 1997 prices for the A4 going to be...should
     > I wait or will waiting cost me $.  Any changes in the A4 for 1997?
     
     I'm waiting for my new A4 (supposed to experience landfall in Houston 
     today, then at least a week to get up here to St. Louis -- argh!!).  
     My dealer said it was in the last shipment of 1996 models from 
     Audiland, so unless you can find one you like that's already in the 
     country, I think you're going to be forced to wait for the 1997 
     models.  This dealer guy also said there were no significant changes 
     for 1997, other than a few new colors and the new 1.8L turbo model.
     
     
     -------------
     Steve Neumann
     sneumann@bridge.com