Re: 97 A4Q- 2nd impressions: 1000 miles

[Fringe Ryder <Fringe@ai.net>]

I'm at 2200 miles on my 97 A4Q.  For the most part, I agree with your
assessments.

>From: tlazay@ultranet.com
>I've been driving my new A4Q for 1000 miles now. I posted my first
>impressions at approx. 300 miles. Here's what I think now:

[snip]
>2) I am new to quattro AWD and I went out playing in the snow this morning.
>AWESOME! Even with the Eagle RSA's, the acceleration and cornering was alot
>of fun. Climing up my icy driveway (10-15 degree incline) amazing. I stopped
>halfway up and then "gunned it." There was a little sliding at first
>(expected) but still made it up very quickly (BTW, my dad's Lexus LS400 with
>traction control did not make it up, even with a running start from the
>bottom- for those of you involved in that silly AWD vs. Traction debate).

I had the same experience - a smidgen of slippage, but then simply "go".

>I also have never used ABS before. It seems to increase control but increase
>the stopping distance significantly (on packed snow at least).

Not my experience - unless you're counting the fact that stopping power is
decreased when you gently but inadvertently slide into the curb. <g>

>3) Regarding GALA, I know it's turned on, but I can't hear any difference in
>volume at any speed change. Maybe some QList A4 owners can figure this one
>out. The base on the non-Bose system sounds a bit hollow. Can you add a
>subwoofer to the non-Bose audio system?

Bass is hollow on the Bose too, oddly, although it sounds pretty good
generally.  I'd like to add a subwoofer also.

[snip]
>4) The armrest is quite curious. With the armrest down, using the parking
>brake is awkward, in fact when fully engaged, the parking brake handle moves
>the armrest upward. It also get's in the way of shifting for city driving.
>Oh well, not a big deal. 

I leave it down.  No trouble with the brake, not in the way, and it maxes
out a bit below the lowest setting of the armrest.

>5) Highway driving is great. Some owners have complained about the lack of
>on-center feel. I disagree. I find that it tracks perfectly straight and is
>easy to keep between the lines at 90+ mph. Ideally, I would like to see less
>body roll in the turns though. 

Yeah, the ride is a smidgen squishy.  And then I made it worse by adding
Blizzaks.  I know there's a road down there somewhere, but it's hard to
prove when cornering right now. <g>

>6) The engine sounds and performs much better than at 200 miles when I
>picked up the car. It's singing now. Does anyone notice a slight whistling
>sound when accelerating from 2900 rpm to 3100 rpm in 4th or 5th gear? 

Not in mine.  No whine or whistle, just growling under pressure.  Kinda cool.

>8) I've noticed that my brakes have developed a slight squeak. I think I
>remember people complaining about this at 7500 miles. Is this normal?

Didn't happen to me.

>9) I'm still curious about the grinding sound that I described a week ago or
>so. When turning tightly (i.e. parking or 90 degree turns) there is some
>grinding sound coming from under the car. I'm sure this isn't the tires
>because I tested this on snow and grass. I guess it's something with the
>Torsen diff. as someone speculated before.

Also didn't happen to me.

>That's all for now. 
>
>
>- -Tom
>'97 A4Q

Glad you like the car.  Mine's the best car I've ever driven.  Can't wait
for Seattle Spring-Time, so I can put some real rubber on the road and go play!

Tony
'97 A4Q