Re: how to buy an A4 1.8T?

[ScharfR@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-05-19 02:04:36 EDT, e6941tb@ix.netcom.com writes:

<< Should I just grab *any* '97 manual 1.8T w/Q paying extra for the leather
interior, which I hate ...>>

Leather is not available as a factory option on the U.S. model A4 1.8T.
Leatherette (dead petroleum by-products) is a no-cost choice on cars
_without_ the Sport Package.

<< ...for the *sport* package, which is a joke(H-rated rubber on 16" wheels
and stock(!) springs and shocks) ... >>

The useful part of the Sport Package would be the "Recaro-like" sport seats.
They _only_ are available in Jacquard cloth, a flat-woven cloth that suits my
anterior quite well.  With Sport Package you _can't_ get leather, leatherette
or velour.  You might like the cloth Sport Seats more than you think.

<< ...and for the all-weather package which I'll rip out of the car together 
 with the seats, that I hate (see above), when I will be installing racing
Recaros in their place and 17" MOMO Arrows w/255/50 SP8000? ...>>

So, with the above information, why not consider simply adding the Sport
Package to your short wish-list? I'd wager that you'll love the seats.  Now
the only extras you have to buy are the 17" wheels (and you'll at least have
some fairly desirable Audi 16" wheels and tires to barter with).

As to the liklihood of finding the car of your dreams, equipped as you wish,
it's unlikely but not impossible.  However, you probably will not find a car
without the Cold Weather Package in your neck of the  woods.  Yet, since you
may no longer be throwing out your OE seats, you may learn to enjoy the bun
warmers, too.  And as you'll find out, remote locking is bundled with the
Sunroof, so if you want the roof, you get the remote.

Bottom line is that if you find the cloth Sport seats satisfactory, you save
the cost of Recaros and the aggrivation of installing them.  Put that savings
towards the Sports package and Cold weather package options and you will:

a)  break even on the deal
b)  not have to monkey around with major installation pain of non-factory
seats
c)  get to enjoy the convenience of remote locking and heated seats at no
extra cost (decadent, but you get used to it)

Now all you have to do is find your color.