Novice

[Lawrence C Katzenstein <Lawrence.C.Katzenstein-1@tc.umn.edu>]

Hi,
  I'm new to the list as I've just gotten a '90 V8 Quattro. I traded in a 
1989 Maxima SE that I loved dearly to get this thing and I hope I made the
right decision. I bought the Quattro because we've settled in Minnesota
and this thing proved amazing in the snow and ice last night.
  My problem is that beyond the bad weather stuff the car seems like a
REALLY expensive toy that performs at about the same level as my Nissan
(0-60 in about 8 seconds). In the first month that I've owned it I've had
a $500 brake job (just pads) and was told that when I need rotors it will
cost over $700 a side. In addition, I popped for $725 for new timing
belts as a precaution, $200 for a new serpentine pulley and belt, and
yet another $200 to put new O rings in my power steering pump as it
allowed all the fluid to pour out of the power steering and brake system. 
  The electronics on this car are mixed. The Bose stereo is awesome, and
even better than the Bose in my Maxima. On the other hand the climate
control and outside temperature are way off. The clock doesn't work and
nobody will sell me a new one without a rebuilt dash, and the interior
lights will go on manually, but by opening any of the doors. 
  The engine and transmission are flawless as is the all wheel drive. 
  Should I dump this thing, keep it and forget about the electronic stuff,
nag the dealer to trade back for my Maxima, or what? I mean, now that it's
straightened out the Quattro is really growing on me, but I would really
like to have a clock and interior lights and everybody is treating the car
like it's the space shuttle. Even the dealer has specially trained V8
techs who are the only techs who won't work on weekends. 
   Would it be a big deal to get the interior light controller, unwire the
old one, and install a new one? How might one reset the temp. controls?
Does anybody have a clock they'd like to part with? How about plastic
speaker grills for the doors as these are a little kicked in?
   I like this car, but my first experiences are really tough love. It
reminds me of the Austin Healy 3000 I had when I was a kid: Great looking
and fun to drive, but a bunch of endless headaches. 
   Any ideas would be welcomed.
Larry Katzenstein
Minneapolis, MN.