Re: Searching for an Audi (rather long reply)

[Mike Marion <mmarion@optronics-intl.com>]

Carrie wrote:

[snip]

>passat.  the volkswagon dealer told me that it is the same car as the a4.
>i welcome
>any
>thoughts about this because i want to better understand the difference
>between a
>passat
>and an a4.
>

They are "basically" the same car.  The Passat has a longer wheelbase, more
rear legroom, a softer ride, and steel wheels with covers (base model).
The passat is also more available (from what I have seen) and cheaper.  I
think that I saw a Tiptronic model with CD for something like $22.6k -
don't quote me on that because I just had passing interest when I saw the
car. There was, or is, a "deal" on the CD with the cost being something
like $2-$300 (I think).  Don't know the length or breadth of that special
though.  Currently the only engine available on the Passat is the Turbo 4
(gas) with TDI and V6 arriving later.  Rumored price for the V6 is
somewhere around $26k+.  Syncro (Quattro) is not available yet (that I have
seen) and will not be available on the TDI (?).  The Passat Wagon will
arrive next summer at best.  The VW also comes with the 10yr/100k mile
powertrain warranty and a 2yr/24k mile all inclusive deal.

I have not checked into pricing specifically on the Passat but a VW can
usually be had for 10% or better off list (my best deal ever was 20% and
worst was 0%).

Having owned several Audis and more VWs that I can count (over a dozen!) no
one will hear me bad-mouthing them (well not many of them at least  =).

Mike



=============================================================================
Mike Marion, Optronics - mmarion@optronics-intl.com
1990 Coupe Quattro - Lago Blue
1984 BMW R100RS "Last Edition" - Pearl White
1995 Mitsubishi Montero, RWD/AWD/4WD - Scratched White
=============================================================================ÄÄ