S4vA4t (was:used car prices)LONG OPINION

[Derek Daily <ddaily@SMTPGW.MITSUICOMTEK.COM>]

>>> Dave <mhauk@ccsdana.net> - 1/14/98 12:30 PM >>>
(snippy)
Granted the S4-S6 was and is a great car, however, no used Audi is
worthty of new car pricing.  (snippier)This morning someone posted a
91 200tqw for the paltry sum of $18+K with a bomb that needs
replaced.(snippiest)  Not preaching here just trying to instill a bit
of common sense back into the Qlist.

Dave's sentiment is rather close to home for those of us that admire
the turbo Audi's...but I'll drop my hat in the ring here.
(1)  Ed K's 200tqw has also had some IA mods (III) done...this should
account for a premium over the "std" 91 200tqw... another _rare_ Audi.
 Price seems steep to me also, but there IS a little precedent.  The
last 2 tqw's for sale at karquattro's page were up there.
(2)  Went and drove the SF Bay '94 S4 at Rector and it gave me a
great chance to compare it beside my '90 CQ and a '98 A4tqm.  
STATS:
'90 CQ NA 20v ~$8-15k
'91 200tqw 2.2 20vt ~$9-18k
'94 S4 2.3 20vt ~$16-32k (asking was $29k on this one)
'98 A4 1.8tq ~$24-30k (MSRP was $25 on this one)

S4/200:
Now I know I'm gonna draw some jeers here (Arun's going to get ticked
at me;-), but these things are big luxo cruisers.  I know that most
owners on this list know enough about them to make great mods and
_sporten_ their standings.  But nevertheless, they are large,quiet,
comfy inside and we all know...that they're FAS (Fast As S---!!!) 
That said, I want one....but I will wait for the prices to be a
little more to my liking.  
Question:  Between the examples that I drove, the 200tqw seemed to
have much more boost punch, although the S4 seemed to actually get to
speed faster.  Change in initial boost rpm?

A4 1.8t:
Drove this immediately after the S4.  I recommend to anyone
considering a similar test drive, but leaning towards the brand
spanking new one...DO NOT TEST DRIVE IN THIS ORDER (i.e S4>A4tq).  I
was immediately put off by the sound, steering and cluch pedal alone.
 I think someone put it best a few days ago..."feels just like a adnoH
now".  However, I've driven one before and liked it then so I
continued driving.  The engine while small and tinny (remember...post
S4 drive) was extremely fun and quick.  The interior was a far cry
from the CQ, 200 or S4, with the Naughie seating and no electrical
adjust. Plus the wife nearly barfed on the seats (a cleaning plus)
when she realized the color combo.

IMO the biggest problem with Audis right now are the pricing
disparities and I'm talking about USED cars.  One of us can pick up a
CQ for $7k, while another poor soul has to pay $4-8k more!  Same with
the 200tq's...last year a 200tqw off the q/e-page classified went for
~10k and I've seen pricing now up to ~$17k.  An '93 S4 in CO for $17k
and even a '95 S6 in CA @ $24 (anyone grab it?) and a '94 S4 @$29k or
'95 S6 @ $40k!  What the hell!
The new car demand is killing the _reasonably-priced_ market.

Too Much Said Already (but 99.995% q related), 
Derek Daily
90 CQ (which held up very well in the test drive survey )
86 VW qsw