Re: Choices, choices

["Osman Parvez" <oparvez1@nycap.rr.com>]

> OK, I've been lurking for awhile now, so I've decided to "pop the
question"
> that I hoped that I'd get answered without my asking it.  This question
has
> been bantered about to some degree but not to my satisfaction, so here
goes:
> 
> I have owned many VW's but never an Audi, I have however lusted in my
heart
> for one.  I currently am driving a Jetta with 192,000 miles--so its time
to
> buy a new car this fall.  I don't want to spend $30,000 USD, in fact I
want
> to be as close to $25,000 as I can get.  So, here's my delima, I can get
an
> adequately equiped A4 1.8 Q w/5sp for a sticker price of $28,260, and I
> estimate I can get a Passat GLS Syncro with 2.8 tiptronic, and otherwise
> similarly equiped for the same or probably somewhat lower sticker price.
> Obviously actual purchase prices will be lower, and there will probably
be
> more price negotiation room w/the Audi, as the Passat Syncro will be in
> short supply at first. Its just easier to compare sticker prices and go
> from there.

You'll find the Passat Syncro in extremely short supply. We had our VW
regional rep come in the other day. Apprarently the delay on the Syncro is
indefinate for Audi isn't supplying VW with the trannies since all of them
are going into Audis. Apparently there isn't enough Q trannies being built
right now to supply the Passat. When it does come out, you can expect there
to be MUCH more bargaining on the A4 1.8tq than on the 2.8 syncro. Although
they aren't overflowing the lots, 1.8tq's *can* be found at most any
dealer, the exception being a low supply of 1.8tq automatics. 

The 10/100K warranty on the powertrain can be an enticement to the Passat
that you may not have considered before. Strange how it's the same
powertrain with a completely different warranty. I think it's more a
difference of marketing than on costs.. Just my $0.02.

Good luck.

-Osman