Audi as a Consumer Vehicle

[Pete Kraus <Pete_Kraus@Emory.Org>]

Huw Powell, in his response to OPINION WANTED : Audi as a
"consumer" vehicle, comments:

>one of the reasons I haven't made the Q leap -the budget factor...
>someday!

>Actually, he's wrong here for another reason.  Look at the subject
>line.  I don't think Audi has yet made a car which meets the needs first
>outlined...

>The original questioner should buy a adnoH.  

I had a feeling this thread might turn controversial.  When I bought my
'85 4KSQ in 1987, I had reservations similar to Huw's.  Actually, I had
been looking for a used Coupe GT, a car I much admired (still do).  

In the 11 years and 130K+ miles I've owned the 4KSQ, I can't think of a
single repair or maintenance expense attributable to AWD.  I'd have to
check the service records to be sure, but my impression is that
AWD-related components are commendably reliable.  

Having said that, I reluctantly must agree with Huw, for the reason he
states, that if the original poster means what he says about purchasing
a consumer vehicle, Honda makes more economic sense.  However,
said poster claims to be an Audi enthusiast.  I submit that no
self-respecting Audi enthusiast will be satisfied with a Honda as his/her
only car. 

It becomes a matter of priorities:  Indulge one's enthusiasm, keep the
fingers crossed and be prepared to pay a little more through the years. 
Or take the safer, duller, possibly cheaper (there are no guarantees the
Honda will be fault-free, although my parents drive two high-mileage
Accords that are) alternative, and tough it out until circumstances
change. 

Pete
Pete_Kraus@emory.org