Re[2]: OPINION WANTED : Audi as a "consumer" vehicle (long)

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/29/98 "Big Al" (Unser???) awoolhouse@zetex.com writes:

<< Theoretically this is obvious - a Q is going to cost you more. >>

Than what? A adnoh? Prolly so... A comparable non awd European car? Prolly
not.
     
<< It's more expensive to fix IF it goes wrong. >>

Again--than what?

<< It drinks more fuel. >>

Not so...this "theory" was disproven and well documented in very early quattro
development.

<< It costs more to insure. >>

Huh?! Not in the state of CA it doesn't. That is a state by state thing...

<< It IS more complex mechanically so there ARE more things to go wrong. >>

Agreed...good ol' Murphey comes to play here. But, the quattro driveline has
proven to be pretty darn reliable. In the 6 quattros I have owned only one has
had a failure of the quattro system per say--and that was the front joint in
the center driveshaft which coulda just as easily happened in a RWD wmb or
some such (BTDT).

<< And you're more likely to need a more specialist mechanic. With specialist
tools. At a specialist rate. >>

That is not because of quattro. That applies to any European and in this day
and age many Asian and domestic (US) cars as well. The days of the shade tree
mechanic are pretty much gone in the modern car. Priced dealer service for a
adnoh lately?! FWIW, the highest dealer service cost vehicles I have ever
owned were domestic pick up trucks so go figure. (Thankfully they were
reliable and I did my own maintenance!)

<< There are a million good compelling reasons to buy a quattro (I hope
they're good because I keep on doing it) but unfortunately, economy isn't one
of them. >>

That is a given kinda...anything beyond the bare basics of a Geo Metro or the
like one makes a decision based on features and performance. Quattro applies
to both those criteria IMO.

<< But. All of the above can apply to much lesser cars too. Buy one wisely and
you will NOT regret it. Lots of cars cost lots of dosh and sometimes you don't
get your money's worth. You would with a quattro. Which would you prefer? A
large, thirsty, complex, comfortable, ugly, slow, techno-limo - or a real car?
Come on you only live once. You know it makes sense. >>

Well put Big Al...

The bottom line is that non-car people should not be driving old used cars of
any make more than likely in this day and age. Once into high miles all cars
break at one time or another and all cars require proper maintenance. A famous
sports broadcaster here in the SF Bay Area was once known for driving the
cheapest beater he could get, drive it till it dies, and leave it on the road
dead replacing it with another. If you are lucky, and can live with the
potential inconvenience...that may well be the lowest cost per mile way of
driving.

Again though...unless one is considering a new car purchase, an Audi is not a
"consumer car" IMO.

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq (and many others "consumed" ;-)...)