Should I Buy a 1999 Audi A4 Quattro?

[Neil Bomberg <nbomberg@earthlink.net>]

Dear List,
I am new to the list.  I am on the verge of buying a 1999 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro with Tiptronic
transmission.  The information I would like to obtain has probably been requested time and time
again, so I ask your indulgence.
Over the weekend, I road tested the A4 1.8T and 2.8 FrontTrak and Quattro versions.  I was fortunate
to be able to drive the Audi on dry and very wet and slick road surfaces.
I was very impressed with every aspect of the Audi, including performance and "creature comforts."
I found almost nothing to complain about.  Even the back seat, which is short on leg room, is so
well designed.  My son, who is much taller than I am, found the back seat very comfortable and had
no complaints about the leg room.
I found very little, if any difference, in pick-up and power between the two models.   I did find
substantial differences in the handling of the Quattro and FrontTrak versions.  Based upon handling,
I am convinced that the Quattro is the way to go.
However, I am concerned about the overall cost of maintenance of the Quattro vehicle.  The dealer
indicated that tires must be rotated more regularly on the Quattro version then on the FrontTrak
version and that it is important to replace all four tires rather than two, if one tire goes bad.  I
am also concerned about the durability of the system.
I would really like to get the list's input on the advantages and disadvantages of the Quattro
system, and some sense of what the costs of maintenance are after the three year warranty expires.
Thanks very much,
Neil Bomberg
Washington, DC
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