Re: 100cs avant questions

["Shaun D. Mullen" <smullen@philly.infi.net>]

> thinking of buying a 100cs avant [can't afford an a6 avant] and
> looking for list experience and observations.  btw,  my v8q has been
> delightful and reliable albiet a little pricey to maintain.  how will
> the 100cs compare in build quality and handling? TIA

After 207,000 original owner miles, I traded my '92 100CSQW for an A4Q
Avant last April.  Although there has been an occasional horror story on
this list and elsewhere (usually as the result of some bonehead behavior
on the part of the dealer or service shop), it's probably fair to say
the 100CSQW (rebadged the A6QW in the mid 90s) is pretty much
bulletproof -- and rather expensive used (high teens to low 20s) if the
mileage is low and the car is otherwise in excellent condition.  But
when you factor in the probability that the car will run well for
another 100,000-150,000 miles or so with proper care and feeding, the
rather expensive resale price doesn't seem so bad.  Build quality is
excellent.  Handling is decent until you drive an A4Q Avant, which beats
it all to heck.  I have not driven a new A6Q Avant.  Talk to as many
dealers as possible about what you're looking for. In particular, keep
an eye out for wagons coming off lease.  Dealers sometimes end up being
"stuck" with them and might be willing to drop the price a bit.  Good
luck.

Shaun Mullen
West Grove, PA