After owning 3 VW GTis since 1986, the last a heavily modified 1991, I've always been a bit of an Audi fan and decided to take the plunge. The car I was initially interested in was the BMW 323ti, but it isn't even available in the United States and the 318ti is a little too gutless for what it's chassis is capable of. Plus I'm now living in an area where the quattro will be put to good use.<p>I first drove a normally aspirated 1.8 A4 back when I was living in Switzerland in 1997 and really liked the car's chassis dynamics, ergonomics and wonderful good looks.<p>I ordered my car on October 20th from Star Motors. 2.8 30V Quattro, Sport Package, Sport Seats and every option save the TIP. Laser Red/Onyx. I was told initially that it would take 12-14 weeks. The dealer told me at the time that there were several cars throughout the country that matched those specs but none of them had the sport seats and after sliding around like crazy on an enthusiastic test drive, I considered it a must. (I already have 17" rims to mount in the Spring BTW. Snow tires are going on when I take delivery).<p>For anybody else interested, VW, Audi & Volvo have split from Star Motors in Nyack, NY to form Palisades Audi VW & Volvo, several miles away. For a period of a few weeks I heard no word of the status of my car and was worried that I might not take delivery until February and I might end up with a 99.5. <p>Until I hear otherwise, I consider the changes in the suspension a bit suspect. Even the sport suspension is a bit soft for my tastes and I don't want to go even further in that direction.<p>The dealer called me yesterday to tell me that the car is arriving at the port of Boston on Wednesday and I may even have it before the end of the year if he can swing it.<p>Getting the car exactly how I wanted it is well worth the wait--and less than I expected.<p>Just counting down the days now. The last few are the WORST!!!<p><br>a VERY excited, soon to be, 99 2.8 qms owner<br>(+ Wett chip after break in)<p>Jeff<br>

.<br>

I suppose depending on where your dealer is located could make a difference in car allocation but sometimes I wonder.<p>A week after I ordered my car, the dealer called and told me that the exact same car as I had ordered was already on it's way and if I wanted, they could put a hold on it and I could have it within 6 weeks. The only exception was that it was equiped with the Bose system. (I had orginally ordered my car without it.) After some consideration I agreed to pay the higher price to get my car sooner.<p>Two weeks after that, the dealer called me and told me that they had made an error and the car was exactly the same except that it didn't have the trip computer. At first I was going to take it regardless but given a day to think about it I changed my mind and was begining to feel like I was being given the run-around--whether I really was or not. No, I turned it down and told them that I wanted the car as I had ordered it (although I agreed to the Bose at that point based on other's comments from the forum).<p>This was in mid November and the dealer told me that they still had the original order in (they didn't cancel it) and I would just be going back to the original time frame. I was worried that I was being given a line and they had to reorder the car from scatch. <p>I guess it turns out that it isn't the case.<p>Although I filled out the paperwork, I didn't actually pay the deposit until October 26th. If you ordered the car on October 15th, I would really push your sales rep a bit. At least based upon my own car's order/delivery time, I think turn around within 2 months is certainly possible.<p>Best,<br>Jeff

Jeff, I just bought my 2.8Q last week and love it (same options as yours, different colors). Seems like everyone else here has the 1.8T (which I didn't even test drive). Did you drive the 1.8T and if so.... what did you think. Just curious what your opinion is.<br>Thanks, Scott

Hi Scott,<p>Yes I did drive the 1.8t. The amusing thing is that much of what attracted me to the 1.8 is also what turned me away. <p>I thought the 1.8 handled a bit better. I attibute it to 200 fewer pounds and better weight distribution. It was almost enough to sway me in the turbo's direction because handling is an attribute I rate very high on my list of requirements, but I didn't think the difference between the two cars was all that pronouced and lower profile tires will help with initial turn in response (the most noticeable difference).<p>Perhaps it's just my imagination but I also thought that the 1.8 had slightly lower gearing (at least 1-3). I appreciated it's aggressive nature. In some respects, it was more fun to drive.<p>That said, after 12 years of driving 1.8 liter GTis, I was too taken in by the overall smoothness, responsiveness, raw power and refinement of the 30V 2.8. In my last GTi, I changed my camshaft, cylinder head, throttle body, exhaust header and downpipe, airbox, distributor cap and wires (and those were just the engine mods) all in the effort to get more power. As much as I have respect for Audi's turbo cars, I didn't want to start down that road again. Adding a chip is fine and I would like to get one for my car too (to eliminate the flat spot between 3500 and 4500 rpm) but I can't see going through such modification efforts to attain the power that the 2.8 already has to begin with.<p>I have no doubt that the extra 30-40 hp a "turbo" chip would add would offer a big increase in performance but I put about 25-30K on my cars in a year and I really have to question the long term (150K+) longevity of that setup.<p>And either way, it's just my opinion but I thought the 2.8 had a really sexy feeling winding out through the gears. The 1.8, while pretty refined, was like a sewing machine in comparison--competent but lacking in passion.<p>Best,<br>jeff