My name is Jon, and I'm an Audi-holic....<p>I've had my 2nd '98 1.8TQM for about a month now. I love the car, but I just haven't been able to warm up to the Hibiscus Red Mica or the grey cloth inside. I yearn for my beloved Aluminum Silver and Onyx leatherette 1.8TQM (remember Shadow?) that I had to sell a few months ago.<p>Well, I guess it may be the season, but I suddenly have the urge to buy an Avant. On paper, the Avant seems to be pretty close in performance with the sedan, but I haven't been able to drive one yet. I was hoping that some of my .org friends could tell me about the driving experience, and perhaps an Avant owner or two could give me an insight to ownership.<p>I'd want a 1.8TQ manual, with all the options. I'm sure I seem like a never satisfied looney, but I am....:-)<br>

I drove virtually all combinations, ie: 1.8 & 2,8, sedan & Avant, with & without sport suspension, manual & Tiptronic. Summary: Avant handles nearly identically to sedan, especially with sport suspension. Biggest difference is view from rearview mirror! Ultimately I chose sedan, but came very close to getting Avant. Good luck! <br>99 1.8 TQM with many modifications incl MTM chip.

We decided we wanted a new car to replace our well-enjoyed 87 4kq. Since we live in the PNW, awd was a given, and since the Sube's didn't really compare...A4 time.<p>We spent a bunch of time deciding just what sort of things we wanted, and since I'm involved in the local Q-group, I've had some opportunity to drive 12v and 30v 6 cyls and some 1.8t's both chipped and un. We decided upon the 1.8tq 5 speed with sports susp. Went out and BOTH of us drove the Avant and sedan after Thanksgiving. Nearly a tossup in terms of desireability, driving behavior, and cost. We ordered a 99.5 1.8tqMS Avant, sport seats, cold, sunroof, and NO BOSE. Jaspis/opal. Delivery is expected in March, not a problem since the 4kq is still running fine.<p>We decided on the added utility of the Avant, since it seemed to have little negative effect on the rest of the package. We both also thought the Avant was a bit more distinctive than the sedan.<p>This is what we did, and why. Hope it helps you...<p>>>>>>Bernie

I have a 98 Avant T, and Im very pleased with it. I drove almost all combinations/engine (also those you dont have in the US) prior to buying it, and I am very "sporty" oriented in my driving style. If the Avant would have handled worse than the Sedan, I would not have gotten it. Never...<br>I dare say that the Avant even handles better than the Sedan, due to the more stiff body, caused by the longer roofline. Also, some parts of the Avant is different, stiffer rear shocks etc.<br>The extra weight is negliable Id say.<p>The trunk room is VERY spacy, I have a 38 ltr sub packed back there, and I can still put in everything I want to without having to remove it, suitcases, 4 17" wheels (with folded rear seat) etc etc. Its very cool to be able to go on trips with the car, I dont think this would be possible in a Sedan, definetly not if you have subs back there.<p>Also, the design of the Avant is very nice, and there are many A4 Sedans out there (although not where I live, like 60/40) so its nice to be different. <p>Keep in mind that the RS2 ONLY was made in Avant, not one single Sedan!!! That says something about how sporty wagons can be....<p>If you have other questions, and/or want to see some pics of my car, please mail me!<p>Joe M<br>http://avant.extreme.com/a4.org/registry/details.asp?car=619