Been reading the forum for a while and have decided to take the plunge for an A4 Avant. Look for advise on the following:
1) 2.8 vs 1.8T, yeah I know cost, leather and smooth engine differences but what about driving characteristics, handling etc, upgrade options

2) New or used? The dealers in my area (Atlanta) have essentially no inventory and used A4 Avants are hard to come by. Any recomendations on dealers that have inventory ?

3) Interested in a chip upgrade and exhaust. Worth the $1,500 or so ? What is the cost on Ronal R-28 17" rims ?

4) Planning to upgrade the stereo. Does anyone know the size of the rear door speakers ? Will amps fit under the seats ? Has anyone mounted a sub in the back hatch recessed along the side wall ?

5) Where is the best place to get the clear side markers and rear wing ?

Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks for your help !!!

#1 1.8T has many more upgrades than the 2.8, but no leather.

#2 All used ones have tiptronic

#3 Chip and rear muffler worth it, leave resonator alone. See Gary@Ronal about wheels and tires.

#4 I couldn't care less about the stereo, it already has a subwoofer - stock is good enough for me.

#5 99.5 & 2000 have clear side markers, haven't seen a wing I like (one is available at dealer)

The 1.8TQM Avant is the best performer of all the A4's on the track, because it has the best F/R weight balance. The 1.8T can reach 300hp for the same price that the 2.8 reaches 280hp without SC whine.

GET THE SPORT STEERING WHEEL

The sport package is a very good deal, if you are not going for coilovers or 17's right away.

Good luck,

Todd W

I recently purchased a 99.5 A4 Avant 1.8T qms and I have to tell you that this car is a blast. The car handles like a sports car, looks awesome, and carries 32" TV's and camping gear like the best SUV. I LOVE THIS CAR!!

I decided on the 1.8T QMS because the 1.8T high revs mated with the manual 5 speed to put a permanent grin on my face when I'm behind the sports wheel (^8

I highly recommend you look around and test drive the car you want to own. That's really the only way you will know whether or not you will be satisfied with you new ride.

Best of Luck,

Rahbee Dee

PS I ordered my A4 Avant in May.

Helluva distance for you, but just had my Porsche state-inspected in Pittsburgh; Imports by Day has a couple of A4 Avants sitting in lot. Call 724-327-4900.

For info, my preference is the 30V; love it in my 98.5 A4 Avant! Good power once I get the engine above 2500 RPM, smooth/quiet in all situations. Then again, I have a personal bias against Turbos; had a '90 Coupe Quatro that went 132K miles without a cent going into engine repair (timing belt I consider amintenance). Feel on 1.8T, something will go in that mileage (like the turbo). Hopefully, the 30V will last & last.