First let me say thanks to all the folks on the A4.org forums for all your help and excellent advice! You made my homework and buying process so much easier. I ended up with a 99.5 1.8T qms in metallic silver with the gray cloth interior. I love the car. However, I only have 620 miles on the car. Some early observations and questions for all you A4 experts:

1. Yesterday the yellow check engine light came on during some low speed city driving. It doesn’t go off. The manual says it could be emissions related and to take it into the dealer?
2. I’ve filled the car up twice now with Chevron Supreme. Both times once when the car is started at the gas station after the refill the car sputters or runs rough. It even stalled once on the second tank. This only happens after filling it up. Other than this the engine seems to run flawlessly.
3. The metal trim strip in the passenger door seems to be getting small (head a pencil sized) nicks in it. I spotted one and now I see two. I can only guess this is from the metal of the passenger’s seatbelt hitting the trim as they unbuckle? Anything I can do besides lecturing each of my passengers?
4. I’ve been trying like hell to keep the RPMs below 4000 during this early stage of engine break-in but it’s killing me! This car wants to run. How long do I have to baby her?
5. I live in Utah but I don’t plan to purchase winter wheels or tires because I will only use the car 3 miles each way to work from downtown to the airport when it snows. This to work route will always be well plowed because it is the only route currently connecting the city to the airport. I have a Subaru Outback if I need to venture out to the mountains or on a road trip during the winter. I’m assuming, with Quattro and the short well-plowed distance that I drive to work, I can get by with the standard sport package wheel/tire set up?

Thanks in advance for all the input!

Mark Peery
99.5 1.8T qms

1. The check engine light can mean many things, you need to bring it into the dealer to find out what's wrong with the car.

2. Problems with starting after filling up with gas has happened before to others who post on this board. I think Christine S had this problem, but not sure if it's the same problem as yours.

3. Can't help you here, I'm usually the only one in the car :(

4. There are many different opinions on proper engine break in. Some will say to keep it under X RPM for the first X miles, and some will say to redline it once a day. I think the important thing to do is to vary engine speed a lot. Shift down if you have to, then shift back up when you're cruising on the freeway. Personally, I went up to 5000 - 6000 RPM sometimes during break in, but I did vary engine speed as much as I could during break in.

HTH,
Mark

If you have the performance tires with your sport package, I wish you luck in driving in *any* kind of snow. Snow tires may not be necessary for 3 miles of plowed roads, but all season tires seem like a must.