Hi,

I was wondering about this before I jump into it. In May of 99 I bought an fully loaded Black (clearcoat) Tiptronic 99.5 A4 2.8Q. After driving it and loving every single moment of it, I have decided that I want more performance, but want the features of the 2.8. I've driven a shift for a while, and additionally have grown to miss it. The other day I was able to find someone with a similar 99.5 A4 2.8Q, except his was manual, but it is missing the All-Weather and has leatherette seats instead of leather. His additionally has 6,400 miles while mine has 5,400 miles. He is trading his in to the dealer as his S4 is about to come in in a few weeks. I am interested in trading mine for a manual, and we can work this out pretty easily. I was wondering if any of you have any views as to whether it is worth it or not, and whether I'm really screwing myself in the long run since my car is going to have a higher resale value.

Thanks,

Adam Befeler
2.8QTipS

If the numbers are right for you, I'd say "do it". I drive a 98.5 2.8 Avant QT and my one and only regret is the same as yours - it's a Tiptronic.

If I found what it sounds like you found I would sure make the trade bearing in mind that the dealer is going to need to make a profit on all three cars involved. BTW, it's always a good idea to talk to the previous owner before you sign on the dotted line. Maybe you can do the trade directly with him before he trades his in?

When I bought my 98.5 Avant I found a buyer for my previous vehocle. My dealer did what they called an "in and out" transaction. For the sum of $285 they tokk my truck as a tradein to lower my sales tax cost and then sold my truck to the buyer that I found for the price that the other buyer and I had privately negotiated. I had this same arrangement offered to me by an MB dealer so it may well be a common practice. Have your QM person talk to their dealer about the possibility of doing this for him/you.

Kevin Craig

98.5 2.8 QTip Avant

I traded my 98 2.8 qtip for a 99.5 2.8 Avant qmss and I am delighted to have a manual again. The is much quicker and I am actually driving again. I love the leather and the cold-weather though, so I'm not sure I would give those up for the manual.