for the avant we will soon be looking for we are deciding on what to look for. the car we find will probably have 40k-55k miles on the engine and i will expect it to last a whole lot longer. there is absolutely nothing other than the engine in these three cars that would make me pick one over another. the interiors are basically the same to me, except that which can be upgraded for a similar cost. i want to know which one of these engines is in it for the long run under these proposed conditions. i have heard all the nighmares on the 2.7biturbo and am really not sold on it yet, as well as having to pull the damn engine to work on it. i am not too sure about the 2.8, though i did thoroughly enjoy it in my passat the short time i had it. the 1.8t i drive now, just not in stage 3 form, not sure if PES or APR is the way. damn eurotuner did the PES install, but won't give numbers until next month. so any input as to why any engine would be easier to work on, least expensive to deal with and seemingly (i know this is a guesstimate) last longer under the stresses, let me know. i want an avant bad. issues such as cost to maintain, insure, etc are obvious with this.

I think your wife will enjoy driving that setup. I haven't driven a 1.8t, but have driven a chipped 2.7t [A6]. I'm headed down to Tampa in April, would be glad to meet up and let her drive my car. How did your GA traffic ticket come out?

how's it going jim? let me know when you are coming through here, we can meet for lunch, on me this time. i would love to check out your car again. as for the ticket, the court date posted on the ticket is feb 21, so i guess that will be the big day. i am considering going up through alabama this time. that damn state has me pissed offffffff. the only two tickets i have are in this county and the one north of it. these are the only traffic violations i have ever received and i am darn sick off getting them in that state.

I'm doing well and will be headed to Tampa on Friday, April 5 and returning on Sunday the 6th. I'll send you an email about a week prior and we'll set it up. Hope the ticket thing works out OK for you. Have you got the sound system for an Avant planned out or is that extra room for a baby crib?

one year left. i will hear from you soon. also i will let you know about the ticket in late february, fingers crossed until then.