Header explains the questions.
This is a repost - and I would appreciate responses on the reliability (not necessarily just
performance, but about repair problems) issues with 1.8 vs the 2.8.

I am in the market for a new Audi A4.
I was specially concerned about the reliability
of the 1.8 vs the 6 cylinder 2.8.
Also I went to one of the Audi dealer in south
Jersey and got a quote of 33,400 which was
1750 above the invoice (for the 2.8).
It had options like the leather and xenon lights
that I did not need. I was looking for other places which might
have exactly what I need.

Also, conventional wisdom says that the turbo
charged 1.8 will be less reliable than the 2.8.
What have your experiences like?

I was also considering the BMW 323.
The concern was the performance of
the 323 in snow compared to the Audi.

Would appreciate your responses.

We purchased our 99 A4 2.8qtip last March. Our trade-in was the most incredibly unreliable car we've ever owned (a 96 Chrysler Cirrus) so we were particularly concerned about reliability for the long-haul, since we like to keep our cars for at least 100k miles. Here's what I know.

1. My father has a 1988 Audi 80 with 160k miles. That car has never needed any serious repairs, except for the stuff that simply wears out, and is still solid as a rock.

2. Consumer Reports indicates that the A4 has an above average reliability record.

3. The Quattro system has a reputation for being extremely trouble free.

4. We purchased the 2.8 because we had to have an automatic and we wanted a little more power than the 1.8 Tiptronic provided. I think it's a little smoother, quieter, and effortless, and it just doesn't have to work as hard as the 1.8.

5. A big factor in our choice cars was that repairs and maintenance are free for 50k miles. Another factor was that they are drop-dead beautiful looking cars.

5. Our car was delivered in perfect condition (I mean PERFECT) and remains 100% defect free, except that I broke one of little clips which secures the floor mat to the floor (damn!!).

6. I have the idea that Audis, and German cars generally, tend to be heavier than equivalent-sized Japanese or American cars, so they are sturdier; I could be way wrong about this though.

Hope this helps.

We live in Maryland, so can't help you with NJ dealers. Our purchase experience (at Tischer in Silver Spring) was superb.