Picked up my wife's silver '00 A4 1.8T Avant with sport package and seats on saturday at Rector - Burlingame, and drove it home to LA on the PCH.
By the way carOrder payed $1,631.- to Rector to get me the car. A big THANK YOU to carOrder.com!
Here are my observations about this car.
Minuses: overboosted steering, bicycle spare, white and red dashboard cluster displays.
Pluses: I could go on and on but I'll just say - this is a "precision instrument" for driving.
The biggest surprise to me was the engine which is exaclty half the size and half the number of cylinders of my car (I'm driving an Audi V8). Boy, what a power delivery for such a tiny "sewing machine". It really feels like an electric motor. Seemless power delivery between 2000 and 6000 RPMs no matter what gear you're in. I was going to chip it but now I'm wondering if it's necessary.
The much discussed 10-spoke wheels. I like them after all even though the 5-spokers are still the best looking in my opinion.
After spending a weekend with this new baby I understand why this site is so vibrant.
Hey, best news of all. My wife finds the car too sporty to her tastes, so it looks like she's getting the V8 and I'll get the A4. That was my secret wish all along anyway. ;-)

of warning or danger. Plus, it obscures the redline at night.

I like "red only". I'm used to it from my V8 and previous 4000 Q. In my opinion the 2 color combination is less soothing to the eyes at night.