First thing: WOW! Coming from a strong-but-floaty VR6 Jetta background, this is almost like a race car ;) But honestly, the sport suspension really does it for me.<p>Because the high praise for the Q found on this forum, I ended up buying a 98.5 off the lot instead of waiting for the one I ordered (which didn't have Q). <br>Boy am I glad - there is never such a thing as enough traction. Even in the second day of driving, a quick 90 degree corner at high speed turned into a 4-wheel-drift-then-gas-snap-around kind of deal (in the dry :). I must say: before I used to approve it intelectually, but now (several fast corners later) I'm a believer. Yessir!<p>What I like is pretty obvious - you notice the goodies right away, unless you're dead. My friend was speechless after a quickie - the looks, the handling, the materials, the technology, the classy black interior (he drives a Honda). <p>Now to the things I don't like (and please don't flame me - I did in fact buy the car). The window sill is very high and pointy - may look good but it's a pain to rest your arm up the window. The snap (or hesitation) in the driveline that is supposedly caused by the quattro manual transmission - it's definitely there, but it doesn't bother me that much. Brake dust - I won't go in there. The engine is definitely much noisier and harsher than the VR6 - but then so are most other engines of this world :). On the other hand the A4 has lower gearing than the Jetta, with the net result that the car is usually in the correct torque and rev range. The conclusion: very driveable but you have to shift more. The A pillar wind noise above 70mph - just crank the radio a little more :) Biggest complaint - the brakes. They seem to respond to pedal travel, not to pressure and as such are very hard to modulate correctly. Also, they just don't seem to be stopping the car as they should. Did I mention brake dust?<p>Can't find anything else wrong with this car - overall it's pure delight and exhilaration. I keep finding small thoughfull touches here and there. Best car I've owned so far and the only one in which I actually yelled (I know that's not saying much, but still...) How on earth do you keep this car under 4000 rpm? It gets there so fast and absolutely begs for more! And how on earth do you wipe that foolish grin off your face?<p>Time to end - told you it was long and silly. <br>TO all the people here that helped me make my decision, thank you. What a crowd! I really hope to be able to contribute to this forum a little more in the future. <br>Anyone here in the DC area, just drop me a line, maybe we can meet sometimes :)<p>Andrei D<br>You'll see me out there in a <br>red 1.8T QMS.

<br>enjoy and have fun with world's most beautiful car!<p>ariel<br>1.8T QS

I'll be looking for that A4 in DC my man! Howard Law School while trying not to kill some of the clowns who drive the streets of DC!

Congrats on the new car. I bought my 98.5 2.8QM about 3 months ago and I've had nothing but fun with it. I recently installed some H&R race springs and 18" Hamann wheels... man, it just keeps getting better and better!<p>98.5 2.8QM Hamann -- Cali bounded.<p>-Dantley

You are the first person I've seen mention the high window sill, and I couldn't agree with you more. In my Prelude, I always rested my left arm on the window sill, but can't leave it there for more than a few seconds in the A4. And I'm 6'4". It must really be uncomfortable for shorter drivers. I also find the armrest on the door to be too low and too far away to be comfortable.<p>If you haven't experienced the brakes in the rain yet, BEWARE. They are almost nonexistant for the first couple of seconds when wet.<p>Aside from those minor detractions (and perhaps a couple of others - like climate controls) it's a great car. Enjoy.<p>Kyle