So, I have decided to purchase a new A4 1.8T (with quattro, of cource). However, I was hoping to get some advice on other options I am considering.

First of all, I live in Park City, Ut, and drive in snow and other nasty conditions on a regular basis. I am considering getting the sport package option (16" wheels, better tires, suspension), but am wondering how that will effect the poor-weather performance of the AWD. I've gotten conflicting information from salespeople on this subject. Some say the stock tires will grip much better, some dont. One guy mentioned that the sport option lowers the car as well. Just how much is 20mm? Also, will the stiffer suspension make the ride unbearable on long trips? I've heard rumers...

Second, just how much will a sunroof effect resale? I am tall, and cant fit in most cars with a sunroof. I found an A4 w/o one, and had planty of room, even with power seats. But even with the manual seats, my hair hits the top of the car equipped with a sunroof. Not a major issue, but something that might get annoying over time.

Thanks for the help!

Chris

I have H&R Sport springs/Koni shocks and have no problems in the snow. I live in CO and make weekly trips to the mtns for skiing. My car is lowered 37mm front and 31 mm rear (lower than stock non-sport). You should have no problems with the sport package, but be sure to get snow tires; the Dunlops are great summer tires, but they are dangerous in the snow (I know, because I put mine on too early last spring). See the link for a comparison of my car before and after mods. Also, there's a link on that page to my A4 page. Email with any other questions.

HTH,
CraigB<ul><li><a href="http://www.users.uswest.net/~craiger/a4befaft.htm">Craig's A4 - Before & After</a></li></ul>

I'd be interested to hear who you are going to buy from and any experiences you've had with them. I'm jealous of you living up in PC. I live down in the valley in southern Sandy and I was originally looking at A4 but now more interested in S4 - looking for local dealer comments.
BTW 20mm = a little over 3/4" (25.4mm to the inch).
For what it's worth, my experience is that the tire choice will far outweigh the ride height as far as snow handling is concerned - go for the sport.
See you on the slopes!

I have a 2.8qms w/o sunroof. Really wanted one (sunroof that is) but could not resist the incredible deal, plus dealer paid off my lease on my '97 ('98 Model Year) Jetta GT (had a year to go).

Sebastian
99.5 2.8qms
Santorin Blue

See the wheel forum and archives for unending discussions about snow vs. summer tires. But the concensus is that the sport package Dunlops are treacherous in the snow. Living there, I'd get a set of 15" wheels and good snow tires, e.g. Nokian Hakka 1's. But even a 16" snow tire on stock rims will be a vast improvement over the sport package rubber.

DMoore
'00 S4

I'd probably get a lot of people to disagree, but rest assured, it IS worth the wait to order (or however you can get it) your A4 without a sunroof. I just picked up my A4-no sunroof after 5 mos. and absolutely love it. I sit pretty upright and my head bumped the roof with a sunroof too. I live in Layton, and although we don't get as much snow as you guys, I was also concerned about traction. Regardless of Quattro or not, the Sport Package comes with high performance tires (Dunlops) that are not mud and snow rated. I guess it's kind of your call, but I'd sure prefer to drive in rain and snow on tires rated for it, and I didn't want to have to swap them out each year. Another thing, you might want to compare the sport and non-sport suspension, because (and maybe I'm just an old geezer at 36..lol) I sure like the feel of the stock suspension. It's got an incredible balance of ride and handling. And the stock tires (Goodyear Eagle LS) are very quiet and smooth and still handle extremely well without squealing. Obviously, this is my quite biased opinion, but just something to think about :-)

Hey Chris,
I too have looked at many cars and have found that I fit better in most cars without sunroofs. Not so in the A4, or atleasst a 99.5 or 00 A4. The sunroof used in the newer A4's are very slim and compact which makes it possible for the whole unit to be installed within the natural space provided between the headliner and metal skin of the car. THis means that having a sunroof or not not not impact much if any on the headroom. Also, being that the sunroof in the newer A4's are much wider, there is more glass above your head which actually offers you MORE head room thatn a car without a roof. Go see for yourself. It is hard to believe but the VW Passatt is the same way. As far as I know, both WV and Audi are the only cars that use this type of sunroof that offers MORE room and is so big!!

NT

Well, let's just say women love 'em!