Just took delivery of my new 00 1.8TQ 5-speed and had to return it. When the tranny heated up after 10-15 miles, shifting became a two-handed operation. A full week in the shop with stumped technicians (new linkage, new shifter, etc) resulted in new factory-fresh tranny. So far so good. Any one else have a stiff shifter/tranny problem??
FYI Dealer in Atlanta (Jim Ellis) although solved the problem, were idiots along the way.

also had a new tranny after 1,000 miles. it never worked from the day i picked it up at teh dealer. brought it back three times before audi caved in and 'gave' me a new one.