The A4 redesign has captured me. I am puttering around in a 10 year old Maxima . . .

However, as much as I would like to go ahead and get on the waiting list for the B8, the mantra of "never get a car the first year it has been redesigned" keeps holding me (and my wife) back. For those of you with a long history of Audi ownership/knowledge should I be too concerned about that mantra?

Also, does anyone know if Audi tweaks the US production model based on things learned from the earlier European release?

with any manufacturer. The fact that the A4 will be released in Europe first, should help to quell some concerns. In other words, most of the problems should be and fixed there, but we all remember the coil problems, right?

Of the new model Audis that I've owned, I've never had any major problems. Most were minor issues, like bad window switches, failed vacuum pump and a failed window regulator all of which were replaced under warranty.

If you guys are in love with the B8, then you should put in an order and watch and listen to what happens with the European car. You can always cancel your order should the cars have initial problems.

power,(315 HP)being pumped out of car driven everyday, (I use for work) I have had almost zero problems with car. The coil packs were the only issue and I replaced them with the R version and no issues since. Driving apx. 45-50k per year I will have about 175k this time next year, (which is when I plan to get the 3.0 diesel). Not sure if I'll keep my existing B6 or sell but I have been very happy with my first year car.

PS. I would not buy an American first year car and some other Japanese cars though.

... the only major problem on the B5 was the suspension bushings/arms, which Audi paid for, even though the car was out of warranty. On the B6, I had coilpack problems, headlight bulb/socket problem, and had to replace a seat motor (which, by the way, is broken again). Also, I just got a bad catalytic converter, but that is going to be replaced for free.

Remember, these cars are introduced in Europe before they come here.
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The 02's had some options as well as the original aluminum trim that was deleted for the 03 model year. 02's also had available rear heated seats that were no longer offered after that. But, of course the downsides were that 04.5's and up got 6 speed manuals where us early adopters had 5 speeds. Either way, cost cutting will find its way into the B8's, and some options will be lost in later model years. Sometimes they are replaced by better options (newer tech), but lots of times, just deleted and no longer offered.

... and my dealership is even going to give me a <b>free</b> loaner car!
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