With my Mitsu bearing the load with ~130,000 miles, I will finally be ready for a new car soon, preferably the A4 that I've been lusting after for months.<p>The plan is to get through the winter with gramps until a graduate univ. in the spring, however with all of this talk of a new A4 im kinda stuck in a quandry.<p>Is the nex gen A4 really coming next fall?? Should it be on the car show circuit in early '99?<p>Are there any reliable photos that AREN'T computer generated?<p>Are we really getting the massaged 180 hp 1.8t?<p>If the new car seems to be worth the wait, i think my mitsu will hold out without a prob (engine replacement at 110K paid for by mitsu of Amer.). At the same time i just need (more like want) a new car! Having to wait for another year doesnt appeal to much to me; yet again, getting the perfect car does.<p><br>Long Time A4 stalker<p>trifona<p>

Get what's available now. If the next version is measurably better (and I doubt it), you can trade what you've been enjoying immensely and eat the small difference. The rule that one generally avoids late-in-the-cycle purchases just doesn't apply to an A4 (especially quattro), the styling and technology of which continues to put the more recent designs of competitors to shame. Weeks and months should never go by without your A4.

This is what the dealer told me (I know, dealers are liars...)<p>Last time I dropped by an Audi dealer they told me the A4 shouldn't have any major changes in the next few years. He said Audi should be coming up with a totally new design in year 2002-2004 (like a huge change thing like the bimmer 3s). It makes sense if you look at the Audi history (it's hard to explain). If you are worried about the HP differences, it's no big deal. You could always produce more HPs with some aftermarket products.<p>~Prelude SH

<<Get what's available now. If the next version is measurably better (and I doubt it), you can trade what you've been enjoying immensely and eat the small difference.>><p>I'm actually worried about the next gen A4 being a quantum leap over this year's model as was the A4 over the previous 90 series car.<p><br><<The rule that one generally avoids late-in-the-cycle purchases just doesn't apply to an A4 (especially quattro), the styling and technology of which continues to put the more recent designs of competitors to shame.>><p>I would tend to agree that with cars like Audi's & BMW's the changes tend to be more evolutionary than revolutionary. Look at the new 3; they kept what made it a great car, and changed what people had been complaining about: room & spartan interior. Although many BMW purists might dislike the changes, on the whole, most consumers & reviewers say that the current 3 is that much better than the previous model. <p>That being said, if you go some the complaints people have about the A4 it wouldnt be unreasonable to expect the following changes:<p>1) 180 h.p. 1.8T (after all its in the TT)<p> *the performance hit with the tip & quattro is too much to bear on the current engine. I'll do my best to learn the stick by the time I buy; though after 1 lesson with my brother...i know it'll be a tough conversion for me. I just dont think i could justify spending near 30 large and settling for 0-60 in 9.8 sec. My Galant GS can do it in 7.8 (auto).<p>2) Improved ergonomics - (nitpicking only)<br> *front seat storage spaces<br> * cupholders<br> * In Dash CD<br> * Rear Seat Room ( I dont need a Passat; just another inch or 2 <g>)<p>_____________________<p>Other than the power issue everything else is just nitpicking. Again if i am forced to settle for a tip, i dont think that i could justify quattro. Being outgunned by a G20 (maybe even a Geo, Eee gads!) would be kinda embarrassing.<p>On a side note, what kind of success have Tip owners had with chipping? Im worried about burning out the trans, especially since im a leadfoot already. What kind of warranty issues have drivers experienced?<p>PS - Styling? Yes, even after half a decade, the A4 still puts newer car designs to shame.<p><br>trifona

Don't worry about the transition to stick. Took me one week and I was driving around with not too much trouble. First day I took it into a crowded Mall, parking was jammed, I was sweating bullets...but I made it without stalling once! Can't say my passenger was too happy...all the jerkiness and stuff...but I got there. So IMO, practice stick now, and by the time you get it, no prob!<p>Good Luck...<p>-Ash Silver 98.5 1.8TQMS

Agreed! The A4 was my first manual tranny car, and I had only practiced in a friend's car a few times prior. Took me maybe a couple weeks before my palms would stop sweating at a light and maybe a month to get really comfortable. Now, I dont' think I could go back to driving an auto.<p>Get a manual...it's well worth the first month of anxiety :).<p>Warren

I have no problem driving a manual, I own a Jeep Wrangler now in stick. I know the Jeep and the A4 are 2 totally different animals....but I would like to know if anyone out there owns a Tiptronic. Do you regret not buying the Manual? Is Tip the perfect answer to someone who wants manual. but enjoys automatic in traffic? I am in a quandery here!?!!?!?!? HELP....I don't know if I want to convert from a manual person to a Tip person...<p>Christian

The day I bought my A4, I test drove the A6, which interested me very much. Couldn't take the tip, though. Need the stick. Tip quickly devolves into regular old automatic let-it-sit-there driving, I think. Less involving. I have also driven the paddle-shift Ferrari, and, extraordinary machine that it is, it suffers from the same problem, I think. The 1.8T in manual form reminds you that you are working at something you love, while retaining some element of practicality. <br>