Hi. After "lurking" this discussion group since July, I have something to say at last.<p>I purchased at Carlsen in Palo Alto. The car was ordered in mid-August as a mod to an order from their existing allocation. It arrived a month ahead of predicted schedule. Excellent sales experience throughout with Mike Bradley and Greg Hall. Based on postings here, I requested Steve Shupe for pre-delivery prep. He did the work and I met him today at delivery (he also left me a nice note in the car).<p>Other vehicle details: silver with opal leather, sports seats, standard sound system...and the remote is good from at least 30ft.<p>Thanks to those of you who have provided much useful information for choosing an A4 (over a 99 328 after multiple test drives) and for preparing me to maintain and enjoy it.<p>Keith W, 99 Silver 2.8 QMS<p><br>

<br>nt

Knowing Mike Bradley, and initially doing a deal with him..and then cancelling...I would guess that Keith got it for about $1000 to $1500 off MSRP. Keith, am I close? I know Carlsen "usually" is not the 5% over invoice kinda dealer.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM

Sorry...Neil...I had to do it...For those of you who don't know....when Neil first got his new A4 Avant back late last year...he was SO excited that he enrolled his car in the Quattro Club Driving School at Portland Intl Raceway. He only had a hair more mileage than it took to drive from Seattle WA. Neil, did I get the story correct? Anyway....I probably would have done the same thing myself, but I didn't know about any events at the time. :-)<p>Steve S. (the storyteller)<br>97 2.8QM

Well, almost, mine (to arrive anyday) is a Silver with Opal gray leather 2.8QTipSport.<p>Kirk

I paid 7% over invoice--what they quote if you come in via an Internet source (CarPoint, AutoWeb, etc). Same price I was quoted by the San Jose dealer, who I didn't think much of after my initial contact. I didn't feel I had much negotiating leverage at the time I was ordering because of the low supply and long lead times on orders. Also, I wasn't motivated to go to the East Bay to try to get 5%, which, from postings here, seemed to be the price most people here think is good.<p>BTW, "hidden" charges on the invoice were $150 for regional advertising and $4 for an "acrylic" program, less $45 for a "preparation credit".<p>Keith W, Silver 99 2.8 QMS<br>

The $45 preparation credit pays for PORT preparation, i.e. removing the Cosmolene (sp?) from the trans-oceanic shipping, NOT the dealer preparation costs, although I feel that this should be a cost of doing business by the dealer. <p>Kirk