I've been on this board a long time, along with Steve S., Big O (vanished for the moment), Rich Quinlan, and others.<p>Currently, we're a two A4 household:<p>A4 2.8Q STOCK<br>Heat, Roof, Quattro<p>A4 1.8Q MODIFIED<br>Heat, Roof, Quattro, AMS RetroTip<br>(Many Modifications)<p>We're looking to buy a third A4:<p>1999 A4 1.8T STOCK<br>Heat, Roof, Quattro, Tiptronic, Trip Comp.<br>28 miles<br>Casablanca White<br>Tan Leatherette<p>How much should we expect to pay?<br>Sticker is ~ $28,900.00<p>Cameron

Depending on where you live, dealer, local availability,etc, you might pay close to MSRP, but reasonable max discount is about 3-4% (around $1000). If you can do better than that you've made a damn good deal!

In a way we're splitting hairs here. There's about 9-11% between "dealer invoice" & MSRP, therefore, $1000-1200 off MSRP is roughly equivalent to $1000-1500 over invoice. I actually got mine for less, but there were special circumstances involved. Of course,it is never that simple. "Dealer invoice is subject to "holdbacks" & other discounts, leaving dealers slightly more room to maneuver. It still boils down to local supply & your ability to negotiate. Good luck & negotiate hard!

Why would the dealer's profit margin differ between auto and 5-speed for a factory order?<p>When I bought my 5-speed in May '98, I did in fact pay almost exactly $1,500 (5%) over invoice, which is what I asked for. I got the sense I might have been able to do a LITTLE bit better, but not much. I was happy with the deal, and the dealer (Clair) seemed satisfied, too.

Cameron... I've enjoyed your past posting, especially, the skid down the hi-way embankment!<p>Your A4 1.8T specs produces a MSRP of $28895. Always start w/ dealer invoice, which is: A4 1.8T $20942 + Dest. 500 + Heat 548 + Roof 870 + Q 1650 +Tip 1025 + Trip 218 = $25753.<p>You'll get a lot of advice for what should follow next regading pricing strategy & steps to take... Here are mine... Call up your (prefered) dealer, ask to speak w/ Sales Mgr, say you got his dealership off the "internet" and if you can purchase an A4 1.8T for $1000 over dealer invoice? Do this ASAP since your now likely (i.e., at end of month && END OF YEAR) to get a "yes."<p>Good Luck!<br>P.S. I just got a '99 2.8QMS/Casablanca W. & got a dual pinstripe (top dark gray/lower lighter gray) at the dealership ($100) and it really looks sharp!

Jim, Please send me your email or phone number. I'd like to talk to you about ordering a new one.

The car crashed was *NOT* an A4. It was the beloved SLK230K (the "other" car), nailed by a truck. The impact crushed everything that's hardest to fix, it seems (including dislodging the mechanicals of the roof mechanism). The only harder thing to get back to "good as new" condition -- the passengers -- luckily isn't an issue... both escaped without harm, and I'm a lifelong believer in airbags.<p>I write this because of Steve R's post below, and the huge amount of email I received today from people needing A4 salvage components. Fortunately, I have none to offer.<p>A4 2.8Q - In perfect condition, running great.<br>A4 1.8Q - In perfect condition, running great.<br>A4 1.8Q - Garaged tomorrow night, if things go smoothly.<p>Cameron

Are you the same Cameron that drove his A4 off the highway and down into a gully last week? Now you have totalled another car? Lately, I can go a whole month without an accident? Should you be looking into a Drivers Ed course? Just concerned.

nt<br>

..

email me direct if you want more info.<br>