Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 21:09:42 -0400 From: Interious <ddhartwicknopsamPAMearthlink.net> Subject: Traded my 900S for and Audi Quattro: Spock!
I was seduced, guys and gals. A '99 A4 2.8L Quattro with 80k miles. Silver, V6, Cold weather package, loaded. I drove many cars before buying this car, including a SAAB 94 Aero. The Aero almost had me, but the ride was simply too hard on less than perfect roads--most power I've experienced. Drove a 97 900S automatic. Had it been a 5 speed, I might have succumbed. Hondas, VWs, Toyotas--a KIA Optima which was very nice actually, but I detest automatic transmissions. This Audi is flawed. Radio works but not cassette, water temp gauge not working--dealer on top of these flaws. The Clutch threshold is quite high off the floor and RPM damping to idle between shifts is agonizingly slow, but I've never driven anything with the feel of this Quattro. The seduction was too much. My old friend SAAB was an '89 900S with 175k Miles. Bought her in '94 with 115k. Many good years of service with, in retrospect, few let-downs. I tell you that while cleaning her out for trade-in I got a bit misty--Seriously. I still miss her. That simplicity and certain aplomb, but she was getting tired. I don't know for sure why I've endeavored to relate this tale. I know that the Audi reliability record is spotty, to say the least. I guess I wonder if I'll eventually return to the magic of SAAB. I supposed I wanted a change. Additionally, my SAAB dealer--the only in many miles, left me increasingly frustrated. This was a significant factor. I wonder if any of you've strayed, then returned to SAAB? I shall never forget that 900S. I very fine automobile. Hope she finds a good home. Farewell, old Gal.... Dave
