Drew Zacharda

My '97 1.8TQMS is being picked up by its new owner tonite. Yesterday I went to look at a '98 2.8 Avant Quattro, Santorin/ecru leather, sport package, all-weather pkg, Bose, sunroof, trip computer, showroom condition, only 5800 miles. The seller is asking $29,900. The (trade-in) book value (Kelley, NADA, Edmunds) ranges from $29,200 to $29,700.<p>Questions: 1) I thought '98 Avants only came with Tiptronic; how rare are manual trans '98's?; 2) Is this a once-in-a-lifetime price that I would kick myself for passing up?; 3) Should I save some $$, and get a '99 1.8T Avant off the lot?<p>Thanks in advance<br>-Drew Zacharda<br>'97 1.8TQMS for 10 more hours

Rich L.

That 98 Avant sounds great. I just bought a '99 Avant 1.8T two weeks ago. I got the last one in Texas and my dealer said he couldn't event order a 99.5 Avant. I paid 27500 for mine without some of the goodies that 2.8 has.<p>Tough choice. Good luck.<br>Rich<br>

Ray Calvo

I have a 98.5 Avant w/ manual and Sport susp. and seats; love it. if this is the 98.5 w/30V, say it's a good buy (by the way, how long is warranty good for? You're prob. losing about a year on it.)<p>For info, local Pittsburgh PA dealer has a new silver/black 1.8T Avant in the lot; manual w/ sport package. Dealer is Imports by Day; phone is 724-327-4900.

chrisd

My 98.5 Avant quattro, manual, sport with pearl pain, ecru leather 9w/ blue piping)bose & sunroof MSRP'd at $36K and change. Sounds like the car would be similar in price if it does not have leather..if it had leather, your talking a cool $1,100 more than than mine. I wouldn't sell my absolutely mint, rare color combination (peraescent exterior and ecru interior with manual & sport susp)for less than $30 - 31k.<p>Anyway, I would say it's a good deal b/c the owner ate $6k in deprecaion, it has few miles on it and if its impeccable condition, it's a bargain.<p>My thoughts