My BLOG!

New Audi TT Quattro 1.8L Turbo -- On the Way!

I'm deciding to put the big mods to the Grand Prix (engine, transmission, rear-end, 3" exhaust) on hold till the winter (I won't be driving it in the winter anyways), and instead, use the current funds to get a winter beater.  Only I want a NICE beater, heh.

The plan is to get a car with high resale value.  You pay a little more, but you maintain the value of the car -- whether it's sold later on, or in an accident, or written off, whatever.  Since I can afford it, it sounds like the smart thing to do.  Plus, it's kinda fun, for once, to be doing this kind of thing.

Looking at the Mazda RX8.. love that car (whether on the road or in Need For Speed), but you can't find a decent one for less than $18000 CDN -- way out of my league.  Not to mention, the insurance would probably kill me.

Looked at a few Audi A4's (Jarod's suggestion).  Very nice cars -- they're fast, sweet looking, and they're 4-doors.  Found a few for an affordable price, too.  Only problem was, I couldn't for the life of me find one with black leather AND manual transmission -- and there is no way I will but automatic or tan leather (FUGLY!).

While thinking about the A4, I checked out some Audi TT's -- I always liked 'em.  Many other people I know always liked them too.  I tried sniping one off ebay.  This was a silver Audi TT Quattro/stick/black leather with 83,000 miles, but with a few problems:  One of the rims was badly scuffed up, and the fuel gauge didn't work.  I bid $1101.01 CDN the last 15 seconds of the auction, but was out-bid by exactly $100.

The next day I noticed my watch list had another Audi TT Quattro silver on black leather/stick with 113,000 miles, and NO problems.  What's more, every aspect of this car was rated "excellent condition" on the Ebay vehicle rating system (interior, engine, exterior, brakes, tires).  Bidding was already at $9,900 USD with 24 hours to go, with a $10,500USD BUY IT NOW price!  Holy crap, that's less than what I bid on the last TT.

I promptly looked up all the info to make sure there was nothing wrong with the car and obtained an online insurance quote (which turned out to be acceptable).  I wasn't going to try and save a possible $1500 and wait till auction end, when at any given point in time, anyone could just buy the car.  So I bought it. Yay! 

I am a proud owner of a silver on black Audi TT Quattro 1.8L Turbo that apparently drives like it's new, according to the dealership owner.  Which is another benefit in itself.  The dealer is getting my trip permit and the necessary paperwork ready for the border (he's in Chicago by the way) -- so it's no hassle.

Here's the plan so far:

1. August 27 - take Greyhound from Mississauga to Buffalo (5 hours)
2. August 27 - stay overnight at Comfort Inn near buffalo airport
3. August 28 - take flight to Chicago airport, drive the car home