8T_BoCO

Hello all,

I had been driving VW TDIs since 2006; a 1999.5 MK4 Golf and then a 2010 MK6 Golf, but the latter's winter traction (even with studded snows) was inadequate for Colorado's last two winters.

While 39 MPG average is quite stellar, traction is more important, a proper 3-pedal manual is a must & a Subaru wouldn't cut it; we had owned a 1998 Forester, 'nuff said. I thought about a Golf R, but I wanted Torsen quattro over Haldex, so an Audi it had to be. Older quattro A3's and newer A4 wagons with manuals are unicorns, so here I am with a Certified A5, Prestige trim, in stunning Midnight Blue.

I couldn't be more pleased. It drives with a solidity & contentedness to the road that is a joy to experience. We have an earlier incarnation of the VAG 2.0T in our B6 Passat wagon, but the extra 50 lb/ft of torque in the CAEB is noticeable and mated with a clutch & quattro it feels like a very different animal.

It came with factory 18s, but for next winter a set of RTX Ingolstadt 17x7.5 dressed in Nokian Hakkas seem to be a must. The only other imminent upgrades will be winter floor mats & LED bulbs for interior lighting, although I do like the idea of a proper dipstick, since I've been in the habit of doing top-side extraction oil changes (Pella).

8T_BoCO

correction: Moonlight Blue.

8T_BoCO

Shows dirt easily, but shines in full sun...

OME-A5

Nice looking car.

8T_BoCO

Thanks. The shape of this car made a lasting impression on me during a European trip in 2009. Got passed by one on a mountain road, and thought "Wow, what is that !?!"