Big question

ok...so the repairs on my car ('96 A4 2.8 12 valve) are starting to add up quite a bit. all i hear from my dad is, i told you it was going to be expensive. so im debating, should i keep dishing out the dough, or is it time for a new car. im leaning toward a new car. and what am i thinking about, well another A4. i just love the car, thats all there is to it. so anyway, im thinking about a 99, but i cant decide if i should go for the 1.8T or the 2.8 (5 speed and quattro of course). if i go with the 1.8T im going to chip it right away, but i wouldnt be able to do anything else modification wise (i.e. new turbo) for a while if i wanted to at all. and the 2.8 would have to remain stock for quite a while, because i feel that the supercharger is the only way to go for any performance in the 2.8 (but at 5K i wonder if it would be worth it for a 99, just comapring the price of the car to the SC itself). so basically i want to know what you guys think i should do, get a 2.8 and leave it stock or get a 1.8T and chip it.

ps...for those who drive a 30 valve 2.8 (98+) are they kinda dogs in first like the 12 valve 2.8's (96-97)?

i vote for a 99.5 1.8t :)

i found a black '00 1.8T with 51K miles on it (5 speed, quattro, the works). the asking price is a little high, they must have used kelley blue book and im using edmunds for the price (now theres a topic, which do you all like better?). but regardless, im really digging it. im going to talk to the pops tonight, due to the "co-ownership" of the car, so i hope things go well. im liking the idea of joining the boosted world a little bit more everyday!

1.8T is the definitive choice, for all around performance, maintenance, gas economy, and longevity...
and I'm a 2.8 owner?!

3.0!! A4

due to finanical restrains, unfortunately, there will be no option to get a 2002 A4. however, theres a nice 2001 im looking into. ill tell you what, the two that ive already looked at and test-drove have been in not so good shape. scratches and dents all over the place. it sucks because the owners have said the car is in good shape. i take one look at those and then at my car and think, why on earth would i go from a car in great shape to their car in relatively crappy exterior shape? oh well, the hunt continues...

yeah man...be patient..you definlitely dont wanna trade down even if its newer