I'm debating whether to sell my 98.5 A4Q and buy an 06 A3, but I don't
know if I will be happy with the 2-wheel drive experience over the
long run after many happy years with my Quattro.

Any words for the wise? I might still keep the old car since it does
drive so well, despite needing about $2k a year in various repairs and
maintainance (new tires coming up this fall, e.g.).