well.....the avant was up for it's first visit with Stefan.......@ 7am.
pretty cool guy, really knows his stuff. got a few minor things to do..........planning to just buy the parts and do it on a weekend....hoses, spark plugs, etc. he thinks the hesitation problem we're having is the oxygen sensor (even though the computer's not saying it) but everything else was ok.........so, we'll see.
i'm open to offers of assistance for those who are more comfortable around audi engine bays than I am (or at least has an a6 bentley book i could borrow)

^^ planning on getting one soon, just have kicked the dough for it, yet.