Automatic or manual - HELP!
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Automatic or manual - HELP!
My lease is up on my 1998 Maxima SE in June and I've wanted an A4 for awhile so that's what I'm getting. Despite my reluctance to go from a pretty powerful v6 to a 4 cylinder turbo, I've decided on a 1.8T. I'm getting married next year and the 2.8 is more than I want to spend right now. My mother and brother both have '99 A4's my mother's an auto tiptronic/my brother's a manual. I've driven them both a few times and I can't believe the difference. It's night and day and they are like 2 different cars. My mother's is a dog, which seems to be compounded by the fact that it switches into 2nd to quickly when left in drive. On the other hand, my brother's feels like a rocket compared to hers. (they obviously have the 150hp 1.8T from '99).
So, I want to know if anyone has a different opinion or experience with the new 170hp engine/auto combo. The problem is this, I'm only considering the auto because my fiance can't drive a stick or there would be no question whatsoever about getting a manual, and there's no way in hell I'm teaching her on my car. I know I can drive them both at the dealship, but I wanted some real world, longer term opinions.
Also, I haven't spoken to a dealer yet, but is there typically a few month wait for an A4? If so, I'll get to the dealer tomorrow!!
Thanks in advance for any input.
So, I want to know if anyone has a different opinion or experience with the new 170hp engine/auto combo. The problem is this, I'm only considering the auto because my fiance can't drive a stick or there would be no question whatsoever about getting a manual, and there's no way in hell I'm teaching her on my car. I know I can drive them both at the dealship, but I wanted some real world, longer term opinions.
Also, I haven't spoken to a dealer yet, but is there typically a few month wait for an A4? If so, I'll get to the dealer tomorrow!!
Thanks in advance for any input.
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Joined: Mar 2000
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If she is willing to learn stick, get the manual.
If she isn't, then you really don't have much of an option (or, she never drives your car...somehow, that doesn't go over too well).
BTW, not to kill your enthusiasm, but do you know there will be a revamped A4 out this fall/winter? Search, and you shall find what you're looking for.
BTW, not to kill your enthusiasm, but do you know there will be a revamped A4 out this fall/winter? Search, and you shall find what you're looking for.
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Joined: Nov 2000
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Awww..heck..if you get 100 manual posts I'll post my opinion too.
The manual can be more fun and it does *feel* better.
The auto has lag and short shifts into 2nd making for a slow launch. The 150hp 1.8T, 170hp 1.8T, 2.8, and a chipped 1.8T all do this. I think it's the trans. The delay really eats into the 0-60 time. Once moving the Tip is not bad.
I think it will take me some getting used to, but I'd rather have a tip A4 than many other cars.
No one here is you. No one here is buying your car. Drive both for a longer test drive and see what you think.
The auto has lag and short shifts into 2nd making for a slow launch. The 150hp 1.8T, 170hp 1.8T, 2.8, and a chipped 1.8T all do this. I think it's the trans. The delay really eats into the 0-60 time. Once moving the Tip is not bad.
I think it will take me some getting used to, but I'd rather have a tip A4 than many other cars.
No one here is you. No one here is buying your car. Drive both for a longer test drive and see what you think.
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Teach her. Be gentle, supportive, and positive.
If she has any female friends that drive a manual, ask them to talk to her and share their stories of learning.
Learning to drive manual is an empowering experience, and all the silly mistakes turn into funny stories later.
Bite your toungue if you have to, just be encouraging. We all had to learn once, and we all stalled out in embarrasing situations, rolled back too far at stoplights, lurched violently about. Anyone who says they were perfect from the first moment is full of poo-poo.
BTW, every female roomate I ever lived with drove manual, all the guys I work with drive auto!
Learning to drive manual is an empowering experience, and all the silly mistakes turn into funny stories later.
Bite your toungue if you have to, just be encouraging. We all had to learn once, and we all stalled out in embarrasing situations, rolled back too far at stoplights, lurched violently about. Anyone who says they were perfect from the first moment is full of poo-poo.
BTW, every female roomate I ever lived with drove manual, all the guys I work with drive auto!