napereira

I've been trying to decide on whether or not to get an A4 3.0 CVT. I test drove it and it was awesome.. had sports package on it too.. I currently have a 2001 BMW 325Ci that is close to warranty expiring and I really wanted to get out of it since I've had some problems... What are the pros/cons of the A4? What do you think about Lease Vs. Buy? I've never leased before, but it seems I like to get new cars every 3 or 4 years... Thanks..

KobeCow

i've financed the last few cars i've bought & will definitely consider leasing my next car.
generally in a lease you get much lower dowpayment and lower monthly payments. Then you also have the option to purchase at lease end. but it can be a royal pain to early terminate a lease

i miss my bimmer alot.

CVT Ben Hogan

Hi Naper,

I have a CVT 3.0 and love it!!! So smooth that I would never again buy a car with a traditional automatic. Read some of my posts, including a fairly lengthy evaluation of the car.

The only real con is the tight rear seating. But, 95% of the time there is just two or less in the car. I would also add the climate controls are not intuitive, but this minor.

For the pros, the interior and exterior are just awesome. Not a shake or rattle. CVT with the 3.0 is the best combo. Its a Panzer.

Regards,

Ben Hogan

Det. Mickylaren

I love my A4 (although I find the 1.8T model to be pitifully slow).

However, my one recommendation would be to spend the extra $$ and get quattro. I didn't think I'd need it (I live in FL), but even with my underpowered 1.8T, the front wheels break loose wayy too easily during turns. I'd imagine that it would be ten times worse in a 220hp V6 (this is confirmed by the long-term test of the 3.0 CVT at edmunds.com).

As Ben Hogan said, the climate controls are a bit difficult to use, and there are no steering wheel controls (for the 3-spoke steering wheel; I think you get them when you order the premium package in the 3.0).

Make sure you get the all-seasons when you get the sport package too. The summer tires wear too quickly.

DFCN 18T

the shifts.. and sometimes you cant fell it. Well thats just my opinion considering that I had a 98 V6 Honda Accord Auto, which had a weak tranny that broke on me from me being stupid and doing Neutral drops, and racing with it. Talk about run on sentence! Anyways... I learned never to N-gas-drop to D ever again! haha. Hmmm I wonder if my tranny can handle it. I guess I will never know haha.

DFCN 18T

If you had a choice between your A4 now or the 325Ci... What would you choose and why?

Det. Mickylaren

The handling is perfect, the brakes are perfect, the engine is great (although could be more powerful), and the car is goergeous. NOW, if you are talking about the non-coupe 325i, I'd say A4 hands down. The 325i is ubiquitous and not as well-rounded as the A4.

KobeCow

only thing is... i need the Quattro for the winter...kinda.

DFCN 18T

Now you're making me wonder... What if? Hmmmm.. I totally love my A4... bout would I have loved the 325Ci more? hmmm

KobeCow

my old 01'325ci had MUCH smoother shifts (auto)