am_ver

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I am considering a used car in the $20k range. Based on my search, I am getting an e90 330i 2006 with 6MT, Sports, Premium and Nav with 47k miles. Also for the same price (slightly lower - $2k less), I am getting a 2007 A4 with about 25k miles. Additionally, I plan to use this car as a daily drive and go skiing in it, so the Audi 4-wheel drive will come in handy. For the BMW, I will probably need to buy a winter/all-season wheel set for winters since the 162's with UHP summer tires will not work on slick roads.

The Audi comes with Quattro but I haven't been able to find a 6MT in it. Besides that, the Audi is looking as a better deal. Can folks here can comment on Audi reliability and the stuff tha Audi is different/lacking when compared to the 330i. I've never driven an Audi before, but they look alright to me.

usedtobefast

I was going through the same comparison process and went with the A-4. One very strong contributing factor, was where I live -- Denver. At this altitude, the naturally aspirated BMW is a lot slower than the turbo 4 of the Audi. Plus, significantly better gas mileage when my foot isn't in it. Around here, about 20% of the A-4s are manual.
Good luck.

vtracer20

I would go with the audi just cause of the factory warranty left on it. If you plan on going sking, let me tell you this: my a4 is my first awd and man did it drive great this year. I was able to drive without any issues in multiple inches of snow. That hands down is my first choice.

mingamells

I agree with vtracer20 in that the BMW is out of warranty, while the A4 has plenty left. And the AWD has to be experienced to be believed - it's great in inclement weather!

But I'd also ask, what do you plan to do with your 335? If you're keeping it as a weekend hot rod, then go with the A4 with it's snow capability.

My 2 cents...

KillerDolphin

quaaaaaaatrooooooooo.

Badger278

Well, It is an Audi forum, but I say go for an A4 Avant, and never look back. I can drive the ***** off any BMW 3 series all winter long (with snow tires)

And it's the only wagon on the planet that is cooler than it's sedan counterpart.

kr964

I would continue to look for a 6MT A4 instead of Tip.
You'll enjoy the car much more with manual stick.
Also there have been many reports about Tip hesitation with the 2.0T engine.

6MT A4s are pretty common now, my local dealer has three B7s in stock.
Autotrader lists over 500 6MT sedans (but only 28 manual Avants).

It also depends on where you live and how often you plan on going skiing. An AWD car is great in winter but
if there is no much snow in your area and you are going out skiing just a few times in the season I would choose the 330i (+ winter tires). The BMW has much better engine : smooth and powerful in-line six as opposed to rough running 4-cyl turbo in A4.