matto6

Hey guys. I'm a long time RWD BMW fan, but I'm tired of getting stuck in the snow in my RWD 330i and I want to buy an A4 for winter driving.

I found a CPO 2014 A4 Premium Plus with manual transmission MMI Nav package and Sports Package, with 40K miles. It's optioned exactly as I'd want.

But now I'm reading that manual transmission will be available in the 2017 A4. Other than the obvious tradeoffs of new vs used, does anyone have suggestions on this particular decision? Are there any no-brainer decisions between a 2014 and 2017 A4?

I don't think I need the virtual cockpit.. That's what my phone + waze is for. My main concern are driving dynamics and reliability.

Thanks very much!!!

audi8k

The B9 with manual transmission is one of the first A4 "quattro" models that is not full time AWD. Reports say it's good but it's not full time biased to the rear as the B8 quattro.

https://www.audiusa.com/newsroom/new...l-transmission

matto6

Interesting, thanks.

Any issues regarding the 2014 A4's I should know about?

Fox Fader

Good info there.

Can't tell you much about the B8.5's, they should've gotten the oil burning thing fixed. Other than that not much else comes to mind other than wear and tear.

dseag2

Don't get me wrong, I think the B8 is still a very good-looking car, but you should check out the interiors of both before deciding. They are so different. I traded a '15 S5 for my '17 A4, and even though the S5 was impeccably finished I find the new interior more functional and spacious. Not just because the S5 was a coupe. The A4 basically has the same interior in front. If it doesn't matter to you, then go with your gut.

audi8k

Regarding functional interior, I'm in faviour of my B8.5. I have a holder for my sunglasses and the MMI display is a well sun and finger protected Design shouldn't be discussed but I get no "want it" feelings.

dseag2

To each his own. I think one of the reasons I liked the updated interior was because I owned and A5, 2 S5 Cabs and an S5 Coupe, so I was ready for a different interior look. BTW, I don't remember a sunglass holder in the S5. There is a small tray with a rubber mat forward of the console in the A4 that is perfect for sunglasses.