Joby

Okay, here's my problem. Audi USA thinks that ALL Americans NEED auto transmissions. Me, personally, I'd rather **** glass than drive ANY car with an auto.(Or Flappy paddle) Right now, I have a 2000 2.7t with a six speed manual trans. My question is such: what do I replace it with? I know that this car wont last forever. Even with the best care, some dumb soccer mom will hit me in the *** and total my car. Or, some drug addled thug will roll over me in his Tahoe. Where do I find a high-line, luxury sedan with leather, memory seats, et. al. that has a manual trans?
I have always had full coverage on my car, but there is a break point where-in it becomes UN-efficient. A 20 year old Audi is worth, at best, 3500? I hate the idea, but I have to gear up for replacement. My question is, what do I replace it with?

georgeb944

It's going to be tough.

I could tell you what I'm doing, but then I would have to kill you to keep you from doing the same.

4Driver4

The answer is always Miata.

Harleyguy

It isn't just Audi. Go to a domestic auto dealer and try to get an American 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton pickup with a manual tranny. On the domestic side of things, the current generation of "muscle cars" are about the only thing available with manual shift.

Joby

I need a few things Miata doesn't provide. Memory seats, power windows and door locks, a hard roof, four doors, ambient lighting, leather interior, various other accoutrements. Miata for me would be a track day car, and frankly I'd rather have an RX7 for that job. I do love the Miata, though. I have many friends that daily drive them, including some older dudes. CAn you een get a Miata with an auto?

Joby

Yeah. I've been looking there. The problem for me is, they cost every bit as much as a used Audi/BMW/Mercedes but with a standard shift and without a lot of the niceties you get in a hi-line car. Plus, all the American V8 manual cars weigh 4000 lbs or much more. My '00 A6 curb weight is around 3700 lbs. It's not much but I think I'd notice a 300 lb difference in handling, braking, acceleration. I think I'm screwed. Maybe I should give up now and get a Prius.

Harleyguy

Or a Smart car? }-)

4Driver4

LOL. You can get a Miata with auto, unfortunately...and the auto in the newer ones is actually pretty good (same trans as the auto BRZ)
You can also get power windows and door locks...and a power retractable hard top...and leather interior.

I've had a few Miatae (going on 3) and an RX-7. I prefer the Miata. YMMV

Flint

If you're willing to skew older, E39 BMW's had manuals on both the 6 and V8 models (but not the V8 wagon version). And values on them bottomed out a few years ago and they're now appreciating. Good examples of the 540i 6-speed, the "Poor man's M5" are getting close to $10k in some markets. I mention values since it might be worth the insurance.

If you're willing to spend more like $20k, I've seen the occasional V8 Manual E60 and E90 5-series BMW's as well, but I don't know anything about those chassis.

I speak as someone who had a 540i six-speed, had it totalled, and not been able to find anything within 500 miles for what my insurance paid out. Now I'm in an Audi 2.7t 6-speed. I will say the A6 beats the BMW on the interior handily.

Joby

Flint, I want to move forward and upward. I need a newer car that's better. I really don't want a lateral change. Though a mid size beemer with a manual trans post 2011 if avail does look nice. It's very heavy but what are my options?