Getting the Itch for a New Car

[SJ_GTI]

So I've had my GTI for close to four years now (it will be four years in August). Believe it or not this is the longest I have had a car since...I think ever.

My previous car was an Audi A4 1.8T (Quattro, 6-speed manual, sport package) and honestly through the years this has been my favorite car that I have owned. So as I get my itch for a new car, my emotions are leaning heavily toward an Audi. These are the cars I am thiking about, along with the pros and cons I see so far:

A4 2.0T Quattro (6MT): Available with a 6 speed manual and all the luxury trimmings I could want. Sport package looks nice. The way I want it, I am looking at a price in the low 40's. Pros are good (decent) fuel economy, cheapest of the group I am considering so far, 4 doors (my GTI is a 2-door, and its always a pain when I go out with friends and they have to cram into my back seat), and relatively low-key as far as attention. Cons are that its going to be the lowest on the rung as far as performance and fun, and I may end up regretting not getting more performance in a year or two.
A5 2.0T Quattro (6MT): Similar to above, but spec'd out similar to the A4 I am looking at a price in the mid to high 40's. Pros are good (decent) fuel economy, beautiful design, more fun to drive than a normal A4. Cons are that its only a 2-door and the backseat accomodations are worse than my GTI.
S4 (6MT): Spec'd to my heart's desire, will cost low (to mid) 50's. Pro's are performance (3.0T!), great looks (inside and out), very fun to drive yet still offers practicality of a 4-door. Cons are fuel economy, price (this would be the most expensive car I've ever bought), and potential attention from cops.
S5 (6MT): Spec'd like my S4, it will be mid to high 50's. Pro's are that it is the best looking car, has a very powerful V8 (would be my first V8 actually), and it should be as fun as the S4 if not more fun. Cons are again its only a 2-door, fuel economy will be horrible, its the most expensive, and it will be a huge attention grabber.

Cars I thought about but have already written off: TT(S): No available manual (WTF?), 1-series: I want AWD, 3-series: Always more expensive than a comparably equipped Audi (and because of past experience I would feel more comfortable with an Audi anyway), A3: No combination of Manual and Quattro available.

What do you guys think of the above...? My practical side is telling me to get an A4 2.0T Quattro 6MT, but my emotions are telling me to get an S4 (with an A5 2.0T Quattro being a potential compromise).

[thewizard16]

I'll play the devil on the shoulder and tell you to get an S4 because 1. It's beautiful 2. It's fun 3. You want it. An A5 is an acceptable compromise though if you don't listen to the devil on your shoulder (even if it is correct).

[Raza]

I think you used to be able to get the A3 2.0T or 3.2 with Quattro.  Is used not an option?

I know you want AWD, but the 2.0T CC Sport is available with a 6MT.  That might be an option, but I'm not sure if a sunroof is available with that model. 

The new WRX also comes with plenty of power and a better interior than before (though nowhere near the standards of you A4 or GTI). 

Of the choices, I'd take the A4 2.0T, and if I wanted more power, I'd go ahead and boost the engine.  Reflash, chip, whatever they call it.  There are 400+bhp GTIs running around getting 250+ should be easy.

[MX793]

I think you used to be able to get the A3 2.0T or 3.2 with Quattro.  Is used not an option?

You can still get the A3 with Quattro (now with either engine, IIRC.  Used to only be offered with the 3.2).  However, as before, you cannot get Quattro and a manual gearbox.  If you want a stick shift, you're stuck with the 2.0T FWD model.  Same with the TT (actually, you won't be able to get a TT with a stickshift anymore after this year from what I've read).

[Cookie Monster]

I would go S4. Not too flashy, yet practical.

The A4 seems too mundane and modifying it and potentially destroying the warranty doesn't seem like a good idea.

[Raza]

You can still get the A3 with Quattro (now with either engine, IIRC.  Used to only be offered with the 3.2).  However, as before, you cannot get Quattro and a manual gearbox.  If you want a stick shift, you're stuck with the 2.0T FWD model.  Same with the TT (actually, you won't be able to get a TT with a stickshift anymore after this year from what I've read).

I meant with a stick.  I thought they had an A3 3.2Q 6MT at one point...

[MX793]

I meant with a stick.  I thought they had an A3 3.2Q 6MT at one point...

Nope.  The Quattro version has never been offered with a real stick shift.

[68_427]

I know you want an Audi and from these I'd go with the S4.  It has all the practicality of the 2.0T but alot more performance.  (As you know)  Another thing to consider would be the better resale value of the S4 if you ever want to trade it in and get something new.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say to try out the G37X.  It should have most of the performance of the S4 but with a price very close the A4.

[dazzleman]

You can't lose with either Audi, IMO.  Great cars.  I'd seriously consider the S4.

[MX793]

I know you want an Audi and from these I'd go with the S4.  It has all the practicality of the 2.0T but alot more performance.  (As you know)  Another thing to consider would be the better resale value of the S4 if you ever want to trade it in and get something new.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say to try out the G37X.  It should have most of the performance of the S4 but with a price very close the A4.

Considering he's ruling out cars for lack of a manual, G37X is out too.  Those are auto only. 

[68_427]

Oh.  

STi 

[Colonel Cadillac]

S4!!

[ifcar]

It seems like you're looking for a much bigger upgrade than just to a four-door GTI, but it would probably be worth at least a test drive.

[Xer0]

The only other car that is remotely like the Audi in terms of performance/luxury would be the TL.  A believe the 6spd is able to be purchased on deal lots now and full loaded it comes at ~43k.  It would split the performance difference of the 2.0T and the S4.

[TBR]

S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4 S4

[Laconian]

S5. I love the coke bottle styling and I'm fearful that V8s are going the way of the dodo, following the example of Ford's Ecoboostage.

[Colonel Cadillac]

S5. I love the coke bottle styling and I'm fearful that V8s are going the way of the dodo, following the example of Ford's Ecoboostage.

Such a valid point. Those sound so beastly also.

I change my vote to S5. They're so good at everything.

[Submariner]

S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S

[the Teuton]

S4. Better fuel economy.

[GoCougs]

The A5/S5 is one of the best looking cars on the road at any price but as with all Audis I think it's hideously overpriced. The least offensive in the price regard is the S4.

[Colonel Cadillac]

S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5S5

Don't ever do that again.

I thought you were 25 or something? Not a very mature thing to do...

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Well Sj is car shopping again and surprise surprise it's all VW products.

I think last time you atleast pretended to entertain cars not made by your beloved VW.

With that said get the S4.

[sportyaccordy]

S4 sounds like the best choice boss man. Why no used though? The B7 S4 is fucking BOSS and is like 1/4 the price of the new one. Granted the new one is a better car, but not $30K better.

[SVT666]

A5/S5 is one of the sexiest sedan based coupes on the road.  That's where my vote goes.

[2o6]

CTS.....?





Ok, I'll leave.

[thewizard16]

Don't ever do that again.

I thought you were 25 or something? Not a very mature thing to do...

He could have at least incorporated a pattern or subliminal message into it.

[Raza]

S4 sounds like the best choice boss man. Why no used though? The B7 S4 is fucking BOSS and is like 1/4 the price of the new one. Granted the new one is a better car, but not $30K better.

Hell, if we're going used, he could pick up an RS4 under his budget easily. 

[dazzleman]

A5/S5 is one of the sexiest sedan based coupes on the road.  That's where my vote goes.

Ron practically had sex with the S5 at the auto show a couple of years ago, so I guess you're right about that...

[omicron]

See, the A5/S5 has never caused a rumpus in my trousers. An S4 is far more inviting, in my view.

Hell, if we're going used, he could pick up an RS4 under his budget easily. 

Now that's a fine idea!

[giant_mtb]

When we were at the dealership signing papers for my A4, one of the salesman was moving the S5 around the showroom.  My god did that V8 sound scrumptious, 'specially inside the building with all the nice reverb.