How disappointed will I be with getting the 8 speed auto vs the 6 speed manual?

[fitch303]

Hey guys I've been looking for a b8.5 manual premium plus with s line package and can't find one at the right price. However I have found a 2013 a4 premium plus with some good options for 17.5 plus tax and title. The damn thing is an auto though, will I be alright with a apr stage 1 tune? And is there any sort of launch control on these? Here's the link...

http://www.palmerdodgegeorgia.com/used/Audi/2013-Audi-A4-Roswell-GA-d4200a130a0e0a6b19ca8adc85187507.htm

[fitch303]

Or this one for $16,800 plus tax and title.

http://www.audiprinceton.com/used/Au...844e852d95.htm

[jdfelda]

There is launch control on the auto. Having come from more powerful cars before i had my A4, an APR tune is a must, i would recommend getting the stage 2 unless you're willing to go bigger turbo.

[fitch303]

What are the limits of the auto tranny? And I was under the impression only the s tronic had launch control. Any opinions on the two links I posted? Thanks

[944thomas]

Went through the same predicament. The launch is pretty addicting on the 8AT. Other than that, I wish I went with a 6MT. I went with the 8AT for my daily commute which consists mostly of stop and go traffic. I'm not sure if other people have this problem but it always gets confused which gear to be in while crawling. Always ends up in a pause before acceleration and jerking into gear. If I were to do it again, I'd go with the 6MT for more driving involvement and also a smoother ride. Get 6MT while you still can... My .02

[A4x]

There is launch control on the auto. Having come from more powerful cars before i had my A4, an APR tune is a must, i would recommend getting the stage 2 unless you're willing to go bigger turbo.

What are the limits of the auto tranny? And I was under the impression only the s tronic had launch control. Any opinions on the two links I posted? Thanks

As far as I know with the ZF 8 speed, there is no launch control. The only way to launch is the classic torque converter buster....hold the brake, rev it up as high as you dare, and release the brake. I don't recommend doing this too much though. THere is no classic launch control like that on the DSG S-tronic transmissions. The dual clutch design allows for that, the torque converter transmission does not.

I have never driven an A4 in manual, but I am sure it would be sweet. However, the 8-speed is an awesome transmission. You will get better gas mileage, better 0-60 times, and a more relaxed driving experience with the ZF8HP. However nothing beats the feel and one with the road feeling that a manual transmission would offer. It is really a 50/50 split on these cars.

I know my next car will be a manual, but it will not be a daily driver. My A4 is my daily with the ZF8HP, and the transmission is pretty awesome.

[jdfelda]

As far as I know with the ZF 8 speed, there is no launch control. The only way to launch is the classic torque converter buster....hold the brake, rev it up as high as you dare, and release the brake. I don't recommend doing this too much though. THere is no classic launch control like that on the DSG S-tronic transmissions. The dual clutch design allows for that, the torque converter transmission does not.

I have never driven an A4 in manual, but I am sure it would be sweet. However, the 8-speed is an awesome transmission. You will get better gas mileage, better 0-60 times, and a more relaxed driving experience with the ZF8HP. However nothing beats the feel and one with the road feeling that a manual transmission would offer. It is really a 50/50 split on these cars.

I know my next car will be a manual, but it will not be a daily driver. My A4 is my daily with the ZF8HP, and the transmission is pretty awesome.

I was under the impression that all of audis autos could do launch control but seeing as the auto he posted didn't have the "s" mode on the shifter, you're probably right. i drive an a4 b8 with a 6 speed auto and paddles etc.. i wonder how the 8auto and the 6auto compare.

[Rocs]

Stop settling....

Wait for a manual. I just got a black optic 2012 B8 fully optioned out for an amazing price.

If you are asking this question I think you will be finding yourself in the same situation later trying to unload you Auto for a manual.

[fitch303]

How many miles and what did you get it for?

[jdfelda]

Stop settling....

Wait for a manual. I just got a black optic 2012 B8 fully optioned out of an amazing price.

does it have the sport package? because in my honest opinion, Audi's 4 spoke steering wheel is atrocious. plus the 10 spoke sport wheels on the b8 are pretty cool

[Rocs]

84k miles (Higher than I would normally be comfortable with) but I had it checked out by an Audi tech and the car checked out. Plus its a second vehicle that I was not looking for. It fell in my lap.

paid 15.5. The only other one for sale in the country with the packages I have was listed at 24K

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...the-B8-Section!

[fitch303]

Here is a manual I found but not s line.

http://www.audiprinceton.com/used/Au...844e852d95.htm

[Rocs]

Yes, sport package. Perforated 3 spoke steering wheel, cold weather package, Navi/tech package, S line alcantera seats etc etc etc...

[jdfelda]

Yes, sport package. Perforated 3 spoke steering wheel, cold weather package, Navi/tech package, S line alcantera seats etc etc etc...

alcantera seats? now that's something i wish mine had. mind posting a picture of the seats?

[Rocs]

i don't have pictures on me at the moment but here is an example of the Seats (w/ bolsters) and black headliner. All the same as mine minus the flat bottom steering wheel.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=444004233

[jdfelda]

Here is a manual I found but not s line.

http://www.audiprinceton.com/used/Au...844e852d95.htm

so it seems you have another decision thrown into the mix of auto vs manual.. do you want a newer one that has nothing really going for it but being newer, or do you want a slightly older one that is super specd out..

[fitch303]

I'm super hesitant on anything older than 2013 because of the oil consumption issues.

[Rocs]

def something to think about. WIth a sport suspension you can upgrade the wheels without having to be thinking about a suspension drop to eliminate the wheel gap...

[jdfelda]

I'm super hesitant on anything older than 2013 because of the oil consumption issues.

i don't think i'd let the oil consumption bother me on an a4 as long as a technician has looked at it.

but then again that's entirely your call!

[Rocs]

I'm super hesitant on anything older than 2013 because of the oil consumption issues.

As long as the car hasn't been tunned (VD1) im pretty sure Audi is correcting this.

[jdfelda]

As long as the car hasn't been tunned (VD1) im pretty sure Audi is correcting this.

but is it worth putting in a quart of oil once in awhile for that tuned goodness? oh yes

[fitch303]

I'd want a 2012 or newer, 6 speed manual premium plus or higher with the sport package/ s line with the better mmi. Black/silver/white or red exterior with brown or black interior. Am I being picky? Lol all under 22k.

[jdfelda]

I'd want a 2012 or newer, 6 speed manual premium plus or higher with the sport package/ s line with the better mmi. Black/silver/white or red exterior with brown or black interior. Am I being picky? Lol all under 22k.

if you're patient, i think you could find it! sounds like a good spec for the money it will just take some time and maybe small compromises

[fitch303]

With black optics package*

[jdfelda]

With black optics package*

you say 2012, so would you be strictly talking about b8.5 from 2012?

[Rocs]

I'd want a 2012 or newer, 6 speed manual premium plus or higher with the sport package/ s line with the better mmi. Black/silver/white or red exterior with brown or black interior. Am I being picky? Lol all under 22k.

I think if someone showed up with 22K for my 2012 Audi A4 Prestige with black optic package/ S line package/ etc I would be handing the title over

- - - Updated - - -

but is it worth putting in a quart of oil once in awhile for that tuned goodness? oh yes

The Neuspeed power module is an alternative
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...d-Power-Module

[fitch303]

2012 last year of b8, 2013+ b8.5. Nothing under 2012 because of age and it causes my interest rate to jump up 2 points.

[jdfelda]

2012 last year of b8, 2013+ b8.5. Nothing under 2012 because of age and it causes my interest rate to jump up 2 points.

sounds like your decision is made. happy hunting my friend!

[Zach L]

Be patient and get what you REALLY want. Or you'll regret it later for a much longer time period, then you'll resort to trying to convince yourself you like it anyway, just not as much.

[Rocs]

2012 last year of b8, 2013+ b8.5. Nothing under 2012 because of age and it causes my interest rate to jump up 2 points.

I got a 2.8% rate on my 2012.

I had Audi purchase the car from the private seller and then I bought it from Audi. Cost me $500 for the transfer and paperwork but I at least got a used car loan through a dealer at a reduced rate. Just an FYI

[b6onboost]

I have the 8-speed Auto. Its the first auto car I've ever owned in nearly 20 years of driving. I had a well modded A4 6-speed previously.

That said, I wasn't disappointed at all. The 8-speed is an amazing transmission. I was actually surprised how much I didn't miss the manual. The auto shifts very quickly and smoothly. With 8 gears ratios spaced so closely together, and the wide torque band in the 2.0T, the car is always responsive. Drive (D) is pretty much like a normal auto, for commuting or casual driving. Sport (S) mode works well for more spirited driving with a more responsive throttle and when cruising keeps you in a lower gear for better acceleration. Manual shifts via paddles or shifter are just as fast (if not faster) than a manual. Also, having owned A4s with both trannys, I will honestly say the 2.0T is better suited to the auto since its a low-mid range powerband with little top end, so there's no point in revving out gears.

I still miss driving manual at times, but to be fair I was getting tired of driving manual all the time with my last A4, so no matter what you have there will be times when you wish you had the other. Its all preference now days. You can't go wrong with either.

In your gut you know what you want, I'd hold off to get that.

[jdfelda]

I have the 8-speed Auto. Its the first auto car I've ever owned in nearly 20 years of driving. I had a well modded A4 6-speed previously.

That said, the 8-speed is an amazing transmission. Its the best auto I've driven. It shifts very quickly and smoothly. With 8 gears ratios spaced so closely together, and the wide torque band in the 2.0T, the car is always responsive. Drive (D) is pretty much like a normal auto, for commuting or casual driving. Sport (S) mode works well for more spirited driving with a more responsive throttle and when cruising keeps you in a lower gear for better acceleration. Manual shifts via paddles or shifter are just as fast (if not faster) than a manual. Also, having owned A4s with both trannys, I will honestly say the 2.0T is better suited to the auto since its a low-mid range powerband with little top end, so there's no point in revving out gears.

But, I still miss driving manual at times. To be fair I was getting tired of manual 24/7 with my last car, so no matter what you have there will be times when you wish you had the other. In your gut you know what you want, I'd hold off to get that.

yeah the boost range on the a4 is lower in RPMs than a normal turbo car so that it can feel faster around town but get that awesome mileage highway

[Zach L]

I will honestly say the 2.0T is better suited to the auto since its a low-mid range powerband with little top end, so there's no point in revving out gears

This statement supports getting the manual, since the manual allows you to completely control gear selection and thus RPM usage. If I were to give throttle to an auto the same way I do to my manual, it would downshift and ring out the lower gear at higher RPMs. What makes you believe a manual requires someone to be 'revving out gears'?

[Zach L]

yeah the boost range on the a4 is lower in RPMs than a normal turbo car so that it can feel faster around town but get that awesome mileage highway

See post #33.

[jdfelda]

This statement supports getting the manual, since the manual allows you to completely control gear selection and thus RPM usage. If I were to give throttle to an auto the same way I do to my manual, it would downshift and ring out the lower gear at higher RPMs. What makes you believe a manual requires someone to be 'revving out gears'?

not with gear selection! i've had shiftable autos in the past that did downshift hard with throttle input even on gear selection mode but audis really gives you more control over that.

[Zach L]

not with gear selection! i've had shiftable autos in the past that did downshift hard with throttle input even on gear selection mode but audis really gives you more control over that.

Yeah and you always drive in manual mode, don't you?

Still wondering why you think a manual requires someone to be 'revving out gears'.

[jdfelda]

See post #33.

it's actually super easy to keep the RPMS in good boost range when you use the paddles

[Zach L]

it's actually super easy to keep the RPMS in good boost range when you use the paddles

It's also [more] super easy in a manual, with no computer override.

[jdfelda]

Yeah and you always drive in manual mode, don't you?

obviously not but when i want to have some fun yes! i had a lexus IS350 before and the shifts are so much quicker and smoother on the audi and i find it quite an enjoyable experience to drive in manual mode

[jdfelda]

regardless, fitch has made his decision and he made the right one for his wants/needs :)