B9 vs B8.5

[henry22]

Hey,

I am in the market for a new car and looking at 2015+ A4 (also allroad and A3). My budget is around 20K, I could go a little higher if the right car came along and I am looking to buy in the fall (hopefully prices drop with 2020 cars). I like the idea of the B8.5 because the model had been around for 7 years and most problems had been fixed. However I like how the B9s look and the interior and technology is awesome. I would probably be able to get a more equipped B8.5 with less miles but have seem some P+ 17' B9s with lower miles for a little bit more. Just thought I would ask in here and see if anyone has owned or does own both and what their thoughts are on B9 vs B8.5?

TIA

[sbell008]

Two different engines, drivetrains (technically for the few who will balk at this), and interior layouts. I'll say that in my consideration between the 8.5 and 9, there was literally no comparison. The B8's felt like my parent's sedan -- the B9's feel like a proper sports sedan, without the massive pricetag. With that said, I'd go for the B9 every single day over the B8 series, despite the "non proven" platform. For what its worth, Audi has been using this setup since 2015 in NA in their A6's -- might be worth a look in those forums to feel out the reliability component.

[henry22]

Two different engines, drivetrains (technically for the few who will balk at this), and interior layouts. I'll say that in my consideration between the 8.5 and 9, there was literally no comparison. The B8's felt like my parent's sedan -- the B9's feel like a proper sports sedan, without the massive pricetag. With that said, I'd go for the B9 every single day over the B8 series, despite the "non proven" platform. For what its worth, Audi has been using this setup since 2015 in NA in their A6's -- might be worth a look in those forums to feel out the reliability component.

Thanks for the response. Kind of felt this was going to be the response haha. Hopefully the 2020 cars coming out drop the 17s and 18s into my price range. I was hoping for/looking at a B8.5 with S-line or sport package and black optics, whats comparable to this in the B9s?

[volcomic]

Two different engines, drivetrains (technically for the few who will balk at this), and interior layouts. I'll say that in my consideration between the 8.5 and 9, there was literally no comparison. The B8's felt like my parent's sedan -- the B9's feel like a proper sports sedan, without the massive pricetag. With that said, I'd go for the B9 every single day over the B8 series, despite the "non proven" platform. For what its worth, Audi has been using this setup since 2015 in NA in their A6's -- might be worth a look in those forums to feel out the reliability component.

I 2nd this. The engine is similar, but the transmission makes a world of difference in the B9. The interior is just in another league. The B8.5 is a pretty damn sexy car, but I personally love how aggressive the front of an S-Line B9 is. Looks pissed off . The continuous body line, angular tail lights with sweeping turn signals, etc. make the B9 stand out in my opinion.

I was hoping for/looking at a B8.5 with S-line or sport package and black optics, whats comparable to this in the B9s?

B9's also have S-Line and Black Optics versions available. It's probably going to be a while before you see B9's with those options drop near $20K, especially if you want to get some of the cool new tech like the Virtual Cockpit and LED headlights (which I would highly recommend if you're going to make the jump up to B9). If the new car is not a pressing matter, take your time doing the shopping and keep saving in the meantime. You should start to see well-optioned versions drop into the high-mid twenties in the next year or so. The pricing and availability also varies greatly depending on where you are in the country. If you're willing to take a flight or road trip, you might be able to snag a great deal somewhere where AWD is not as popular/necessary. Good luck!

[henry22]

I 2nd this. The engine is similar, but the transmission makes a world of difference in the B9. The interior is just in another league. The B8.5 is a pretty damn sexy car, but I personally love how aggressive the front of an S-Line B9 is. Looks pissed off . The continuous body line, angular tail lights with sweeping turn signals, etc. make the B9 stand out in my opinion.



B9's also have S-Line and Black Optics versions available. It's probably going to be a while before you see B9's with those options drop near $20K, especially if you want to get some of the cool new tech like the Virtual Cockpit and LED headlights (which I would highly recommend if you're going to make the jump up to B9). If the new car is not a pressing matter, take your time doing the shopping and keep saving in the meantime. You should start to see well-optioned versions drop into the high-mid twenties in the next year or so. The pricing and availability also varies greatly depending on where you are in the country. If you're willing to take a flight or road trip, you might be able to snag a great deal somewhere where AWD is not as popular/necessary. Good luck!

Thanks! I am looking at the 2017 audi order guide and dont see a black optics package. Just sport and sport plus.

[volcomic]

Thanks! I am looking at the 2017 audi order guide and dont see a black optics package. Just sport and sport plus.

Hmmm, maybe it wasn't offered yet in '17, but there are definitely Black Optics B9's. It's also not too hard to source the Black Optics grill and "fog light" grilles, and the window trim is a simple vinyl wrap job. I wouldn't put too much into finding a Black Optics version, but they're out there.

[scsu]

Thanks! I am looking at the 2017 audi order guide and dont see a black optics package. Just sport and sport plus.

Black optics wasn't available in 2017. Started in 18 as a package on P+ and prestige.

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[henry22]

Black optics wasn't available in 2017. Started in 18 as a package on P+ and prestige.

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Thanks. Really hoping to find a sports plus package P+ in my price range. Havent seen one yet, how rare are A4s with the sports plus package?

[KompressorLOgic]

sports plus was only an option on the manual transmission cars. which I believe there were around 2000 manual trans cars total, and a smaller percentage of those had sport plus.

I just picked up a 17 manual p+ with sport plus, and I had been searching for months. id expect most of those to be above 30K

[henry22]

So only sports package with auto, dang. Not opposed to manual just know its gonna be hard to find. Really wanted the sport seats with alcantara and FBSW.

[volcomic]

So only sports package with auto, dang. Not opposed to manual just know its gonna be hard to find. Really wanted the sport seats with alcantara and FBSW.

Yup. When you're looking (assuming you don't find a manual one), it's super easy to tell which ones are S-Line. They'll all have black headliner & sport seats. Depending on how many pics are provided, you'll also see illuminated S-Line door sills, and an S-line badge on the steering wheel. The exterior is a bit more subtle if you're not already familiar with the cars, but the S-Line bumper is quite a bit more aggressive than non-S-Line variants, and there are S-Line fender badges. I'm not 100% on this, but I don't recall seeing an S-Line B9 without the LED headlights either.

[henry22]

Yup. When you're looking (assuming you don't find a manual one), it's super easy to tell which ones are S-Line. They'll all have black headliner & sport seats. Depending on how many pics are provided, you'll also see illuminated S-Line door sills, and an S-line badge on the steering wheel. The exterior is a bit more subtle if you're not already familiar with the cars, but the S-Line bumper is quite a bit more aggressive than non-S-Line variants, and there are S-Line fender badges. I'm not 100% on this, but I don't recall seeing an S-Line B9 without the LED headlights either.

This helps, thanks!

[Xyathir]

you will be hard pressed to find a 2018 B9 with all the bells and whistles you want for that price range. Fair Market price on 2017 A4's with prem+ and sport go anywhere from 25-32k. I've got a Prem + Black Ops '18 B9 and it stickered for over $51k. I also had a B8.5 S4 and the electronics alone are worth the upgrade. Finding a manual will be even harder as their aren't many out there.

I wish you luck with your search, but as a former high-end salesman and someone who still has a ton of friends in the business, be prepared to adjust your price or your options, or you might be disappointed to find that there won't be a ton in that price range to pick from unless, again, you find a higher mileage one, or one with less options.

[henry22]

you will be hard pressed to find a 2018 B9 with all the bells and whistles you want for that price range. Fair Market price on 2017 A4's with prem+ and sport go anywhere from 25-32k. I've got a Prem + Black Ops '18 B9 and it stickered for over $51k. I also had a B8.5 S4 and the electronics alone are worth the upgrade. Finding a manual will be even harder as their aren't many out there.

I wish you luck with your search, but as a former high-end salesman and someone who still has a ton of friends in the business, be prepared to adjust your price or your options, or you might be disappointed to find that there won't be a ton in that price range to pick from unless, again, you find a higher mileage one, or one with less options.

I don’t need manual. Really just want sport package, black optics and virtual cockpit are just cherries on top. I have seen many P+ with a combo of these options with under 40-50k miles for low tomid 20s. Will probably wait until 2020 cars come out this fall and prices drop. Willing to go to like 22/23k so I think it can happen.


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[Xyathir]

I don’t need manual. Really just want sport package, black optics and virtual cockpit are just cherries on top. I have seen many P+ with a combo of these options with under 40-50k miles for low tomid 20s. Will probably wait until 2020 cars come out this fall and prices drop. Willing to go to like 22/23k so I think it can happen.


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Sounds good. I don't know how far you are willing to drive for one, but I know the Audi guys really well here in Greensboro, NC at Flow Audi. if you see anything they have, I can put in a good word for ya;)

[Dirty_Bourbon]

Coming from a 2016 (b8.5) to a b9.

The B9 is superior hands down but... if you can squeeze a 6 spd somewhere i wouldn't have much care about which model...

[henry22]

Sounds good. I don't know how far you are willing to drive for one, but I know the Audi guys really well here in Greensboro, NC at Flow Audi. if you see anything they have, I can put in a good word for ya;)

I’m in Charleston so definitely willing to drive. Parents live in Kentucky so willing to go around there too. Ideally I’d like to see the car beforehand but open to having it shipped if it’s the right car/price.

How hard is it to get a PPI on a car far away?


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[audrobotic]

How long do you plan on keeping the car? Make sure to test drive various models. You mentioned the A3. Give that a try too. I know a lot of people say the B9 is better, but I’m partial to the B8. You just have to spend some time driving the cars your interested in. Little things like seat comfort and seating position can make a big difference.

Heck try a W204 Class and see how you like it. Try a used A6 or A7 V6, they can easily be in the $20k range.
Also prices dont really drop because of a new model year. It just follows the same general downward curve.

[henry22]

I do plan on test driving the A3 and A4 however I like the A4 both exterior and interior more. I also prefer the A4 "real" quattro system and it has better gas mileage.

[volcomic]

I do plan on test driving the A3 and A4 however I like the A4 both exterior and interior more. I also prefer the A4 "real" quattro system and it has better gas mileage.

Agreed. I looked at S3's as well during my search for a new car. The interior is just not in the same class at the A4 (even a B8 A4, let alone the B9). I've seen several Haldex cars get stuck in snow, but have never seen the same from any "real" Quattro cars over the years (not sure if this is a factor wherever you live).

[henry22]

Im in SC currently but not sure where I will be in 3ish years. Regardless I prefer the torsen system and want to have it just in case I hit some bad weather on drives.