6MT - B8 S4 replacement - what options are out there?

[RudyH]

So here I was all ready to start looking to put my car up for sale and get back into driving a 6MT after a hiatus with my current B8 S4.
Reasons for the change to Stronic, was more so to do with the technology and getting drawn to the dual clutch. Knowing I would lose some fun factor, but gain constancy. Past two years the novelty wore off, and as Quattro season approaches, it's a good time for a private sell.

My list was the following :
6MT B9 A4 - but ultra quattro = 375 lbs-ft limit on the center diff - see signature why that won't work
6MT B8.5 S4 - always an option and I keep going back to this...
6MT 335xi - I have talked too much @#$% that I will never own a BMW after owning an Audi for the better part of 15 years...
6MT Golf R

It must be a sedan or sportback. Not interested in a M3, see 335xi comment. Not stuck on German luxury, I just want something fun to drive.

Am I missing something that I should strongly consider?


Edit : Thought I would create a running list...

6MT AR Giulia Quadrifoglio
6MT ATS / ATS-V
6MT WRX / STi
6MT Jaguar XE (2.0T?)
6MT Chevorlet SS

[SteveYem]

Honestly, the Golf R option is always in the back of my mind, and that's coming from someone who has a B8.5 6MT. I love the utility and agility of my wife's mk7 GTI, so to combine that with a strong turbo engine and AWD seems like a winner.

Would you consider getting into a Subaru, or are you trying to stay in the German/luxury segment? A ~2013 WRX could be a fun option.

[V01]

Get over the BMW thing.

[RudyH]

Honestly, the Golf R option is always in the back of my mind, and that's coming from someone who has a B8.5 6MT. I love the utility and agility of my wife's mk7 GTI, so to combine that with a strong turbo engine and AWD seems like a winner.

Would you consider getting into a Subaru, or are you trying to stay in the German/luxury segment? A ~2013 WRX could be a fun option.

Ya a friend of mine had her dad convince her to get a GTI and went in a ride in it, was like this is actually really nice. That's why I have it on the list. The WRX I haven't looked at, I looked at one when shopping for the B8 S4, but it was one of those, falling in love moments with the S4 where I was like 'forget it this is getting done'. Should take another for a test drive. It appears the next generation has just been released for Subaru as well...they just seem to be making it more Corollaish looking...and having a tough time with it. Haven't seen anything yet for the WRX / STI though, so it might be worth waiting one more year for the 2018's to finally arrive.

Get over the BMW thing.

sadly, I think I need to do this, unless go Golf R

[doug97gxe]

BMW M6

[j1n]

m2?

[Thurston]

I'm going to give the bmw m2 "cs" or clubsport a close look. It has the s55 engine it as opposed to the n55 in the current m2 and if they have revised the crank hub on the s55 it will be my choice.

[Thurston]

I keep noticing this black m3 in the neighborhood f8x . Thing is ridiculously sinister looking, if they revise a few issues that concern me I may dabble w one for my next car. Sucks, I'd like to be loyal to audi but oh well, champagne problems, a dct would have at least been nice.

[RudyH]

Sorry it needs to be a sedan. More so because I have people I need to haul people once in a while. It doesn't have to be comfortable as in I am trying to impress clients etc. Just the coupe thing I can't do.

[jygesq]

Sorry it needs to be a sedan. More so because I have people I need to haul people once in a while. It doesn't have to be comfortable as in I am trying to impress clients etc. Just the coupe thing I can't do.

2017 S5 may still be available for order or purchase with 6sp MT, I know it is a coupe, but it does have a back seat for occasional use. I bought an s4 as I thought back seat was marginal, front doors were too wide, an instrument cluster had divisions between tack and speedo. No regrets with my s4 sedan. back seat is reasonably large enough for real passengers, and the car is a sleeper, a wolf in sheep's clothing. With out the s4 badges and quad pipes no one would know. But people who know cars immediately recognize car for what it is when the see S4 logo

[XxSullyxX123]

Sorry it needs to be a sedan. More so because I have people I need to haul people once in a while. It doesn't have to be comfortable as in I am trying to impress clients etc. Just the coupe thing I can't do.

M3 is a sedan these days. M4 is the coupe model.

[drdrewusaf]

Are you looking for AWD? I would consider an ATS or ATS-V.


Drew

[b6onboost]

I think your list is solid. All offer 4 doors, manual, AWD, premium interiors, and tune-ability with a lot of practicality.

[silverf0x]

Could be good to know what your budget is?

6MT and AWD are getting rare in today's market (mainly the 6MT part). I'm personnaly coming from 13+year of Subaru. I was looking for the 4 fours: 4 doors, 4 seats, 4wd and a4rdable.

Choices were limited too:
Subaru WRX/STI
S4
BMW Serie 3 and 4
Ford Focus RS
Golf R

They all have they pros and cons, I've tried them all and ended up with a B8.5. No other model, in this list, felt as right as the Audi did.

Subaru FUN but does not have the luxury.
BMW drives well but the interior killed it for me. Plus it was really expensive.
Golf R powerful, but I don't know... after a test drive it simply felt like "meh.. I don't feel like paying THAT much for a Golf" Prices and Rates are not really negotiable and waiting time was +6months.
Focus RS was a mix of the same feeling I had for the Subaru and the Golf.
S4 simply felt right. Powerfull, well-balance, fun and comfortable.


Funny but remove ANY option of the 4 fours list and you end up with almost an infinite list of choices.

My suggestion would be to find a low mileage CPO B8.5.

[Dr GP]

The Jaguar XE was supposed to be available with a 6MT, although they don't list it as an option on the website configurator. If it actually is available, that might be a good choice.

[b6onboost]

Supposedly the Jag XE 6MT is coming later, but will only be available on the base 2.0T motor.

[Oloung1]

chevy SS, m3, ats-v

[The Fat Kid]

Golf R would be my choice, but the DSG seems to be the better transmission on that platform.

I don't think I could go back to an A4 (loved my manual 3.0 B6 A4) after owning an S4.

[Victor Newman]

My plan currently is to replace my B8 S4 6MT with a 2015 or 2016 B8.5 S4 6MT, but fingers crossed for an A5 Sportback 6MT.

But I'd be interested in the next-gen ATS-V, or just an interior refresh on the current one that gets rid of the F-body Camaro gauge cluster.

Every time I try to like the E90 M3 or F80 M3, I just can't, and I try really hard. I think it comes down to the E90 drinking SO MUCH FUEL and having some potentially big reliability problems, and the F80 sounding like absolute shit and looks a little too wild and desperate for attention. Great cars, but just not for me.

Come on A5 Sportback with a manual trans, and let the modding begin. I'd love to stick with Audis.

[whiped]

To add another to the list, an S60 Polestar would be an awesome car if you can find one.



Not super mod friendly though.

[emnahum]

My suggestion would be to find a low mileage CPO B8.5.

This.

[jlaudio]

I would love to replace my 2010 with a b8.5 but i have a hard time paying $38-44k for a car with 25k-35k miles on it. Especially when I have my 2010 just about paid off and its the same car but with a few tech improvements. My 2010 has 62k on it.

[draekin13]

I have an ATS as a rental right now (granted it is an auto and not AWD) while my S4 is in the shop. I would seriously consider one of these cars if I could find an AWD and manual. The 2.0T that is in it doesn't feel too bad and other than it pretty consistently being in the wrong gear it feels nice. The Cadillac Vue audio system isn't terrible either.

[infinkc]

If its just 6MT you want, i say just keep the DSG and get something like a s2k, 996 or e46 m3 to toy with.

[The Fat Kid]

If its just 6MT you want, i say just keep the DSG and get something like a s2k, 996 or e46 m3 to toy with.

Not a bad idea; you can find 996 coupes for mid-$20ks.

[Dr GP]

Supposedly the Jag XE 6MT is coming later, but will only be available on the base 2.0T motor.

That sux.

[SportVier]

If its just 6MT you want, i say just keep the DSG and get something like a s2k, 996 or e46 m3 to toy with.

Or maybe throw an SC kit on a BRZ/FRS. I'm just saying.

[maverickvii]

Not stuck on German luxury, I just want something fun to drive.

Am I missing something that I should strongly consider?

I was in the same search earlier this year. For me that included AWD which it looks like you may be looking for too. Essentially had the same list as you although with the key addition of the Ford Focus RS. They're hard to find but I got a chance to drive one and WOW, so much fun. In the end though the refinement of the B8.5 won.

[grovlet]

The RS3 is coming - sounds like a fit for needs - but might not work on price - probably $60K:
http://www.motortrend.com/news/five-...hp-four-doors/

Might be a possibility to get one with a manual as Audi has opened that door on the A4s?

[MrFunk]

Have you thought of just getting a second MT car for weekend fun? There are lots of great options in the 20k range from S2k's to GTI's to Subaru.... Then you have the best of both worlds. A luxury sedan and a weekender MT.
If not an option... then out of your list I'd go new Golf R MT or I'd add to the list B8 S5 MT - you MIGHT MIGHT be able to snag a new one yet.

[Senseless]

Prestige 2017 6MT A4? If you test drive it, please report back with your impressions.

[RudyH]

Thanks, I decided to add to the list and just put in below...
I don't really care for a budget, only because I know something as big as a A6/5-series/etc is not coming with a manual, plus it's too much car for me anyway. So the 'A4/S4' is as big as I would go and in my price range.

I forgot all about the ATS / ATS-V. ESPECIALLY the ATS-V, when you start pricing out a B9 S4, why?? Only the Quattro system. The V8 will have a tonne of parts to go with the fact it won't have Audi premium pricing. Even the ATS 2.0T if you don't want to spend. I looked at the ATS when it first came out but the quality of interior wasn't great. I thought I read a review that they spent time with that over the last couple years.


Also...two weeks ago, same discussion with a friend in getting a 'fun car'. Use the S4 for commutes / road trips / Canadian winters etc. There's literally nothing wrong with it. Besides again with the warranty, it is unlimited years so to park it for the summer only extends how long I can keep it. Grab something like a S2000, BRZ / FRS for going to work and booting around on the weekends...even leaning towards the BRZ fully loaded would make sense instead of picking up likely $35-40k of car loan / lease to get into an ATS-V.

[silverf0x]

Is your car modded? Because, if not, maybe putting $ on your current car could "revive the love", like Stage2, Suspension, body..
Just a thought..

[BDP]

How about used Cadillac CTS-V? Might be tough finding a manual though. If I didn't pick up my S4 on the deal I got, I would probably be sporting one.

[Thurston]

Is your car modded? Because, if not, maybe putting $ on your current car could "revive the love", like Stage2, Suspension, body..
Just a thought..

very good point.

[RudyH]

Is your car modded? Because, if not, maybe putting $ on your current car could "revive the love", like Stage2, Suspension, body..
Just a thought..

I don't have anything really left to do on the car except dual pulley, which I haven't done yet because it seems there is no set path yet. Also since it is all APR - I would need new software which made me think about the whole B8.5 and swapping everything I can over to the new.

I might rip off the 3M plastic shield and repaint what needs to, then re-wrap it since it doesn't look as nice as it did ~5 yrs ago.

[vaa4]

I owned a '15 WRX STi for 10 months. It is a wild, untamed beast.
My back couldn't take the abuse, which forced me to trade it in.
B8.5 S4 is the answer. I got one of the last ones on the lot and didn't look back.
There really isn't a car on the market that would be a suitable replacement.

[Game]

The 4 series gran coupe seems to fit your criteria as well. Much better looking than the 335 sedan IMO.

[Senseless]

Have you thought of just getting a second MT car for weekend fun? There are lots of great options in the 20k range from S2k's to GTI's to Subaru.... Then you have the best of both worlds. A luxury sedan and a weekender MT.
If not an option... then out of your list I'd go new Golf R MT or I'd add to the list B8 S5 MT - you MIGHT MIGHT be able to snag a new one yet.

I tried that and it was a bit more trouble and expense than I had hoped for. 2 cars to insure, wash, inspect, maintain, park etc. I sold both and got an S4 and have been much happier with that decision.

[Thurston]

Alfa Romeo Giula is pretty neat as well but idk much about it.