Th3D0n

I know there are some changes between the years and the new 2017 looks pretty sweet but I was just curious what everyone's thoughts on this forums is in regards to waiting for the 2017 A4 or just picking up a 2016 since there will be some pretty good deals going around at this time on the previous year model?

audi8k

I'm not so thrilled about the B9 design choices. The position of the MMI-display is one thing.
The Virtual Cockpit could be a selling point (and if Audi Connect enables me to update the navigation maps myself) but I think I will keep my -14.

Peter Williams

Are you someone that changes cars every 3-4 years? Or are you someone that buys for the long term?

If the latter, then go for the 2017.

You'll save $5k at most with 2016. It's still quite a good chunk of money but the 2016 has vastly inferior technology inside. You'll regret that decision 3 years down the road.

audiphile76

I have currently a B7 and just ordered B9 in December. B9 is an improvement from B8 aswell in terms of cabin quietness, steering response and also with under-steer and over-steer. Technology used is better, better connectivity options using smartphones(limited to Android and Apple only) and fuel efficiency is better(more efficient new engine and lighter weight of car). Resale value of car is better with B9 compared to B8 aswell.

DirkM

If you want a great deal and a solid car to replace in 3-4 years then get the B8. Its design and technology is 8+ years old but all the little quirks have been removed over the years.

If you want the much more modern and powerful car or if you are not planning to replace it in 304 years then get a B9. Even the base Quattro now includes HID, SmartPhone interface and a 252HP 7 speed DSG, these alone make the B9 worth to get. Options like real sport seats, LED headlights, newest generation MMI and driver assist packages weren't available for the B8.

It's all a matter of personal preferences.

Dr_Doofenshmirtz

$5k might be a bit low. I was pricing out the 2017 P+ with Technology package and it was right around $47k. Found a 2016 P+ with Technology package with $4500 in incentives plus another $1000 rebate for my wife owning a Toyota. When it was all said and done the 2016 was about $9k less than the 2017 would have been.

Will I regret that? Possibly, but I'll give up some nice tech for $9000.

Th3D0n

Thanks guys. And as far as the engines, is there that much difference between the 2? I was also possibly thinking of going with the new A3 since it seems pretty peppy and I am mostly just giving up some leg and trunk room?

DirkM

30+ HP and 7 speed vs 6 speed S tronic (A3) or Tiptronic (A4 B8). The A3 is in a different class though, even when comparing it to the A4 B8.

Th3D0n

Thanks for the quick response. What do you mean it is in another class? Just since they appeal to different markets and such?

DirkM

The A3 is the top Audi model on the MQB platform and shares a lot of parts with the A1, Q3, Passat, Golf, Jetta, Polo, etc. The A4 is the smallest car on the MLB platform and shares a lot with A6, A8 and Q7. The A4 B9 its the second car based on the MLB evo platform with the other one being the 2017 Q7. The next new models on MLB evo will be A8, A6/A7 and Q5. MLB evo gets the MIB2 components (next gen MMI, ACC, VC) which will see significant tighter integration in 2017. It's to be seen if existing MIB2 cars will get a software update or it the features will make it to newer model years only as in the past.

That being said, the A3 is a spacious small car (A4 B5 class they say) while the A4 B9 is a tight big car (more like an A6 C5). More hard plastic in the A3, more soft and higher quality surfaces in the A4. They target a different audience but they are both great cars that fit different personal preferences.