I think I have finally have a buyer for my 2004 F-350(if interested let me know...not sold yet) and am thinking about getting into an A3. In the past I have had a B5 A4 and S4.

I emailed AoA and they said no plans for Quattro on the 2.0T. So given that I am debating across the entire spectrum.

1) 2.0T vs. 3.2 - I am in CO so quattro would be nice just not sure worth extra 6k. Thoughts..opinions?

2) Transmission - Might be totally based on preference but when I drove the manual it seemed pretty jumpy...but the only DSG I have driven was in the 3.2.

3) Options - sounds like Bose aren't worth it? Have been thinking Sport, Cold, Convenience Opensky and Xenon.

Also seems like dealer neg. room is pretty limited. Should I plan on paying about $500 under sticker?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

I love my Bose... I think it all depends on the source of your music. I notice that different CD's sound different. So that might be the reason a lot of people aren't happy with it. Personally I love my 3.2 DSG... I use to be a Manual or nothing guy... but have since changed after driving the 3.2. Go with your gut feeling... and don't let anyone change your mind unless it's valid.

No we won't get the 2.0T Qauttro because it would come only as a stick, and most A3s being sold in North America, are DSG equipped.

1. You get the VR6, awd, leather, S-Line kit, and a whole slew of other stuff on the base 3.2, that are not available or optional on the 2.0T. So it's a good value if that's what you want. On the other hand, the turbo will be less affected by altitude - to a point anyway. Obviously fewer low cost engine mod opportunities with the VR6.

2. Jumpy with a manual. Is that good or bad? Most folks feel that the DSG is usually more aggressive off the line, while you can modulate the manual more to your preference. The manual is a bit tricky to learn, requiring a tiny blip of the throttle, then let out the clutch as the revs fall. It will result in smooth progress with practice. The VR6 comes only as DSG.

3. Without knowing what is important to you, it's hard to say what options are best for you. What kind of cars did you have before the truck? What aspects and features did you like best? I have the Premium package and like it very much (manual seat in 2.0T base model and sport, meant the seat wasn't as adjustable as the power seat in the premium). The Bose is OK (better than base), but if you plan to upgrade anyway, save the money. I chose not to have Open Sky because I could feel the extra weight up high in turns (I like to go around corners quickly;-). However, if you choose a car with the black interior, the glass roof would keep it brighter looking inside. Some people have commented that the sunshade doesn't block enough light, so they have tinted the glass.

4. Pricing will depend to a great degree upon which model you decide to get (the VR6 is much more rare), and/or what colours and options you decide upon. In some cases you may need to special order. The 2.0T is more common, but it all depends on availability in your area. In any case, the margin in the car isn't that large. Build it on edmunds and see what it costs the dealer.

And you don't have to add a lot of aftermarket upgrades to build a 2.0 into a high performance vehicle. After driving both, and coming from an S4, it was a no brainer to me to go with the 3.2

But I also don't have a lot of free time on my hands to be upgrading everything from the engine to the suspension and prefer having Audi engineers incorporate it into the vehicle design.

But either way, you can't go wrong!

I drive a 2.0 with out the Quatro and with the poor stock Pirelli tires. I'm already amazed how it handles on the Ice and Snow (Canadian here) I don't think Quatro is necessary.

I found the Manual a little jumpy at first also, was even thinking Id prefer a 5 speed but soon realized its not the transmission but the hair-trigger drive by wire throttle. Seems to give 70% with just the lightest touch.

Also, I have the premium package (non sport suspension) but I find the car to ride even firmer than and A4 I had with the sport suspension. I don't mind the ride just really glad I didn't get the sport package (plus I would miss the power seats if I didn't have the premium package).

oh and... im curently doing 7.2/100km hwy and 8.7/100 km city. You wont come close to that with the 3.2 .....

a 2.0T Quattro, stick. I would even consider a 3.2 stick. It isn't sounding promising for either one. It is a shame as I have been following the A3 for years, hoping they would come to the US, now waiting to see if one that I would want comes. Looks like it is not going to happen for me...

as so many people are choosing DSG, and the cost of certifying the fuel tank (not shared with any other VAG car sold here), the numbers don't make sense at this point.

For that matter, the chances of a stick 3.2 aren't that great, but I've resigned myself to either importing one, or converting one (big bucks in either case) if they don't have one by the time the lease on my 2.0T is up.

it happens. I think this is one of their core groups. It is interesting how many peopl now don't want to drive a manual car and choose other options....