I have to agree with the A3 DSG over the tiptronic. That is one of the reasons I chose a manual 6sp over any of the offered automatics as the DSG was not available in the B7.

I was looking at the A3 Sportback before I got my A4. They were cheaper and looked pretty nice. I passed up buying one as the U.S. Military sales did not have the options I was looking for (at the time). Also living and working here in Germany I like the looks of the A3 2 door (3 door hatch) a lot better. Unfortunately that model is not available in the US. As far as tuning I think the other posters have pretty much nailed it.

Bottom line if you are looking for 0-100kmh (0-62mph) go with an A3 (tuned) if you are looking for a good cruiser that is a little more refined, check out the A4. Either way, you cannot go wrong.

 

I'm also looking at an '07 A4. Seems some people complain about burning a lot of oil, up to a quart every couple hundred miles, with the oil light coming on soon after oil changes. They also report some leakage around the valves. Is this probably the PCV valve issue? Thanks.

 

Not to take the thread completely off topic, but will adding the test pipe void the warranty? And I have heard that NY is one of the states with tougher emissions laws, and I wonder if an emission test will be part of the yearly inspection procedure? Anyway, I wonder if the car will pass with the test pipe installed?

I'd certainly like to have an extra 70hp or so with the test pipe and tune.