Decisions, decisions!!!

[Krautfed 03]

I need opinions!! I currently have a 2003 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T. Car is Dolphin Gray, and in near mint condition. Due to my new job, my Wife has had to switch cars with me. She is complaining about the manual tranny in the Audi. I have been talking to the dealer about a new Infinity G35 Coupe. Car is Silver with sport package (19" wheels, etc), has all other options sans navigation. I drove the G35, liked it, but it did not have the same quality feel as my A4. Question is, should I keep the A4, since my Wife said she could "deal" with the manual, or should I jump on the G35?

Before anyone asks, I'm not a fan of the new A4 rear end, so I really am not considering that. I like the A6, but can't swing the payment for a $50,000 car. The G35 will increase my payment approx. $35 per month, insurance will increase $84 per year.

Thanks for the advice!!

[MorBid]

Well I was comtemplating buying a 2004 G35 last Autum before I brought my Audi A4 1.8T Ultra Sport.

I could've got the G35 for less than I paid for the Audi, the dealer was willing to do whatever deal it took, plus Infinity was having dealer incentives which Audi never does.

The astethics of the G35 were not there for me. I did not like the front end esp.

Also the interior of the G35 looks and feels cheap to me (I understand that they improved on this for the 2005 and later models)

For fit and finish Audi, as well as other German automobiles are tops. Say whay you want about Audi, when you sit in one you know why you spent so much money.

I understand there is a movement afoot in the auto industry to stop making manual transmissions in favor of using technologies like Tiptronic.

Reason being they aren't enough manual drivers on the road now and kids find it hard to pick up (least in the states anyway)

Pitty really as it is much more fun to drive.

You will have to think of the safety factors when considering whether or not to dump the manual transmission for your wife.

If she is willing to or already has learned how to use it and is comfortable with it I would keep the Audi.

You might want to check over at Audi World or AudiZine for opinions from other Audi owners as many of us did consider the G35