buying 3.0 sport convertable

[A4B6Cab]

Im looking to buy a 2003/2004 3.0 convertable and have a few questions

Whats the switchable auto box like? Like the idea of an auto for lazy cruising but I know BMW's flappy paddle box was very problematic, wondered if the Audi tiptronic (if thats what its called) is good or not?

What makes a model a 'sport' over a non sport one?

Is it worth getting a Quattro if i find a decent one? Not much between the 4wd and 2wd is there?

Anything else to look out for?

Thanks in advance

[tonyrampanttige]

hello mate, i just bought a 3.0 2wd cab with the multitronic `box which is only option on 2wd

the Quattro auto is the tiptronic, which seems to be more reliable if you read other posts.

when the multitronic is working fine its possibly the smoothest auto you can get, just make sure its had gearbox oil changed every 40k miles

sport model has lower/ stiffer suspension and 17" wheels as standard i believe

Quattro is very good but i will chew tyres up quicker than a 2wd and im told not quite a fast but i doubt theres much in it?

[A4B6Cab]

Hi Tony

Sorry to be dumb but whats the difference between the multitronic box on the 2wd and the Quattro tiptronic box, Im assuming only on the 4wd?

I test drove a 2wd non sport auto the other day, it had the usual drive/neutral/reverse on the gearbox the at the bottom of the drive options was the sport mode, made it change up gear a lot later. you could also knock the lever across to the left and manually change gear too, not sure what box that is?

[tonyrampanttige]

multitronic on a 2wd is (CVT) continuously variable transmission is a geabox which can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum.
and when you move the lever over to the left it simulates a 6 speed manual box

tiptronic i think is a fairly normal autobox which has a manual gear change also.

sport mode just keeps the revs up so more power, if you keep it in that keep an eye on your fuel gauge!

[A4B6Cab]

Thanks again Tony

Just googled the 2 boxes and theres a load of banter about them on piston heads, here at:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=293692&hw=+%2Bmultitronic&nmt=Audi's%20MultiTronic%20Gearbox


So what the easiest way to tell by looking at the gear selector to see if its the tip or multi tronic, are they visably different?
After reading the piston head debate Im a little drawn towards the manual now, 5 or 6 speed, Im assuming the 6 speedmanual box came on later cars?

Thanks again