A4 B6 Cabrio - which engine/gearbox combo to go for?

[gramey]

I'm considering buyng an A4 B6 Cabriolet but don't which engine/gearbox combo suits this car best. Obviously there are several combinations and I'm thinking a 1.8T with a manual box may be best. I'm not sure the extra fuel consumption of the 3.0, especially with an auto box, is worth it and I know nothing what so ever about the 2.4 V6.
I have a B5.5 Passat with a 1.8T, manual box, with an AMD remap which gives it roughly the same power as the V6. Either V6 is probably smoother but would I be best off with a manual regardless of whichever engine I go for, not sure an auto is at all suited to 4 pot.
Any advice would be appreciated from those who are in the know, thanks.

[fourringsrus]

Hi , Just my opinion , the 4 pot is too underpowered, I road tested 2 of these and settled on a 2.4 v6 sport with the 5 speed manual.
The cabriolet is a fat old lump so don't expect great performance unless you are looking at the 220 bhp 3.0 v6 or a punchy v6 diesel.
Depending on year the auto box on early cars , pre 2005 , can be troublesome. The 2 wheel drive auto is known as cvt or multi tronic and is well documented as a bugger of a box , whereas the tip tronic auto which is the quattro box is relatively bomb proof.
Some of the purists don't like diesel and roof off combinations but that has to be a matter of personal taste.
Though the 2.4 v6 petrol is not heaps more powerful than the 1.8t, it just feels a lot nicer and in my opinion thats what you want from a cabby, poise not race car punch.
If you do want punch the 3.0 v6 petrol has 220 bhp and the v6 diesels are very torquey and smooth with the added benefit of improved economy.
I am actually looking at selling my low mileage 2.4 v6 sport , any time soon, so if your interested it's in my profile album.
Good luck

Stuart

[gramey]

I understand what your saying about the 4 pot with the stock mapping but I certainly noticed the difference in my Passat estate when it was remapped, don't get me wrong it's no sports car but it surprises a few people, thanks for the advice re the earlier auto's which just confirms that I should sick with looking for a manual. Would it be possible to post or PM the details of your car please, I quite like the look of it in red, thanks.

[fourringsrus]

Hi gramey, the car is a '52 plate 2.4 v6 sport , 5 speed manual
Full service history
1st reg November 2002
MOT expires November 2011
Tax expires end of June 2011
66,500 miles
Amulet red
Charcoal/black leather and alcantara
All the usual stuff you would expect and in lovely condition, always washed etc, Autoglym and Meguires products
17" Sports alloys, front fogs, never had to touch the car, it's basically the wifes car and does around 15-20 miles -a-day, and gives her around 35 mpg
Looking at others on the internet I would be advertising her at about £7500 and consider sensible reasonable offers , or may have a deal with a b7 A4 or a similar value A3.
I dont need rid or, to take insults but it is a lovely driver and certainly in good shape , maybe above average condition so if you are interested etc

To the forum / team if I should have entered this post in a sale section I apologise

Stuart