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auto vs 6 spd & more

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Old May 14, 2009 | 11:09 AM
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Default auto vs 6 spd & more

Ok gurus I have some questions for all you brainiacs of the C5 world.
#1 how long can one expect a 6 spd and clutch to last?
#2 is the fuel economy better w/ 6 spd or auto w/ 3:15 .... I'd like a 2:72 but there are hardly any available
#3 what would you pay for a '99 coupe w/ 17k miles, 6 spd, dual tops
heads up, adjustable suspension etc.
#4 any and all input is greatly appreciated
Cowboy
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Old May 14, 2009 | 11:14 AM
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I'll try a couple:

#1: depends on how you abuse it but if treated right 70K isn't out of the question for a clutch. The transmission should "last forever".
#2: The 6spd will always get better mileage than the A4 regardless of which diff you have in the A4.
#3: Not enough info... anywhere from $15-19K based on what you provided.

Good luck
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Old May 14, 2009 | 11:48 AM
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#1 - well, I have a 2000 M6 and still have the orig. clutch. Have just over 66,000 on car - I am the second owner. I have zero issues with my transmission in the 66K miles. Manual C5's (at least mine is for me) are very easy to drive. They must be pretty forgiving if I can drive one!
#2 - can't speak for fuel economy for anyone other then me - as most of that is your right foot .. these cars do get quite good gas mileage, though, as I am getting between 23-25 mpg on my daily computes during the week and can get closer/better then 30 MPG when traveling and using interstates for a tank.
#3 - If it's black - sure. - I agree with jbondfl...
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Old May 14, 2009 | 12:11 PM
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#2 - I'll sell you my 2.73s.

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Old May 14, 2009 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by jbondfl
I'll try a couple:

#1: depends on how you abuse it but if treated right 70K isn't out of the question for a clutch. The transmission should "last forever".
#2: The 6spd will always get better mileage than the A4 regardless of which diff you have in the A4.
#3: Not enough info... anywhere from $15-19K based on what you provided.

Good luck
Pretty right on, but I think with 17k miles you will not be int he 15k range unless it is a piece of crap. Probably closer to the 19k range if it is in good condition for those miles.

Also, about 1/2 of the 99s were made with 2.73. some have been taken out, but there should be some.
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Old May 14, 2009 | 12:34 PM
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Don't get an auto. I bought my car not having much manual experience and it's a great car to learn on because of all of the torque. You can literally take your foot off the clutch without touching the gass and the car will pull forward on its own.

I've had the car for several years now. I find that the manual is way more fun to drive. Even in traffic situations, you quickly learn to just let the gap widen before you move up. No point in moving up inch by inch, no one is getting anywhere fast.

I'm also averaging 25-32mpg. On the highway I can get up to 32-35mpg down here in Florida where everything's flat.

My car has over 65k miles and I'm on the original clutch. It all depends on how you treat your car. Things will always break if you constantly beat on them yet if you care for something well enough, you can make it last virtually forever.
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Old May 14, 2009 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by rosiescowboy
Ok gurus I have some questions for all you brainiacs of the C5 world.
#1 how long can one expect a 6 spd and clutch to last?
#2 is the fuel economy better w/ 6 spd or auto w/ 3:15 .... I'd like a 2:72 but there are hardly any available
#3 what would you pay for a '99 coupe w/ 17k miles, 6 spd, dual tops
heads up, adjustable suspension etc.
#4 any and all input is greatly appreciated
Cowboy
Guru....not here, just real world experience.
#1.....don't know, I have an automatic
#2.....replaced the 3.15 with 3.42's. Significant out of the hole performance, gas mileage on last trip up through the mountains, and remember our altitude here was 29.7 mpg.
#3.....I love my 99, and with both tops in good shape 18k-19k doesn't sound too bad.
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Old May 14, 2009 | 06:50 PM
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The life of the clutch will depend on how hard you drive the car and your own driving technique. There have been members reporting their original clutch has lasted over 100K miles.

The 6-speed is rated higher on the EPA fuel economy due to the two overdrive gears in the tranny. I typically got 30+ mpg with my six speed even though it was rated at 27 mpg.

I'd say $18-19K for that particular car, provided it is in good shape.
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Old May 14, 2009 | 07:25 PM
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#1 how long can one expect a 6 spd and clutch to last? As short as a couple of passes at the drag strip to well over 100,000 miles depending on the driver and driving conditions.
#2 is the fuel economy better w/ 6 spd or auto w/ 3:15 .... I'd like a 2:72 but there are hardly any available. A 6 spd will always get better mileage than an auto regardless of the rear.
#3 what would you pay for a '99 coupe w/ 17k miles, 6 spd, dual tops
heads up, adjustable suspension etc. A mint 1 or 2 owner car as desrcribed that needs absolutely nothing, probably $20K-$21K, especially if it is exactly what I am looking for and perfct in/out. It's all about condition and mileage to me. Pay a couple extra $'s now, save several $'s later. Of course in this economy I would offer low and see what happens.
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