ISO: Sports sedan with good (ok - not sucky) flappy paddle transmission

I need a new DD. Due to a back injury, my wife can no longer drive a manual transmission car comfortably. Given that she and I trade cars on a regular basis, I need to come up with something I like and that she can drive. That means a sports sedan with a good auto-manual set up.

My last DD was a 2002 BMW M3 with an SMG transmission. While okay, I didn't love it. They are really hard to drive smoothly. The tricky part is my budget is only up to $20k (though I would prefer to spend less). That means an e90 M3 with the DCT is out of budget. And certainly a Porsche with PDK is too. So what else should I be shopping?

The 8 speed ZF transmission is quite good.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_8HP_transmission

RossD wrote: The 8 speed ZF transmission is quite good. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_8HP_transmission

I know the Charger R/T uses it, but not with the V8 until 2015. If you can find one for $20k, that'd be a good choice.

Recent SHO? It's just a regular slushbox, but it does have paddles. Audi A4?

Lexus IS-F. Go drive one. Seriously.

hobiercr wrote: Lexus IS-F. Go drive one. Seriously.

Great cars, but can you get into one that cheap?

The DSG in the GTI is pretty good. I know that's a hatchback, but the Jetta would have the same transmission. GTI is probably a better all-around car since it wasn't Americanized.

BMW started putting Twin-clutches on the 335i in 2008-2009, too.

Brett_Murphy wrote: The DSG in the GTI is pretty good. I know that's a hatchback, but the Jetta would have the same transmission. GTI is probably a better all-around car since it wasn't Americanized. BMW started putting Twin-clutches on the 335i in 2008-2009, too.

Not the regular 335i, that still had a manual and auto option. The 335is had the dual clutch gearbox from that timeframe.

2010-ish Audi S4 (the 'B8' chassis) with the "S-tronic" (Audi term for "DSG")?

In reply to mattm:

Did the 135 get it, then?

Acura TL?

In reply to Cooper_Tired:

Oops, missed the $20K limit. Probably not but I bet you could find one for under $30K now.

Unfortunately the rest of the car is E36 M3(or will be), but the quatroportte Maserati.

I know it's not exactly a sedan, but what about a Mark VI GTI DSG with a K04 and a Wavetrac? Those things really move out.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0I7ZeAHISok

The VW DSG is one of the best paddle setups I've ever driven but might scare me as it ages. The 335I paddles were nice but not remotely on the same level as the VW DSG. My old IS300 was an auto that happened to have unexciting buttons...

Very curious about the new ZF 8 speed.

Yeah my vote is VW GTI with DSG.

Not sure I could do a VAG product, given the TDI bullE36 M3 we're dealing with presently on our 2012 Jetta TDI.

Frustrating car situation these days. Current stuff is so bloody expensive. And there are fewer and fewer used cars I like.

Lancer Ralliart, if you can live with the crappy interior? It has the same DCT as the Lancer Evo X MR, which is a fantastic gearbox. Sport or Super Sport mode is dummied out on the Ralliarts, but can be found and reactivated (WARNING - This will void your warranty!).

If you rule out VW, in your price range I'd say skip the flappy paddles and just look for a good automatic. Even when the paddles are available, I find that I never use them.

It doesn't have paddle shifters but the 14+ Mazda 6 has a decent manumatic shifter and they are pretty comfortable. Well within your price range as well.

92dxman wrote: It doesn't have paddle shifters but the 14+ Mazda 6 has a decent manumatic shifter and they are pretty comfortable. Well within your price range as well.

I think the Grand Touring models have flappy paddles, but they are a bit more.

Also, I hate to recommend VAG anything after my previous experiences, but I think the Jetta GLI can be had with the DSG.

Another one that's in that range now is the 2013 Cadillac ATS Performance. With the Performance trim, they come with paddles on A/T cars, and come with RWD or AWD.

Brett_Murphy wrote: In reply to mattm: Did the 135 get it, then?

You know I'm not sure but I think it might have.

SilverFleet wrote:

92dxman wrote: It doesn't have paddle shifters but the 14+ Mazda 6 has a decent manumatic shifter and they are pretty comfortable. Well within your price range as well.

I think the Grand Touring models have flappy paddles, but they are a bit more. Also, I hate to recommend VAG anything after my previous experiences, but I think the Jetta GLI can be had with the DSG.

Come to think of it, I think you are right with the paddles available on the Grand Touring Models.

The Lancer is actually a cool and unusual option. The TL is a neat car and I did remember digging the manumatic paddles.

VW GTI and GLI have already been mentioned, but don't forget the CC as well. I prefer the looks of the first generation.

I understand the disappointment with TDI, there's at least 2 threads on it already, if that keeps you from a DSG so be it, but you're cut out the best options in my opinion. Mk7 GTI is high on my list to replace our Sportwagen when it's bought back.

Along with the '14+ Mazda6 already mentioned, the same era Mazda3 GT has them too.

The lust for the GTI sport pack, is strong, but my spread sheet tells me the Mazda3 S T or GT is the hatch I should buy.