Converted Manual Audi SQ5 is On Sale

As cars equipped with manual transmissions gradually disappear from the automotive market, some auto enthusiast still try to find comfortable new models that come with a touch of classic powertrain design. For instance, if we have a look at an SUV segment, there will be a variety of new tech-laden models from well-known brands such as Ford or BMW. These SUVs have a wide range of advanced features, but all of them do not have a manual transmission option.

One talented mechanic came up with the idea to perform a transmission swap on the factory Audi SQ5 that comes with an automatic transmission only, and after some time this car got a clutch pedal as well as a gear stick. This car has been recently put up for sale on Craigslist in California, and sparked the interest of car enthusiasts. Instead of the 8-speed ZF automatic unit, this SUV comes with a genuine 6-speed manual transmission. According to the seller, he and his team had to deal with a variety of technical issues and to spend exorbitant amounts of money to make this car really special.

To obtain the necessary transmission unit, the seller had to order it in Germany. The thing is that Audi decided not to take risks with a manual version of the Q5 on the US market, where manuals are not very popular, but eagerly gave it a try in Europe. It is claimed that operational qualities of the manual Q5 are no different from factory models; everything works just fine. The car has been accurately serviced throughout its service life, and its mileage rate reached only 58,000 miles.

The price set for this unique car seems to reflect the efforts that been made. The current price tag for this car on Craigslist is $62,000, which is twice as much when compared to the price for the same automatic model. It is undeniably a large sum of money, but considering the unique character of this car, it is highly likely that very soon this manual Q5 SUV will find its new owner.