It was my dream machine. But I listened when people said that the off-road features are rarely used and I knew that was more-or-less true for me. I was aware that the 4Runner cost as much as many luxury autos.<p>When I ended up with a minivan as a second vehicle, my need for haulage capability in my main driver was eliminated and the 4Runner dream died. I now wanted a small sporty sedan.<p>The wife wouldn't let me get a two seater MR2 or RX7 (something about taking kids to daycare). So since I had to compromise on size, I decided I would stick to my initial desire for 4X4.<p>There are almost no AWD cars to choose from. I ended up comparing the Subaru Legacy sedan, Audi A4 and loaded VW Passat with Syncro. My findings:<p>A4: Loved the car - wow (made the mistake of driving it first ;-)<br>Passat: Very good, but not enough $ savings and a little too big/heavy for my taste.<br>Legacy: Good car - practical but uninspiring - technologically inferior AWD.<p>The choice was clear - I just had to find the right deal.<p>Thanks for letting me remenis (sp?).<p>Gordon Martin<br>98.5 2.8QMS (Santorin Blue)<br>

 

Yep! My decision process was nearly the same, except my contenders were A4, BMW 328, and Lexus RX300 -- not the Mercedes C-series. I only looked at the Mercedes for about ten minutes before I started feeling queasy. <grin><p>The Lexus had tons of space but just didn't handle the way I wanted. The BMW was a fine car but was $6K more expensive and only 2 drive wheels.

 

Two years ago, I was in Stockholm and I saw a dark blue A4 Avant - 5-spoke wheels, sports suspension, gleaming in the late evening sun. I couldn't take my eyes off that car.<p>When it came time to replace the '91 G20 (138K - all original except tires and brake pads), I test drove a number of vehicles. The new G20t was not significantly better than my '91, even with its high mileage and its original clutch. The BMW folks thought their 323 should only be sold with every imaginable option - things like heated seats aren't all that important in Maryland. MB and Lexus have no interest in folks who like a three-pedal vehicle, the Maxima accelerates well but handles like a Buick, and the V6 Pasaat with a 5 speed is a sweet car but felt like it was a click down from the A4 Quattro. The A4 sedan has a tight back seat, and my son began voicing complaints just a few seconds after sitting down there. The sight of an Avant at a showroom piqued my interest in a station wagon, which astounded my wife. My test drive in a 5 speed 1.8T Avant confirmed my suspicions that the vehicle has a lot more going for it than good looks. The little turbo engine has surprising torque and the balance exhibited by this car is astounding. I have driven a number of tricked out vehicles that do not compare with the stock Avant for handling and balance. <p>My 99.5 Santorin Blue 5 speed 1.8T with sports suspension and sports seats (onyx cloth) is now in route to the states and should be here by the end of July. I know, some of you might flame a black and blue color scheme, but I had trouble seeing the dove gray steering wheel in front of the new monochrome gray interior. <p>By paying close attention to multiple car mags (C&D, Automobile, R&T), invoice prices, web site information (thank you A4.org) and finding a sales guy with a sense of what I was seeking (sports suspension, sports seats, no other options), I was able to get what I want and remain only 4% over invoice. I have yet to decide on chipping (my wife says I already drive too fast), but will place the CD changer order with Clair when the car comes in.

 

My buddy with a '99 MB C230K said about my leatherette &quot;this leather is nicer than my MB&quot;