yatesd

I currently drive a mid-sized SUV with about 110,000 miles on the odometer and considering replacement options.

I have considered:

- Subaru Forrester/Outback
pros- better fuel economy, AWD, great ground clearance
cons- base engine only includes 4-speed auto, many other compromises

- Chevrolet Malibu/Honda Accord
pros- both get more than 30MPG on highway in a mid-sized platform, low entry costs, practical vehicle for work
cons- lacks AWD and lacks uniqueness

- Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia
pros- best fuel economy in class, direct injection with almost 300HP, more room, great value
cons- my other vehicle is a minivan (Honda Odyssey) so I don't really need more room. Too large, gas mileage is not good enough, not exciting to drive compared to a car

- VW Jetta TDI
pros- great gas mileage
cons- doesn't really interest me otherwise

Well, that's when I realized that an entry level luxury sport sedan would be fun. AWD is a priority for me since I live in the Northeast and have a 200ft driveway and cover multiple states for work. I am a little concerned about losing ground clearance (does come in handy when fishing, visiting parks, etc.).

My short list:

- 2009 Audi A4
- Cadillac CTS AWD
- BMW 328Xi (used is an option, since no significant redesign)

Thoughts...

Audi is currently the most tempting. It should give me great gas mileage, AWD, sporty handling, and premium features.

BMW has the worst gas mileage of the bunch and everything costs extra. A little small for me. In the Baltimore/DC market they are more common than Honda Accords.

Cadillac CTS AWD is closer to mid size (my preference), has standard V6, more power, direct injection option. The gas mileage is slightly worse than Audi, but premium gas isn't needed. I might be able to grab a 2008 leftover.

So...pricing is going to be very important! I am also signed up for the Audi driving experience in August. What vehicles are you cross shopping against and what are your priorities?

Stretch 98

... but you might want to consider Subaru Legacy GT Spec B and Saab 9-3.

B7Quattro Pete

'09 A3 2.0t quattro

tgt

2009 Acura TL (I suspect the heft and lower MPG may eventually rule it out, but I like the new design and had an '04 TL, very good car)

Passat Club Coupe (with only room for 2 in the rear may also get ruled out)

'Lower' on the list of options:
Camry Hybrid
B7 A4 Again

klkl

Really want the 335 or the A4. 335 is a bit over budget especially with AWD.

98a4q28

For me it is:

1. 09 A4 2.0TFSI with stick, quattro and then mod
2. 09 A3 2.0TFSI with stick, sportback and then mod

3. 0X Subaru WRX stick and awd (prob slightly used)
pros: inexpensive stick and awd, can be modded, I like the smaller size for no particular reason
cons: 25mpg or so is a fair amount lower than audi, (WRX has hood scoop) looks a little like a male teenager raging-hormones kinda car (but I'm in my 30s)

what drives my decision?
I want a compromise between a civic (mpgs) and porsche 911 (zoom) for daily use.

MML

Same here...

kerrydel1

V70, 9-3 or 9-5 Sport-combi, SRX, Outback

kerrydel1

Re: V70, 9-3 or 9-5 Sport-combi, SRX, Outback, Passat Wagon

kerrydel1

DOH!