The number one thing I learned is that Nissan is kicking everyone else's *** right now. The new Altima is attractive inside and out, can be had fast and has lots of features AND it fits me like a glove. The armrests are perfect for Ivan. Very comfortable and I will definitely drive a 3.5 before buying my used A6. I sat in a Maxima, too and wondered "Huh?" Why even carry both cars, the Altima is bigger and can be had with the same features for less.

I include in that statement Infiniti. WOW. The G35 is a home run. It's beautiful, comfortable has lots of technology and sits on the new Z chassis with little change. It's 265HP. It's a little too rich for my blood right now (the car at the show stickered at $34K) but I was very impressed. I had to wait in a line 3 deep to get into the G35. It's a hit.

I also sat in the Toyota Matrix and I have to tell you they will sell a jillion of these...to young people. It's nicer than the Mazda MP3 and is a great car for active lifestyles. You could practically hose down the rear. But the styling was too aggressive and the interior was too cheap. Remember, I am trying to compete with a used A6 here. I think Toyota's interiors are getting worse. Ironically the interior materials in the Pontiac Vibe were richer. But I ain't buying no Pontiac. Red dash lights do not an Audi make.

Acura couldn't be bothered to talk to me. And I found I don't fit in the sport seats in the S models. The CL-S they had in black was a shoo in for the short list but I'd have to have those seats. I am on a diet and losing weight but I doubt I'll be THAT thin by June.

Walked right past BMW. Not interested.

Audi. Showed Ali the Allroad. Damn that thing looks like a station wagon parked next to every SUV on the planet. She was not impressed, although she was aghast at the sticker. The new A4 was "nice" to her, but the A6 is better. I have other reasons for crossing of the A4 already mostly to do with interior space.

Loved to hear the guy getting out of the TT Coupe say "It's A LOT bigger insde than it looks." Those were my first words too.

Speaking of aghast at the sticker...Passat V6. Next. Off the list.

So here's the list...
-2 year old or newer A6 2.8
-Nissan Altima 3.5S with leather.
-Infiniti G35 if Ali really does well working part time. Even over the A6. I loved this car.
-Toyota Matrix 180 (If Ali stops working completely. This car could be fun.)

Lexus and Mercedes never show up to these shows. It would really have helped to have sat in an IS300. Nothing Merc has interests me.

3 years have changed a lot in the industry and not just the overuse of the word "crossover". I thought that was the guy that talks to the dead on Sci-Fi.

Mikayla loved the Toyota Sequioa. (Drool factor measurement) Mikayla's mommy's mouth fell agape at the sticker. $44K to start.

So here we go... I love shopping for cars.

 

Ivan, beware the Marsha/Kim/Nancy clan.

 

What happened to the WRX? SportWagon or otherwise?

 

Infiniti I35 has the advantage IMO. Yup - Nissan is on a role - the only way to get out the hole they dug for themselves only a few years ago. In fact - Nissan is doing in the 00's what Audi did in the mid 90's reinventing themselves.

 

What car show?

 

WRX is smaller than an A4. Too small.

 

If they tuned it right it should be a better driver than a BMW 330.

 

actually. Saw more concepts than usual.

Jacksonville, FL BTW

 

I hear you 5x5

 

a friend told me the Maxima will be have a power boost very shortly. The IS 300 is a disappointment when compared to the G35.