Kurt

I want to keep the price < $45k and have narrowed the list down so far(with options I want) to A4 3.0 for about 39k, S4 for about 42k, BMW 330XI for about $42k, and VW Passat V8 for I would guess around $40k, as they have not come out with it yet, but my TT lease has enough time to wait that out. I love the A6 4.2, but it costs over $50k with the options I want. Any suggestions or comments about these cars from experience?

p.s. Too bad I can't afford to keep TT and a new sedan.

nikhil

Used 4.2..if it's initial resale is like the A8, it will be VERY cheap!

Tron (///M)

I think the W8 Passat is a bargain at $35K, saw the sticker at the NY auto show.

bward

1. BMW 330XI, 2. S4, 3. A4, Last: VW.

RTinNYC(again)

meaning we know that it is at the end of its life-cycle and that there is a significantly improved model in the very near future... I don't like the 330XI. I do like the new A4 somewhat better than the old.

I would say the S4 Avant or the W8 - I like Passats. Can you get the latter with a manual tranny/4-motion?

CaberneTT

Are the one's I would recommend...also there is a new E-Class coming in fall, you should be able to get deals in the current model...

NewGuy123

My best friend in Chicago has the same predicament ('cept he has an S4 already)and hes looking into this as well. His findings with my comments:

1. VW. Forget it. you avhe been stung by the Audi bug. Either stick with the marque or go up, not down. My opinion.

2. A4 Convertible? Out is Sept, but should make for a very nice ride. He may just rent a car till this comes out. Looks awesome.

3. S4: yep, new model coming out with 300HP? Hmmm, may be wirth waiting for

4. BMW: said he drove the M5 and M3; both nice cars but overpriced. My opinion: I would not own a BMW; had 2 with nothing but probelms but this is my opinion.

5. Used A6: I like this option for you and my friend the best (or the convertible). If you can find these (big cities), some oare coming off leases with low mileage and warrantys, so look here. My opinion.

Hope it helps. Tell us what you pick!

Chris

TTNomaded

If you're looking strictly at current M-Ys, I would pick the A4 as a better family sedan than the S4. The new A4 is much more roomy in the back, than the older A4, which is what the current S4 is based on.

Is the new S4 slated for a fall release? Last I heard, it was slated for a springish '03 release in Europe, and probably a fall '03 release here.

Also, a used A6 is a great alternative. Much more roomy... but then, it's not new.

Lone Starr (Ivan)

have the budget you do.

I would say new A6 of any kind (2.8, 2.7t) first, A4 Avant second (no station wagon stigma with Euro brands IMHO).

I have no read on the PassatW8. Don't forget about the Infiniti G35. It's a great car and in between A4 and A6 size for $35K loaded. By the time you are ready to buy the initial fervor for the G35 will have died down.

I crossed the following off my list:
Volvo S60 T5 (no emotional response)
Saab anything (weird cars, bad interiors)
Mercedes E or C (where's the value and sport?)
BMW 3 series (where's the value?)

Kurt

I think with 4-motion, you have to get the car with tiptronic, as manual is not allowed with 4-mot.