I have a 528iT, great car. Loads of room, has more cargo than an X5. I would get a 540iT manual next time, just for the added fun! They can be found for a song if you are willing to travel. If ya gotta have a wagon - err touring, might as well get the Bimmer!

 

Subaru Legacy GT wagon is a very nice car.

 

Whew - two weeks of test driving cars. I picked the Audi A3. Brief comments:

BMW 325iT: SLOW. Felt very underpowered. Was not really impressed with any aspect of the car, and my wife did not like it.

Volvo V50: Decent. The T5 turbo engine is nice. Pretty decent car in all respects, but did not blow me away.

Saaburu 9-2X Aero: We need an auto tranny. The Saaburu auto tranny is absolutely horrible - combined with the turbo lag with the engine - destroyed the car. With a stick it might be fun, but in the auto version, no way. Zero throttle response, suspension felt a bit raw, not impressed at all.

Audi A3 w/DSG: VERY nice. Fast, composed, the DSG is absolutely brilliant. Sport package suspension is nice and firm, with excellent seats. As much room as a A4 Avant.

 

The DSG is a very nice tranny, it surprised me very much too. Good choice and good luck with it.

 

i definitely like the mazadas! My girlfriend and I are looking at one for her actually. Might go drive one today

 

Magnum's are nice, roomy, and have a Hemi.

 

I talked like a dutch uncle to get my wife to go for an Audi S4 Avant, but alas, it was not to be. We ended up with a 330 Ci vert. Seeing as how I am not a convertible fan, I think we didn't get as much as we could have for the money. You fared much better than I. Enjoy the Audi, it should be a fine car.

 

I just returned from Montreal, after putting about 1600 miles on the new A3. The car is brilliant - has the best auto transmision I've ever driven. Enough room for my needs, great performance, effortless road manners - I'm thrilled. Ended up paying 29.5 for a classic Silver A3 with the following options: Sport Package, DSC, Cold Weather Package, Bose stereo. I'd rather have got the Xenon's over the Bose, but that's how the car was ordered from the dealer - did not want to wiat six weeks to special order one.

I'm thrilled!!! Wife loves it as well, she feels much more confident behind the wheel of the A3 than any of the other cars we tested!

 

love to see the pictures! the a3 is something i'd love to graduate into if i needed an everyday car....

 

One of my good friends has a 9-2X Aero and that thing is a rocket. Plus, you can't beat all wheel drive. The only thing he misses is good wheel-spin.