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Sedans Ultimate AWD Sports Sedans
828 messages, Last post on Oct 03, 2009 at 9:40 PM
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My wife and I plan to look at the 2009 Audi A4 quattro 2.0T. What other cars in the same class should we look at? We currently have a 2003 A4 quattro 1.8T which has been almost flawless. Our criteria include comfort for 4 occupants, responsive handling, reliability (perhaps a given these days), all weather capability, and fuel efficiency. Beyond a size adequate to provide comfort for four passengers, we favor smaller cars. Price is a consideration. We can afford what we want but are unwilling to pay just to have a certain brand cache.
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Replying to: waygrabow (Aug 27, 2008 7:46 pm) Having said that, the model I drove had an estimated price of about $48k, and IMHO that's crazy. The 2.0T model will surely be a lot more affordable, and that engine actually makes more torque than the V6 does. I didn't get to drive one, but I'd lean towards that engine. At the same event we got to sample a Lexus IS230 AWD (comfy, but very soft), a Benz E300 4Matic (solid brakes, but disappointing handling), the A4, and a BMW 328xi. The Bimmer had the best handling, but it's close in price to the Audi, and that's with the base engine, so it won't get much cheaper. I think the strong euro/weak dollar may leave you with a bit of sticker shock when you go shopping for the 2009s. I'd add a few others to your list - the 2009 TL-S will have SH-AWD. Also, the G35x from Infiniti. Finally, for a budget buy, check out a Subaru Legacy GT Limited, or even a spec.B model. That kind of money lets you buy a lot of very nice cars. Good luck shopping.
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 28, 2008 6:00 am) |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 28, 2008 6:00 am) If my choices were limited to AWD cars I would also look at the Evo MR as well as the STi. The Spec B is another excellent pick. I found a very clean 2005 Audi CPO S4 for just $31900, but unfortunately it was a slushbox... 
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Replying to: roadburner (Aug 28, 2008 12:06 pm) Try them out, though. Can't hurt, plus it'll be fun. 
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 28, 2008 12:54 pm) If they're TOO sporty, then he's TOO old. 
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Replying to: roadburner (Aug 28, 2008 2:27 pm)
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Replying to: waygrabow (Aug 28, 2008 4:08 pm) The MazdaSpeed3 is very nice, but no AWD. IMHO that's too much power for the front wheels alone, so much that early models had engines shaking out of their cradles due to wheel hop on acceleration. Doesn't Mazda even limit boost in 1st and 2nd gear? Give it AWD, Mazda!
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Replying to: ateixeira (Aug 29, 2008 7:55 am) No, the problem was a motor mount. A revised one was issued and the problem has only resurfaced with heavily modded cars and/cars that are drag raced. Doesn't Mazda even limit boost in 1st and 2nd gear? Yes, and boost is also dependent on the steering angle. Give it AWD, Mazda! I much prefer RWD cars; I bought a Mazdaspeed3 because I thought a little FWD experience would be helpful when I instruct students who have FWD cars at HPDEs. It's been kind of fun learning how to drive a FWD car properly, but I'll probably flip it for an E46 M3 in the near future. AWD is fine but it's not my first choice- unless it's a really, REALLY performance/track oriented sled like the Evo or STi.
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