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A3? Subaru? VW Wagon?

4 messages,  Last post on Aug 23, 2009 at 8:58 PM

You are in the Audi A3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Audi A3, Volkswagen Passat, Subaru Outback, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, Hatchback, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#2 of 4 Re: A3? Subaru? VW Wagon? [navybean] by nomowhale

Aug 19, 2009 (9:25 pm)

Replying to: navybean (Aug 19, 2009 3:36 pm)
I have a 2006 Audi A3 2.0T 6 speed manual. I think it is an excellent car but I am not sure if it will meet your needs. First, I have owned a Honda, Acura, Saab, VW, and several BMWs over the years and it has the best engine of any of my vehicles. It is very smooth, has great pickup and it is very fuel efficient. I purchased an older BMW convertible several months ago which has become my daily driver. I love rear wheel drive cars so the BMWs driving characteristics has put the A3 to the sidelines. The A3 will become my bad weather car. Unfortunately, with all season tires the car was not great last winter. I love hatches and sportswagons so I may replace the A3 with a similar car that you are looking for. Whatever you do I would recommend snow tires. They make a huge difference. The best car I have ever had in the snow was a RWD 2000 BMW 323i with snow tires. Also, I would recommend that you find a wagon with all wheel drive. You won't find an A3 with Quattro in your price range since they didn't introduce it in the A3 until 2009. All A3s in your price range will be FWD. Here are several cars that you should test drive: Audi A4 Avant with Quattro, Subaru Impreza and Outback, Saab 9-2x and Volvo V50 T5. The 9-2x is essentially an Impreza but note it does not come with electronic traction control. Try to find a Certified Pre Owned model. With that you will get an extended warranty. My wife drove an A4 Avant back in 2000 when my oldest child was born. We have owned several Audis and we have had good success with them. I have not driven either Subaru, the Saab or the Volvo. If you drive any of them, please post your thoughts.
 
Good luck in your search.
 
Larry

#3 of 4 Re: A3? Subaru? VW Wagon? [navybean] by ddmarobbins

Aug 22, 2009 (9:12 am)

Replying to: navybean (Aug 19, 2009 3:36 pm)
Hi, I've had my 2008 A3 2.0 front wheel drive since Dec 07. 16K miles on it now. Our other cars are an aging but invincible Volvo XC90 that our teenagers drive, and a 2008 BMW RWD (worse than my Audi in the snow). We live in Seattle where the roads are wet Oct to May, with occasional city-crippling snowstorms during which we wait for the snow and ice to melt. No city plowing! The FWD A3 was okay with a teeny amount of snow on the road, but otherwise pretty useless. If I had it to do all over again, I'd buy a used A4 wagon with AWD, or the Volvo V50 AWD(and in fact may switch this car out soon for that as my new job requires lots of driving every day). I'll try snow tires this winter and see if that helps. If you do start having babies, the A3 cargo space in the back will probably not be adequate. And I would REALLY recommend you buy AWD on whatever you decide,esp with that driveway!. Volvo's are fantastic (we've had 4) but it may not be your thing and their gas mileage is terrible. I liked the Subaru Forrester a lot when I was testing cars in the fall of 07, but I am fairly tall with some back issues, and have found Subaru seats just not adjustable enough for me. Good luck (wagons aren't so bad so long as they are cool Audis!)

#4 of 4 Re: A3? Subaru? VW Wagon? [navybean] by 204meca

Aug 23, 2009 (8:58 pm)

Replying to: navybean (Aug 19, 2009 3:36 pm)
The A3 probably fits meets the largest number of your criteria, but as already stated my be on the small size & does not have AWD except in the high priced model.
 
As far as getting a reliable AWD vehicle that will provide, space & good fuel economy and under 20K, the a 1-3 year old Subaru would be your best bet. Actually you may be able to find a lightly optioned Impreza or even a Forester X in the very nice 2009 redesign for 20K, especially if you can find a demo or one that is still on a dealers lot. I would certainly suggest you drive the Subies before deciding.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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