What should I go test drive?

[ScottyB]

Sigh. Thanks for the advice Scotty, that's what I need to hear even though I'm addicted to the idea of an A4. Maybe a B7 with the 2.0L or an MKV won't be completely out of the question if I get a decent salary offer. Those are coming down in price lately too and it sounds like the car would last a lot longer in the end. What's your take on the 2.0L versions? Are the motors a significant improvement? I could deal with a mess of control arms, especially if I just saved up some money to just pay someone to overhaul it once it started to shudder.

i love the 2.0T. its a big step up from the 1.8. its a pretty stout, economical engine that makes nice power stock and has a good ceiling if you want to push it further. there are 2 versions - the early FSI (MKV cars) and the later TSI (MKVI cars) engines. they are similar in numbers but the TSI is completely redesigned, and better. the FSI engines have a reputation for wearing down the cam follower that controls the direct injection, and both of them can be susceptible to carbon'ing up if you pussyfoot around in them due to the direct injection, although i think its signifcantly reduced in the TSI. my guess is that the only ones that will probably fall into your price range are the FSI engines.

Mike, Jay, and John at GetFast here all have MKVI 6-speeds and love them. my dad has a MK2 TT with the FSI/DSG combo and its fun, and feels quicker than numbers suggest.

don't get me wrong, A4's drive nice, but they're heavy, complex German cars. if that's your bag, you'll probably enjoy it. i'm just saying that they are needy cars and it sounds like the M3 has worn you down from that already.

tell you what, if you wanted an automatic, an IS300 would be perfect. autos are everywhere, they're anvil reliable, comfy, and not too big but still spacious enough for 4 people + luggage. plus they look hot and are RWD.

WRX's are "analog" cars for lack of a better word - simple, utilitarian, loud, and by some measures crude. its just how subaru does things. but if you want to get around in any weather and like a bit of good old fashioned turbo lag they're the most entertaining thing on the used market right now in that price range.