(SemiAC) Audi vs. Volvo

[Mark J. Besso]

While a Legacy may not be an exact competitor, it is an option to consider. 
 There aren't that many AWD wagons that haven't morphed into crossover 
vehicles.  I'm not knocking those, but it wasn't what Tihol referenced in 
his original post.

Obviously I'm a fan of Audi vehicles or I wouldn't still be subscribed to 
this list.  As far as the three vehicles discussed so far, I firmly believe 
the Audi is the nicest car to live with.  It is, however, far more expensive 
to maintain....especially with Audi (as a company) not doing much to help 
those of us with older models.

What else is there?

***Jaguar X-Type Wagon - too expensive and it's still a Forde Mondeo with a 
fancy grille.
***Chrysler Pacifica - Even if you discount it's Mercedes underpinnings, 
it's a crossover.
***Ford Freestyle - Volvo S80-based and not too bad as an option.
***Volkswagen Passat - The W8 with a 6-speed intrigues me, but they're still 
much smaller than the Audi.
***BMW - The 3-Series xi's are close in price, but the 5-Series is a more 
logical competitor.....but didn't have AWD.
***Mitsubishi Lancer Wagon - Still too new and out of the price range.

I'm sure there are others I'm missing, but as far as cost of ownership it 
would be had to beat the Subaru.  Used car purschases are generally best 
when you get as new, and as low-miles, as you can for the moeny you have to 
spend.

~Mark


On Thu, 7 Feb 2008 14:25:19 -0800 (PST)
  Dan DiBiase <d_dibiase at yahoo.com> wrote:
  "Mark J. Besso" <mbspeed at maxboostracing.com> wrote: Tihol,
  
  You're considering a '97 Volvo w/136K and a '99 Audi w/100K.  For the
same price you can probably buy a 2003+ Subaru Legacy GT wagon with
less than half the miles.
  
  ---------------------------
  Mark, I'm not sure the Legacy can be considered a 'large-ish' car, as
Tihol said he was interested in.... My neighbor just bought a 2008
Outback Limited wagon, and I was surprised at the relative lack of
space in the car. Very high floor, and the front seats feel very low
on the floor. He also has the huge sunroof, which also impinges upon
the interior space from the top.
  
  Dan D
  '04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
  Central NJ USA