[s-cars] POLE: wonderful dilema, S4 or Ultrasport?

[Erik Addy]

I too recently had my first child and am trying to decide on a new (used) wagon for my wife.  I would like AWD (2WD might be OK, prefer ltd slip diff, RWD ).  I want it to have stability control and be 2002 or newer.  Prefer manual tranny.
 
The way I look at it, there aren't a lot of good choices for cars outside of warranty.
 
Volvo V70R- almost perfect, but I don't like the idea of paying for that electronic suspension outside of warranty.  Plus, the AWD seems to have some components prone to expensive failure.  Perhaps the regular T5 (fwd) model, but then stability control was a bit of a rare option, and so was a manual tranny.
 
VW Passat W8:  Also almost perfect, with the somewhat rare manual.  But I hear that engine is a major pain to work on and somewhat prone to failure.  Something about narrow crank journals?  Big $$$ repair.  2.8L V6 strikes me as a really boring, mediocre mill.  1.8T with manual was available 2004/5.  Not a huge fan of that engine, but would be OK with a new turbo- this might be my best option.
 
A4: Too small
 
A6 3.0:  Well, still not a fan of the engine, but it's OK.  Autobox only.  This may be another good choice.
 
Allroad:  Manual avail.  If there was an A6 Avant 2.7T manual, I'd buy it (or the 3.0 TDI!).  I don't really care for the look, and the height-adjustable suspension does nothing for me. I've heard you can dump it and convert to coilovers though...wonder how much $$$ for that?
 
Dodge Magnum: Roof line leads me to believe storage in the back may have some restrictions, plasticy interior.  Auto only.
 
Lexus IS300 Sport Cross: Don't know much about this one...pretty rare around here.
 
Merc E-class: Spendy, no manual
 
Saab 9-5 Aero: Possibly another good choice.  FWD but manual tranny avail.  Don't know much about what the problem areas were for these cars.
 
Any insight on any of these options?
 
Erik

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