Re: Fantastic shrinking Audi

[George Rath <lxl@dnai.com>]

Warren Rheaume wrote:
> 
> I am the happy owner of a '90 V8, and the happy father of two small
> boys, aged 4 and 5.  So far, so good, everybody gets a seat and a
> seatbelt.  We like to drive.
> 
> A few weeks ago, the wife announced that we would be adding to the
> family.  No sweat, I thought, a little cramped in the back, but the V8
> (and our other car, a MB 300E) fits five fine.
> 
> Yesterday, the wife throws a curve ball worthy of John Smoltz.  Twins.
> A quick review of the available transportation indicates that I don't
> have a vehicle capable of safely carting six bottoms, regardless of size
> and weight.
> 
> We live in the country, up a steep gravel road and need four/all wheel
> drive.  The wife has vetoed a mini-van of any sort.  I think we are in
> the SUV market.  As an assemblege of automotive knowledge and reflection
> second to none, what is the thinking of the Q-list on the proper
> solution?  Private email is fine, unless you think your observation is
> profound enough to share with everybody.  Oh, and kindly pray for our
> souls!!
> 
> Warren J. Rheaume
> Foster Pepper & Shefelman PLLC
> 1111 Third Avenue, Suite 3400
> Seattle, WA  98101
> voice:  (206) 447-8927
> fax:    (206) 749-2002
> mobile: (206) 390-5931
> rheaw@foster.com

Congratulations, Warren!

I have an A6QW and it is a 7-seater. So are ovloV and the new MB 320
wagons.
IMHO A6QW is the safest, nicest and (if you negotiate right) not the
most
expensive solution.
As I know, the Isuzu Oasis/Honda Odyssey are one of the most reasonable
choices in the minivan market (not great, but OK crash test, the only
minivan with OK seats and doors opening car-like way). It is not (very)
expensive. I test-drove it once. It's OK, but is far behind of A6QW in
every aspect.

I would not even think about SUV-s. Personally, I am not in the
sadistical
car rides with 4 kids in a truck-like, poor handling and poor riding
vechicle -
which does not complies to federal saftety standards and is an
enviromental
killer. Even the ugly Ford Taurus Wagon (an other 7/8 seater) is better.

Hope, you can find a good A6(Q)W. '98 models are here, thus you can get
a
significant discount on '97 ones. If you would like to "allocate" less
money for the car, look for the 100CS Wagons or '96 A6(Q)W. I've seen
some
(used ones) at the local dealership in the Bay Area recently.

George