I couldn't think of a creative thread title, so here goes...


Need to look really start to look into a new car and need some feedback. I am heavily leaning BMW, but open and willing to explore other makes/models. Please don’t crap this thread up with nonsense. IS250/350? Q50? Audi? TLX

Basically, I need something with more than two doors (kids and sports) and has a better handle in the snow. The Chicago weather this year completely ruined the ultimate driving experience. Yes, snow tires would have helped, and the car got around fine (most of the time), but I think it’s time for something a bit more snow friendly.

Car has to either be new or find one ever so slightly used. I am not interested in anything that is more than a year old. So no out of warranty options.

I have driven the X1, 328 and 328 GT. All are still a possibility. I know the X1 is up for redesign in 2016, but I can’t do another winter in my current car and based on what I’ve seen, I don’t like the look of the new line. I don’t think I have the stomach to pony up for a 335i.

Perfomance. I’ve been spoiled with the N55 so the X1 is attractive because I can get it with the N54 and do reasonably well on price. However, the current N20 is something I can certainly live with as my days of going to the drag strip are over. It is nice to have that performance when desired, however.

Budget… Eh, keep it reasonable.

 

Get a brand new WRX for $25k and put a set of snow tires on it.

 

328d X-Drive wagon ... All wheel drive, diesel torque, lots of room for the steamer trunks full of shit that wives insist on taking with them everywhere they go.

In that price range the Allroad and V60 T5 AWD are options for wagons too.

 

After reading the reqs in the OP, the 328d wagon popped into my head. Saw one yesterday on my drive home & it's

 

Jeep Cherokee. (Not grand)

Either a 4x4 limited with v6 and luxury package.

Or trailhawk with v6 and leather package.

But are pretty luxurious the limited is more car like with a couple extra luxury features. The trailhawk is a bit more jeep like but still very well appointed.

Give them a spin. You might be surprised.

 

TL SHAWD MT... Comfy, roomy, nice interior, capable, reliable.

 

I don't want to drive around in an SUV all the time.

 

You don't come to Car Talk often, do you?

 

Let's just not go there.

 

lol

 

Or get a A4 Allroad and chip it.

 

It is a cool idea for a car except for the fact its heinous with the plastics. A4 avant is classy looking. But its an audi, so lease it or dump it before warranty ends.

 

People simply paint match the bumpers. Even the dealers do it from the factory for you if you request it.

Once it's done, it's basically a A4 Avant + Wide body.

And B8-8.5 A4 has no known issue except for the one time dealer fix oil consumption issue.

My Avant has given me zero problems for the past 5 years. Has been out of warranty for almost a year now. No problem whatsoever.

 

wow that looks great... Kinda the same deal with the TL, have to color match the grill and boomerang, low offset wheels and a drop...

 

^^^^^
Belongs in Wagon Appreciation.

I hadn't thought to paint over the awful plastic on the Allroad. Cool!

Back to on topic:

Are you leasing or buying? When are you planning your purchase? What size do you prefer?

Only reason I ask timing is if you are buying soon, the TLX falls out of your list above. Won't be available in SH-AWD form until late summer.

328....OK option that can get expensive fast.

Cadi ATS4 with 2.0T or 3.6DI is a fabulous little car with just enough room in the back for your kids.

Audi A4?

Or if you want to go downmarket and FWD, you can never, ever go wrong with the 9G Honda Accord. The Sport even has a 6MT option, but few options . Even us diehard Acura "critics" love the Accord. I know I do, and it's always on the front burner when I'm thinking about a new car.

 

I won't go there.

 

How come? The limited is VERY car like. And the mpg is pretty good with the 9spd tranny.

But your druthers.

 

I drive Q50s at work and I love them. I know the styling is subjective on here, but I think they look great, especially with the Sport or accessory 19" wheels. A little plain with the 17s but not awful. How about a G37x? It's older, but they still drive great and the leases are pretty reasonable. My job has them for $219/month for models with the Premium package but no nav.

 

 

Most BMW's with Xdrive are pretty much snow friendly.
I think the X1 or X3 will fit your needs.
The X1 is snow friendly, awesome performance, and roomy enough for your family. Just my opnion
Good luck on your search! Chicago snow is NO JOKE.

 

Link to the chip for the all road?

I've seen some on cars.com with painted plastic, I think its a factory option.

This gets my vote. My girl turned in her G37X for a Q50 w/ the 19's (we hated the 17's) and it's been a blast. I hate driving it bc it makes me want a new car :why me:.

Here's one from the NYIAS, I wish I saw these wheels before she purchased hers

 

I just think I would not enjoy having the nimbleness of a car or SAV. I'm not knocking the jeep, it just doesn't fit into my criteria of needs.

 

I do like this.

 

Must. Resist.


This is pretty much how I'd configure a 3 series.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ateId=11087379

 

Used GS350 F sport? Also comes is awd

 

And if I understand the incentives that are out there, currently there's a $1250 option incentive, which comes off the negotiated price? So conceivably this could be had for under $50K?

Shit. I'm going to bed.

 

Let me know if you come to Chicago to get a car, I will send you to my guy at Patrick BMW.

Get the F30, you wont like much else out there if you loved your E92.

 

tis an option... Don't see too many available, however... Fawkers are expensive, too.

 

I have no alliance to my current dealer. Haven't checked Patrick's inventory, but that 335 at Bill Jacobs is my configed car.

 

Another vote for Q50. A friend of mine has one and I immediately fell in love by looks and performance.

 

That's the performance wheel package. I was told it's only for RWD Q50S models but the one in your picture is AWD so I'm not sure if it matters; they are 19x9 and made by RAYS. The black chrome accessory wheels are still my choice though, but that's just my

 

Let me know what you get, Ill just get the same one when Im back....

 

Just get the 335. You won't regret it.

Otherwise my vote is Allroad. It's an awesome car. My parents have one and they absolutely love it.

 

You can go anywhere you want. I won't disagree there are major stock design flaws around a very nice drivetrain and interior. But those flaws can be corrected.

Love mine and would take it over its competitors.

 

ATS / CTS

Ford Taurus SHO

 

The 4 series is just fantastic. I would buy that if I could.

 

Wow, loaded question.


Scribby, you loved the BMW...and so, no harm going back to it. The suggestion of the 3-Series wagon is great. Get in diesel. If you want to try something different, the Audi allroad will my vote. I love it...and it's something different...abeit, a bit more muscular.

 

Really like the look of the allroad... Just not sold that Audi will be a reliable car. Can't say my 335 didn't have issues, but once the initial round of bugs were squashed, it has been rock solid.

 

From what I understand, most of the issues were with oil consumption on the 2.0T back in 2009-10 and that's been resolved.

I'm really tempted to go drive one.

 

I have a couple of friends with Audis (no one with the allroad though). And honestly, no one has complained.

I believe JS + BRZ has an A4 Avant and have never heard him diatribe about the upkeep of the car. Drop him a PM since the allroad is somewhat similar to the A4 Avant.


Here's a neat write-up on the allroad (30 days with it) by Car Connection: http://www.thecarconnection.com/news...3-audi-allroad


I dunno...I personally think of the suggestions so far, the allroad is the best given how different it is and well, reviews/impressions of it are pretty good by the press too.