mrmako

Well, it's that time of my life. I want another car. I can't keep using my Volvo as a daily driver. My wife will use it (2/3 times a week) and my beloved Subaru will go up for sale. Being JDM, it may take a while to sell, so this is a good time to do it. Background done, now the good stuff.

I'm looking at spending around $35K. Here are the options (that I can import to the USA):

1. Audi A4 - Quattro/6MT/Premium package/Lighting package (xenon/LED's)/Convenience (MMI for my Ipod)/Heated front seats.

2. Mercedes C300 4Matic - 7AT/Lighting package (xenon's once again)/Heated front seats

3. Volvo S60 - 6AT/AWD/Climate package/Xenon headlight package/


If there is another alternative that I am missing let me know. Before anyone jumps on the BMW bandwagon, they get silly expensive once you add a feature or two (328i or 335i).

All of these are with military pricing, hence the $35K number.

The warranty on all of them is 4/50000 with Volvo giving me my first three services free. Audi gives me the first service free. Mercedes gives me a tank of gas, floor mats, and a free factory tour (it's 5 minutes from my house)

Once it's done, pics and a new post will follow.

charliemike

I think. Audi and Mercedes will have new models out in the next year and a half. The Volvo is supposedly a fine car.

How much longer are you in Europe?

1StGenCL

I really do like the look of the C Class but it would suck if a new model came out shortly there after. Did you look at the CLA?

Chief F1 Fan

I really like the current C series MBZ so that's my vote, in black with AMG package.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

A4

Can you get an Avant?!?!

charliemike

An Allroad. That's all that's certified for sale in the US

Sarlacc

Stuttgart?

My dad was stationed there for 4 years in the early 80's at Patch Barracks (no longer exists)...a lot of people lived at Kelly Barracks....but my dad decided to have us live in a little town just outside, Birkack.

I remember riding the bus to school and passing the big Merc building as well as Porsche everyday.

Sarlacc

And out of that list I would go Audi...just not a fan the C class. And Volvo just aren't worth it imo.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

fuuuuuuuuuuuuu. stupid allroad.

charliemike

Depending on how much longer you have there, I would either keep the Legacy and use that time for MB and Audi to release new iterations of the C and A4 or sell the Legacy and buy something used that you can't get here and enjoy that for the rest of the time you're in Europe. Then sell that and buy whatever you want to bring back to the States.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

I've been eyeing the A4 myself for about 6 months now so that get's my vote. Waiting for my car policy at work to change so I can pull the trigger on one.

mrmako

I have seen the new C, and the exterior is nice but I do not like the interior. And I should be here another 3 to 5 years. The Volvo is nice, but I may want more of a drivers car.

Yep. It's the dash that bothers me. The screen for the MMI is like an after market that does not move. But the body is

I like the look of the C, and the interior is very classy. The sport package gives it the AMG wheels and better suspension. Hmmm......

Just the Allroad at a $8K premium. I would love the wagon, but not lifted and more $$$

Yep.

Patch very much exists, I work there. Mercedes HQ is right next to Kelley. And I live just outside of Panzer Kaserne in a small town. And you lived out by the airport, but on the north side. A Stuttgart suburb.

The new C is nice looking outside, but I'm not feeling the interior. The new A4 is similar to this year's facelifted model. Now, the A3 looks like it will be interesting, but once I add an option or two, it is right up there with the 4 and there is more car with the 4.

Also, if I get a wild hair up my ass I might want to change jobs again so a Euro spec vehicle is out. Very sad, as the Subaru is a 2006 with 52K kilometers on her. And the trade market here sucks. A JDM is a tough sell, so I hope I find another expat going to the UK or Japan. And I'll tell you, an RS4 or RS6 Avant would be at the top of the list, along with some used AMG's. If I did that, I'd have to ask my kid to drop out of college

mrmako

The 6MT is really pulling at my heart strings. Less HP than the Merc, but that can be changed. Grr.....

MySoCalLife

you should test drive all of that cars before you choose it, see what you like and not like.
I would say the a4, and not because i own an A4. I was actually planning on buying another car, but test drove the A4 and loved it.

Sarlacc

I had no idea. I always thought I was told Patch closed. I was there for kinder through 3rd grade at Patch Elementary. My sister went to the high school. The bus would pick me up first and go get the kids at Kelly and then drop us at school.

After that we moved to Nuremberg to Monteith. I have heard they closed as well.

mrmako

Nürnberg has been closed for a long time. I used to be stationed in Augsburg, and drive up to the PX at Fürth. Man, the memories. Patch Elementary and HS are still there. My daughter just graduated from there this past June and my son goes there now.

mrmako

Yep, the A4 will be the first test drive. The Merc is a bit tougher, as the dealer is up in Wiesbaden. So I may take a trip to do that (2 hour drive @ ~95 mph)

Sarlacc

Yeah my father was the battalion cmdr for the 123rd armored brigade at Montieth. He would have taken them to Desert Storm, but he was re-assigned right before it happened.

The day we left Germany was the day Checkpoint Charlie was removed.

I remember Patch Elementary very well. It was really big, clean, and everything was new. There was a big play yard...and while I was there we got a new principal and over the summer he built a big 2 story playhouse with a fireman pole.

I would really love to go back one day and see all these places again with my kids.

Sarlacc

My dad's gift to himself before we left was ordering a 525i, 5spd, glacier blue from the factory in Munchen and taking the train there to take delivery. We did the whole factory tour and at the end they had our car in the showroom for us. It was pretty cool.

chill_dog

Of those, I'd get the Audi...looks the best inside and out.

neuronbob

Good choice all. I'd go with the A4.

I miss Germany, I lived there through all of high school. Hahn AB , now Hahn Flugplatz.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

A4

mrmako

I used to be in Co. A, I&A BN Hahn AB... Yep, I miss those days.

I tend to agree.

Speaking of BMW, I do have a feeler out for a BMW. More below.

I will be test driving an A5 6MT tomorrow (on the Autobahn = )

But today I saw a 2013 335i xDrive, a demo model at a good price (Less than $40K). I have started that inquiry process. I mean, 300 HP twin turbo and only a few K more than the others? Hmmm....... I guess it can be added to the list.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

If you would add in that 335i with that price, I would clearly go with that.

mrmako

As of the moment, it would be $38,9K. And that is a lot of car for the money.... But the A4 really draws me in and the Merc is so classy. Dammit.

H_CAR

The Volvo is the best of that list. Anyone who has driven one would likely tell you the same. Planning to get one soon.

oonowindoo

We are talking about 100hp and almost 100 lbs of torque here.

Of course go with the 335. By the way it is single turbo.

What options does it have other than X drive?

Saintor

Wait the new C-Class. BTW, RWD with TC/ESP is fine and don't waste your money on AWD.

Sarlacc

I still say stick with Audi.

ttribe

A4 (only if you get the bigger engine) or 335i.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

same thing here. Last time I looked at finance rates and promotions the A4 was just so much more affordable than the comparable 328. Plus with some software there's lots of potential in the 2.0T to build very good numbers. Otherwise I was looking at the C as well, my buddy is one of the top sales guys in the country for Merc so I can probably swing a way better deal, but alas no 6MT. I'm very much determined my next car will be 6MT, it's been way too long in slush box chevys that I'm loosing my mind.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

$600 will give A4 some nice VTEC.

Moog-Type-S

Get the 335

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Moog, what is that in your pic?

Sarlacc

battle for the planets

Fibonacci

S3, duh.

Saintor

There is only one engine, until you live in elsewhere than USA/Canada where they have A4 3.0T.

charliemike

I have heard really good things about the S60. My only concern is the resale value if I didn't keep it 10 years.

ttribe

Oh well. 335i, then.

RPhilMan1

I love the A4, and you sealed the deal at 6MT.

However, the 335i at that price would be a great bargain. How many miles does it have? Additional options other than xDrive? Which transmission?