OT: Recommend Car for Wife

My wife wants to replace her beloved Acura Legend GS. She does NOT want a big car. She drove a BMW 330Ci with performance package and really liked the way it drives, but I mentioned that she should try other vehicles. She wants something sporty, she would prefer a manual transmission. She would need 4 seats. She will definitely get what she wants (I know better!). However, she has asked me for suggestions to test drive and I promised to comply. So far, others have suggested (going from memory here so forgive me if I leave one out) the Audi S4, Acura TL, Infiniti G35, VW R32, Volvo S40. Any suggestions? Thanks to all!!

I can comment on the R32. I spent a bit of time test driving and researching them as a possible next car. If she wants a coupe I think it is a great way to go. The overall package is fantastic. Its no 996 for sure but the car is very soilid and very capable. Its not a stop light demon but it is fast. And the exhaust note is incredible for a car of this nature. It is also quite economical - decent gas mileage and with the rear seats down it can haul a good amount of stuff. Its also fairly rare as its a one year car. With the new mk5 body style coming soon prices are sure to start dropping pretty fast. Last I heard some people were already getting deals as low as 27500 for them - new of course. Just throwin some info out there for ya -Jeff

out of the cars you mentioned, i would say stick with the 330Ci.

I haven't driven, but have heard good things about the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evo. May not be luxurious enough, but supposedly are great performance at a very reasonable price. And what about a 996? It has four seats. (Have to recommend it, this is a 996 board after all)

The Audi seems like the best match between performance and luxury, but if new, also carries the highest price tag. It would be my choice, but hey, I sell them, I'm biased...

So far I have not been impressed with any of the '4' series Audis that I have tried, but I must admit that I have not tried the S4. Some friends have the G35 and it is universally loved by all of them. I could be wrong but I think the TL only comes as an automatic (yuk). If she is used to high end cars then the WRX and Evo will feel pretty basic. I also did not feel that the WRX involved me enough - sure it was fast but it did not feel like a sports car, just like a fast sedan. Finally, have you considered the RX8? Barry

Bang for the buck, I would go with the TL ...

330Ci or VW R32

Agreed. That's a lot of car for the money. If only it were RWD.

I've driven the S4 and it was awesome! As mentioned above though, it carries a hefty price tag!

S4 for the high end, A4 or 330ci alternatively.

having recently gone through the same issues as you, i chose the R32. the history of the car is interesting. it is a limited production, also german engineering, which i liked. all wheel drive is a bonus (not sure where you live if that is an issue). fast enough for most needs, yet fun to drive. quite cost effective (26,600 for me with vw incentive). i just don't see these around my neck of the woods. this car always generates a lot of interest/questions. good luck roy

My wife was in the same situation and ended up ordering the Volvo V70R for European delivery in December. I never thought we'd own a Volvo, but a 24 hour test drive sold us over the A4 and BMW wagons. Performance, value and conveniences are way above the competition, IMHO.

Get the 330CI. Stay away from those other ones unless she's the conservative type. _just my 3 cents.

S4

Not that you guys have not given strong suggestions, but I have another alternative. My wife has gone through the whole gamut of BMW's, SUV's, etc... and she finally fell in love with a Mini Cooper S when we bought one for our son. She had to have one so we got her the MC-40 limited edition and added the JCW package on which puts it at just over 200hp. The thing is a rocket and a blast to drive. It is a German engineered car, built in England, and has replaced her last SUV. I have to mention that she is a car enthusiast, used to race both Porsches and Corvettes (back in the day) and can drive like hell on a track. Don't ask her to back up, though... I think the back up gene resides on the Y-chromosome. I let her drive the 996 once in a while, but I swear she loves her Mini. It has room for 4 adults inside - we do it all the time. The price will definitely be less than some of those other cars you've mentioned, and it is not as luxurious, but you might as well give it a try.

Just curious, how safe these things are, do you know of any safety ratings for the mini.

Funny you ask - that is where the Mini really shines. It is one of the safest cars on the road. My first thought when I saw the new Mini was "what a death-trap" - but I couldn't have been further from the truth.

Since she likes the BMW already I say stick with that or try the Audi. The other cars don't offer the same refinement as you are gonna get with the BMW. All of the other cars are good cars, but just not as good as the BMW. The Audi if you are getting a regular A4 will be more luxurious, the Acura is nice but has lots of torque steer, the R32 is a lower line car and does not have the level of luxury you are looking for, the G35 is fast but not as luxurious or refined, and the Volvo is nice car but not exciting.

<<She does NOT want a big car. She drove a BMW 330Ci with performance package and really liked the way it drives, but I mentioned that she should try other vehicles. She wants something sporty, she would prefer a manual transmission. She would need 4 seats.>> Mini Cooper S. Lots more fun than the 330 ( I hate my wife's 2004 330 Cab, even with the so called 'sport package" ) For 22 K or so it's a blast. Add another $500- 1,000 in minor but effective mods to increase the fun factor. Perry

I like the caddy CTS. if you like the bmw try out the caddy and you will be suprised. You can get really good deals on them too. Bobby

The CTS is a wonderful car, test the upgrade 3.6L. The CTS-V is a low cost M series, but I think they only have 6 speeds. Your wife might want a auto. Its also might be a bigger car than you were looking for.

As a longtime A4 owner and having just sold my 911, I was on the search. Did extensive drives of M3, 330 (many versions), R32, G35, 530, 540, TSX, Sub GT, etc etc. Even though I was never a bmw fan, I ended up with a 330ZHP which is a really nice car. It's cornering is very close to that of an M3 and not too far from a 911. The acceleration is not amazing but it is a smooth, well built machine. On paper it is matched well by the competitors, but small touches add up to make it a much nicer car. I'm one for optimizing decisions and only one question remains. I bought the coupe thinking I'd grow out of it in a few years. Now I think I should have gotten the sedan so I never have to sell! If you have more questions about the car or want to see pics of the beautiful imola red/natural brown leather color combo, pm me. Do you really need awd? I'm an avid skier and plan to get snow tires.

My Younger Brother Has an 04 S4 - I drove it recently, I think it drives great ! Love the V8 and the linkage is pretty good, Recaro seats are AWESOME - four doors and good rear space, What's not to love. A bit pricey, but you get AWD All year round, TL will not give you that, nor will the BMW.

Bimmer all the way. The 3 series has been king of that market segment forever for a reason!

The BMW 330 with the Performance Package is a very nice alternative. I would say to stop looking and go for it. Why not just get another Porsche? You can't have too many of them

I really like the S4, but I'm an Audi guy. My wife drives an S6 Avant, but we wanted space and performance. Test them all. It's personal preference.

My wife is on her second A6 4.2 and she loves the mix of luxury and performance. We test drove a 04 S4 and I was amazed at the difference. The 4.2L in the S4 is the next generation making more than 30 more hp and it is just right for the car. There's enough torque on command at any rpm. The car handled better than any previous Audi that I've driven and stopped on a dime. I've driven the track with my 40th and a 04 S4 following me. The S4 was better than its driver and it was very fast on the track. Your wife may not want to do this but it's good to know that the car can be taken from the dealership and driven to the track without any modifications. I can't argue against a 330 with the PP as this car is also very nice. There are enough examples of all these cars to take them out for test drives. Enjoy!

You've gotten some good suggestions here; I'll throw out a couple not yet mentioned. This week I did a track day sponsored by Mercedes. I've never owned a Benz (6 Bimmers, 3 P-cars), but got a chance to try out pretty much their whole line-up on the track. Naturally, the AMG SL 55's and C55's were a hoot; but a couple of others were surprising. They had a 230 Kompressor C class in red with a sport package that was a really nice drive; I had a blast on the road course with it. And truly a bargain at a sticker of $33K. The 6 cylinder models were more expensive and nowhere near as much fun. The 4WD versions weren't much fun either--too heavy and the steering was too slow. I also liked the new 2005 SLK350. If your wife likes the idea of a folding hardtop, it might be a consideration. The car has much more power than the previous generation, and the seating position reminded me of my 996. Strictly a 2 seater, of course. Good luck.