have gotten one below invoice like my A4.

Agreed. Bottom line for me: 3-series not worth the price premium over the A4. Plus never would

Tom

When I took a couple of BMW 3-series for test drive during late June this year when I was writing an "A4 vs competitors" section on A4.org news section, my parents have a chance to test drive too. I took a 323i automatic non-sport, 328i 5-speed sports package and 323i 5-speed sports package in one single day from BMW Canada 1/2 hour from my house.
Since my mom wants to get a base 323i automatic at that period of time, I let her drove the 323iA non-sport. She felt soft and overprice when she was also considering a Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0L.
The most impressive of the lot is the 328i 5-speed sports package but the 323i 5-speed sports package; however, when I right jumped into my A4 after returned all the cars to BMW in the evening. I felt the BMW is completely overprice, just look at all the option packages.
I preferred the standard BMW steering's remote control cause its easier to use than the sports steering one; however, since the ergonomics are so good. I don't think I really need a steering-wheel control stereo.
What I don't like about this Bimmers are the "faux" aluminum strips on the base package looks like something came from GM's parts bins and some of the materials inside a cost-cutting.
Because of this, my mom finally ordered a Millenium Bug GLS 2.0L last month. The New Beetle even has more attention and catchet than a BMW, believe this?
Tom
97 A4 1.8TQMS
99 JETTA IV GLS 2.0
00 NEW BEETLE GLS 2.0 (ON ORDER)