Shinobi326

It's really for my girlfriend as it's been her dream car for many years.

I must admit it's definitely a solid car and although I would have liked for her to have gotten an Audi or at least a 330I, this is the one she wanted.

Turning off the DSC in the CA rains yesterday was quite fun and handled predictably and balanced. I'm glad she's in a safe and stylish car now instead of her 1999 Mercury Cougar.

Although I spent all weekend driving beemers it just made me appreciate my own A4 with it's quattro that much more. I still like the interior of the A4 better and the handling is superior IMO.

ADOBO

congrats to your GF

Shinobi326

I'm sure I'll drive it periodically and will enjoy it (as much as I only can in an auto). But it'll just make me appreciate my A4 everytime I do.

bam bam fka snail

My quattro r0x0rs in this rain!!!

bam bam fka snail

btw, my "other" car is an '02 325i auto w/premium (but no sport)

Shinobi326

and even my GF definitely noticed the handling differences between both. After she drove a sport 325 she was sold and said "I only want to look at ones with sport now because it feels like glue to the ground and safer." She's right in that is handled much better. The non-sport offered more of a touring ride and was comfy.

I just wish she wanted at least a 330I with a stick then I'd probably swap once in awhile but still won't compare to my quattro.

I didn't even know BMW had AWD (XI). Has anyone driven it before? How does it compare to Audi Quattro?

I'm glad I went with the 2002 instead of the '00 we were looking at because after reading some forums it sounds like there was some major stuff BMW fixed in '02+.

I think BMW's new are a rip but buying this used seemed to be much more of a financially solid way to go.

AudiFreakAZ_21

The bimmers are a rip off new. I don't know how a BMW buyer justifies paying another $5k for the same exact options. I guess they just really want the car like your GF. My finance loves the 325i cab and wouldn't look at anything else until she saw the new Audi. So thankfully we'll be staying in the Audi family when I buy it for a wedding present.
Also, I found the used BMW prices to be through the roof here in Scottsdale. How did you do?

Shinobi326

It was listed on the lot for $25,500 and then they had their "Internet" price (bastards) which was already discounting it to $22,900. The bastards kept holding their ground several times saying "they don't budge from the super discounted internet price." Well that's a crock of **** so I told my GF to get up and lets leave and of course I had my deal at another dealership for $22,100 that he has to at least match or I'm walking. Well after a few more minutes and rounds with the finance manager they agreed to my price. This thing is fully loaded (minus Nav) and not a scratch, dent, or anything. I tried negotiating at 2 other stealerships for the exact car (and surprising the same mileage each time... I guess mostly lease returns) and I ended up 1k less than any other place.

You are right in that most "prime" dealerships (in very affluent areas) around my house are selling the same car I bought for $27-28k no problem. You definitely have to do your homework or you'll be taken to the cleaners everytime.

wheatdad

just picked up my new '05 A4 1.8t on saturday and have to get rid of my '01 sport 325i!!