dferr

So, I'm out looking for a new ride. I keeping the A6 but it's time to replace an older Camry. Anyhow, I live in New England and will primarily be using the car as a commuter (as the A6 is now the wife's family truckster). I don't really want another A6 right now. I'd like some variety.
All cars are '02.

Looked at the A4 1.8T, and was rather disappointed with the car. The interior with the metal trim does not appeal to me and the gray bottom trim on the exterior is not pleasant to me either (unless you buy a gray car - dolphin gray is weet). It was louder and quite a bit more peppier that my 2.8. But to get a similar feel to the interior I felt I'd have to buy a 3.0. Why would do I that?

Took a TT 225 for a ride. Wow! Fun and impractical! Love it though!

Looked at Merc. C280 & C320. Nice car, but for the cash I'm not sure.

Looked at Acura CL-S, TL-S. All I can say about the TL-S is that it's a lot of car for the money. Just too boring looking though.

Looked at BMW 3 series, but I'm not really a fan. I have the wrong (or is it right?, no offense Chuck540) connotation of people who drive bimmers. Besides, it seemed pricy for the size (not to mention the sales-guy couldn't have given a sh*t about me).

And finally, looked at Lexus IS300 and ES300. Didn't take either for a ride. My wife really liked the ES300, but I can't get over the Camry thing. I must say the IS300 looked very impressive. The only fault I could see with my view was dealing with a RWD car in the Winter up here, oh and then the ricer thing too. (Any truth to all kinds of issues with this model? Friend/rumor said so.)

What is the general opinion or experiences of the gang here? I ask here (in the A6 forum) because this seems like a good mature place to get a view from others who share similar tastes.

Sorry for the long winded-ness! If you made it this far, you must have something to add?

TIA
-Dave

Chuck540MZ

These cars look really clean and I LOVE those wheels. The taillights are too ricey for me, but with a VERY quiet smooth engine and Lexus service, I think I could get used them.

Bollinger

Taillights are fine by me.

New ES300 has a great interior. Haven't driven it though. Previous ES300s haven't been any fun in that department.

Gino

If your >30yo, I would do the ES300 w/ it's new design and mature lines. Or a 5 Series.

Chuck540MZ

I forgot about that one- I like it too (especially with 255 HP).

Chuck540MZ

Isn't the GS430, E430, A6 4.2 and 540 "in its class"?

thunder

All are good cars. IMHO, the IS300's will be swallowed up by the Civic and Integra crowd. ES300 is nice, but I'm a German car freak.

Wouldn't buy the old A4, because the new one is currently being marketed.

Agree about the 3series being over priced. Previous BMW experience not good. 0 for 2 on the electrical system. 540 and M5 sweet though.

Used to be a big fan of Mercedes. First car was a '75 240D. Slow as hell but very cool. When Audi came out with the new A6, I jumped ship on cedes. The C class is too small for the money and lack of performance.

Net Net, you live in snow country and are commuting. Spend less money and get all wheel drive.

Good luck

Chuck540MZ

According to the EPA (& Gerry), the 540i is a "Compact" (don't know about the others). What's I35?

Gerry

I think Infinity is referring to the so called "near luxury class" that the magazines always talk about. Its more of a price class. Typically, I believe that would be the $30k to $35k, up market 3 liter cars, mostly Asian. In this case I think the A6 , 540 and such are more the class above. I'm just guessing here from having read too many magazines. In fact I would think the TL would be in that class and doesn't it have a 260hp version?

Remember the EPA had two sets of classes one by size (our memorable discussion) and the other by "buyer class" Interestingly the EPA site has changed and they only have size classes now. They must have read our discussion.......and we thought the government doesn't listen.

pablo1

I would check out a well equipped Passat and soon the Infinity G35 also.