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Hi Robert,
I sorted through the same issue less than a year ago - the playing field has changed a little. My favorite car to drive was the 530i based on its poise and balance - the feel of a rear drive car is unsurpassed. The 2.7t six-speed was so luxurious and capable - probably the car I would have gotten had I not stumbled onto the great '02 Aero deals on Cape Cod. I ended up with the Aero and have been thorougly enjoying the car. I have had it about 6 months and it is approaching 20k miles and feels so strong. The money I saved allowed for a bit of noodling-about with toys (exhaust/wheels/tires) that have further enhanced the car.
Your choice is complicated (enhanced?) by the availability of the Audi 3.0 A6 quattro which has nearly the hp/torque and undercuts the 2.7t by 3-5k. In fact, the 2.7t is gone after this model year - to be replaced by the S6/RS6 combo (no doubt worth a serious look - and likely a second mortgage). The 3.0 is very strong - even with the Tiptronic. The interior is eye-wateringly beautiful!
If you use your back seat (no-no, not for that - drive-in movies are out!) for children, dogs, students, etc. - than the Audi and Saab are the only real choices. The 5-series rear sear is smaller than the old Accord!
All of the cars come with free scheduled service. Having owned Bimmers and Audis - the cost of service after that period is attention-grabbing! I do most of my own work, but a trip into the dealer was NEVER less than $600... but I did get a swell little mat installed in the driver's pod each time. I assume the paper had some hallucigenic components, so I rolled it up and smoked it to relive the pain - but to no avail :-(
The fianl consideration is the climate. With my Bimmers - the winter in New England - even with real snow tires - was chancey. I have an SUV for my field work, so I could take that to Boston in bad weather. I now have a family - so I leave the SUV at the house for the "team" to to travel in. So I must face winter with my car. That says quattro - or at least front wheel drive - to me.
Keep us posted - tell us about test drives!
Eric
posted by 136.167.54...
, Wed, 18 Dec 2002 00:16:45
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