LABARINTH

I have been kicking around the idea of getting a new car. I graduate in August and because there is crazy job availability for PA's I expect to be employed before the end of the year. I am currently driving a 2010 Honda Fit. It is a great little car but has 2 main problems: 1) It is small. It is great for hauling 2 people and can hold a ton of stuff in the back because the seats fold. But once you put another person or car seat in the back it becomes cramped. In order for an adult or kid to comfortably fit the front seat needs to be pushed forward which makes it cramped in the front. Even, with this it can still hold a reasonable amount of stuff. 2) Lack of AWD and it is very light which results in mediocre traction in the rain and shitty traction on snow or ice.

So here is what I have been thinking. Something with a little bit more passenger space with AWD. I would also like something a little bit more luxurious but this is not absolutely necessary. The two top choices so far are a used Audi or BMW xi. They seem to fit all my needs. Only down side is that I won't be getting as good of gas mileage as I do with the Fit but I am ok with that.

What do you guys think? BMW 3 series vs 5 series vs Audi A4 vs A6 vs S4 vs S6. Anything else you think will fit my needs better? I have been tossing around the idea of a Subaru...only problem is I would like a little bit more luxury...haven't completely ruled it out yet.

Any and all input is welcome.

jaymar88

the 5 series is nice but interior space isnt outstanding. Whats your budget?

LABARINTH

Realistically $30k butI could go up to $35k if it was an amazing deal. Space for people and luggage is all I need. I won't be hauling anything else.

Zackk

If I was in your position, and I will be in a very similar situation in the future, I'd keep the fit and pay down a chunk of school loans. At least until you see what your job situation is.

Do PA's have any sort of loan forgiveness programs like MD/DO's do?

LABARINTH

There is loan forgiveness if work for the government. Not a big deal tho because I have so few loans they will be paid off in a year or less.

Dweezel

Agreed. The 5 series has good truck space, but the back seat is very small.

Nightshade

BMW and Audi are both highly regarded for their reliability and low maintenence costs.








:rofl::rofl:

LABARINTH

So based on what I am looking for what do you think would be better?

Nightshade

Not sure, the Awd throws me off.

Rode in back seat of a Mazda 6 the other day and it was comfortable for me which is rare at 6'3", but again no AWD.

The issue is most "full size" cars of today were midsize cars ten years ago.

lowbrow

I personally would skip the used Audi as well...

Acura TL with SH-AWD? New is a touch expensive unless you can find a good deal. Maybe an Acura RDX?

I'm also trying to think outside the box with the Luxury AWD... Could always get a Mercedes 4matic?