Out here in California I was fortunate to purchase a Prius while HOV stickers were available. These allowed me to zip around town in the fast lane while others were clogged in bump-bump traffic. Those stickers just expired and no longer avail so now I'm done with the car.

I have been using the TT daily for the past month and love it for that as well, but would need to haul around severalmpeople from time to time, plus inhale a 3yr and newborn at home son could use a backup kid hauler just in case.

So far I'm thinking <$40k, 4-door, >15mpg, warranty+, new style auto trans+, performance, style, something to be proud driving.

Liking the 335, 535, 550, E55, E63, A6/7, S4, Or I could go something older without warranty but cheaper.

Let's here those suggestions-

 

a3 tdi. That would be my first choice if I had that budget for a daily as I love the sporty wagons.

 

RS4......but i'm biased.

 

I like BMW's 535

 

I have had everything on your list as a DD (cept for the E63 A7).

I perfer having something very different from my toys for a DD.

Get the A6 or 535, with extra points for a wagon. They are great for 2+ kids. I would also look at a Q7 diesel or a X5 diesel.

The 335/A4s4 are all too small for kids plus there stuff.

Tom

 

Good reminder on 335/S4 size. Yes I recall how tight it was in the back of my old B5-S4.

 

I agree with the A6 or 535. You can add a bit of hp and still have the efficiency. If you need a hot rod go E63. All great cars. Good luck

 

Lexus IS-F if you can find one under $40 - not sure if they are that low yet... Infiniti G37.

 

BMW 335d with the M sport package! Nice automatic, lots of torque and good fuel economy.

 

I really enjoy my Porsche Cayenne Turbo as my DD, sporty, average 16-17 with my foot into it all the time, sporty, blast to drive, bought it with 28k now 100k and going strong

 

BMW 335d. I picked up a M3 to DD instead and its terrible on mpg, wish I had got a 335d at the time.

 

535...

 

E55/E63 Wagon. Perfect all around vehicle. We have the E55 wagon. With two more kids coming in February, we'll out grow it (5 kids under 6), but we'll keep it. Forever.

12 second quarter miles.
7 passenger.
Luxury.

What more could you ask?

 

I have two kids 8 and 11. Previous DD was Audi S4 current is 335i coupe 6 speed. I like the 335 better than the Audi (more sporty). Kids fit fine in back (just as much room as wifes Subaru wagon) and Golf clubs plus other stuff fit fine in trunk (I have carried skis, Bikes, 4 wheels and tires etc). You can get a CPO for well under 40K or a used IS with 7 speed dual clutch auto for just over 40K.

john

 

How about a 08 black, f250 diesel, quad cab, long bed. Perfect for hauling those little ones around and and for a few extra bucks you could pick up trailer to cart the TT around to events with super sticky tires!