$50k class
 

Yeah, $46k for a 335 sedan with the sport and luxury packages. It adds up pretty fast.

Anyone hear as to when the new G35 sedan will be hitting dealerships?

$50k class
 

Far as I know, it's there.

At this point in my life, I am looking for (1) the cheapest safe vehicle; (2) that will last the longest. I'm not talking 200k miles but 400-500k miles, in my dreams anyway.

Hence the interest in those Ford cab cars and stuff.

$50k class
 

Get a Honda Accord. Change the oil at 5000 miles, the belt at 60,000 miles, and don't get hit. It will give you all the miles and more.

$50k class
 

That's the key. Swore by the Accord I had but am looking for something more tank-like.

$50k class
 

Dude, it's a twin turbo. That is reasonable for a car like that. In fact, I think when my lease is up, that will be my next car.

$50k class
 

That's the problem with GM, all they have to do is charge a few hundred dollars more and get the better plastic, but they won't do it. There was an article in last month's Automobile comparing the Porsche Turbo, the Corvette and Ferrari 430. For half the price, the Corvette keeps up with the big boys. But the main complaint was the cockpit's cheap interior.

Audi Group B
 

In the cockpit of an Audi Group B car. Holy shit. I forgot how reCoculous these cars were.

Viper attack
 

Yikes!

SFW, turn up the volume a bit.

German engineering in da house
 

Unpimp that ride.

SFW: VW ads

Audi Quattro Drift Car
 

Alex, this is ridiculous. I don't know what kind of tires those used to be, but he lit them up pretty good.

Audi Drift Car

Passat wagon v. 3er touring for a week in Germany
 

We are traveling to Germany for a week at the end of the month, and will be renting a car to get around and visit relatives, etc.. I have booked both a VW Passat wagon and a BMW 3er wagon: the passat through Hertz (around 530 euros for the week) and the 3er through Sixt (435 euros for the week), both with manual tranny and nav. We will be 5 people total: 4 adults and an infant in a car seat.

I need to choose which of the 2 cars I want to use.

My question is this: if you had these two options, which would you choose, and why? Obviously, the 3er is going to offer a different level of driving dynamics, but it is smaller. Is the extra size worth 100 euros?

Also, has anyone used Sixt before? I use Hertz exclusively in the US, but the Sixt rate seems too good to pass up.

thanks a bunch,
AdL

Passat wagon v. 3er touring for a week in Germany
 

I have never driven a wagon. Does this surprise you? I you had asked about the sedans, I would have told you to go with the Beemer, because with 2 adults in the back, the way the Passat is designed, you will not be able to see out the back window at all. Not even a little bit. But wagon? Probably a toss-up, but the Beemer will probably have better brakes - if that interests you.

Passat wagon v. 3er touring for a week in Germany
 

Ordinarily, you know the answer: Bimmer of course, especially for a better price. But given the relatively cramped confines, I would put a premium on space rather than performance, and expect that you'll find that extra $18/day well worth it. Of course, I don't know how much extra space you get, but the 3er touring has always struck me as pretty short on room.

Passat wagon v. 3er touring for a week in Germany
 

Mrs. dL has already ruled out the 3er. Comparing the Passat to a 5er or e-class wagon (aout 100euros [15 eoros/day] more expensive than the Passat) does the calculus stay the same. Edmunds tells me the BMW/e-class have about 3 inches more of shoulder room in the back v. the passat, which strikes me as quite a bit.

Passat wagon v. 3er touring for a week in Germany
 

Does the passat come in pink? i'd get that.