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

Cute. It's a space issue, because Mrs. dL is going to spend quite some time in the back seat with the baby. Right now I'm deciding between a Passat and a 5er/e class, with the difference in price about 100 euros (and the difference in passenger space 3" in shoulder room).

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

I'd opt for Hertz. If something goes wrong you are more likely to get support with it than a company you do not know.

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

Since presumably there's a chance you'll be in back as well, I would spring for the extra roominess. Of course, if you're not going to be doing a lot of driving, it changes the calculus. But I imagine you wouldn't be renting a car if you were spending all your time in cities.

Can you go to a dealer to check out the differences? I'd go, with the baby seat, and ask to try out the back seat with the baby seat installed. See how each feels. Maybe even get a test drive, on the pretense you're thinking of upgrading.

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

We're actually going to be driving quite a bit, including a 6-7 hour driving tour of the Rhine.

Another option is a BMW x3: sixt has them, and they're about 600 euros for the week.

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

Prediction: By the time you get there, you will have talked your way into renting a 750iL (or a 740d).

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

They're available, but they're 1800 euros for the week. Not going to happen...

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

6-7 hours is going to be unbearable in a Passat. Just write that one off right now. Are you dragging luggage too? If yes, the 5 series may be the best bet, nice handling, adequate ponies and a large trunk. You've been in the X3 - that would be a nice choice except for lack of cargo space. Unless you're stuck with the 2.5L, then with 4 adults - don't bother.

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

I've never been in the new Passat, but I suspect that Mrs. dL and the rest are going to be more happy in a 5er or e-class than in a Passat...

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

I think we've settled on the E220 CDI.

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

OK, so after all that, when we arrived in Frankfurt they did not have a E220 CDI available. They had a Volvo V70 D w/o navi and a Grand Cherokee CDT w/ navi. We took the Jeep, as it was more roomy than the Volvo, and we really wanted the navi.

Despite the irony of flying to Germany and renting an American SUV, the car proved pretty good. We fit rather well (4 adults, one baby in a car seat, 6 suitcases, and a stroller), and the truck went 160 kph all day long w/o a problem. They must sell an upgraded suspension in Europe, as the chassis was much more buttoned-down than I expected, especially at high speed.

The navigation system was terrific, with great maps and very complete POI data. I don't know if this is the same software sold in US models, but if it is, I would not hesitate to buy it.

Also, as a diesel, we got about 20 mph over the course of the trip (2600 km), despite spending most of the trip (on the highways, at least) over 100 mph.

Some driving highlights:

Doing 180 kph and getting passed by a Audi S4 Avant like I was standing still: I couldn't even read the license plate. Now THAT is an exhaust note.

Also, getting passed by a MB Mclaren SLR in heavy traffic around Stuttgart. At the wheel was none other than Dieter Zetsche, Dr. Z himself.

SLR
 

Here's a pic of the SLR we saw:

http://static.flickr.com/100/2870432...cee4a9.jpg?v=0

A unique sound...
 

Help!
 

I had originally thought I'd buy a new station wagon to replace my older SUV. Now, I'm thinking of keeping the SUV for the nanny, and also so that I have the SUV when I need it for carting around the dogs.

Which means I find myself in the market for a sporty-ish coupe.

I want to spend less than 30k. I am partial to the Infiniti G35 but it's a little spendy. I also like the Saab 9-3.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Help!
 

I like the new Saabs a lot (especially for the money) even though they are now the step-child of some US company (GM?). Definitely test drive one of those and let me know what you think because I'm curious. Does VW make any coupes right now? Are you definite on the coupe thing?

Help!
 

Kleine GTI:

http://www.vw.com/images/config/prof...ti_pro_165.jpg