My wife is talking about a new car. She wants something nice, like a Merc, Bimmer, Audi, etc. We want high mpg (who doesn't), looking for 30mpg hwy. Thus far, the A4, and the E320 Bluetec are the only two I've seen with decent gas mileage. The A4 is $20k (usd) cheaper. I'm wondering what you think. 4 seaters are preferred, but two seaters are not totally out of the running. A convertible would be nice since we live in Fl, but not a necessity. Cars should be less than $55K usd. Any thoughts?

 

you can get a nice A4 convertible
really nice cars for the money

 

Yeah I like the A4, the price is nice too ; )

 

get one with a 6spd 1.8 turbo....quick little car!

 

They no longer have the 1.8T it's been replaced with the more efficient 2.0T engine (which is superior =D )

Wow I didn't realize the 2009 A4s come with standard Quattro (awesome!), the 2.0T is quite a nice engine, and the new A4s are AWESOME.

 

Mazda3

 

It seems you're not looking for a replacement, but an entirely different car. I find it difficult to comprehend how one can replace an SUV for any of the cars mentioned above. They are completely different in character and function.

Of the 3 mentioned though, my opinions (you asked for them) are in fun-to-drive order:
1. BMW 3 class: so-so design, RWD goodness, great handling, comes with stick
2. Mercedes C class: great design, RWD goodness, luxurious, only auto(?)
3. Audi A4s: pretty nice design, FWD (AWD) blah, front heavy handling, nice interior

I'd say the Mercedes C class is what I'd pick of the 3 for a significant other.

If you're looking for wagon versions, only the Bimmer and Audi offer options.

 

I should haveve mentioned that the car must be an automatic. The vehicle is not for me, so handling/performance are not high up on the list. High gas mileage is very high on the list as is appearance. A car that has a classic style is what my wife wants. We used to have a Jag XJ Vanden Plas and she really liked that, but we sold it and picked up the SUV in '02. The SUV is basically a daily driver, all road, no off-road 4 wheeling, no boat towing, no hauling, etc. A car will replace the SUV in its duties as a daily driver.

Thus far I'm leaning towards the Audi A4. Jag's are nice, but our last one killed us in shop fee's as it aged. Still open to other suggestions!

Thanks

 

Check out the IS250/350. It's a little sluggish in 250 trim, but the interior is absolutely fantastic and it gets up to 32 MPG. My parents have one and I love everything about it aside from the power - I'd drive it all the time if they didn't have an MX5.

 

If it's just a luxurious daily driver. Yeah! I'd consider Rhawb's suggestion seriously.
In terms of reliability and mpg(?), I'd say the Lexus is ahead of the Teutons. The IS250/350, IMO looks great. They only offer auto too and have a nice ride quality.
BTW, the 2.0 FSI engine on the A4 is a real gem!
It's too bad Benz do not offer the C200 4 banger with the Kompressor, that would compete nicely with the A4.

 

I got my wife an 08 A4 in May, 2.0T Quattro with the S-line package. That is one sweet ride, we were shopping the top three when we got it. BMW by far had the best handling and Benz by far had the best interior, Audi had better handling then the Benz but not as good as the BMW. Interior was less then the other two but still nice, it was also 5K less. So we opted for the A4. I like it so much that rather then jumping into another 8 after wrecking mine I just got her a Mercedes C300 and I'm taking over the A4. Want to wait to see what Mazda does with the RX-8 in the next few years. Go with the A4, the 09's have been redesigned and look nice. By the way I got 32mpg doing 65 coming from IL last night.

 

C350 or C300. Hot car.
Does your wife want to maintain the storage space that the SUV has? If so, go wagon! But not many choices left. The new V70 looks good. saw a 5-Touring last weekend. Now that is rare. I find the 3-touring's rear hatch not very comodious. Too bad they don't make the Mazda6 wagons. They look good too.

 

I get over 30 on the highway with my IS350 lexus

 

ah, you are right, forgot about the 2.0T

 

I second this. Although I see them everywhere, they look damn good and the price wont kill you.

 

I would as well go with the A4, I test drove one the other day and i was very impressed.

 

Reading a review on Road & Track, the new B8 A4 seems to be significantly improved in the handling department! That's great news for new A4 buyers.