gordo993

Dodge Magnum R/T. Don't know about the third row, but plenty of go and lots of Mercedes bits!

Chuck W.

We have a 2002 Audi S4. Nice, but too small. I would look at the S6's. The new ones are coming out soon and are reported to have HP in the 400 range. Now that would be a family "hauler".

Berkley

I have had two Mercedes ML 500s.....the '03 has 26,000 miles and not the first issue has arisen....plenty power and great in snow and ice

Edward

Hi Mike,

I don't have anything to add, especially since I was going to recommend the Volvo V70, though not necesarily an "R." I have had superb experience with my 850turbo predecessor to the 70 series) over the years past, as has my brother, and am disappointed that you've had so much trouble with it. I one day wish to get another Volvo turbowagon but certainly don't want a lemon. May I ask what have been the problems?

Edward

milrad

Second the Dodge Magnum R/T. Not sexy like an S6, but great bang for the buck and looks very bad@#s. Only you can tell if this will play in your circles...

Jason

David in LA

The Magnum looks great on the outside, but IMO the interior leaves a lot to be desired...and as I get older I have to admit that the interior has become just as important, if not more, to me as the exterior. Nevertheless it's great bang for the buck although you'll probably get challenged at every other stoplight by the twenty-something-wannabe-gansta crowd.

My S6 has H-sports and 18" RS6 wheels with 255/40-18 P-zeros; I've also pulled the servotronic relay to tighten up the steering and increase feedback. I've thought about getting H&R coilovers and lower it a bit but after much thought have decided against it as it goes against my original purpose for getting the car. It's a hoot to drive and with the 4WD and H-sports the car handles very well for such a heavy car. That said Audis generally do not hold their value well so I would not buy a new Audi, but used ones are pretty good value.

IMO if money is not an issue then I would look at the AMG E55 estate (lowered, black, with 19" or 20" wheels ) ; otherwise a new Magnum or a used '02 S6 go for low- to mid-30s.

EDIT - btw I saw an 02 S6 w/ 35k miles for $35k in early June at a dealer...it was in great condition and fully option; and also Audi certified pre-owned so warranteed until 100k miles

rockwoodfarm

I think that the S6 is an excellent family vehicle. Minor compromises for the utility but lots of power in a very nice package. Audi says that they will not be importing them for 2006 and the A6 wagon will only be available with a V6 in the US market. Finding a used S6 will be a challange, limited import and most of us who bought them seem to be keeping them.

Monique

Another thought. BMW has announced a M5 touring. V10 and all. They had to do it coz Audi was eating their lunch in the perf family wagon segment.

There is a 4,5 liter V8 powered version of the Bimmer wagon.. at least in EU.

Bill Verburg

The 8 has been available in all A6 since 2000, a 340hp version is available in S4, less powerful versions in the A6

My ride silver '04 S4 Avant

mooty

you can buy my 2005 S4 avant.

Traffic53

there is no 8 cylinder for the audi a6 avant in the states. the 4.2 8 is available in europe, but not the us. the s4, by the way, is a very fine car indeed. good choice- but just too small for us.

Traffic53

this is something i could get excited about- but i just don't think it's going to happen here in the states. the 545 touring is an eu car onlyright now. if they do make a touring with the v10, it's unlikely to come here. audi didn't send the rs6 avant and benz waited till this year to finally send us the e55 wagon.

until bmw and audi ship their v8's over here, it looks like the e500 is the only reasonable choice. for those whose wifes would support a $95,000 wagon, the amg v8 benz is the clear winner in my eyes.

Bill Verburg

Unbelievable, A6 sedan 4.2 yes, Avant, No

What are they thinking?

Traffic53

here there edward-
we have had all the expected problems with the R: trip computer, window seals, power steering pump, front tires rubbing at full lock, and false oil level indicator lights.

it's the 'brake control module' problem that has me all sorts of pissed-off. this is a computer bit that controls the abs, traction control, and all-wheel-drive. all the reasons for owning an R! when it faults, all those systems disable which leaves me with a 300 hp, front drive v70 w/o abs or trac. hardly interesting. this has faulted for the 5th time! every time is a 15 mile trip to the dealer and two days driving a battered s60. i try my best to maintain a sense of humor about this kind of thing, but i'm finding it difficult now. i like to think i'm a busy man. i'd prefer to not have to spend entire afternoons discussing my wagons health with the folks at Volvo of Lisle anymore.

when the car is not suffering issues, it's really quite nice. prehaps i just have a bad one. i wouldn't tell someone to avoid the v70 series wagons because of my experience. they are pretty nice. but i'm going to try something else. (we've had it for 22 months and 22k miles)

Traffic53

i'm with you. if they had the 4.2, i'd have the 4.2.