My wife and kids have outgrown the Audi A3. Current front runners are 535i and E350. Probably do a CPO'd 2013 on either with extended warranty.

Any thoughts on either of these or anything comparable to consider. Audi isn't an option. Our service experience just wasn't on par with a company that wants to sell you the next car.

 

Good options to consider and we have had Audi, BMW and MB in that size class. First of the 3, E350, A6 and 535i, I would rule out the E350. Beautiful car but so boring to drive. Ours was a 2012 and I was so shocked at how little character the car has for driving experience. Very comfortable, very roomy but nothing fun about driving it. So over all compared to the others, no thank you. A6 we loved but I ran into the same experience with you and service. Hit or miss, fortunately found a dealer closer that was great otherwise we really loved the car itself. BMW, hands down was the best for everything. The service, warranty, no cost service at that and best all around car, driving experience, top notch always , roomy, comfortable, all around fun car to own and drive. The only reason we dont have it now was because we had 3 cars between my wife and I and the 5 series ended up sitting most of the time. My wife preferred the 3 series because it was more nimble, quicker, etc that you expect from a slightly smaller car. I drive the 911 but I work from home so not driving it everywhere, every day. We have become biased now always leaning towards BMW just because after owning a few BMWs, a few MBs and a few Audis, we always appreciated everything about the BMW far more than the others as an overall experience. Hope that helps.. keep this up long enough you might get 20 different opinions but I would say, go drive the e350 and go drive the 535i, see what you think and report back.

 

Wife drives an '11 335d with M Sport package. Loves the torque of the diesel. Comfortable, quiet, and great handling.

 

My wife test drove a Panamera S. Loved it. She is looking at 991 next. Happy husband. Either complements my 997!!

 

--

 

Does the wife not have an opinion?

 

Cayenne is doing the school run. It's not a 911 but I enjoy it more than the rover it replaced. Plenty of room in the back for a car seat and booster.

 

Love that Morse code. I was an SF 05B. Curse of learning code!! Stays with you FOREVER!

 

Have you met one that doesn't?
She's leaning towards the bmw but wants to drive both. Hopefully get out and do some test drives in the next few weeks. I'd like to consider the smaller C and 3 series cars but they might be too small for a family of four.

 

Our 335d accommodates 4 adults easily, 5 if not on the heavy side. Now, may not work for a two-week trip, but more than adequate for 2 adults and baggage.

 

I had 6 Bimmers '83-'02, each one more trouble-prone than the last. Went to an E-Class W211 '03 (gas engine), put 130K on it with very little needed, my son has it now, looks like new, drives like new, mechanic says he has customers with over 300K on them. They use em for taxis in Europe. Also they hold their resale value much better than BMW. We just got an E-Class W212 Bluetec diesel, awesome car in every way. If you're just leasing for 3 years/30K miles it doesn't matter, but if you're buying it to keep and rack up the miles, from my years of experience, Merc E-Class is hands down over BMW.

 

Step 1. Agree with your wife on an upper end budget limit.

Step 2. Let your wife select her own car.

Step 3. Step back and let happen.

Step 4. This is the most important step, NEVER make any disparaging remarks about her selection no matter how well or how bad it ends.

 

If you want Japanese, look at the Infiniti Q50S. Make sure you don't get the adaptive steering option which is drive by wire like the 991s. It is very competitive with the BMW and a better value in my book.

 

I had a 535I and loved it. Very safe and fast sedan.

 

Can't go wrong with either option. I'd also add A6 as another option...

Merc is more roomy/comfy, BMW is a bit sportier, but if not new, BMW maybe a pic for maintenance and repairs.