TheScionicMan

Get the Box. If you decide you don't like it, buy another Audi with your Home Equity LOC after you've made THE more important investment.

appreciation > depreciation

pixel

I also drive a VW 1.8T New Beetle and I can understand not wanting to take a "step down". Since your Audi is paid for, I'd just keep it, and buy the xB. Your insurance company may be able to give you a "pleasure vehicle" aka weekend car rate on your Audi to help out a little bit there. Using the xb as your primary vehicle will slow down maintance costs on the A4.

And if you decide down the road that you love the xB so much you can always sell the Audi then. Vice versa, if you hate your xB, you still have your A4 and you could dump the box.

I too have to run premium gas in my bug, but paying for the gas is still cheaper than a car payment, and remember, the best car you'll ever own is the one thats paid for

bB2NER

Right... Trade in the Audi for the xB and you shouldn't have any payments

Infamous425

i dont think you'll notice too much of a power difference. ive driven an a4 1.8 and it is really slow

em-de-em

Yeah man, go slummin and get a Scion...

bB2NER

old used Audi verses brand new Scion. Slummin' I think not. The answer seem too easy!

pixel

It's a ton of difference. I'm not knocking the box by any means. I love mine!

Especially if he's got the APR chip programming on the A4 (I know he's got at least the exhaust system)

Jo2, i am curious how you decide to go.. keep us posted!

iceblink1975

Get rid of that Audi while you still can (before a catastrophic break down). If you have the 1.8T then you should dump it quickly. That VW engine has a known sludge problem that passat and audi drivers are pulling their hair out over. Just take the timing belt change alone. It wasn't until I owned a VW that I heard about changing the water pump as well, because it has a plastic impeller and also tends to break down after 60K causing engine damage). I do think you could get the job done for less then 2K if you find a good Audi/VW mechanic. I personally just hate audi/VW. My jetta was a nightmare, that was poorly engineered. The audi has better service (which helps, VW service is subhuman) but now I do not think it is a matter of IF your car will break, but WHEN!... If you want to keep the luxury factor, go shop around for a used Lexus...

Jo2

The car is still under warranty for 2k so....i'm gonna wait until then just so I have more time to think about it, but I have made up my mind to definitely get rid of it. I am leaning very heavily towards the xb though, especially with the recent spike in gas prices. The two other frontrunners at this point are the '06 civic si (gets the nod for power, comes with lsd and 6 speed, but is supposed to be around $20k, and requires premium gas which is a real negative for me) and the honda fit if it is brought over here as a '06 model.