Le Chef

S4 Avant would be a great choice but they're hard to find as we seem to have a dislike of wagons in this country.

Paul523

Low-mileage V10 turbodiesel Touareg...or maybe a fire-sale priced pre-owned Cayenne GTS?

Bob Rouleau

What, me biased? Well err, yes.

Based on new dimensions, Honda Accord V6 with 6 speed manual, nav, surround sound, bluetooth, leather etc and you still have a lot of money left over.

Best,

ziege

I second the v10 TDI. I love mine - tremendous torque 550lb-ft and good mileage - we get around 19-20 city. Really no issues with reliability - and it doesn't scream "key me" or "arrest me" which is nice in a car that stickers at $70K.

2006 Models can be had for under $40K, with low, low miles.

8haggis

I can recommend a 2nd generation BMW X5 for what you described. I have heard about dodgy quality, but I have not experienced that in my vehicle.
I just drove it down from Michigan to Orlando through the snow storms we got and it was sure footed and comfortable for all 2400 miles.
I find the i-Drive to be no problem and the blue-tooth link-up to my phone seemless and clear.
The navigation system is good and easy to work with in the dual screen mode. Large screen on map, small on next turn arrow display.
I would not opt for the sport package on this vehicle since the standard suspension is fairly tight (and the aggressive driving is reserved for the p-car) and the 2039-way adjustable (or whatever it is, seems endless) seats seem to grab you just fine.
Heated steering wheel is a must for the colder climates. This time of year, I appreciate that money as well spent.
The cargo area is much improved over the 1st generation X5. The 1st gen X5 was so small in the rear that it seemed a bit silly. The 2nd gen resolved this shortcoming nicely.
Finally, the exhaust note, although not as good as the pepper, is not bad too.

Le Chef

Mrs. Chef says..."I want something smaller than a Tuareg/X5 without the bulk and size (no kids or dogs to haul) but with the comfort and security". Tough crowd...

8haggis

Volvo XC70?

Likemystoppie?

CPO'd E55 AMG -WAGON?

Bad *** mang.

Chris from Cali

Get a used RS4 and thank me later.

Le Chef

She's tough when it comes to cars. We have the following in our parking garage: A6 Avant, Q7 , 535i Touring, X5, X6, E500 wagon, ML500, Cayenne S, Tuareg, XC70, XC90. All have been dismissed as too big. She drove the X3 and said it was too top heavy. I used to own an Audi allroad which was brilliant in many ways but was sold as it was "too big". I would jump at a used Cayenne GTS but it's been dismissed as too fat and bulky for what she needs.

I think a used debadged ;-) Audi S4 Avant might just get through...

Wankel

What about a 3-series wagon?? I haven't seen the GLK, but it looks good and in the same class as the X3...maybe it's not as top heavy.

icelatte

We just got a MB R350 for my wife. Same length as an S-class and my wife thought it drove smaller than a M class but based on your other cars ruled out, it may still be too big.

Saw the new GLK - absolutely sharp looking - lower version of the ML.

lig

I now slightly regret choosing an S4 sedan instead of the Avant.

Given her feeling on cars that are too big - the S4 Avant may be "just right"

ADias

Mazda 3

Le Chef

Thanks all. Now I just have to get her to test drive the consideration set.

Any more suggestions for "Challenge #2" below? This would be to replace my C2S Cab, possibly...maybe...