15k, what to buy, DD/ Down and back to NYC etc. Options

[r_towle]

Help me choose.

[r_towle]

While I understand the ease of driving an AWD in the snow, I have grown up with lots and lots of snow learning on RWD cars...never got stuck.
I fell in love with FWD once I got my first rabbit.

I think Nathan understands a bit more of where I coming from.

Here are a few more details.
I consider this an "airport car"
If it gets a ding in the parkinglot, I will be bummed, but only for a few minutes.
the roads up here suck ass. Lots of potholes.
Highway is a key factor.
No conv...that rules out a boxster
AC is a must.

I am a big guy. I like long wheelbase cars with lots of room to move the seats so I can do 3-6 hour runs....frequently.

I am leaning towards a 7 series beemer for all the comfort.
I am scared why they are so cheap (99-2001)
I need to research what the problems are.

Audi...I started looking at the A8 audis, the Phaeton (I really want one) and the 7 series last night...
I think value for the money...A8 seems to be slightly cheaper than the BMW...the Phaeton is still overpriced...15k for a Phaeton seems right to me considering I will have to wait for parts whenever it breaks.

Rich

[bigkensteele]

While I understand the ease of driving an AWD in the snow, I have grown up with lots and lots of snow learning on RWD cars...never got stuck.
I fell in love with FWD once I got my first rabbit.

I think Nathan understands a bit more of where I coming from.

Here are a few more details.
I consider this an "airport car"
If it gets a ding in the parkinglot, I will be bummed, but only for a few minutes.
the roads up here suck ass. Lots of potholes.
Highway is a key factor.
No conv...that rules out a boxster
AC is a must.

I am a big guy. I like long wheelbase cars with lots of room to move the seats so I can do 3-6 hour runs....frequently.

I am leaning towards a 7 series beemer for all the comfort.
I am scared why they are so cheap (99-2001)
I need to research what the problems are.

Audi...I started looking at the A8 audis, the Phaeton (I really want one) and the 7 series last night...
I think value for the money...A8 seems to be slightly cheaper than the BMW...the Phaeton is still overpriced...15k for a Phaeton seems right to me considering I will have to wait for parts whenever it breaks.

Rich

Given the concerns you mention above, you should consider buying my 2000 Mazda Millenia S. 200 and something supercharged horsepower, decent looks, and affordable ownership. Plus, I will be glad to make the $10k modifications of your choice to meet your $15k pricetag (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

Assuming you aren't interested, if I were you, I would buy a Lexus or a Bimmer. Audis and BMWs both break, and cost a LOT when they do, but in my experience, Audis break a lot more. Axe me how I know.