I would keep the WRX. But hey, I'm biased -- I drove an Eagle Talon every day for 15 years, and hope to start driving it again this fall when I sort out a front-end issue. If you need that German car-feel fix every now and then, that's what Porsches are for!

But one thing that looks like a no-brainer to me -- you can purchase the Audi for $17k, and it's worth $19k+. Can you find a way to come up with the purchase cash, then sell it for a quick profit of a couple thousand $? Hell, I'll bankroll you for half that profit! :twisted:

Dave Good idea on the flip if the $ is there. Risk of a low sell price, cost of the float and time spent are the only factors against.

I was not saying to live with no fun cars only start out right and be your own bank. That way for the same $ you can purchase better than otherwise. And many times over.

Agree. But might want to check into the real value of the Audi the buyout might be on the high side. My daughter just bought a 2001 A4 Quattro 69k miles same car for $14.5k in excellent shape, even had new tires? 1 Year and mileage make $5k diff?? Whether the Audi equity is there might be debatable??

That said, I agree wholeheartedly regarding eliminating the payment process if you can. I've been on the payment plan in tougher times, but worked hard over the years to remove myself from it. Recently, I reluctantly sold my '99 996 to buy a new truck in order to remain payment free on all our cars. They just depreciate too quickly to make a payment process justifiable.

Also have bought plenty of new cars over the years, but have settled in to the idea of getting 1-2 year old cars instead of new when needed. Let someone else take the first BIG hit. It's worked out great the last few times we've bought, so long as you make sure the car was loved by the first owner, and it's like buying new.

Keith

That is my thinking as well, particularly with all of the pre-certified programs available now. You can get some screaming good deals. When I bought my 996, it was only 2 years old, it had only 6K miles, it had a pre-certified warranty until 100k miles or 2008, and it was over 45% off the original new sticker price! I am willing to be the second owner under those circumstances . . .

Exactly. Got my Suburban 2 1/2 years old .... 50%+ off "what they were actually selling for" ... in 1999. Plan to do it everytime.

Jase

;) Got the 02 mom-e-van in 04 for 1/2 original price with 8Y/80,000 included. If P cars had a drop like that I might be able to get out of the put-put.

Well, I'm glad those following along are also having a tough time. Yes, I've thought about the "flip" aspect. However, depending on the timing of the "flip" would mean using the 911 during the winter (not that I am against it but.. the heat ain't so good and has a certain smell that would certainly irritate my coworkers ;) ) and I would still need to pose another poll about what my next "new" car should be ;)

The 2001 and 2002 A4's look different. There was a rather substantial re-do for '02 that included more power and more room. Therefore, a year and 30k miles could make a big difference. Then again, they just restyled the A4 for 2005.5 and that car is much more polarizing in appearance. Could either really help resale or really hurt it depending on sales of the "new" one.

I will say that this car, if returned to Audi should command a good mark up as a CPO car given its condition and "low" mileage.

I think the new body style (the grills at least) will help resale of the older cars. The new Audi grill designer must've come straight from Dodge after designing the new Ram grills; their both 'big and in your face'. Seems to be a rend these days. IMO, too long in the tooth. You can take the brand identity thing a little too far sometimes.

Didn't realize there was a another design change from 01 to 02, that explains price differences.
Keith

I used to make fun of the 'ricers" until I found myself behind the wheel of an '05 STI ( I needed AWD for my driveway). I know that's not answering your question....but I have been extremely pleased with the overall $/hp of the car, and as a daily driver.
The Audi is by far a more conservative looking car, but you will probably get top dollar for it now.Have you noticed how the new BMW series are starting to look like Honda Accords in the grill area?
Rick
'78 930
'05 STI

Well, for those playing along still, I've decided to KEEP the Audi and SELL the Subaru. I put the ad in Autotrader today. If you know anyone looking for a great (used) car, don't be shy!