Thanks to all for the advice. We went out and drove three cars: A 1998 Audi A6 Wagon, an Outback and a Passat 4Motion.

The old-style A6 was a very nice ride, though floaty. It's the largest of the bunch and also the cheapest. Private sale cars of this sort are around $20K for a car with 50K miles. Even the dealer car was $27K with 26K miles.

The Outback was the smallest and probably the fastest. We drove the top-of-the-line LL Bean model. Cute. The interior was OK but not at all as nice as the A6. Probably the sportiest ride of the bunch. Only feature I *really* liked was the dual sunroofs. Other than that I would just call this a competent car. Boring, even. Also the cockpit made us both feel claustrophobic.

The Passat was the surprise of the bunch. It was the most expensive at $33K fully loaded. It's a smidge smaller than our A6 but surprisingly - very surprisingly - close in terms of fit and finish. Quick and very taut, this was hands down the favorite. A Great car. We will wait for the 2002 model sheet to become available and then order one (we are in no rush.)

I've got to say that my initial reaction to the Passat was to think that Audi (among others...)is going to be in a world of hurt. We spent some time in the Passat 4Motion sedan. At around 32K, it cheaper, pretty much as nice, and larger than the A4 (sat in a newer A4, too, $37K.) I love my A4, but I think I'd go for the Passat...

I think Audi has an edge on styling but the price difference is awfully high for "styling".