we are thinking about getting a basic AWD wagon for her to drive. Anyone have any suggestions for a smaller wagon that is still fun to drive, but also gets good gas milage. She drives a Golf TDi now and doesn't want to sacrafice the milage too much, but with the new pup her golf really isn't big enough for our stuff and the 2 dogs.

Suggestions?

should get high 20's to 30 mpg. I like the 4 cylinder a4's personally...IIRC, the passat 4 motions are mostly 6 cylinders and the jetta's might not come with awd?

You obviously like audi's since you are on AW all the time, so why not just pick up another 4 ringer?

Eric,

In the Passat world you would need to be looking at 2004+ for a 1.8T with 4mo. The never did a TDi 4mo in the US at least. Jettas are not AWD at all unfortunately (might be some in Europe).

You could pick up a used A4 1.8T as well, probably for less with higher miles. Who knows though.

Another option would be...don't hurt me...subies. Outbacks, Imprezzas (both WRX and non WRX variety). The 2.5 NA is a decent engine.

Definitely more affordable than Audi these days.

It's just hideous to look at :)

and unfortunately the A in Audi is not for affordable.

Look for a subie....way nice and cheap for what you get vs the euro's

The turbo part, of course, is for when I drive it. Not a bad car. 24 mpg at highway; but noticeably less when its pushed. Uses premium though.

the legacy gt wagon and wrx are both fun and can be had for 25k