My (very intelligent and understanding) wife decided to try to surprise me by buying me a new car for Christmas. Luckily, the beans were spilled before she made a unilateral decision on what I was going to be driving.

Background. She'll be selling her 2000 Sub Outback wagon and taking over my beloved 1999.5 A4 QMS Santorin sedan (68K mi). I now get to be the wagon owner (esp. for skiing - we're in Colorado). She's found a brand new 2006 A4 Avant for done-deal $35K flat. Black 2.0T QMS, don't know what other bells/whistles. We have to pull the trigger soon if it's going to get done.

Thoughts? I haven't been visiting AW lately because I've simply been diggin' my car for several years now, so sorry if this has been covered. Direct me to the right forum if I'm not where I should be.

Thanks everyone!

The only way to know for sure is to drive it but her basic configuration of QMS sounds right on. Not sure on the price -- generally $1k over invoice is reasonable. My A4 has been fabulous -- great mpg, handles great, looks great, great quality, nice engine, etc... I compared to a G35x and the A4 was the clear winner. We're knee deep in snow here in Minnesota and Quattro is beyond awesome. I don't think you'd be disappointed with the B7. The engine isn't a rocket but its very good. Many rave about the $600 APR chip which bumps you to 241hp/292lb-ft tq and I haven't heard of any problems. I'll likely chip in the spring. Good luck. Let us know what you do.

is a fair asking price...
I've been shopping for awhile and I've found that $1k over dealer invoice is a good deal. Use that as a barameter.
BTW, Avants and your wife definitely ROCK !!!