[Porsche virgin]

Great stuff, guys.

"The AWD system in the Volvos is made by Haldex, the same company that makes them for Audi."
I've heard really good things about the Haldex system in terms of traction, but I hear it is very heavy. Doesn't the 3400 lb. VW R32 have that system? A friend with an Audi 80 Quattro said his car was so good in the snow it was boring. I'm leery about the reliability of Audis, Volvos, etc. Yes, I supposed I'm prejudiced against the European manufacturers (except Porsches!). If I thought it was built really well, I'd love a 325xiT.

"The most important thing she can have is snow tires."
Amen. I'll get a set of snows for whatever we buy.

"AWD w/ anti-lock/traction control would be the best."
Ya know, this is harder to find than you'd expect, when it comes to the Japanese manufacturers. I don't know why. I think I read that traction/stability systems will be Federally mandated in 2012 or something.