So this weekend I drove to Virginia, about 600 miles round trip. I borrowed my parents early 2000's Mercedes E-class wagon. Figure approximately what I would be interested in purchasing.
Likes - Nice size (maybe too big), feels solid, fairly comfortable ride, quiet (although for some reason my parents have snow tires on it-yes in july)
Dislikes - Slightly slushy, not very sporty, transmission was indecisive. A little too much luxury not enough sport. Was too big for my taste. Some of the features were really convoluted. Example, I couldn't figure out how to get the 3rd row seat down. Entertainment system GPS isn't great but not surprising given age. The driver window doesn't go all the way down? WTF? the window stays up about 1.5 cm; how are you supposed to ride with your arm resting on the window sill?
Disposition - Overall it was nice, but really not what I am looking for. I would probably suck it up and get another A4 wagon before going for this. Sorry MB.
Here is the list in order of current preference pending test drives:
1) Cadillac CTS Wagon New or Used
2) Volvo v60 Wagon
3) Subaru Outback or legacy New
4) BMW new/Used 3 series - I test drove one of these and overall I liked it, but I didn't like the manual transmission as much as my audi, still at least I HAVE that option on the BMW (no longer on the audi).
5) Audi Allroad (as a4 no longer available) New or Used
6) Older SAAB wagon - I like the idea of being a little different
NO
1) Mazda6 Wagon - Not available New in the USA
2) Mercedes EClass Wagon - Too big, not sporty