I have pretty much set my mind on a particular 08 335xi with 13,000 miles and has 2.5 years of warranty left (I live in Rochester, NY so I need AWD). I just wanna be sure that I have driven all other alternatives before I drop cash on this one.. I've test driven the following so far

08 G35 coupe (auto)
09 G37 coupe (auto)
e93 (manual) (its not awd but tested it just for the fun of it)
08 335xi (manual and automatic)
2012 A5 2.0 T (auto)
2008 C300 4 matic (auto)

Out of the above the Infiniti was the worst followed closely by the Merc. The Merc had really crappy plasticky interior, almost made me felt I was sitting in a Chevy or something.. Couldn't really push the car to the limit cos the guy from the showroom decided to join me and me friend for the drive..

The Audi was surprisingly peppy even with its 2.0 T engine...got a 6.8 sec 0-60 in it, overall looks and interior was really nice! The MMI system has gotten even better, Handling was good, the steering felt a little fluid, tried taking a 40 mph curve at 80 but felt some body roll..

Coming to the bimmers, no matter how hard I tried I was unable to get a better 0-60 times with the manual.. I thought there was too much margin for error, I've been driving stick all my life, but I guess I still suck.. The bimmers of course had the best driving feel overall, it felt amazing taken a 40 mph curve at 80.. got a 6.5 sec 0-60 from the manual and a 5.2 from the automatic.. all times were measured by my friend in the passenger seat using a stop clock so there is some margin for error..

I haven't driven a Porsche yet, just because they are so expensive!

11/13/2011 12:11:11 PM

Why $32k? Seems like an odd place to put your limit.

Have you considered having a cheap 4x4 truck for winter, and a car for the rest of the year?

11/13/2011 12:28:51 PM

Cos 32k+taxes will push it to 35.. Winter here lasts for almost 5 months a year and it snows almost every single day.. I did consider using my existing car as a winter beater.. but then went against it..

11/13/2011 12:33:59 PM

aside from the nissans, all the cars you mentioned have expensive suspension bits, which you'll be replacing in short order on shitty NY roads. upstate might be better than the city, but I can't imagine by a large margin, given the weather. whatever you get, I'd get a CPO warranty that covers suspension and wheels. I'd also strongly recommend trying a luxury suv like a cayenne, x5, or toureg

11/13/2011 1:19:24 PM

The roads here are really good, I would say equal to if not better than the roads in Raleigh.. I am 5 hours north of NYC.. I'm not a big fan of SUVs.. can't corner hard and bad gas mileage...

11/13/2011 1:23:09 PM

well if the roads are good, disregard everything I said. maybe, maybe look at a legacy gt limited. can be had with lots of options for a lot less than your budget and handle well

11/13/2011 1:26:47 PM

Cayenne can corner just as hard as the cars (harder than some) in the OP. Not the base model, but definitely the Cayenne S. But I doubt one can be had in newish condition for 32K. Plus, it is a Porsche SUV... costs will be terribly high.

I know this is not in the same class as the cars you listed, but I really like this, especially the Sport GTS flavor:http://www.edmunds.com/suzuki/kizashi/2011/?sub=sedan
And it has been receiving rave reviews, pretty much universally, especially for its handling (and looks and interior).

Other AWD non-German choices under 32K, if you are interested (looking at your choices in your post, you are probably not, save the first one):

Used Volvo S60 R (300 hp, AWD, 6-sp manual)
New Chrysler 300 (V6)
New Dodge Charger (V6 and V8)
New Legacy 2.5GT

BTW, because of all the snow you will be getting, don't you want something that's higher than regular cars? Cause some of the cars on your list are low, especially the coupes.

Audi Allroad?

11/13/2011 5:09:48 PM

^ The S60 R looks very interesting, I will definitely look into it.. I don't think the height should be an issue with the 335xi.. I'm not a big fan of the Audi all road looks..

11/13/2011 5:59:29 PM

I have driven a friend's S60 R who was selling it. Car is gorgeous, comfortable, has a super nice interior, and is wicked fast. They are pretty rare though.

Also existed as a wagon, the V70 R. One of the hottest looking wagons by any manufacturer ever.

11/13/2011 6:10:21 PM