themuck-
I currently have two Germans that are bleeding the bank account dry
1) The wife's A4 Avant Sport, mentioned prior. Great car when it's working right. However, we had to drop it off last night yet again as the fuel gauge isn't working properly (a byproduct problem to the fuel pump and filter being replaced, I'm sure).
2) I drive a C230 Kompressor Sport. It's a staid, boring car that doesn't do a whole lot very well. But, of the 5 years I've owned it, I've only racked up 27k miles and it's been paid off for three of those years, so I can't complain too much. It works well as daily driver to and from the place I call work; my 5 minute commute doesn't afford me much seat time, however.
Unfortunately, the next car for the wife will be a Lexus or some other Japanese brand. Anymore, I'm tired of hassling with cars and service drop offs, etc. etc. I just want something that requires as little maintenance as possible. My next car is likely to be Japanese as well. Or, perhaps a daily beater along with something fun to keep in the garage for use on those particularly nice days when a day of hooky from the office seems like a good idea