Time to Upgrade My 20-Year-Old Audi Wagon — What Should I Buy?

Troy, a Boston-based professional fresh out of a Vermont military college, is trading in his 2006 Audi A4 3.2 Avant — a college-era beater with dents, scrapes, and occasional oil leaks — for a more refined daily driver. His budget is $70,000, but he’s willing to stretch to $80,000.

He wants something high-end, unique, and capable in New England winters, though AWD isn’t a strict requirement. With a hands-free law in Massachusetts, a solid infotainment system with smartphone integration is a must.

Troy also enjoys track days with colleagues, many of whom own exotic cars like a Porsche 911 GT3, and sees this as a networking opportunity. He’s open to a hint of uniqueness — something that stands out in a sea of Audis, Mercedes-AMGs, and Porsches.

Three experts weigh in on his next move. Tom McParland from Cars.com urges Troy to stretch his budget slightly and go for the Audi RS6 Avant.

He highlights the car’s near-600-horsepower twin-turbo V8, its rarity as a super-wagon, and its potential to turn heads in the office parking lot. He notes that while a 2021 RS6 with 60,000 miles is listed at $84,000, a clean example with a good service history could be worth the premium for long-term value.

Collin Woodard from Merchants Auto suggests a used Porsche Taycan, specifically the Turbo S model. He argues that the Taycan’s first-generation status and Porsche badge make it a stealthy choice that fits in with the crowd but still stands out.

He acknowledges the Taycan’s limited range but points out that New England’s shorter distances and potential home charging could mitigate that concern. He also recommends considering the Taycan 4S for better practicality, though he suspects Troy will want the Turbo S.

Woodard cautions against stretching the budget or compromising values for the job, emphasizing the importance of long-term pride and integrity.