My sis-in-law is buying a new car, she's narrowed it down to these two choices:

05 C240 4matic, loaded, Navi.
05.5 A4 Quattro, loaded, Navi.

What do you guys feel is a better overall buy? (They cost about the same)
Thanks.

BTW, I know this is a MB forum, but you guys seem pretty unbiased.

I really don't like the C-Class. The Audi is cool if it's a 1.8T. Can you say cheap horsepower?

But if she had an Infiniti G35 there wouldn't be any need to chip the car.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Definately the A4... I'm not too fond of the Mercedes Crap-class.

I drive a G35 coupe. I love it. She will only be seen in high-end european cars, however. I love MB's, but they just don't build them like they used to. I used to own them when they were built better (w123,126,124).
The G is a great alternative until MB gets back on track though. I'm just not sure about the Audi being better than MB. All gut feelings point toward the Audi however.

See if she can find an 05 A4 Quattro. It doesn't have the large-mouth bass look of the 05.5, and dealers are cutting deals on them. She could get the same car for a few thousand less.

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81 300SD
08 MDX Tech
93 525i

05 F650GS

I'm not a fan of the "big mouth" either. She seems to like it though.
I leaning towards the 2005.5's instead of the 05's because of the 93mm stroke, I test drove both the 1.8T's and new 2.0T's, I am overly impressed at how much difference a longer stroke makes. The A4 is now on Viagra!