Looking at options for new car - thoughts?

[Matty]

OK then....

In a few months I'll be in the market for a new car. The Passat is getting boring and I want something a bit 'sportier'... and a wagon.

Basically I want:
- NOT an SUV of any kind
- Sporty (I know.. hard to define, but I suspect you all get my drift here)
- At least some decent power
- Manual OR Auto (doesn't really matter too much)
- More room than a basic hatchback (e.g. Golf)
- Enough space to load my snowboard or bike (Mountain and/or BMX) when I go riding (seats folded of course)
- Enough room for 2 or 3 ADULT friends
- Leather (or something 'more' than basic cloth - see Mazda 3)
- AWD
- Kinda quiet (e.g. not too much road noise or crazy exhaust)
- Pre-Owned OR New (If PO, price should be <$18K... New could be up to ~$25K)

The more I look at full size wagons (Passat, Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6, etc...) I'm starting to think something a bit smaller might be a better choice. Just from checking out websites and keeping my eyes peeled for these types of cars on the road, I'm thinking about:

FULL SIZE:
A6 Avant


Passat V6 4MO


Subaru Legacy GT



SMALLER:
A4 Avant


Mazda Speed 3 (5 door)


Kia Spectra (JUST TO SHOW THE STYLE - NOT CONSIDERING THIS CAR!!)


Audi A3


BMW 3-X series


Saab 92X / Subaru WRX




I realize that some of the photos above are for cars that are out of my price range, but I just wanted to post pics both for views and to give an idea of what I'm looking for. I understand that a new A3/A4/A6 or BMW will go for more than what I'm looking to spend but if I could find a used one somewhere in my price range I'd be happy with that.

- Any feedback on any of these cars??
- Any suggestions for other cars I haven't listed??

I appreciate any/all comments so please feel free to... well... comment!


THANKS!!!


- Matty

[98a4]

A3... or A6