Well I guess your suggestion would be obvious but am still asking. Thinking to get A4 or Accord. Already have Allroad so know Audi a bit.Here are my thoughts - what should I choose?
1. Wont drive on snow, so FWD is fine. AWD is ok too.
2. gas mileage. Won't do much mileage on this car (4k/yr maximum). So 1.8T FWD (22/31) Accord LX (26/34) are both ok. 1.8T needs premium gas right?
3. safety. A4 has all 6 airbags/ESP but Accord does not have side/head/ESP. safety is a big issue for me (have a kid). Heard that Audi body is more solid (at the price of MPG).
4. maintenance. This is the major weakness of Audi. Going to a dealer and easily costs $500. Also depreciation on Audi is faster than Accord. My 03 Allroad has had problems (washer leak; heater fan failure) and each costs $300-$1000.
5. look. Either is fine.
Had Accord had all airbags and ESP, I would just go for Accord.Am buying privately - pretty soon! Thanks.

__________________
* bought allroad (2003 2.7T 27k) thinking it can even jump on water *

if you do basic stuff yourself, both this site and www.audizine.com have a plethora of info on DIY (do it yourself)

my step mom has a new accord and its a shitbox compared to my audi.. its a very solid car... also i have a quattro and when i was stock i got 25mpg in the city and 30-34 on the highway.. even though u wont be in snow, quattro is very nice in the rain... you will never go back

__________________
APR 1+ Stasis StreetSports/Center Diff Neuspeed Exhaust/TP Podi w/ VEI Digital Gauge JHM Short Shifter Southbend FE SS Racetec FMIC Apikol Snub 6000k HIDs

2004 AUDI A4 1.8T UltraSport

maintenance cost -> Accord wins
reliablity -> Accord wins
Fuel cost -> Accord wins
Space -> Accord wins
safety -> A4 wins
handling -> A4 wins (quattro has heavy understeer under limit although accord has that, too.)
brand name -> A4 wins
exterior/interior -> everyone has different taste, but believe most ppl here prefer A4's


really depends on which sector you favored on.
but since you are askin this question at "Audi- forums", of course most ppl here would suggest you go for A4, lolz~~
no offense...

i would say an a4 with hitachi coilpacks would be just as reliable as an accord, ive got 85k on mine and just one problem the whole time... not bad

__________________
APR 1+ Stasis StreetSports/Center Diff Neuspeed Exhaust/TP Podi w/ VEI Digital Gauge JHM Short Shifter Southbend FE SS Racetec FMIC Apikol Snub 6000k HIDs

2004 AUDI A4 1.8T UltraSport