Used Cars: Deciding on model, toyota corolla, fuel mileage

Question
Hello Jay,

I'm sorry this is a long message but wanted to give my full story with details...as i'm in need of real help. I have considered getting a) Audi 2002-04 b) BMW 2002-04 c) Toyota S 2005-07 but cannot decide which is better for my situation.

A) I wanted to get Audi 1.8t Quattro, and now I'm having the feeling its very expensive to maintain and operate (repairs, premium fuel). Would you be able to tell me how much $ of premium gas it would take to fill the 2.5l tank, and how many km that'll go for? If you can approximate approx repair costs that would be a plus. I'm hoping maintanance would be less than 5000 per year? Should I go with non Quatro even though i'm in Toronto where we get some serious snow? How would you compare it to the the BMW FWD (325xi) ..do you think its okay to get a non AWD BMW? I'd prefer a 4 clinder one, but rear wheel at that engine capacity would not be safe?

My backup solution...Toyota Corolla S ..which I thought looks okay and lasts longer and very good on gas/maintanance..If I was to go with this option i'm looking at getting a 2006-08 one with 40-60k, what price rangeshould I look at in CDN $?

So here is the big question: Which of BMW/AUDI/Corolla S do you think is better in the long run (7-10+ yrs) with less maintanence cost (and not a problem in winter)?

Thanks so much for your help.


Answer
Let me preface this with saying that it would be hard for me to work up all those figures for you simply because where I live, and where you live are almost night and day difference in reference to money, fuel mileage and cost of repairs.  So let me try to summarize this in my own point of view.  If you did not have massive snow conditions to consider, I would hands down tell you to go with the corolla, one of the  best bang for the bucks in the world, in my opinion.  But fact of the matter is snow is a major issue.  In reading your situation, you obviously favor the quattro, and given your circumstances, I understand, it seems to fit your situation perfectly.  I would go with an AWD Audi that you really want for 2 reasons.  First off you really like it, the one thing you do not want to do is purchase a used car that you are not completely happy and comfortable with.  #2...Yes repairs and maintenance are higher on these upper echelon type vehicles but there is a flip side to that...THEY ARE MUCH BETTER VEHICLES!  You had stated that you hoped maintenance/repairs would be less than $5000 a year.  I would be shocked if you spent $5000 in 5 years, they are just really good quality cars, and they just dont mess up very often, which is one reason they are higher to maintain, but BE SURE to keep your maintenance up, and just take care of the car and it will take care of you.  If it were I in your situation I would go with your original option of the Audi AWD.  Just make sure and keep the maintenance up, and dont try and cheap out taking it to mechanics who are unqualified to work on the car.  That will DEFINETLY cost you more money in the end.