PEAK PUTTERS

This question is kind of directed at Jose because he has the most knowledge in the brands that I'm considering. Since I've moved, it appears that I don't get outside of about a 5mile radius for work. So, it doesn't make sense to have to trucks. I am considering selling the Ranger and picking up something that is a little more comfortable and economical for driving back and forth to TriCities. The only thing that throws a wrench into things, is I have to also travel with my big dumb dog. So, I've narrowed my choices and would like opinions, pointers, good, bad ... whatever. So here's what I'm looking at:

95-99 Volvo V70 - 850 R or T5 (2.3 turbo)
98-01 VW Passat Wagon
96-99 Audi A4 Wagon
Maybe a Subaru ... but I hear they have lots of head gasket trouble.

Let me know your thoughts .....

after working in a shop for about 2 months and my mom and sister both having volkswagens dont get one unless you do the work on them yourself (they charge $ for it) well a lot more than i can afford but nice car just too much $ in upkeep on the ones ive been around

The only problem I can think of with the Volvo is it's 5 years older than the VW or Audi. No car is "cheap" to put in a shop, and you "can" work on a VW yourself.

If you can find one, go with the A4 with Quatro and the 1.8T engine...

The Quattro prolly isn't nessesary, just costs more.

yes my moms car and sisters are both non quatros but do very well in the white stuff, I know most people here can work on them but some may choose not to for time reasons but the parts for newer VW's are to spendy for me ill stick with the $38 (yes from a parts store) starter i just put in my truck