Originally Posted By: nepadriver
Subaru Forester, 3 kids in 2nd row, roof rack with storage for trips, plenty room in back for hockey gear. One note, mine came with "all weather", in heavy wet snow you will need snow tires. Near Syracuse or towards Watertown, [censored] you shouldnt consider anything but high end snow tires and chains in Watertown. 4 feet storms common. Not off roader tires.
Your mind seems made up for a VW or Audi, if so go for it. Most people I know buy Subaru not VW in northern PA...hint hint. The VW and Audis look pretty, but cost boat loads to maintain...and they need a lot of maintenace. We cant afford to breakdown in the middle of winter that frequently.
Most drivers in my area drive Subaru's, Audi's, BMW (with X-drive), Mercedes (with 4matic) or Ford/Chevy trucks. Next batch is Honda Accord, Toyota Camery, and mini-vans. The vehicles in ditches on the side of the road are almost always the Accord and Camery.
The VW is too small as well since I use this vehicle to bring to Home Depot/Lowes often. Took another look at it this weekend with a tape measure and car seats and ruled it out. Back to Pilot vs 4Runner and potentially now the Pathfinder.
In terms of reliability, I must be an anomaly with VW/Audi, after 17 years with the brand and 4 vehicles they have been good to me but they are small which is why the spouse car is something bigger. In terms of maintenance costs, the Audi dealer charges $146 an hour and Toyota charges $113 - some difference there and the parts costs are comparable unless I go aftermarket then the Toyota wins from my experiences in what I replaced. My local garage mechanic charges $95 for comparison. For those who are wondering where I specifically live, it is North-West NJ with driving in PA, upstate NY, and CT.