Beautiful styling and an aggressive power is the only way to describe the BMW 540i Sport Wagon. Its 8 cylinder 4.4 liter engine has 282 hp and a whopping 324 lbs of torque launching this family truckster 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds and does the ¼ mile in about 14.4 seconds at 95.6 mph. With the optional sport suspension the BMW 540i Sport Wagon’s handling is very unlike a typical station wagon. As with all 5 series BMW from this time period the BMW 540i Sport Wagon is rear wheel drive.

The BMW 540i Sport Wagon is only available with a smooth 5 speed Steptronic automatic transmission with the ability to manually up shift or downshift. The comfortable and spacious interior lends itself to long trips. The exterior has classic lines with an aggressive overtone.

This body style was produced from 1999 to 2003. A 1999, 2000 or 2001 should be readily available in the $10 to $20K price range. As with any used vehicle you definitely should have a pre purchase inspection completed.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are in the market for a family truckster, but the car enthusiast in you won’t let you buy a minivan or large SUV. Well her are a few suggestions that will satisfy the both you and your family.

For many years the station wagon was slowly replaced by the SUVs and Minivans. In recent years we have seen the reemergence of station wagons. German car manufacturers, especially, recognize the need for both space and performance in one well designed package. So here are a few options in the used sporty station wagon market from German car manufacturers in the $10k to $20k price range. Please keep in mind these top station wagons are the opinion of the author and represent a short list from a long list of excellent vehicles.

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant – Housing the same power plant as its sedan brother, a twin turbo 6 cylinder engine, the Audi S4 Avant is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Putting out 250 hp and 258 lbs of torque the Audi S4 Avant is able to sprint 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Utilizing Audi’s legendary Quattro all wheel drive power train this wagon is capable of handling the twisting back roads with ease.

The interior of the Audi S4 Avant is elegant yet functional making this sports wagon a pleasure to travel in. The Audi S4 Avant is available with either an automatic or 6 speed transmission.

The Audi S4 Avant typically is priced on the upper end of the $10K to $20K price range (as of the publish date of this article) depending on condition and mileage. As with any used car a Pre Purchase Inspection should be must.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

Louder, lighter, barer and a little faster than the Carrera 2, is a pretty good description of the Porsche RS America which was produced in 1991, 1992 and 1993. In 1991 Porsche released the RS America into the USA market in hopes to answer a demand from enthusiasts yearning for the RS available in Europe at that time.

The RS of Europe was virtually a race car for the weekend warrior. Unfortunately the Porsche RS America fell short of its European cousin because for US laws regulating the release of new cars into the USA market. For a car to be approved for the roads in United States they are required to be crash tested and pass strict emissions (among many other things), so what makes the RS of Europe truly great could not be fully adopted by the RS America.

The RS America is essentially a lighter version of the Porsche Carrera 2. The RS America did come stock with a stiffer suspension and an upgraded set of wheels (which where both options for the Carrera 2 and 4) and the brakes are from the stock Carrera. The appearance inside and out is slightly altered. The Porsche RS America came standard with a fix mounted whale tale and an aluminum hood. The interior boasts 2 Recaro seats, removed rear seats, less sound dampening, pull strap inside door handles and thinner side glass. The modifications to the Porsche RS America lightened it by about 80 lbs and lowered the original sticker by about $10,000 (less than the Carrera 2). Their where only 4 options available on the Porsche RS America; Limited Slip Differential, Air Conditioning, Radio and a Sunroof.

The Porsche RS America has a 3.6 liter air cooled flat 6 cylinder engine that powered the Carrera 2 and 4. With 247 hp and 228 lbs of torque the Porsche RS America goes 0 to 60 in about 5.4 seconds (factory).

To many enthusiasts, this special edition brought Porsche back to a more functional time. Due to its limited production numbers, the Porsche RS America is rather rare and typically demands a price accordingly.

For more information on the 1991, 1992 and 1993 Porsche RS America please visit RSAmerica.net (Porsche RS America Registry)

See also the new 2007 Porsche GT3 RS

So you are looking for German engineering and classic lines, well here is a short list of our top 5 picks for Sporty German cars between $10,000 to $20,000 (as of this publish date). We choose these cars for their performance and overall everyday drivability. Keep in mind that this list represents the opinion of the author. Keep in mind that prices can vary in different markets and the pricing was based off of edmunds.com “true market value” and listings available online on Autotrader.com and Ebaymotors.com.

(They are in no particular order)

1996-1999 BMW E36 M3 – If you needed one word to describe the E36 BMW M3, the word would have to be “handling”. The naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder engine packs a smooth and sweet sounding 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque (USA version). Capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph (electronically limited). During its production the E36 BMW M3 was the benchmark for sports sedans.

In 1997 and 1998, BMW offered a 4 door version of this special sedan. Among owners and enthusiasts it is a common belief that the 4 door has a stiffer body. In 1998 and 1999 they offered a convertible version.

Prices range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition, year, etc. As with any used car you should definitely consider having a pre purchase inspection (PPI) completed.

1978-1983 Porsche 911 SC – In 1978 Porsche released the 911 SC with a new more reliable power plant and a much needed galvanized body. Powered by an air cooled flat 6 cylinder engine, the Porsche 911 SC had 180 hp at 5500 rpm in 1978 and 1979, 188 hp in 1980 and 204 hp at 5900Rpm in 1981, 1982 and 1983. The Porsche 911 SC managed 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds and had a top speed around 135 mph.

Sporting the classic style that has defined Porsche since the 1960’s, this vehicle is absolutely stunning. Pricing can vary greatly due to condition, but there are definitely some good examples available for under $20,000. Make sure you find a good Porsche mechanic and you should absolutely get a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI).

2000-2002 Audi S4 (B5) – In 2000, Audi released their answer to the BMW M3 in the USA (was available in Europe from 1997). Powered by a twin turbo charged V6, the Audi S4 (B5) has 250 hp and 258 lbs torque. The Audi S4 is capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The S4’s real advantage lies in its all wheel drive system which has been the root of Audi’s identity since the 1980’s.

The Audi S4 was available in as a 4 door sedan and also as the Avant (wagon). Pricing ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition. The 4 door sedan in good supply, while the Audi S4 Avant is much rarer find. Again, as with any used vehicle a pre purchase inspection is a good idea.

1997-1999 Porsche Boxster – In 1997 Porsche released this beautiful roadster with a warm reception from the American public. This Porsche was priced within range of a much larger group of people than its 911 big brother. The Porsche Boxster is a perfect example of what a roadster is suppose to be; fast, fun and easy to drive. The Boxster is powered by a smooth 6 cylinder that generates 201 hp and 188 lbs of torque. The Porsche Boxster will run 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds.

A good example of a 1997 to 1999 Porsche Boxster and be purchased between $10,000 to $20,000. The years are chosen based off of the pricing, you may be able to find a 2000 Porsche Boxster under $20,000, but the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Porsche Boxsters are more readily available in this price range. Pre Purchase inspection is once again suggested.

1998-2000 BMW M Coupe- The BMW M Coupe definitely commands a second look. You will either love the look or absolutely hate it. Awkwardly beautiful is how I like to describe this sport coupe. Powered by the BMW M3’s 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder, the BMW M Coupe will sprint 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds.

Handling is excellent and the sound is equally impressive. Pricing for a 1998, 1999 or 2000 BMW M Coupe is on the upper end of the 10,000 to 20,000 range. Once again a pre purchase inspection is suggested.

All of the aforementioned cars are somewhat specialty vehicles that can and do require expensive parts and maintenance to insure they continue to perform.

This is just a short list from a long list of awesome German vehicles. Please feel free to comment on your favorite German car in this price range.

Audi will be releasing for the 2007 model a somewhat redesigned TT Coupe. Although the exterior remain TT identifiable what lies underneath is what is so impressive. The new Audi TT will have a 69% Aluminum and 31% Steel frame to help save weight and make a more rigid frame.

The new Audi TT will come with either a 200 hp 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbo engine or a 250 hp 3.2 liter 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine. They will also be offered with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive (standard on the V-6). The new Audi TT will also be available with either a 6 speed transmission or an automatic transmission.

Audi claims the 4 cylinder version will go 0 – 62 MPH in 6.4 seconds while the 6 cylinder will sprint 0 – 62 in just 5.7 seconds.

The design changes are subtle with the 19 inch wheels and the new Audi front end grill, the new TT still keeps its identifiable profile. The interior is again another Audi work of art.

Some possible other options could include; a diesel version (remember an Audi diesel powered vehicle won overall at the 12 Hours of Sebring) and or a possible RS version,

When is it coming to the USA? Who knows, may be months or years.

In 1986 BMW introduced what would soon become a legend among BMW enthusiasts the M5. This special 5 series BMW was introduced to the world in the 1984 Amsterdam Motor Show.

1986-1988 BMW M5 E28

The first of these special sports sedans was the BMW M5 E28 which came with an inline 6 cylinder that produced 286 hp at 6500 rpm (the North American model had 256 hp at 6500 rpm) and 251 lb/ft or torque at 4500 rpm (the North American model had 246 lb/ft torque at 4500 rpm) . The BMW M5 E28 weighs 3153lbs and came standard with a 5 speed transmission. The E28 M5 European version rocketed 0-60 mph in about 6.1 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 14.6 seconds at 85.7 mph.

1989-1995 BMW M5 E34

This second generation BMW M5 upped the performance to 315 hp. After 3 years of production, BMW upped the E34 M5’s hp to 340 at 6900 rpm and the torque to 296 lb/ft at 4750 rpm. The E34 M5 weighs 3788 lbs and came standard with a 5 speed transmission. This version managed 0-60 mph times less than 6 seconds.

1999-2003 BMW M5 E39

After a couple of years in hiatus the new BMW M5 appeared. This celebrated version of the BMW M5 has a v8 power plant with 394 hp at 6600 rpm with 368 lb/ft of torque at 3800 rpm. The E39 M5 weighs 4024 lbs and came standard with a 6 speed transmission. With 0-60 mph times under 5 seconds, the E39 M5 held the title as one of the best production sports sedans for several years. This example of the BMW M5 is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

2005-present BMW M5 E60

The new E60 BMW M5 is an absolute monster among sports sedans. The new E60 M5 has a 500 hp at 7750 rpm V10 engine that has 384 lb/ft of torque at 6100 rpm. It weighs in at 4050 lbs and currently comes standard with a 7 speed auto clutch manual transmission (rumors are that they will be offering a standard manual transmission in the coming years). The new E60 BMW M5 will jump 0-60 mph in about 4.5 and do the ¼ mile in about 12.6 seconds hitting 115mph. The new BMW M5 E60 is a 4 door supercar!