I'd say go for the A4 or the 350z. The z would go very well with the PCH but it has little cargo room and has a harsh ride. So, I figure the A4 is the best balance of all your needs.

 

My vote goes for the Audi A4.... not a bad looking car, room for your luggage, drives pretty good, and not too bad on gas.

 

then you should go for a 350z since u are only taking 1 friend, and pack little. Besides the trunk of the z is pretty generous for wine and stuff, and its a hatchback too . Why not get your friend to chip in a little to get the Z roadster?

 

How far north are you planning?

Though not on your list...I'd take the LS. It's suited for what you'll be doing and it offers the familiarity and comfort. Your trunk is larger than ours and we manage to stuff in 3-4 cases even with the luggage and my camera gear.

If you haven't tried Summerland just south of Santa Barbara, I recco a taste. http://www.summerlandwine.com/index1.html

What wineries are on the list?

 

My best friend just called this morning. She wants to go all the way up to San Fran now, so our road trip along the coast is now a 1000+ mile roundtrip excursion, without side trips! So, we start at Malibu, drive up to San Fran for a couple of days, then cruise down the coast to Hearst Castle, then back to L.A.

Wineries? Justin Vineyards is definately a must. I have old friends at Wild Horse Winery. And whatever is between, we'll most likely just stop and go...

 

Looked into the hardtop bimmer yet? Mi amante's friend got one of those. And now she's stuck with a $1000/mo payment.

When asked why so much, she told me, "coz the dealership only gets 2 of these a month." JIPPED!

 

I think she'll want this. For the magnificent view and location.

And you'll want it, for the "resting function" it offers. ;-)

Sandcastle Inn of SLO.

 

Im sorry i dont know how the road it, but if it is stretches of land more miles, u should def go for a nice roadster to rip up the roads. By a4 i hope u mean a4 convert? cause that would be a good choice too ;D

 

Nah. A4 cabrio and Z350 convert is about $120 more than those mentioned above. I don't mind spending the extra $$, but I'm trying to budget the trip a little...

 

yea, the cabrio is a convertible? I think the trip would be so much better if u could cruise in a convert.

 

I realize it is a lot of miles...I think the LS is purrfect.

Even if you buy a stray bottle here there, unless you plan on shipping them back the smaller cars will hinder the buying sprees. I have a feeling you'll find plenty of wines and other goodies.

Ah...while in the San Simeon area...the elephant seals about 8 miles north will be a worthwhile look. Most the local shops in Cambria and San Simeon will have info about them.

Thinking of beach accommodations, we've been staying on Moonstone Beach at Pelican Cove Inn. They have a full breakfast, tea/wine & cheese hour and dessert (cheesecake, baked goodies) in the evenings. They also have package deals so you can get a dinner at Cambira Pines Lodge with a stay. Now that it is off-season, they have great rates. http://www.pelicansuites.com/

 

Key word is GENEROUSLY

A4 seems perfect, more room in the back seat and trunk space for extra cargo.

How can some of those be any considerations???

 

the mustang

 

Me too.

So far, the Solara convertible is the better choice of the two convertibles.

I can get the A4 cabrio or the Z350 convert, it's just more $$.

If I want to save money, the rental facility also has the convertible versions of the Sebring or PT Cruiser...

 

if u had to get a solara id opt for the mustang instead, handling is pretty low but it makes up for it in speed. Idk about law enforcement activity down there