2004 Audi S4

A sleeper convertible, this Audi B6 S4 has a 4.2L V8 under the hood and AWD to send all that power to the road and hold the corners as you wind through the redwoods or along the California coast. You can even take it skiing to Tahoe with the top down, as a tunnel through the backseats to the trunk will accommodate skis or snowboards.

The sumptuous red leather interior can seat 4, though the rear seats are best reserved for petite passengers.

While it has a few dings from 22 years of motoring, I find that only adds to its sleeper status and makes me more comfortable parking it in the city.