+1 for Subaru. I've driven several (including my own) and may never go back. As stated, I would avoid the 2.5L EJ engine (I have the 2.2 in mine) but you get an outback sport or impreza for a smaller hatch or a legacy for a sedan.
looking for a used AWD Car, >$6500... suggestions?
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Originally Posted By: Eddie
My 2000 Forester was sold at 127,000 miles without any HG issues. Point being that is was not as widespread as talked about. Howevery, it is one area that I would check carefully before purchasing.
My extended family has had 10 Subaru's with the EJ25(2.5L non turbo). 4 of them have had the head gasket repaired or traded the car off with it failed. My guess is failure rate is about 30%.
My 2000 Forester was sold at 127,000 miles without any HG issues. Point being that is was not as widespread as talked about. Howevery, it is one area that I would check carefully before purchasing.
My extended family has had 10 Subaru's with the EJ25(2.5L non turbo). 4 of them have had the head gasket repaired or traded the car off with it failed. My guess is failure rate is about 30%.
A 'roo would be a good choice.
The early 2.5s may be okay now, since most that are likely to have HG failures have probably already had them and been repaired using the later multi-layer head gasket.
Plus, Subies always were a bit of a cult car, so their owners usually understand and care for them better than the average Honda or 'yota owner. The early 2.5 has a bad name in Subaru circles, so they are often fairly cheap. I have seen a couple of good 'nineties Forester 2.5s for around 3K, for example.
If you want real performance, not just the ricer look, any turbo sube is fast. A WRX is a practical small four door that really runs, plus you get a great 2.0 engine, probably a better engine than any NA Subaru has.
We own two Subarus for a reason, and it isn't because I really want to have to fix cars.
The early 2.5s may be okay now, since most that are likely to have HG failures have probably already had them and been repaired using the later multi-layer head gasket.
Plus, Subies always were a bit of a cult car, so their owners usually understand and care for them better than the average Honda or 'yota owner. The early 2.5 has a bad name in Subaru circles, so they are often fairly cheap. I have seen a couple of good 'nineties Forester 2.5s for around 3K, for example.
If you want real performance, not just the ricer look, any turbo sube is fast. A WRX is a practical small four door that really runs, plus you get a great 2.0 engine, probably a better engine than any NA Subaru has.
We own two Subarus for a reason, and it isn't because I really want to have to fix cars.
If you are not too nailed down on the price limit, there is the MazdaSpeed6.
They have their problems,(google broken rear diff mount
) but they also have 274-horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque and two more drive wheels than the 'Speed3.
They have their problems,(google broken rear diff mount
High Mileage Murano.
AMC Eagle
Originally Posted By: SS1970chrysler
AMC Eagle
$6500 will include a set of R-compounds too!
AMC Eagle
$6500 will include a set of R-compounds too!
If you could still find one, I would think you could buy 5 AMC Eagles for that much
My mum had an Eagle growing up. It was incredibly capable in the snow with that AWD. I took it offroad and forded a shallow river with it fine.
Here is a good video showing its capabilities>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL5PgWqH3q0&feature=related
I love elegant simplicity in AWD like Subaru manual transmissions, most Audi and of course AMC.
Here is a good video showing its capabilities>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL5PgWqH3q0&feature=related
I love elegant simplicity in AWD like Subaru manual transmissions, most Audi and of course AMC.
For your price range - a Subie...find a good, southern one...most of those cars live in the NE, where the roads are salted and all the Subies I see in Vermont are pretty rusty...
Go up a few thousand and I would say a good '05 or '06 Volvo V-70XC...nice car - more luxury than the Subie.
Avoid an '01-'02 Volvo XC - too many issues, even though it is in your price range...ask me how I know...
Go up a few thousand and I would say a good '05 or '06 Volvo V-70XC...nice car - more luxury than the Subie.
Avoid an '01-'02 Volvo XC - too many issues, even though it is in your price range...ask me how I know...
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Go up a few thousand and I would say a good '05 or '06 Volvo V-70XC...nice car - more luxury than the Subie.
A volvo has a poor AWD that is essentially FWD with a 10% power split to the rear as needed. Subaru finally in 2005 came out with a redesigned Outback/Legacy that really is not only decent looking on the outside but interior is world's apart. The interior is actually really nice, I think Audi was the influence. The Impreza and Forester and pre 2005 Outback/Legacy interior reminds me of the 1990's Honda/Toyota.
Go up a few thousand and I would say a good '05 or '06 Volvo V-70XC...nice car - more luxury than the Subie.
A volvo has a poor AWD that is essentially FWD with a 10% power split to the rear as needed. Subaru finally in 2005 came out with a redesigned Outback/Legacy that really is not only decent looking on the outside but interior is world's apart. The interior is actually really nice, I think Audi was the influence. The Impreza and Forester and pre 2005 Outback/Legacy interior reminds me of the 1990's Honda/Toyota.
Originally Posted By: Mr_Joe
AWD, for snow? if that's the reason how about a good set of snow tires for a 2WD vehicle? I'll take a 2wd with snows tires over AWD with average tires about any day.
There is much truth in what you say. In winter, AWD helps you get up the hill. AWD does not help you stop or turn. In normal winter driving conditions, 2WD with snow tires is much better than AWD with all seasons when it comes to stopping and turning.
But AWD with snow tires is truly amazing. I have a very steep driveway that goes up to the road, and sometimes I need to get out before I can clear the snow off of it. 2WD vehicles (RWD or FWD), even with snow tires, will spin up the hill, and if the snow is deep enough, they won't make it. My '07 Outback (and previous '99 Outback) with snow tires goes up the hill like it's dry pavement (unless the snow is deep enough to high-center it). The Subaru with all seasons will get some wheel spin, but will still usually (not always) make it up the hill when a 2WD with snow tires can't.
AWD, for snow? if that's the reason how about a good set of snow tires for a 2WD vehicle? I'll take a 2wd with snows tires over AWD with average tires about any day.
There is much truth in what you say. In winter, AWD helps you get up the hill. AWD does not help you stop or turn. In normal winter driving conditions, 2WD with snow tires is much better than AWD with all seasons when it comes to stopping and turning.
But AWD with snow tires is truly amazing. I have a very steep driveway that goes up to the road, and sometimes I need to get out before I can clear the snow off of it. 2WD vehicles (RWD or FWD), even with snow tires, will spin up the hill, and if the snow is deep enough, they won't make it. My '07 Outback (and previous '99 Outback) with snow tires goes up the hill like it's dry pavement (unless the snow is deep enough to high-center it). The Subaru with all seasons will get some wheel spin, but will still usually (not always) make it up the hill when a 2WD with snow tires can't.
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Originally Posted By: Mr_Joe
AWD, for snow? if that's the reason how about a good set of snow tires for a 2WD vehicle? I'll take a 2wd with snows tires over AWD with average tires about any day.
Why is it always "2wd with good tires I'll take over AWD with average tires" that people use as an excuse not to bother with AWD. Which would you take, AWD with good tires or 2wd with good tires?
There are many areas of the country where 2WD, good tires or not will leave you unable to get to or leave work in the winter.
AWD, for snow? if that's the reason how about a good set of snow tires for a 2WD vehicle? I'll take a 2wd with snows tires over AWD with average tires about any day.
Why is it always "2wd with good tires I'll take over AWD with average tires" that people use as an excuse not to bother with AWD. Which would you take, AWD with good tires or 2wd with good tires?
There are many areas of the country where 2WD, good tires or not will leave you unable to get to or leave work in the winter.
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