(OT) Car shopping

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  1. ChinookPass

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    Looks like the end is near for my '94 Accord. Every repair is coming in at near $1k even though it's only used for about 6K miles per year.

    My requirements are:
    commuting: typical 1-3 days per week at 50miles rt. would like to at least match the 30mpg-hwy my Honda was getting.
    around town transport: driver plus 4 passengers (all are out of the carseat age range!)
    skiing/hiking transport: awd with a little bit of clearance would be a big plus

    A quick look around says the Outback might fit the bill. Or something like an A4 wagon. My question is if I get a used A4 (say 50K mileage, 5+yrs old) should I expect that I will get the value out of the car that I would get if I got a newer or totally new Outback for a similar price?

    Posted 4 months ago

  2. huckleberry

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    Honda Fit might fit the bill - larger inside than you would think, good gas mileage, dependable Honda...

    Posted 4 months ago

  3. bodynazi

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    I would avoid anything not Japanese in the used market. I know 2 people who lost a significant amount of $$ (many thousands) with used Audis.

    I, and my family, have had very good luck with Japanese vehicles. Subarau (being not 'as good' as Toyota or Honda) are pretty solid. I know several people that have Outbacks with minimal issues. if you can spring for a new one of those - prolly a good bet. They have a ton of room and the AWD is super pending you live in an area with snow/ice.

    I like the newer WRX wagons - look just like the STIs... (presuming you enjoy driving a semi-performance oriented vehicle vs just a car to get you from A > B).

    Posted 4 months ago

  4. THE SKINNY

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    the new ford c-max looks interesting.

    If you are not hallucinating, you are not trying hard enough
    Posted 4 months ago

  5. 79pmooney

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    Chinook, the Outback is close in size and function to my '91 Corolla All Trac which is a very useful car. (I think Subaru got ahold of Toyota's drawings, improved them and marketed the hell out of them. (Outback, Forester, etc. 1994?) And I think the marketing man at Toyota who decided to end the All Trac run in 1993 is still being whipped.)

    I love that I can just toss my commuter with its fenders and LowRider rack in without taking anything except the panniers off. I rarely use my garage door gauge since putting the bike inside is so easy. (Garage door gauge; that expensive tool that verifies that your open garage door is lower than 8 feet. Comes with an audible signal.)

    Ben

    Posted 4 months ago

  6. 79pmooney

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    I'll second BN that Japanese (I can only speak for Toyota) used cars are a good bet. I take mine to a Toyota dealership where the shop takes great pride in keeping older Toyotas running. Parts are still available. My Corolla has 200,000 miles. I keep thinking I should trade it in, but anytime I do a balance sheet, either of money or environmental damage, it keeps coming up that I should keep it until it starts running poorly or is unsafe. Both of those might be years away.

    Ben

    Posted 4 months ago

  7. PT

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    There are two Subaru Outbacks in my household, largely to deal with the tough winter driving conditions we have -- awesome snow/skiing cars. Had to put a new engine in one when a seal failed (a real problem on the late '90s engines), but other than that pretty solid mechanically. But they have terrible MPG, falling in at high teens to low 20's -- 24 MPG the best I've ever managed for a full tank of gas (on a 2008 model). I'm usually able to beat the MPG ratings on cars, but can't even match 'em in a Subaru. AWD/clearance and good MPG appear to be mutually exclusive...

    Posted 4 months ago

  8. Entheo

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    gotta say my wife has loved the kia forte hatchback i got for her. great features for not a lot of money.

    Posted 4 months ago

  9. Canucklehead

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    yes to the question on the A4. i have an A3 that i bought when it was 3 years old and it is the best car i've ever had.

    Posted 4 months ago

  10. Yo Mike

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    IIRC, the Outback comes only with an H6, and no manual trans is offered. If you don't need the 6, get a Forester as the H4 gives better economy and you can get a manual trans. On the turnpike with one passenger at 'legal' speed I'll get 31 mpg, and 25-27 around town. YMMV

    Posted 4 months ago

  11. Keith RIchards

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    If you can live without looking stylish, an Outback is ok. WRX hatchbacks are cool as well.

    I am a VW/Audi fan so if you can find one that has been maintained properly (ie, only synthetic oil) with only 50k on it you are looking at 30-50k minimum before the fiber timing belt needs to be done, at which point you should also do the waterpump.

    What I like about the Audi A4 is that you can drive it anywhere from the ski slopes to a black tie affair. Their interiors are SO MUCH nicer than anything Japanese.

    It is his word versus ours. We like our word. We like where we stand and we like our credibility."--Lance Armstrong.
    Posted 4 months ago

  12. Orange Crush

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    We buy 2nd hand Japanese, best value for money. We also focus on cars with proven foolproof engines. Enter the 2007 Forester. Hauls five guys and their packs and skis easy. But I don't think it will meet your mileage target, our only beef with the car.

    Clearly we don't care about style points but when your vehicle is the fastest most reliable thing on the snow driven roads at Manning Park, who cares?

    The wise man said follow me...and he walked behind.
    Posted 4 months ago

  13. 79pmooney

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    Gas milage in the teens on a 2008 OuUtback? Wow! My '91 Corolla All Trac automatic gets 25 city/28 highway with 4 wheel drive option (which I never use unless needed, but it works fine at highway speed). I've driven to Seattle and gotten 30 but that was wind aided. (Automatic because my wife had to be able to drive it. Two poor choices on my part.)

    Ben

    Posted 4 months ago

  14. hoshie99

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    I'd stick with the 2.0 liter turbo engine on any audi's - at higher mileage expect maintenance & repair costs for incidentals but the powertrains were generally solid after 2006. You should expect mid 20s for mpg with that engine. I'd probably look at the A3 - it'll be less expensive and easier to find used than an A4 wagon and little lighter so higher actual mpg if you care.

    subaburus, toyotas and hondas in good condition will cost less.

    so, if you want to suck up the maintenance, the audis are what they are. I never had major issues with mine, but they can get expensive to repair as they age (like any european car). Best to find a local independent quality repair place if you go that route. I'd likely look at a 3 yr off lease example. At 5 years, you would need to very careful about the vehicle and service history imho prior to purchase.

    good luck.

    j

    Posted 4 months ago

  15. vtguy

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    Agreed on the Subaru Forester. We're on our 4th one and its mileage is in the 25-26 mpg range (2012 with manual transmission) -- not great, but better than most other all-wheel drive vehicles.

    If you don't drive a lot, you might consider leasing rather than purchasing used. In our area, low mileage used cars are almost as expensive as new ones.

    Posted 4 months ago

  16. 79pmooney

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    Another point for Subarus. REALLY GOOD BRAKES! I'd have been nailed twice if they had anything less. Both times on bike, to bring this thread a little more on topic.

    Ben

    Posted 4 months ago

  17. vtrich

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    I think there are lots of great choices out there, but priorities are what should drive your decision. I'm in Keith's camp. We have owned a number of Audis and a couple VWs and the fit and finish and quality of materials is really good,...and they are really fun to drive. I drive a co-workers Camry occasionally and it feels like something my Grandmother would be driving,...but that's just me. I'm sure they are really well made cars,...just not to exciting to drive. Buying pre-owned is good and if you buy from a dealer you can get a certified car giving you a 2 or 3 year warranty.

    Posted 4 months ago

  18. vtrich

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    Ben,...as long as you have discs on all four wheels, the cars ability to stop is more related to you choice of tire.

    Posted 4 months ago

  19. KidWok

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    At KR's suggestion this time last year, I looked into a TDI, which also triggered my interest in biodiesel. Ended up with a 2006.5 Jetta TDI...one of the last passenger cars that could run B99. I got lucky and found one that was really well pampered at 70K miles. It hauls five comfortably with a surprising amount of legroom in the back. HUGE trunk. I've gotten as much as 54 mpg on it on the highway. The only thing it probably wouldn't do is get up into the mountains dependably, but I do just fine in the city with a set of chains when necessary.

    I previously owned a 2004 Forester...got it used and made the mistake of getting the turbo engine which didn't get much more than 20 mpg on the freeway. Those things can take a licking though...I got hit three times including one time that bent the chassis. The car came back perfect each time. I do miss the surefootedness of AWD, but the Jetta's fuel cost and carbon footprint is at least 50% lower.

    If the Jetta went bye-bye today, I'd be out looking for exactly the same car to replace it.

    Tai

    http://www.thepeoplescoastclassic.org/
    Posted 4 months ago

  20. rnddude

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    VW jetta sportwagen has the same underpinnings as the Audi A3, has more interior room, and costs less. The A3 does have a nicer interior. If you get the diesel (available in both) you can expect 45mpg without breaking a sweat.

    "To be free and to live a free life - that is the most beautiful thing there is."
    Miguel Indurain
    Posted 4 months ago

  21. KidWok

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    I wish the Sportwagen had been around before they switched to the new engine with a diesel particulate filter, which is what makes the current TDI's incompatible with high percentage biodiesel. My ideal car would be the Sportwagen with the old diesel engine and AWD. If I couldn't get my hand on another 2006.5, I'd gladly take a current Sportwagen. There are some workarounds for using biodiesel in those, just requires a bit more effort.

    Tai

    Posted 4 months ago

  22. jacques_anquetil

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    I second the Audi. We've got an '07 A3 that we love, and continues to drive like a charm. only thing that I wish it had was the quattro for winter driving. other than that it meets 98% of our daily driving needs. the design is really nice. still look at it every day and smile.

    the current version outback looks terrible. big, bloated, and designed by committee. our previous the older '00 version Subaru Outback nd that thing was good too in the winter - lots of room, comfy but a tad heavy and not quick. neither was it good on gas. but it was reliable

    Posted 4 months ago

  23. Keith RIchards

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    I feel the same way about cars as I do about bikes. They have to look good in addition to doing their job.

    And I am willing to pay extra for it.

    I will also restate for the record that it is still technically illegal for black men to drive Outbacks and Foresters. They have been granting waivers to African immigrants on this, but it is a case by case thing.

    Posted 4 months ago

  24. pedalaforte

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    I own a 2010 VW jetta TDI. GREAT car. I put great snow tires (Firestone Blizzaks) on it and it sticks like glue to the Utah snow blasts we get here. And I ski. One issue: Not he greatest ground clearance, so off-road I have to be careful. Mileage is beyond belief -- although i drive fast and don't get the 45-32 city mileage they quoted me. I guess that'sbecause it's fun to drive!

    AND, NOTE: I have a friend here who is selling a 2006. Has 150,000 miles on it, but it is a one-owner (him), pampered, anal-science-guy car with new regular tires and new snow tires. Probably go for about $5,000 at most.

    Posted 4 months ago

  25. Orange Crush

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    That's funny Keith. Must be why my brother in law has not visited us since we got the Forester. I barely managed to get him in the Sentra we had before. He's an AMG guy. He also likes Girlie drinks, not sure if the two are related.

    Correct me if I am wrong but another possible advantage of Subaru's (Forester anyway) is bit extra clearance over Audi's. Matters depending what kind of roads you're hauling your gear up on. It's not pretty when it's stuck.

    Posted 4 months ago

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