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15-18k, late model, AWD, manual transmission

StageLeft

StageLeft

No Lifer
It's time, I'm receiving pressure to drop my beloved 120k miles 2000 Maxima. I get to then drive as my vehicle a 2004 MPV, which is just hardcore bad-ass and picks up chicks like you truly wouldn't believe if I told you.

18k is a hard price ceiling on a replacement. I rather like the idea of AWD and would prefer a manual sedan as our main family vehicle. I see:

G35 AWD
Legacy GT

What other options are there? Probably this would have to be an import or a Ford at the most, if we went domestic. Unfortunately, getting a car with manual appears increasingly hard.

I could get a non-GT Legacy, but I don't think I would prefer some proper pep to whatever we get.
 
The G35x is the AWD version but Infiniti didn't produce an x with a manual, my wife has an 06 and we love it. You could probably find an 05 or 06 well within your price range. The LGT is a great option and should be pretty easy to find in a manual unless you are looking at the wagons which they only produced a manual for MY05. Tried to track one down myself but couldn't find anything in my area. You could also look at the WRX, you should be able to find an 07 or older within your price range, and most produced were manuals. The sedan doesn't have as much room as say the G or the LGT but I really like the older wagons, not sure if that's an option for you. Here is a great resource for researching different Subaru models. I guess some other options would be an A3/A4, S60R 🙂, or possibly S40/S60, I think some of the T5's had AWD as an option. I guess those are the ones I can think of in a sedan/wagon type vehicle.
 
Originally posted by: senseamp
G35x only comes with auto. Only RWD models can be had with a manual.
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Thanks, screw that, then.
WRX Wagon
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Needs to be big enough so we can have full-length family trips without sitting on each other, so really a midsize at the minimum.
Tried to track one down myself but couldn't find anything in my area.
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I saw you mention that. I don't really need a wagon for this since we still have the minivan.

I really want to avoid auto because I am scared about it failing and I know that repairs are more likely and more costly. The minivan is already auto.
I guess some other options would be an A3/A4, S60R , or possibly S40/S60
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Volvo, yep, I had forgot about them, will check them now.

I can't do Audi because I've an aversion to VW after their electrical problems in recent memory, plus they are enough of a luxury brand that the miles will be high. Infiniti is a luxury brand but doesn't carry the same price premium of others.

 
Originally posted by: senseamp
Just get a non-GT legacy. Plenty of power with the manual. Not barn burner, but plenty.
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I could check it out. I don't know how well 175 with AWD will motivate it, but it's worth seeing.
What's wrong with the Maxima? With only 120,000 miles on it, it still qualifies as a baby.
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Mrs got partly turned off by braking down on the side of the road yesterday from a seized caliper. Also, I literally kicked in the stereo sometime ago so it has no sound (yes, I could replace it, and still may!). Of course, I can fix that, but as it is her primary car is the minivan and it's been doing some strange things (new struts scrunch, transmission has shift shock, engine is hesitating a bit, though that last one I'll fix soon). I won't pretend this is a really valid reason for a car, which is why we're not committed to the idea. More of an excuse than anything else.

EDIT: Oh, and it would give us an AWD, for what good that is.
 
Originally posted by: senseamp
Also, Mazdaspeed6 is AWD with manual, and probably in your price range.
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I remember it giving the Legacy GT stiff competition. You can probably find a few reviews on Edmunds, Motortrend, and Car & Driver comparing the two.
 
Forester XT? Not sure if that would be big enough though. Cargo wise it's nice, but back seat is a little on the tight side.
 
Originally posted by: senseamp
Just get a non-GT legacy. Plenty of power with the manual. Not barn burner, but plenty.
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in that case hold out for a H6 legacy, or a H6 outback/forester/baja

the speed6 are in your range. I just a couple of carmax ads, and carmax normally is on the highside of things.

the AWD+ manual points mainly at subie's door. and audi.
 
As mentioned, an S60/V70-R would be options too. Reliability and repair costs will most likely be worse than a Subarua.
 
Originally posted by: T2urtle
Originally posted by: senseamp
Just get a non-GT legacy. Plenty of power with the manual. Not barn burner, but plenty.
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in that case hold out for a H6 legacy, or a H6 outback/forester/baja

the speed6 are in your range. I just a couple of carmax ads, and carmax normally is on the highside of things.

the AWD+ manual points mainly at subie's door. and audi.
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You can't get the H6 variants in a manual. Only the base 2.5 and 2.5T models do.
 
Damn. The mazda could definitely hace worked, too. Turns out the legacy interior is really small. Volvo s80 is close to max but the awd raises costs and as mentioned repairs will get pricey. Thanks for all the ideas. I will check on a fusion.
 
Damn. The mazda could definitely hace worked, too. Turns out the legacy interior is really small. Volvo s80 is close to max but the awd raises costs and as mentioned repairs will get pricey. Thanks for all the ideas. I will check on a fusion.
 
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Damn. The mazda could definitely hace worked, too. Turns out the legacy interior is really small. Volvo s80 is close to max but the awd raises costs and as mentioned repairs will get pricey. Thanks for all the ideas. I will check on a fusion.
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depending on your personal preferences, the trim and interior appointments of a Milan are a little nicer than a Fusion.
 
I am sure there are also killer deals on all sorts of SUVs. You can probably pick up a used pathfinder or xterra for a song.
 
Audi A4 Quattro would be my pick to meet your requirements (that or a Subaru). The Subaru would likely be a bit more reliable...but the A4 has a much nicer interior and in my opinion more fun to drive (although the Legacy GT or a WRX is probably on par in that department).

Another option would be a late model R32, but the form factor may not fit your needs.
 
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