AWD car, with a hatch for around 10k?

[ViviTheMage]

We're looking to get a AWD car that has a hatch, 3door, or 5door. No wagons...I know a 5 door is cutting it, but wagons are the ugliest thing in the world.

Something without a turbo would be nice, this would be for the GF...2.0L AUTO would be plenty for what she needs to do. (works 1 mile away, haul the dog around).

Worst case, we'll get a VW 2.0 Golf.

update : bumped our price to 10k or so.

 

[vi edit]

In that price? I'd have to say something like a Cherokee is probably your best bet or maybe a Forester.

There are very few AWD wagons, and even fewer AWD hatches. And in that price you are looking at retardedly high miles and even more ghastly maintenance bills.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Yeah, we might have to sacrifice AWD and just get a 2.0 GOLF then. My buddy got a 4 door hatch WRX for 6k~ 2001, dont think we'd get as lucky, since he works at the dealership he got it from.

 

[wiretap]

AWD hatch.. how old? The first thing that comes to mind are the old Mitsubishi Eclipse and Talon AWD/turbo models. Those are going to be tough to find in good condition since the miles are getting up there and the AWD/turbo models have been scooped up and modded by enthusiasts.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I'd rather not have a turbo, I'd rather have something reliable...it's a crapshoot market, in the 5k range. I know the 2.0 engine is solid.

I was hoping for 2000+ year.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GMC-...temZ280476246575QQcategoryZ6248QQcmdZViewItem

 

[ViviTheMage]

That thing is horrendous.

 

[wiretap]

Toyota Matrix, Suzuki SX4, Dodge Caliber, various Subaru models. The options are pretty limited.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Any decent, non-turbo Subaru's?... outside of the Forrester?

 

[vi edit]

The only "5 door" Subaru you are going to find besides the Forester in your price range is going to be a wagon.

You need to either accept a wagon/SUV, go with FWD, or greatly up your price.

 

[ViviTheMage]

FWD GOLF, here I come.

 

[theeedude]

Stop being vain and get a Subaru Outback wagon. It has outdoor enthusiast credo, therefore it's cool, and dog will thank you for the extra room.

 

[ViviTheMage]

advice noted.

 

[jpeyton]

Subaru something.

 

[evident]

ugh, i really hate the golf.

 

[ViviTheMage]

ugh, i really hate the golf.

I really hate wagons....but everyone's entitled to their opinion.

IF I could find a good condition 4 door 00-01 WRX, i'd probably be all over it, but it's unlikely.

 

[Knavish]

I really hate wagons....but everyone's entitled to their opinion.

IF I could find a good condition 4 door 00-01 WRX, i'd probably be all over it, but it's unlikely.

Even if you could get one at $5k, you'd hate your insurance bill.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Even if you could get one at $5k, you'd hate your insurance bill.

It's not so bad, it was $82~ a month for full coverage, 500 deduct, free glass.

 

[Alienwho]

Just find an early 2000's impreza hatch. Done.

 

[T2urtle]

you guys speaking of 00-01 WRX... you guys MUST not be in the states as WRX started in the US as 02 model "bug eye" in other countries yes WRX were like around since 96 or something.

Best thing out in 00-01 in the US was the 2.5 RS which looked really nice to me and can be found for about $5k-7k 2.5 NA motor. In most cases these 00-01 160hp 2.5RS will cost more then a 02-03 225hp WRX turbo, more of supply and demand.


PLEASE PLEASE dont get a 2.0 golf. they are the WORST possible engine out there. Get any of the 3 other engines please... all 4 engines have sludging issues but the 2.0 are the most common for it plus they are completely gutless.

After letting my GF drive other cars she hates and says her 2.0L lancer is going to get her killed merging on the highway. She is not a speed freak but she wants something a little more powerful then that. Unless paired with a manual, your GF might come to the same conclusion.

 

[wiretap]

After letting my GF drive other cars she hates and says her 2.0L lancer is going to get her killed merging on the highway. She is not a speed freak but she wants something a little more powerful then that.

She can always take the route I did with my old lancer... lol.

RRM non-IC turbo kit @ 6psi = ~190whp

 

[T2urtle]

its not worth it to me to do that. 190whp, I could sell the car for 3k and put in another 5k it would cost to run a decent turbo setup and pick up a 100k mile G35 sedan which would be a little better in terms of power and reliability.

I've seen those setups well on a car other then this lancer. I think its a ticking time bomb. oil leaks and suspension noises are slowly coming more common. Its been a good 65k tho.

 

[ViviTheMage]

PLEASE PLEASE dont get a 2.0 golf. they are the WORST possible engine out there. Get any of the 3 other engines please... all 4 engines have sludging issues but the 2.0 are the most common for it plus they are completely gutless.

This is funny, because I owned 4 different 1.8T jettas, 3 had sludge problems, I had 1 gutless 2.slow and it was amazingly reliable.

Sorry, I meant 02 WRX's....the 2.5's are rather spendy, considering the year/power difference.

 

[wiretap]

its not worth it to me to do that. 190whp, I could sell the car for 3k and put in another 5k it would cost to run a decent turbo setup and pick up a 100k mile G35 sedan which would be a little better in terms of power and reliability.

I've seen those setups well on a car other then this lancer. I think its a ticking time bomb. oil leaks and suspension noises are slowly coming more common. Its been a good 65k tho.

Hence the joking attitude. The lower control arms on the base model lancer's are a nightmare and prone to snapping due to a flawed design for their seam welds. The engine never gave me any problems though. It was pretty solid.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Suzuki Aerio AWD

All I could come up with at $5K.

I would also look at the Focus ZX5.