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Medium sized AWD cars like the Outback and Rogue

J

Jumpem

Lifer
Is there anything else I should be considering?

It must be AWD, no 4WD where I have to constantly switch in and out of it.

Something with a bit more ground clearance than a typical sedan, and relatively decent gas mileage.
 
Suzuki SX-4 Crossover is probably the cheapest way to get AWD in a new vehicle. Not that I particularly recommend it.

Personally I think if you'll be in situations where AWD is actually needed, look no further than the Subaru dealership.
 
Audi made some more rugged wagons in recent memory with quattro and good power to boot. Does it need to be new?
 
Originally posted by: Dman877
Audi made some more rugged wagons in recent memory with quattro and good power to boot. Does it need to be new?
Click to expand...

Yes, I only buy new usually. I looked at Audi's but they seem to be overpriced for what you get.
 
x2. Go for a subaru. Forester has the greatest ground clearance, followed by the WRX and the legacy. the 2009 WRX (as Dman can vouch for) is a rocket, it got a 40hp boost over last year.
 
Jumpem:
- budget
- new / used
- awd "capability" (i.e. part time or full time)
- utility expectation (how many passengers, cargo space, roof rack or tow hitch or towing)
- performance & fuel economy expectation
- MUST vs WANT features
 
Originally posted by: Jumpem
Is there anything else I should be considering?

It must be AWD, no 4WD where I have to constantly switch in and out of it.

Something with a bit more ground clearance than a typical sedan, and relatively decent gas mileage.
Click to expand...

I think you are confused. Modern 4x4 systems do not require any shifting on the driver's part unless you want to use low range gears.
 
Originally posted by: avash
Jumpem:
- budget
- new / used
- awd "capability" (i.e. part time or full time)
- utility expectation (how many passengers, cargo space, roof rack or tow hitch or towing)
- performance & fuel economy expectation
- MUST vs WANT features
Click to expand...

Budget: $20-30k.
New
Full time AWD.
Utility: Five passengers (Needs to be roomier than our Fit. Right now a car seat will only fit in the middle of the backseat. On the sides the front seat backs are in the way. Would also like more room in the back to fit groceries in addition to a stroller.) I don't care about a roof rack or towing.
Performance vs. Economy: I'm torn. Another STi (or base WRX) would be fun, but we do drive 30k annualy, so mpg is somewhat important.
Features: I like the heated wipers and outside mirrors on the Subarus.

 
Originally posted by: iFX
I think you are confused. Modern 4x4 systems do not require any shifting on the driver's part unless you want to use low range gears.
Click to expand...

With my 4WD Frontier you had to turn a knob between 2HI, 4Hi, 4Lo. It was irritating on a commute with road conditions changing from packed snow, to slush, to dry pavement, to half snow/pavement to be switching from 2WD to 4WD.
 
Originally posted by: sdifox
Exactly how much off-roading are you going to do? That is the main factor.
Click to expand...

None. I want something for snow and ice covered roads. Ground clearance is good, because the roads aren't always plowed so sometimes there is a good bit of snow to drive through.
 
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Suzuki SX-4 Crossover is probably the cheapest way to get AWD in a new vehicle. Not that I particularly recommend it.

Personally I think if you'll be in situations where AWD is actually needed, look no further than the Subaru dealership.
Click to expand...

I've got over 45K on my 07 and it's still going strong and a guy on SX4club.com is creeping towards 70K and I don't think he's ran into any major issues, great little car IMHO and the poor mans 4x4 mode is great for getting out of a ditch if you do happen to wind up in one. I think the SX4 has more clearance that an impreza so if that is something you are worried about the SX4 might be more useful to you.

Though if you can find a new/used Subaru for around the same price I wouldn't blame you for taking it over the SX4, but I would still say to test drive a SX4 if you get the chance.
 
Originally posted by: Jumpem
Originally posted by: avash
Jumpem:
- budget
- new / used
- awd "capability" (i.e. part time or full time)
- utility expectation (how many passengers, cargo space, roof rack or tow hitch or towing)
- performance & fuel economy expectation
- MUST vs WANT features
Click to expand...

Budget: $20-30k.
New
Full time AWD.
Utility: Five passengers (Needs to be roomier than our Fit. Right now a car seat will only fit in the middle of the backseat. On the sides the front seat backs are in the way. Would also like more room in the back to fit groceries in addition to a stroller.) I don't care about a roof rack or towing.
Performance vs. Economy: I'm torn. Another STi (or base WRX) would be fun, but we do drive 30k annualy, so mpg is somewhat important.
Features: I like the heated wipers and outside mirrors on the Subarus.
Click to expand...

So get an Outback or Forester I doubt you'll find a more suitable car. You mentioned you don't need offroad capability, then you can even go with Legacy, or if you really want a little more clearance, Outback.

I drove the Rogue and was not impressed.

You should be able to get a good deal now 🙂
 
My local mazda has an 07 with no miles CX7 for $19,500. Their 08s are $25k but they want to get rid of the last two 07s.
but we do drive 30k annualy, so mpg is somewhat important
Click to expand...
There goes the mazda, its mileage is egregious.
 
I've never driven a Forrester, but I've driven a CR-V and a Rogue (I own a Rogue now).

I live in Michigan, on a sloped dirt road that ices up a lot, and I have a sloped angled driveway that's ice packed a lot. Rogue has never once let me down, CR-V will do fine as well but from what I've read on the web, the Rogue's AWD system is a slightly better performer than the CR-V.

The Rogue gets me great gas mileage, better than the CR-V. It will sit 5 comfortably, front and rear room is about equal and comfortable. The Rogue has some extra features like the I-KEY which is hands down the most convenient keyless system ever, the CR-V does not have it. Both don't have heated wipers but you can get heated mirrors depending on option packages.

I didn't end up getting the heated mirrors (because it was bundled with leather) but the mirror is large enough and properly shaped that my ice scraper can clear it very easily.

I suggest a test drive.
 
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