• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Started test driving, began w/ Subaru, now to Nissan

gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
I want a new vehicle... like right now. But I figure I'd try some out first before I just pick the first one that felt good. Pretty much I'm looking for anything AWD or 4WD with more clearance than my Accord. This winter has shown me winters in northern Indiana aren't friendly, and quite often I've needed to drive with plenty of snow/slush still on the side roads.

I started at Subaru with the Forester and Outback. I enjoyed both of them for different reasons. I like the drive of the Outback better. It seemed to handle better, and feel a little quicker, plus that trasmission makes things pretty slick. The Forester has better asthetics to me. I like the SUV look more than the wagon. It looks taller even though it has the same ground clearance as the Outback.

Overall I'd probably side with the Outback. Function is a little more important to me than the look. It also should get better mileage overall which is nice. I also can get the premium model w/ all weather package for $25,500 through some discounts which is nice.

Next up I want to try the new Explorer and maybe Ford's AWD car, and probably the Nissan Murano.


Update: Went to Nissan and drove a Murano and Rogue. I really enjoyed them both, and like the look of both of them over the Subarus. I actually think I'm going to end up with a top of the line Rogue with all the navigation and fancy stuff, and it'll still be under the cheapest Murano. The Rogue felt right and had everything I needed plus more. It also looks a lot better than the Outback in my mind. I liked it enough that I might get one within the month.
 
Last edited:
I was going to mention Audi/BMW, but if you're looking for NEW @ around 25k, it wont happen.

/puke Subaru Forester/Outback
 
Yeah... this is my first new car and first salaried position, so I don't think I'm ready for Audi/BMW. I'm prepared to get up to ~$35k as I was originally looking at a full fledged Tacoma, but I'm starting to shy away from the idea of a truck.

Anyway, I had the same *bleh* feeling about Subarus but the new Outback doesn't look too bad. Definitely better than the last design that was relatively unchanged for over 10 years or something 😛


edit: it's also worth mentioning that I get discounts from many manufacturers through various means, so that's kind of guiding my choices a bit. My largest discounts seem to be Subaru, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Kia. Smaller discounts from GM, Chrysler, Ford, Volvo. No discounts on Honda, Toyota, or most luxury models.
 
Last edited:
Can you do us a favor and test drive the Honda CRV or Pilot with 4WD? That youtube video about AWD systems shows that Honda's system is just god awful and we need some confirmation on this.

Aren't the Forrester/Outback a different class from the Murano? The Murano starts at 29k. Subaru's vehicle in this class would be the Tribeca.
 
ShawnD1 said:
Can you do us a favor and test drive the Honda CRV or Pilot with 4WD? That youtube video about AWD systems shows that Honda's system is just god awful and we need some confirmation on this.

Aren't the Forrester/Outback a different class from the Murano? The Murano starts at 29k. Subaru's vehicle in this class would be the Tribeca.
Click to expand...

Maybe. It's going to be a lengthy process so I don't know if I'll get to it. Plus I really wouldn't know how to fairly compare them as my test drives are usually on pretty dry roads thus far.

They probably are in different "classes". I'm not really sticking to a certain class or price point. I'm just looking for the best feel for me and bang-for-your-buck in my range. If I'm just as satisfied with an Outback as I would be with a Murano, then why waste the money?

I may also put the Kia Sorento in my watch list. Looks like the AWD w/ center differential is an option on that. I'm still not very keen on Kia's longevity though.
 
Eh, I've considered it but Jeeps never seem to get the greatest ratings in reliability and such. That may be because a large chunk of jeep users are very hard on them, which I wouldn't be.
 
The explorer is sort of out of this range your looking at, still a good vehicle though. The Edge might be worth looking at as well.
 
Doesn't the new Juke have AWD? The thing looks BUTTT ugly to me...but everyone says it is a hoot to drive and cheap. May not be big enough for what you are wanting though.

The Outback is probably the best for a practical, reliable, AWD car. My personal preference would be to shy away from a truck/SUV...I had a pretty loaded 2005 Tacoma...and as great as it was for off-roading (which I used to do a good bit of), it just sucked balls when driving on the road. I haven't missed it one bit. If you really are set on a truck, a friend of mine just bought a brand new 4runner. While it is tonka-truck "plasticy" inside like most Toyota's these days, it is pretty practical and drove a lot smoother than my truck ever did. She got her dad to come along and help her haggle and picked it up for $30K which seemed like a pretty good deal based on how much vehicle you got.
 
gorcorps said:
Eh, I've considered it but Jeeps never seem to get the greatest ratings in reliability and such. That may be because a large chunk of jeep users are very hard on them, which I wouldn't be.
Click to expand...

It's a little of that, but there's also some cheapness in them. For example, Jeeps have notoriously shitty brakes. They wear down very quickly, the calipers tend to warp easily. And sometimes the steering wheel shakes when braking. That's simply caused by cheap parts. The brakes on my friend's Jeep Cherokee don't look much bigger than the brakes on my Corolla, despite his vehicle weighing twice as much.
 
I had a Murano once for a week. Nice car, roomy, and comfortable, I have nothing negative to say about it.

You could probably pick up a low mileage used Lexus RX SUV in your price range too. They are very nice...way nicer than the Subaru or the Ford anyway.
 
JulesMaximus said:
I had a Murano once for a week. Nice car, roomy, and comfortable, I have nothing negative to say about it.

You could probably pick up a low mileage used Lexus RX SUV in your price range too. They are very nice...way nicer than the Subaru or the Ford anyway.
Click to expand...

even the british wankers on top gear liked the murano.
 
May also want to take a look at the Mazda CX-7 or CX-9. I took a look at them last weekend. Interior is nice and it drives well but it's too bland looking for my tastes.

I've also checked out the Outback and Volvo XC60. Plan to take a look at an Explorer also, though I've owned one in the past and wasn't impressed.
 
Capt Caveman said:
May also want to take a look at the Mazda CX-7 or CX-9. I took a look at them last weekend. Interior is nice and it drives well but it's too bland looking for my tastes.

I've also checked out the Outback and Volvo XC60. Plan to take a look at an Explorer also, though I've owned one in the past and wasn't impressed.
Click to expand...

New Explorer is significantly different than the old Explorer...should drive a LOT better. That being said, the new one is a land barge.
 
So what's the opinion on the engine? I've always had a 4 cylinder and find it rather gutless, but that doesn't mean they HAVE to be gutless right? As far as costs in both up front and gas, the 4 is the cheaper option obviously... but it just seems like I won't be getting everything I may want out of it.
 
The Outback would be my choice for a AWD car in that price and size range. I drove a 2007 (older model) with the 2.5, and it was fine. Not that fast obviously, because of size and AWD, but acceleration was decent.
 
Forgot to mention, check truecar.com for pricing in your area. A loaded(except Nav) 2011 2.5 Outback Limited is $29.1k, one town over from me.
 
ShawnD1 said:
It's a little of that, but there's also some cheapness in them. For example, Jeeps have notoriously shitty brakes. They wear down very quickly, the calipers tend to warp easily. And sometimes the steering wheel shakes when braking. That's simply caused by cheap parts. The brakes on my friend's Jeep Cherokee don't look much bigger than the brakes on my Corolla, despite his vehicle weighing twice as much.
Click to expand...

Warped calipers, lol. I think you mean warped rotors.

Here's a few things you might want to think about...
1. Driving style can affect how your rotors last. Riding your brakes down long hills can toast your rotors very quickly.
2. Unless your friend is putting in the OEM pads and rotors every time he they need service you can't relate how fast the pads wear or how long the rotors last to the quality of the parts that Jeep put in. Unless he's getting his service at the dealer or a local mechanic that insists on the OEM parts he's most likely getting whatever the service place has laying around that's the cheapest.
3. If your friend's car is a cherokee (as opposed to a grand) it will only weigh 500 or 600 more pounds than your corolla. It will also be 10 years old at the very newest. A loaded 4x4 grand cherokee weighs about 2000 pounds more, which is about 1000 lbs off from being double the weight.
4. I took a look at the difference in brake sizes between corollas and grand cherokee you'd be surprised at how big it really is. The swept area of a 2009 corolla's brakes are 157 sq in front, and 58 sq in back. On a 2010 grand cherokee the swept area is 282 sq in front, 257 sq in back. So the grand cherokee's weight is a bit less than double your corollas, and the swept area of its front brakes (which do the majority of the braking) are a little bit less than double the swept area. Hmm, it's almost like they meant to do that...
5. Yes, there was an issue with the WJ grand cherokees, incidents of repeatedly warped rotors was reduced after a fix back in 2002. However, the OP is looking for a NEW car, and the grand cherokee isn't in his price range anyways. He'd be looking at the patriot or maybe the liberty.
 
Last edited:
goobernoodles said:
Buy used 😛
Click to expand...

I was just gonna post that. I'm not saying to get some 5 year old beater with 100k miles and dings and stains, but something 2-3 years old that has very low miles and maybe an extended/CPO warranty. You can get a lot more for your $ that way, or get something equivalent for many thousands of $ less. I see tons of low miles examples on autotrader in CO, so many that the prices seem to be pretty darn low.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top