VW Beetle vs. Acura Integra vs. CRX vs. Impreza AWD

[spaceman]

changed topic?
which one all things being equal would be the longest lasting most reliable?

 

[BCYL]

Pre-2001 models had MAJOR electrical problems (which are common to all 1.8T VW engines).... Quite a number of recalls and other problems as well...

I heard they fixed the electrical problems are 2001, but I still hear about other occasional problems...

 

[CRXican]

I hope you have a vagina

 

[spaceman]

Originally posted by: CRXican
I hope you have a vagina

not for me for the girl.........................😉

 

[vi edit]

As a Passat owner, I wouldn't touch a Beetle with a 10 foot pole. The Mexico produced VW's have some serious reliability and quality control flags being raised.

 

[CRXican]

CRX is the best but Tegs are newer. Impreza 2.5RS would be cool too.

 

[vi edit]

I guess I should ask - what does she want in a car? # of doors, types of options, milage a concern? and bottom line, how much is she looking to spend?

 

[vshah]

are you talking used cars?

wait, you must be, all those are out of production except the beetle. i'd take the integra or crx if you can find one if good condition

-Vivan

 

[thomsbrain]

it's probably gonna be the CRX or integra

 

[spaceman]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I guess I should ask - what does she want in a car? # of doors, types of options, milage a concern? and bottom line, how much is she looking to spend?

longevity,good in all elements, under 7k (cash purchase)

 

[Vic]

What year and model Impreza?

This is an odd grouping of cars.
New Beetles are newer (didn't come out until '98 IIRC) but are definitely the least reliable.

Integras are good (I used to own one) but cramped for taller drivers and are noisy and buzzy down the freeway. Reliability should be very good, but will depend A LOT on how the previous owner maintained it. Many were modded, and a lot of were beaten on by younger drivers, so buyer beware.

Any CRX out there is likely to be old and have high mileage. They stopped making them in '91. I used to own one of those too (back in '94-'95). Extremely reliable if properly maintained, but anything less than the Si model will be very underpowered (but 40+ mpg!). As a CRX is more or less just a 2-seater Civic hatchback (with some minor asthetic changes), it would probably be just a better idea to get a Civic.

Imprezas came out in '93 and maintained more or less the same body style until '01. The "new age" Impreza came out in '02. '93-'01 Imprezas came in a lot of different configurations, from coupes to sedans to wagons, and in 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.2L, and 2.5L engines. There are even some rare turbo models in the earlier years. All are likely to be very reliable, but some do have their quirks. Of the early Imprezas, the '00-'01 2.5RS is best, but will also cost the most.

 

[homestarmy]

Well my girlfriend's car is a CRX. 1988 with over 210,000 miles on it and still perfect. The engine is completely stock. Of course clutch was replaced along the line. The car was painted, but overall still in perfect condition. This is one of the most reliable cars EVER. Never broken down once since I've known her... over 5 years. The worst problem was because some idiot messed up the oil drain bolt.

I drive a 94 Acura Integra. Beautiful car, great engine, I can't say enough good things. Pretty much just as reliable, hell, its a honda. I've had it for two and a half years, and the only problem that I've had were CV boots (which will happen regardless on a FWD car). 135,000, I've had it since 99k.

The Beetle might be almost as reliable, but there's no way with the Imprezza... there's a lot of extra components to break there...

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: homestarmy
The Beetle might be almost as reliable, but there's no way with the Imprezza... there's a lot of extra components to break there...

You are misinformed about Subarus. They have a long reputation of extreme reliability, even a 200,000 mile club. My sister's Legacy AWD has more than 280k miles on it last I checked. It's all original (including the clutch, although she did have to replace the muffler a little while back) so it runs a bit tired, but it's still going.
Those extra components only break when they are abused or not maintained, and we all know Hondas (or any other car for that matter) can die that same death too.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
As a Passat owner, I wouldn't touch a Beetle with a 10 foot pole. The Mexico produced VW's have some serious reliability and quality control flags being raised.