YACT: reasonably priced AWD daily driver?

[Shyatic]

I might be changing jobs to something I have to drive to.. obviously the m3 isn't the car to do that unless I get winter tires, and to be frank I don't want to put 20k miles a year more on the M3 !!

That said... I was thinking to get a Mazda3 (I sold my last one because my job went into NYC and I had no need for it) however, in around 15k... do you think there's an AWD car I could get that is reasonable on gas and has good reliability? I was thinking of a used A4 but I think that the maintenence will be higher than I want.

Let me know

 

[MulLa]

Anything from the Subaru range?

 

[Hyperlite]

well not a mazda3, because that is definitely not AWD. i would look into a Subaru outback or legacy, or even an impreza. A4's have historically been a maintenance nightmare, i would stay away unless you can get a very, very good deal.

 

[Shyatic]

Not sure about the reliablity... that's why I'm asking

 

[MulLa]

Would definately look into the Outback / Legacy (Liberty over here in Australia). IMHO they're the only 2 current Subies that actually looks appealing!

Got a few guys here at work with Subarus of various vintage and they've got no major complaints.

 

[Chrono]

I think either a STI or an EVO would do well as a daily driver.

 

[Squisher]

I don't know if I'd call a Pontiac Vibe a SUV, but you could pick up a '03 with 50K for $10K.

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: Scribe
Not sure about the reliablity... that's why I'm asking

Very reliable. Holds value well too. Gas mileage is ok, mid to low 20s.

 

[Sqube]

Suby Legacy 2.5GT?

 

[Shyatic]

Originally posted by: Chrono
I think either a STI or an EVO would do well as a daily driver.

I already have an M3... I'll stick with that

 

[Aimster]

do u want awd for snow?

snow tires + fwd > awd w/no snow tires

 

[Shyatic]

Originally posted by: Aimster
do u want awd for snow?

snow tires + fwd > awd w/no snow tires

That's the idea yea... I am not going to get snows because its pricey to run two sets of tires and rims. I'd rather run all seasons. Like I said, I don't NEED an AWD car, just kinda tossing the idea around

If there's a fun FWD car out there for ~15k (or less) then I'll get that instead. The odds are on the Mazda3 for me right now, but we'll see.

 

[Chrono]

Originally posted by: Scribe

Originally posted by: Aimster
do u want awd for snow?

snow tires + fwd > awd w/no snow tires

That's the idea yea... I am not going to get snows because its pricey to run two sets of tires and rims. I'd rather run all seasons. Like I said, I don't NEED an AWD car, just kinda tossing the idea around

If there's a fun FWD car out there for ~15k (or less) then I'll get that instead. The odds are on the Mazda3 for me right now, but we'll see.

But in the Winter it would be badass to have AWD. I was actually powersliding with my STI in
a Fry's parking lot yesterday with my friend inside. LOL. Only thing was it's not snowing or raining, so Was fun though.

 

[Shyatic]

Yes but as I said, my 'fun' car is my M3... the second car is going to take me to work and back, and get me through every winter. I want it to be comfortable, quiet, and reasonably good on gas. That's why I was thinking to get the Audi A4... even tosses in a bit of luxury, though gas will cost more because it takes premium

 

[Chrono]

Don't get the A4. It sucks some big donkey balls with its electronic failures and such.

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: Chrono

Originally posted by: Scribe

Originally posted by: Aimster
do u want awd for snow?

snow tires + fwd > awd w/no snow tires

That's the idea yea... I am not going to get snows because its pricey to run two sets of tires and rims. I'd rather run all seasons. Like I said, I don't NEED an AWD car, just kinda tossing the idea around

If there's a fun FWD car out there for ~15k (or less) then I'll get that instead. The odds are on the Mazda3 for me right now, but we'll see.

But in the Winter it would be badass to have AWD. I was actually powersliding with my STI in
a Fry's parking lot yesterday with my friend inside. LOL. Only thing was it's not snowing or raining, so Was fun though.

AWD plus 2 sets of chains

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: Chrono
Don't get the A4. It sucks some big donkey balls with its electronic failures and such.

The early B5s had some electrical issues, as well as a sludge issue in the early 1.8T engine. By 2001 (the last year of the B5) that was sorted out and the cars are generally reliable if they have been maintained. After that, I'd avoid the first year of the B6 (2002), but the 2003s and later should also be relatively reliable.

 

[Aimster]

I have awd but no snow tires.

I take it my car will probably get stuck in 6" of snow, huh?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Be sure you decide exactly what you want before buying, going from an M3 to something else is a big change.

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Be sure you decide exactly what you want before buying, going from an M3 to something else is a big change.

I think he wants a winter car to supplement the M3, not a replacement.

 

[newParadigm]

Originally posted by: MulLa
Anything from the Subaru range?

Only thing he should be considering...maybe an Audi, but thats not affordable for all.

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: Aimster
I have awd but no snow tires.

I take it my car will probably get stuck in 6" of snow, huh?

Not necessarily, it depends on the type of snow. With a sedan, and 6" of snow, ground clearance could be as much of an issue as the type of tires on the car. That being said, winter tires will always be better in the snow.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: DeviousTrap

Originally posted by: Aimster
I have awd but no snow tires.

I take it my car will probably get stuck in 6" of snow, huh?

Not necessarily, it depends on the type of snow. With a sedan, and 6" of snow, ground clearance could be as much of an issue as the type of tires on the car. That being said, winter tires will always be better in the snow.

Devious is right, also keep in mind that the width of your tires can make a difference.

 

[Fenixgoon]

used A4/S4 : turbo (or twin turbo) + AWD = FUN!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MulLa
Everything from the Subaru range!

fixed