Another dead end. Help me Oppo!

"brakesnow" (brakesnow) 11/18/2013 at 22:16 • Filed to: None

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Just as I was about to drive two hours away, a posting surfaced on craigslist saying the car I was about to go see was a scam and had a swapped cluster to fake lower mileage. This is the second car scam that I have almost been entangled in in the last two weeks. I even took the day off of work already and had a buddy lined up to help me drive it and the other car back. I love my turbobrick but shes leaking oil all over the driveway and every pothole seems to be the last one she'll take before she falls to pieces. She needs a retirement. Will someone please sell me a 4WD/AWD wagon(or even a sedan) with a manual transmission(I'll even go for an auto at this point...) that takes less than 3 years to get to 60 and won't explode on a 4 hour road trip? I'm in western Mass. I will sing your praises from the highest mountain. That is all.

Pic related: My beloved turbobrick.

Biostar01 > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 22:20

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I feel your pain, buddy.

Good luck on your search!

imadeaburner > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 22:26

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If I see anything pop up in NH I will be sure to let you know.

Poke around on NH Craigslist, most cars there are well taken care of and shit

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 22:28

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Honestly, Craigslist really has gotten bad. I spent over a year looking for a first car. Every car is either a scam or a dealer or a flipper. It really sucks. You get involved in a car, really like it, but then learn how fake it is.

It is the reason I ended up leasing a new Civic... sure it isn't very Jalop but it isn't a piece of shit like most things for sale on CL.

brakesnow > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/18/2013 at 22:31

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This is the end that I really hope I don't have to resort to...

but after continued experiences like this its tough to keep at it.

brakesnow > imadeaburner 11/18/2013 at 22:33

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Thanks! I can use all the help I can get. I normally try to monitor VT, NH, CT, All of MA, and much of NY and even some New Jersey. I try to cast my net as wide as possible.

dogisbadob > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 22:36

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The Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe were available with AWD from 2003-2006, but automatic-only. Toyota reliability, and most likely the best gas mileage you'll get from any decent AWD car you can actually afford. Supposedly it also has the suspension from the Celica, so plenty of aftermarket support (FWD versions use Corolla suspension)

And of course, there's no mentioning AWD sedans and wagons without mentioning Subaru. And the Saab 92x. They are also available with manual transmissions.

Why do you need AWD? FWD with snow tires should be fine unless you do hardcore offroading.

And the most important question, how much money are you willing to spend? This is probably the most important thing, and we cannot help you without it. Because if you have the money, get a Mazdaspeed 6.

dogisbadob > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/18/2013 at 22:39

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check this out

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVRPpJQjwMg

brakesnow > dogisbadob 11/18/2013 at 22:42

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I don't need AWD, but after driving 4+ hours in whiteout conditions on unplowed roads last winter for ski trips, I am convinced that awd is the godsend that people really say it is. Snow tires are better though, of course. I was looking to spend no more than 10 grand hopefully (budget could stretch a little for a dream car.. B6 S4 Avant.. *swoon*) . I looked into a mazdaspeed6 but the reliability question is a little bit frightening for me. Seems like they have an issue with carbon buildup due to the direct injection, if I recall correctly.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > dogisbadob 11/18/2013 at 22:43

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That commerical scared the crap out of me when I first saw it

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 22:52

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I wasted hours of my time... texting people; driving to see cars... half had check engine lights on and body issues when I got there; others were being sold by some shady dealer. I wasted a lot of oppos time by doing NPOCP on some of my favs. I loved this Saab 9-5 I found; but the guy was hiding something. Had a really cool MB C280, but the Carfax showed rebuilt titles (although the guy insisted it was perfect)

The other fun you get is the people that sell cars out from under you. I had a 98 V70R for $6000. Went to buy it, then bam they tell me (as I'm driving up to see it) they sold it $6500. Never gave me a chance. I had another sell the car as I was pulling up.

There were two cars that I really liked and were real. The first was a 91 Volvo 240. It was a white four door with blue cloth and an automatic. 150,000 miles. It had no ac and was in two small accidents. But the price was $1500. It was going to be my first beater car. I was so happy. Owner was this young girl. Was playing no games or hiding anything. Sadly grandma shot it down since it was too slow.

The other was a 91 Nissan 300ZX 2 by 2. Original owner. 96,000 miles. Owner has open heart surgery and needed the money. Everything checked out. It was cool and sporty. $4500 and all it needed was a new fuse for the radio. Insurance was a fortune. Who'dve thought a 20+ year old sports car driven by a 15 year old male would cost so much to insure?

The challenge is finding an honest seller, with a good car that you actually like. The worst thing is ending up with a lemon (or in your case another leaky car).

I'm leasing it for $199 per month for 36 months. I have a full warranty, gap insurance, $1000 wear and tear (basically if there is any damage when I turn it in, I have a $1000 safety net), and get around 30 MPG. Sure, it is kinda boring. But it is safe, reliable, and a good price. For my situation, it was a no brainer.

(sorry for the long post. It is something I'm passionate for from experience Also sorry for any typos. I'm on mobile)

dogisbadob > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 22:54

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All DI engines have issues with carbon buildup, not just the MS6. There are plenty of fuel injector cleaners and shit that can help you out. Besides, almost anything will be better than an Audi in terms of reliability.

Even though they cost more, especially in New England, $10k can still buy you a good Subaru sedan or wagon.

If you can find a good MS6 in your budget, which may very well be possible, then go for it!

Straightsix9904 > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 22:56

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Looked at the Suzuki SX4s? they are AWD, manual option. A LOT smaller than your brick, but Manual AWD wagon is a pretty narrow category.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 23:00

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looked up a random zip code in western mass.
here are a few finds (note: I do not know your budget, and put in $6,000, so results based off of that)
1: A red Volvo!
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
2: A grey audi!
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
3: Another grey audi! with a manual! and 2 turbos!
...this one might explode, so be careful...
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
hope this helps

exizeo - still loving fourza > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 23:09

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I have a 85k mile 850 auto GLT sedan...sadly fwd, though. Still fun, and reliable. Some oil leakage, not much. It can easily handle 200mile road trips without too much problem. I wish you luck with your search.

Mine was my dad's, who moved on to a XC90, and bought it from an old lady who didn't drive it...ever.

brakesnow > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 11/18/2013 at 23:30

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Thanks for the suggestions! Those cars are all models that I have looked into. XC70 looks good but I could get an R with 50k less miles for 1.5k more, so thats a tough sell. I think the old allroads are super-cool but I am scared to death of the air suspension. That on top of usual audi reliability issues pains my wallet just thinking about it. That A6 Avant though... that looks interesting! To the Audi forums with me! Away!

brakesnow > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 23:39

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..Aaaand the 3.0 V6 on that A6 has huge cam gear problems. There goes that one :(

dogisbadob > Straightsix9904 11/18/2013 at 23:51

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I can't believe I forgot about the SX4 and its predecessor the Aerio! (I'm not the OP, but I am kicking myself for not remembering them to tell him)

Cool fun AWD wagons!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > brakesnow 11/18/2013 at 23:52

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well, sorry I couldn't be more help :/
I do think there's a way to replace the air suspension with a non air setup on Allroads. I heard about it, but don't know speciffics...

brakesnow > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 11/19/2013 at 01:09

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Yes I have heard about this replacement for the air suspension as well, though I am unsure how suitable/reliable a replacement it is, I'll look into that. Also it unfortunately makes the Allroad lose its coolest claim to fame for being the only non-SUV to complete a Land Rover offroad course... No more air-lift action.

brakesnow > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/19/2013 at 01:13

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I definitely identify with your struggles. I also have suffered from a car being sold as I drove to potentially purchase it. A terrible, gut-wrenching feeling.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > brakesnow 11/19/2013 at 01:15

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..but you still get a twin turbo AWD manual wagon!
just get an APR tune, and a clutch! you're looking at 400 horses, I believe :D !