Time to switch out the cars - Suggestions?

"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k) 07/24/2015 at 17:44 • Filed to: None

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So I drive (meaning own but it sits parked most of the time) a 2005 Legacy GT (manual), and the fiancee drives a 2003 Jeep Liberty (auto). We’re thinking of selling both and buying something to replace them with. I also have the E30 of course, which isn’t going anywhere.

Requirements/thought process-
- I don’t drive to work, so my car rarely gets used during the week, it is too big for most of our needs (especially having another car), and fiancee can’t drive manual
- Fiancee drives a few miles to work but just stop and go city traffic - the Jeep is horrendous in these conditions...last tank did just 150 miles, and it is getting old
- We’re out and about on weekends so would be nice to still have a car that can haul friends, groceries, camping supplies, etc. but also get decent gas mileage for weekday use

Given how little we drive we can easily share a daily driver. It would need to be auto and get good gas mileage.

Budget ~20kish (we’re thinking sell the two cars, maybe put a bit of cash on top but hoping to not have car payments).

Current options being considered:
- BMW E91 328i (RWD) - I love that I-6 engine, seems to get OK gas mileage, and it’s a wagon. A bit hard to find, especially with sport package but I’m hopeful.

- 2012+ Subaru Impreza hatch (or maybe a Forester) - I like how it looks, decent space, AWD (we don’t need it but fiancee feels better knowing we have it), decent gas mileage. How horrible is the CVT?

- MK6 VW GTI - Less space, but good styling and I’m curious about the DSG...but also scared for reliability

- Mini Countryman S (FWD) - like the styling, is fun, and gets good gas mileage...but not very practical in terms of cargo space.

Any more fun, realistic suggestions, other than a Miata of course?

The E91 is my top pick although it’s a bit hard to find within budget...I’d be fine throwing a bit more on top for an excellent example. She loves how it looks and feels too...so outside of initial purchase price I think it’d be an awesome car for us to have and enjoy for quite a while. I’m in the SF Bay Area - there are a few around, but for example found this one in Portland...I’d totally make a trip out to snatch this thing if it’s still on the market when we’re ready to buy -

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Money Hustard > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 17:48

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Mazda 3 perhaps?

Also, I can say that the subie CVTs aren’t that bad. A little noisy, but reasonably crisp.

bob and john > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 17:48

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okay, enough about the VW are unreliable bullcrap. They are fine. really. the MK5 had a couple of (SMALL) quirks that got sorted out long ago. The MK6 and 7 are just fine.

hell, our A3 TDI (basicly a golf TDi, but fancier and more stuff) made it 105K miles before i needed to replace anything in the engine, and that with a small sensor that took me all of 10 minutes to do.

keep up on oil changes and fuild intervals and you will be just fine.

also, DSG= awesome. I cant drive normal auto now, i’ve been spoiled.

Textured Soy Protein > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 17:51

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On the “more realistic” tip, how about a Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-3? They still get good mileage in awd form, but I don’t see why you’d bother with it being in SF.

TheOnelectronic > bob and john 07/24/2015 at 17:51

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The DSG is great until you really need to accelerate and the transmission says “Hmm. Let me think about that. I’ll get back to you.”

It’s gotten better as the technology’s been refined, but it’s still frustrating. Not that a standard TC auto is any better, mind you.

bob and john > TheOnelectronic 07/24/2015 at 17:54

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ours works just fine. even in harder driving. only when your slowing down to a stop sign, then randomly stomp on it does it go: wait wut? oh right, grab a gear and lets bogie.

this can be avoided by using manual mode

AM3R shamefully returns > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 17:54

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The E91 is a safe bet. I have an E90 328i that hasn't caused me any trouble.. The mileage is alright, I can creep on 30 if I'm on the highway. Driving with a lead foot in heavy traffic in the middle of winter (heater on full blast) had me getting like 13mpg.. But you should see ~20 if you'll be in traffic. Mixed suburban driving gets me like 25, and I don't exactly take it easy all the time haha.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > bob and john 07/24/2015 at 17:57

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I know, I know. I have friends who’ve had them and had zero issues...and I take good care of my cars, so I don’t think it should be an issue. DSG is very compelling - just wish it were a tad bit more spacious (honeslty I’m fine with the size but the lady gets nervous about not being able to fit stuff we like to haul). Will have to drive one and see.

TheOnelectronic > bob and john 07/24/2015 at 17:59

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The problem with manual mode (at least in the car I’ve driven with it) is you get the full herk-and-jerk shift urgency. In auto the car manages to mimic a standard automatic by not keeping the clutch engaged (disengaged? I’m always confused on that) through every shift, but in manual mode you get the whole package, heavy engine braking and all.

And, if I’m being honest, part of it is just a bad habit; I tend to give it gas, and then when the car doesn’t accelerate like I think it should because it’s in a much higher gear than I’d normally choose for that speed, I give it more gas. Every time the transmission figures out which gear to give me I change things up on it.

Sometimes I think it’s worth it when I use Launch Control and the world fades out briefly, but I still prefer the good old fashioned stick and pedal.

bob and john > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 17:59

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if you dont like the size, look at the A3. they are SLIGHTLY longer, and can be had with AWD

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > AM3R shamefully returns 07/24/2015 at 17:59

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Thanks for the response - I’ve been pretty impressed with real world MPG stats I’ve seen, I expected much worse. And the E91 feels very special to me...probably the last N/A I-6 from BMW for a while at least, especially in wagon form. Unfortunately a ton of them are XDrive, but an RWD E91 wagon will keep me happy for many years to come I know (and keep me from missing being stupid and unrealistic and just buying a 128i for myself).

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 17:59

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Tell me more about your LGT.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Textured Soy Protein 07/24/2015 at 18:00

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Good call - I’m worried those would be a bit too small, but I do have the CX-5 on my radar. Prices are still a bit above budget outside of base models, but within a few months it should be an option. Not as exciting as a BMW wagon - but I know it’s a great realistic choice.

bob and john > TheOnelectronic 07/24/2015 at 18:01

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it does give us the heavy engine braking, i’ll admit that.

as for stick and pedal: oh FFS are we really going to have this argument again?

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Money Hustard 07/24/2015 at 18:01

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Forgot about that - Mazda3 and CX-5 are definitely on the maybe list. Tough to fight the appeal of a BMW wagon though. I know maintenance will be more expensive - just need to decide what we want to prioritize.

AM3R shamefully returns > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 18:03

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The engine is fantastic.. Extremely smooth and it feels much faster than it is. It’s trouble, 80 feels like 60 so it takes some getting used to haha. The sound is AWESOME by the way. And the wagon that you posted is like $5k over what it’s worth. The deals on wagons are out there, but a little tougher to find. You might have to travel for one. Totally worth waiting for though. When do you think BMW will offer a RWD, inline six, hydraulic steering wagon again? Never.

If I found a manual M-sport RWD E91 in the right color combo I'd jump all over it.

TheOnelectronic > bob and john 07/24/2015 at 18:04

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Nah, it’s just what I personally prefer to use. Nothing to argue about there.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > AM3R shamefully returns 07/24/2015 at 18:13

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Amen - it’s definitely the last of a very rare breed to start with. I love picking cars that are pretty ordinary but rare at the same time - keeps you under the radar, but a cult following is nice. I’m pretty sure I can sell my Legacy GT wagon for close to what I bought it for 3 years ago...did the same with my S2000 before that. The E91 would be a great option to carry on the tradition - won’t be getting very many miles, just a matter of keeping it clean and running nicely.

And you’re probably right about the pricing - I’ve seen others for around $18-20k, this is just the one I found that ticks all the boxes with the M-Sport package, tan interior, etc. We will just be patient and keep an eye out.

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 18:40

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Sell the Jeep, KEEP the LGT. Don’t get rid of that, please!

I had a pretty good amount of seat time in a new Forester with the CVT. Really no complaints about it. It was hilarious because I could go pedal to the floor, speed would increase but revs barely moved at all. Definitely a weird sensation but if you’re gonna go auto, with a new Subie, the CVT isn’t as terrible as everyone makes it out to be. I really do mean that.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > bob and john 07/24/2015 at 18:49

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Thanks - wasn’t on my radar, but you’re right. They can look awfully nice with the proper trim package and color combo too.

bob and john > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 18:50

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there is a guy a few houses down witha white on HRE wheels thats lowered a bit. BEAUTIFUL car. I’ll see about snagging a photo

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Big Bubba Ray 07/24/2015 at 18:52

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It’s been a good car - but there’s nothing about it that I’m absolutely connected to. It can be stupidly fast once you get it moving, it handles decently well, and is spacious and comfortable...but I’m just not that attached to it.

And we need an auto - getting married, saving up for a house, etc. it’s the most sensible option that will result in us having a newer, more economical, and reliable car. I’ll still have my E30 for raw manual fun.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/24/2015 at 18:55

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What would you like to know? ‘05, manual, black exterior, tan leather interior. 130k miles - previous owner lowered it on koni shocks (not a horrible amount of drop), cobb sway bars front and rear, short shift kit, currently running a Cobb stage 1 tune.

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 18:58

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Does your wife not drive manual? If not, you need to remedy that ASAP. But I understand. You could most likely sell the LGT for a great price.

But of all those options, I’d suggest the a Forester or another Subie. Plenty capable “offroad,” gets good gas mileage and they have plenty of room for friends, future kids and whatever else you need!

AM3R shamefully returns > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 19:47

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Yeah the wagon will always be a great choice, especially since you won't put a ton of miles on it... I wouldn't be surprised if down the road you sold it for what you bought it for. RWD BMW wagons definitely have a nice following. I like what you said about being rare but not necessarily standing out. Great attention from other enthusiasts, no attention from cops.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Big Bubba Ray 07/24/2015 at 19:48

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Not yet wife - I’ve got 23 more days til that! But yes...sadly she doesn’t yet. We’ve been meaning to have her learn for the last 2 years, but that hasn’t happened much. I’m fine with having an auto - honestly even I get sick of the traffic out here sometimes, so it’s not the worst idea - esp with potential kids and whatnot down the road.

A Forester or Impreza are good options - honestly we like the XV as well. They’re good looking cars, perform respectably, and are a great value...both initial purchase and upkeep. Just depends on if we want to splurge a little on a BMW wagon. Meaning similar purchase price but probably more $$$ down the road.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 21:13

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They are little Tardises - way more spacious than they have any right to be. I think basically because the inside is a boxy shape so you can use all the space. I bought my Mk5GTI because it was the smallest thing I could fit my windsurfing gear inside. It’ll happily take my big board, mast, boom and a few sails - none of the other similar hatches I tried could. And I’ve since shifted any amount of crap in it, including a large easy chair and a live axle.

The reliability’s been fine - not perfect but better than most DDs I’ve owned. And the DSG’s brilliant - first auto I’ve ever actually liked.

I’m thinking about replacing mine (it’s 10 years old) and I’m struggling to find anything I want more in my price range than another one. Which is pissing me off - replacing a car with a basically identical one seems like a waste of opportunity.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 22:17

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Ugh...its black. Damn.

I love those, and yours sounds like its been well looked after. I just do not like black cars. So hard to keep clean.

If it were a blue one, I might be plotting ways to buy it.

Conan > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/24/2015 at 22:52

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I think you want the BMW wagon. Do it.

Long Live the Longdoor > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/25/2015 at 09:21

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My wife and I bought a new Forester back in November and we LOVE it! The CVT is actually pretty solid, and I’m pretty critical of my auto transmissions. It suits Subaru’s AWD setup quite well IMHO, giving you exactly the power you want based on how hard you press the pedal. Want to launch from a stop? It’ll do that. Want to blip the throttle and carry your speed through a tight corner? Sure no problem. Are the paddles super responsive like a DSG? If say no, but are still useful to drop your speed.

That said, we test drove the XV Crosstrek with the CVT and it felt pretty slow by comparison. If it had the 2.5L from the Forester, we probably would have bought it. I’ve actually taken a liking to Subaru so much that I’m considering an Impreza as my next car, albeit with a manual (though, again, if it had the 2.5L, I’d honestly consider getting the CVT).

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Conan 07/27/2015 at 12:52

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I came to the wrong place looking for people to talk me out of it :)

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Long Live the Longdoor 07/27/2015 at 12:55

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May I ask how the fuel economy on the Forester is with the 2.5L? Power isn’t necessarily the biggest priority in this case for us...if we’re looking at similar fuel economy, then might as well - but otherwise the Impreza might suit us just fine.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/27/2015 at 12:56

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Yeah, both my cars are black right now and it is a pain to keep clean. They were both washed within the last week and the dust gathering is bothering me already.

Long Live the Longdoor > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/27/2015 at 18:49

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No problem! My wife averages 30mpg on her daily commute, which is about a 50/50 mix of city highway. I actually had it for a camping/race weekend road trip and I averaged 34.9mpg with my 300lb brother and another 100lbs of gear in the back (plus another 200lbs of me)!

Over the winter though, the mileage was more like 24mpg combined, mind you, we got the car in November and we’re still likely going through the break in period. Regardless, even if it were to get 24 mpg every winter, I really don’t care, its well worth the price of driving such an awesome vehicle!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Long Live the Longdoor 07/27/2015 at 19:40

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Wow, that’s impressive. Definitely wasn’t expecting numbers that good. Sounds like you’re very happy with your vehicle - that’s the most anybody could ask for, no matter what they drive!

Long Live the Longdoor > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 07/27/2015 at 21:37

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Totally, we’re super happy with it; a perfect road trip vehicle IMHO, it’s very comfortable. The 10 way driver seat with the lumbar support is fabulous across a long drive. Cooler still, the back seat actually reclines (which is great after having gone out to dinner, reclining seats = a nap on the drive home lol)!

I’m definitely impressed with Subaru, it’s a quality product that just kind of made everything else we test drove, feel kinda cheap. I’m seriously considering a Subaru for when I replace my car next year; the only question now is, which one?

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Long Live the Longdoor 07/28/2015 at 11:55

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If you’re interested in turning back the clock a bit I’ve got an ‘05 Legacy GT wagon I might be putting on the market within the next few months :)

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 08/01/2015 at 07:50

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Of your options, the Bimmer is probably the best choice.

Random thought: What about an Outback? Practical, efficient, AWD, and drives pretty well. I’m sure you can find a good used one within your budget, maybe even an H6.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 08/01/2015 at 08:01

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Renegade?

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 08/03/2015 at 13:22

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The fiancee is a Jeep fan but I’m not particularly thrilled about it...it feels a bit small? Might be worth a look at, I suppose. Definite benefits to having a new/super low mileage car over a 4 year old german wagon.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 08/03/2015 at 13:25

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Maybe - I love my Legacy wagon...the Outback feels a bit too big, especially the newer models. And I hate the styling on the previous generation - the current model looks very smart, but would probably be out of my budget?