New Car Suggestions?

"sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
06/22/2015 at 22:45 • Filed to: None

So...I’m conflicted. I think I’m itching for a new car. I just moved to Colorado with my 2007 S60R. We just hit 89,000 Miles, and I’ve owned it since 45,000. The engine is still super strong - I’ve been told by multiple Volvo Mechanics that mine is oddly quicker than other R’s. I got the suspension completely refreshed 8,000 miles ago as well.

However, as of now, the sunroof is broken (it went off the rails and grinds every time I use it) - it’s like an $1,100 repair. Now I wouldn’t sell a car because of that, but a major reason I want to may want to get rid of it is because of how I treat it.

To me, the R is a high-maintenance girlfriend, and I’m an overprotective boyfriend. She needs work done somewhat often and she doesn’t have cheap taste. Me, on the other hand makes sure nobody get’s close to her, and ultimately I just worry and stress a lot over her wellbeing. I could go more into detail, but I’ll just say our relationship is somewhat toxic .

Anyway, I’m not completely sold on the idea of selling, as there’s a good chance that my mentality will just rub off onto the next car.

My requirements:
- Below $26,000
- Can be new/used or a lease
- 4-Doors
- Manual or a really, really good automatic
- AWD
- NEEDS a sunroof
- Slightly more ground clearance (granted, my R is lowered)
- Reliable (that’s in italics because my definition of reliable is very lax compared to many people)

So far, I’ve considered:

Pre-Owned Outback XT. Finding a manual will be borderline impossible and will command a lot of cash. Not sure it’s really worth it all said and done.

2007-2010 BMW X3 Manual. Not entirely sold on it, and again, finding in manual will be borderline impossible.

2011+ Jeep Wrangler Sahara Manual

2015 (new) Nissan Juke. Call me crazy, but I love this thing. Too bad you can only get a CVT with AWD and in SL Form. No Nismo - I think it’s tacky.

2015 (new) Subaru XV Crosstrek. I like these things a lot - I’d just without a doubt have to cut a hole in the roof for a sunroof.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading. Here’s a video of me a year ago badly breaking the law for your time :)

http://vid1281.photobucket.com/albums/a505/se…

DISCUSSION (17)

jkm7680 > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 22:48

S4.

The Juke is no bueno, the XV would be no fun to drive and the X3 looks like cost cutting.

AM3R shamefully returns > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 22:48

Sell me the volvooooo. X3 is a fun drive, but a manual wrangler could be pretty fun too.

blacktruck18 > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 22:51

I vote Wrangler, just because it’s summer and I want something without a roof.

Has your S60 been unreliable? Mrs. blacktruck has an ‘07 2.5T and we have never had any issues with it. I guess the R could be a little more high strung.

sellphones2493 > jkm7680
06/22/2015 at 22:53

I’d be just as, if not more worrisome about an S4 when compared to my Volvo!

Steve in Manhattan > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 22:54

Raise the R back to stock and keep it. Do whatever repairs are necessary - cheaper than a car payment. It is a very good, utilitarian car.

And put a small scratch in one of the bumpers. Then you can park it anywhere.

jkm7680 > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 22:54

The B8s were pretty reliable. Same goes for the B7.

sellphones2493 > blacktruck18
06/22/2015 at 22:55

I wouldn’t say the R is unreliable, I’d just say it’s needy and super delicate.

ei. Hit a pothole. Tire breaks, as does the strut, and seat spring. Granted, it’s older but in general, these are very temperamental and delicate cars - especially when it comes to the suspension components.

DrScientist > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 22:58

manual wrangler will hold its value better than the others. and the sahara is the one to get.

blacktruck18 > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 22:58

Never knew that about them. That is kind of disappointing, my wife loves hers and it has been dead on reliable.

dogisbadob > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 23:08

Do you really need AWD? Otherwise, the Fit would be perfect for you.

The only ones that would fit your criteria are the Renegade and the Countryman, which are at the bottom in terms of reliability :(

The 09+ Matrix/Vibe AWD might work for you.

Mazda used to offer a 5 with a sunroof until a couple years ago, but the newer 5’s require an automatic in order to get the funroof.

sellphones2493 > dogisbadob
06/22/2015 at 23:19

Live in Colorado and frequently ski. I’ll need AWD. The Countryman is an option - the Renegade/Matrix/5 are too big of a downgrade.

Thunderface > sellphones2493
06/22/2015 at 23:20

obvious panther is obvious

boxrocket > sellphones2493
06/23/2015 at 08:20

if you’re considering the juke and XV, throw the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 in there for good measure. You could also keep the S60R and get something well under budget, like say a Suzuki SX4 or Kizashi or an older Escape/Mariner/Tribute. If you like the adventures inherent in Volvo ownership, XC70 or a really good deal on a used XC60. Or a Land Rover with a CarMax warranty, haha.

I’m not a fan of the X3. I’d rather have an older X5, if only for the fact that the front end doesn’t look like it’s been absurdly stretched out. In person the X3 just looks so horribly awkward.

The Wrangler is almost delightfully crude, but unless you live off road or weekly take it off road, I can’t imagine using one as a DD. A Grand Cherokee would be a better choice, but I don’t think manuals come in those.

Also consider the Infiniti EX35 and FX35/37/50.

I'll keep thinking and see if I can get any other good ideas.

Meatcoma > jkm7680
06/23/2015 at 08:44

Why is the Juke no bueno?

My wife drives one, yes it’s an auto/awd/cvt but she has not had one problem with it and has 120k miles and it gets around in the snow pretty great. It’s also pretty quick for it’s hp/tq. It will seat 5 people and gets 30mpg. For a practical car, she loves it. It doesn’t bother me to drive it and I’d suggest it to anyone looking at that style vehicle.

SnoopDouggyDougg > sellphones2493
06/23/2015 at 08:56

Lightly used WRX Limited or WRX Premium Both have sunroofs and fit the criteria

Tapas > sellphones2493
06/23/2015 at 10:43

How about a CPO XC60?

http://cpo.volvocars.us/en/vehicles/Vo…

or a CPO V60?

http://cpo.volvocars.us/en/vehicles/Vo…

911e46z06 > sellphones2493
06/23/2015 at 15:03

e39 M5. e90 M3 Sedan. G8 GT. SRT Cherokee/Charger/300. 1st gen CTS-V.