Update on trading in the 535...

"ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback" (armadaexpress) 07/10/2015 at 16:34 • Filed to: None

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Looks like we’ll be trading my ‘09 535 xDrive in for either an ‘11 Acura MDX with close to 80k or a ‘13 JX35 with 30K’ish miles. It’s the responsible practical thing to do, and this way we keep my wife’s FX50. We’re trading my car in instead of hers because it’s more expensive to maintain and there’s more that can go wrong with it.

The MDX SH-AWD is fully spec’ed and it has pretty much every feature they offered that year and it’s very comfortable to drive. The JX35 I am about to take for a test drive has a lot of the same features but not everything. The upside to the JX is that it has a lot fewer miles so it’ll be easier to trade in for something better in 4 or 5 years.

But all is not lost. My wife has generously agreed to let me look for a fun car around 6k as a “project” car. I use the quotes because I want it to be still reliable but I’ll be looking for a pre ‘09 subaru with a manual and a turbo. Preferably a Forester XT or an Outback XT. I’ll just need to keep my eyes pealed.

Thanks for all your opinions though. It helped me flesh out my ideas and feel much better about this decision. Ultimately I pine for pre-’09 Subies, bad head gaskets and all.

AM3R shamefully returns > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/10/2015 at 16:44

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Here’s my crazy idea... Buy an E91 328i 6MT (reliable, RWD, inline six wagon is great) and spend $5k on an ESS supercharger. For less than ~$20k you have a supercharged BMW wagon.

Alex B > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/10/2015 at 20:09

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Consider the Pathfinder... It's pretty much the JX, but cheaper and doesn't require premium.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/11/2015 at 01:38

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I think my wife will end up with a used MDX, a new Pilot, or the soon to the new CX-9.

Her ‘08 CX-9 is pushing 170k.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/13/2015 at 10:52

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My wife test drove the CX-9 and hated it. Surprisingly she hated it so much she didnt even leave the parking lot. She liked a lot about the car but not the driving portion. Sadly I wasnt there to test drive it and confirm her feelings, but I’ve otherwise heard great things about the CX-9.

On the other hand I really like the MDX as far as 7-Passenger Vehicles go. Still somewhat sporty and very comfortable. People complain about the interior and all the buttons on the console, but I like it. Also the paddle shifters are very responsive and actually make it worth using them. The car seems well sorted and I’m looking forward to driving it through blizzards.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback 07/13/2015 at 11:04

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Didn’t even leave the lot? Ha! It has a very “fast” steering rack and really good, sensitive brakes, which makes it feel more sporty and I like, but I could see for some people who aren’t used to it that would be a turn off.

So you went with the MDX? Nice.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/13/2015 at 14:20

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yeah its an ‘11 with the advance tech and entertainment packages. Our other car is an ‘09 FX50 so I still have a fun car to drive.