Oppo - Halp! Help choose an AWD car (not a Subaru)?

"Azrek" (azrek) 03/29/2016 at 13:24 • Filed to: None

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Alright, I have a friend who is trying to get a new car to take with her to the great white north. I am no longer close by to assist in test driving cars, so she has a list of demands to get her perfect car. I am at a loss here. Oppo can help!

Her demands:
AWD is a must, however no Subaru and no Volvo (She has harsh words for both).
Tan or Gray interior (This is flexible)
Sunroof would be ideal, but not required
All under 20k!!!!

I recommended an Audi TT or A3, used with a warranty.

Whatcha got? Flying Finnish Rally car for your time!

Berang > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:28

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For Sweden > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:29

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no Volvo

Well boo to her

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Berang 03/29/2016 at 13:30

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Nice.

Azrek > For Sweden 03/29/2016 at 13:31

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Her direct quote: “Volvos are for old ladies”

I sighed. Getting her a car last time was....time consuming.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Berang 03/29/2016 at 13:32

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and she would never know she was driving a subaru

The Dummy Gummy > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:32

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What’s her budget?

OPPOsaurus WRX > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:33

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and what does she say about Subaru? the ghost of OPPOsaurusWRX is not happy

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:33

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Remaining stock of 2015 Juke. Because not enough people are driving insane cars.

Azrek > The Dummy Gummy 03/29/2016 at 13:33

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20k. Did I not list that? *Checks*

For Sweden > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:33

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Ask her why she’s sexist and ageist

Probenja > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:33

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SX4?

Noah - Now with more boost. > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:34

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No Subaru no Volvo??? Hmmm something tells me she doesn’t know much about either lol. Your recommendation of an Audi makes sense then, just make sure she gets an Audi with a timing CHAIN not a timing BELT! The latter likes to grenade the motor at higher mileages and the service is expensive. I believe the switch from belt to chain was made in 2009 on the 2.0T motor

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:35

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Audi was my first thought, but those can be expensive to maintain.

Is she looking for an enthusiast car, or just a ‘regular person’ car?

Azrek > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/29/2016 at 13:37

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Quote: Lezbaru.

.......yeah....I know.....

Azrek > Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge 03/29/2016 at 13:38

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Obviously her car knowledge is limited, so she wants a regular person car.

DutchieDC2R > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:38

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BMW’s iX models, an Evo??

OPPOsaurus WRX > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:39

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CRV’s have all wheel drive. thats what she deserves

TeamClearCoat > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:41

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I’d recommend staying away from the A3 - the AWD ones end up being really expensive, and that’s before things start to break. And here’s the kicker - they’re not all that great to drive.

What about a Fusion? 30 seconds of Googling tells me AWD models can be had with about 20k miles in budget. Driving dynamics wasn’t on the list, and the Fusion should check all the boxes.

You can also get AWD CTSs in budget, but those would obviously have higher mileage.

MarquetteLa > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:41

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1988 Mazda 323 GTX

AWD with center-locking diff

Gray/blue interior

Manual sunroof!

Much less than $20k!

...I’m not very helpful, am I?

BeaterGT > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:42

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Focus RS. Everyone else is getting one apparently.

The Dummy Gummy > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:43

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Ford Fusion (Titanium includes AWD) - used

Azrek > MarquetteLa 03/29/2016 at 13:43

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Perfect!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/29/2016 at 13:44

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My wife didn’t want a Corolla, so we got a Vibe. By the time I revealed the truth, she was already sold on the car.

Azrek > Berang 03/29/2016 at 13:44

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This made me laugh....alot....

Justin Hughes > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:44

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Mitsubishi Lancer AWC? It’s not an Evo but has a similar AWD system. If she’s a Subaru hater then a Mitsubishi is the obvious choice. :)

http://www.torquenews.com/1084/2015-mits…

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:47

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Does she really want a more capable AWD system (and does she actually NEED one)? Or does she see AWD is AWD and I know I want it because “I’ve heard it rains and snows there!”?

Not to knock on your friend – just trying to gauge where her desire for AWD comes from. Really curious what she has against Subaru too…hippie cars? They’ve come quite a ways from that and gone a lot more mainstream as you know – and especially newer ones get great gas mileage for AWD, have great safety equipment, and keeping with tradition depreciate very slowly. We bought a 2014 Crosstrek with 5k (yes, you read that right) miles for $21k+ taxes a few months ago. Practically brand new. I’m sure there are good 2013/2014s out there within her price range that would offer decent creature comforts and give many more miles of hassle free motoring than a depreciated Audi or something like that.

If you think an AWD-lite vehicle should do just fine for her, what about a Mazda CX-5? You could get one that’s a few years old around that price…but make sure you go for one with the newer 2.5 engine…the 2.0s were a bit too gutless for the vehicle I’ve heard (but we get by just fine with a148hp in the crosstrek and don’t expect to be winning any drag races…so it’s all about expectations, I suppose). A RAV-4 or CR-V with AWD will probably fit her needs too?

Of course there are plenty of depreciated European options that would fit her budget – but is she ready for the maintenance costs? A 328ix or an X3 equivalent can probably be had for the price, but it’ll be a bit older and I’m a bit put off by the potential maintenance issues on the newer BMWs. Considered a newer Jeep Cherokee or a Renagade (personally not a fan of the latter, a bit too quirky and plasticky for my liking)?

Plenty of options out there really, but it all depends on what her preferences are outside of the superficial stuff.

Mexifinn > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:48

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I don’t think she will find an Audi with a warranty for under 20k... I’m guessing no Subaru/Volvo because people think of them as wagons, so no wagon? Also, there seems to be some vanity involved, so I’m guessing plebeian cars are out and she probably wants something premium and recognizable...

How north is north? She could get any car she wants and slap some snow tires on it for well under $1000 (including rims).

Need more info...

Mexifinn > Mexifinn 03/29/2016 at 13:49

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I’m gonna take a stab and say Juke.

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:50

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3rd gen CR-V. AWD, tan OR grey interior, and most have sunroofs. She can probably pick up one of those used in 9/10 condition for 15-18K, and maintenance should be minimal.

If the selection isn’t great where she’s at currently, they’re extremely easy to find used here in the ‘frozen north’ haha

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/29/2016 at 13:51

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that stuff just drives me nuts. My mother in law thought I should have bought a Honda Pilot because it comes in nice colors

Azrek > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/29/2016 at 13:53

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I am trying, in vain, to educate on the Subaru and the cost of a European car. I appreciate the feedback, I will try again on the Subaru.

She is moving up north and “I’ve never driven in snow before, so I have to have AWD or I will die.”..........Amazing how all those RWD cars have made it all these years?

I am not a fan of anything Jeep, so I can’t recommend that.

Since you took alot of time for your comment. Let me recap a conversation I had with a Scot.

Scot: I can’t stand the drivers in Florida. They can’t drive in the Rain. It rains everyday in Scotland. Does that mean I can’t drive in the sun?! Get over it!

Azrek > Mexifinn 03/29/2016 at 13:54

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North Illinois.

You are right on no wagons.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/29/2016 at 13:54

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The old Nissan Rogue was available with AWD, correct? That’s even worse.

RallyWrench > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:55

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If she has harsh words for Volvo and Subaru, she will soon have harsh words for Audi.

How about a Suzuki SX4? They seem like a fun, reliable little car, though they’re orphans now.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/29/2016 at 13:57

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In my wife’s defense, she didn’t want a sedan again. But color was very important to her at first.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 13:59

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Yeah I’m not a huge Jeep fan either. My wife had an old Liberty - it treated her well, but was floppy and full of plastic and I was holding my breath waiting for the engine or transmission to explode. Thankfully we sold it before either did. Having proper locking diffs and a “real” 4WD system was nice though.

I think you’ll end up giving a lot of advice but your friend will be drawn to what she’s drawn to for any number of possible reasons...so might as well get started on that process and she what she actually likes, and then give advice from there.

Oh and don’t forget to sell her on warranty. Older BMW/Audi etc. will likely have more issues, break down more often, and won’t come with warranty. 1-2 year old lightly used Subaru etc. will have a good 3+ years of warranty left. I love European cars and performance cars as much as the next gearhead - but if she just needs something to get around in, she’ll be happier with a car that won’t cost a fortune to maintain and bleed her wallet more than anything else.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:02

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Can be had for well under 20k all day, super reliable, really easy on fuel, and AWD.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:04

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Toyota rav4/Honda CR-V. Lifted hatchbacks with AWD. Run for a while. Simple. Bland. Safe. Affordable. Easy to sell when done.

Azrek > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 03/29/2016 at 14:08

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I found the perfect one!

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Mexifinn > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:09

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Ok, so no wagons...

I’m gonna stick with buy whatever strikes her eye and put some snows on it for winter.

But if it absolutely needs to be an AWD sedan, and can’t be subaru or volvo, then I think she’ll be hard pressed to find an in-warranty sedan for 20k that still has a warranty... I did a search at a local respectable used car lot, and the only AWD cars they had under 20k was an older Wrangler, and a 2012 G37x... hell, maybe the latter is the way to go if she’s willing to put up with 50k miles on it and maybe an aftermarket warranty.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 03/29/2016 at 14:09

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2013 Rav4. AWD, LE package (nothing to break, simple radio but still has touchscreen/bluetooth/etc, a little over16k miles......IT’S A BRAND NEW RAV4! 20k. This is a bargain for someone who needs a car.

Milky > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:12

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Boom. Can get it in sedan, coupe or even wagon body style.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:12

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How about a used Fusion or Milan?

Solid cars, AWD available, guaranteed under 20k. Guaranteed to be cheaper to maintain than either proposed Audi.

CRider > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:14

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Used Dodge Charger SXT or R/T AWD

JRapp: now as good as new again > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:14

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Any Acura with the SH-AWD. That AWD system is every bit as capable as Audi’s or Subaru’s AWD, and it’s a Honda, so they’re fairly reliable.

Azrek > CRider 03/29/2016 at 14:17

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I am not sure I could stop laughing if I saw her in one of those.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:22

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Where in IL is she moving to exactly?

Niko's Work Account > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:24

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Subaru

Azrek > Where have all the lightweights gone? 03/29/2016 at 14:25

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Northern IL near Wisconsin border. I am from that area, so I approve of this. She will get much needed culture!

Ahh...Lotus. I so want one, but damn....

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:30

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Swanky.

CRider > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 14:51

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Why? It’s a normal enough sedan in non-Hellcat form.

Azrek > CRider 03/29/2016 at 15:08

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Trust me, it isn’t her style at all.

bryan40oop > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 15:50

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Subaru is the only true AWD car . All others are sorta AWD cars.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 16:44

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I’m from around Joliet. From personal experience, a FWD car is more than sufficient, but if AWD is preferred, get a CR-V. Honda’s interior packaging is second to none, and it’ll be adequate for inclement weather.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Azrek 03/29/2016 at 16:50

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An Audi would lead to eventually Audi joining Subaru and Volvo on the shit list.

I would get an AWD Ford Escape (née Kuga).

Dr Emilio Lizardo > Azrek 04/24/2016 at 20:24

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Late to the party, but my Audi S5 Cabriolet goes through 8" of snow like it isn’t even there with snow tires, does 0-60 in five seconds, has a HUGE sunroof, the back seats fold down, and you can get a sheet of drywall in it with the top down.

Downside is you have to change out the wheels/tires twice a year and it ain’t cheap.