Next car decisions post TDI life

"TDIGuy" (owenrosier) 07/03/2016 at 14:13 • Filed to: None

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Hey Oppo, its been way too long since I’ve been on here to post. But I figured my current predicament would be best to ask you all about. So as you might figure, I drive a TDI right now. 2013 Jetta TDI 6spd. And as much as I love the car, Volkswagens buyback is pretty tempting, and I’m afraid of what the “fix” will entail if I didn’t take the buyback. Anyways by big issue is what do I get. Now that I am done with my degree and have a good job developing software, I can afford to spend a little bit more but not much because I’m trying to put away as much as I can still.

I have a few needs I would like to meet, one, 4x4 / AWD would be nice, decent fuel mileage would be nice, but I do drive a little less, but then again this past week I’ve driven 900 miles.... but my usual is about 500 a week or so. And I don’t want to go any smaller than the Jetta, if anything maybe a little bigger / more useful. Because of this I’ve been looking at some SUV’s and a few fun cars. I’m kinda torn if I should go fun yet practical car, or go practical and useful SUV. Also, gotta be reliable and about 30,000 or less.

So my question is, whats the best way I can do all of this for 30k or less.

Already looking at 2016 4Runner, they are just a hair over budget, finding some on lots for 32k. They are awesome because we’ve already had 3 and they are bulletproof, but it is a little thirstier than I’d like for being at the top of my budget. But I can swing it.

The other 4x4 that I’ve looked at are Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and the Ford Explorer Sport (because twin turbo). Problem with the trail hawk is I’m worried about FCA reliability and I would have to go used, and the Explorer sport is the same thing, have to go used to afford one. Also looked at the Renegade Trailhawk too but kinda small.

As for cars I’ve also had a few cars on my mind, one of which is the Jetta GLI, and the Golf SW. GLI is basically my car, so I can go 3 pedals and a little more fun and still good on gas. But the GSW is more practical as far as space but still no AWD and only Auto unless I go base model.

The other cars I’ve looked at are the AWD variant of the Ford Fusion, and the Taurus SHO. The SHO would have to be used as well, and it is an awfully big car.

So as you can see. I have no idea what I’m really going to buy. So what do you suggest oppo ? I’m open to suggestions and ideas !

dogisbadob > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 14:23

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How about an Elantra GT? It seems like it would fit your needs perfectly. The Kia Soul would also be a good contender. There’s also the Prius V and Scion iM (or whatever they’re going to call it under the Toyota name). Honda’s HRV is worth a look, too.

Fiat/Chrysler isn’t the greatest in terms of reliability, but then again neither is VW :p so nothing wrong with a manual Renegade if you buy the extended warranty.

And if you’re thinking small AWD “small wheel drive” why not Subaru?

TDIGuy > dogisbadob 07/03/2016 at 14:30

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I looked at the HR-V that is a contender for sure, I think they are good and reliable I’m sure, but I don’t know how good it really is I have yet to drive one. I think I’m going to try and stay away from FCA. Also I’ve been looking at Subaru too but are they all CVT trans now ?

dogisbadob > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 14:38

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Pretty sure Subarus are all CVT now (except the manuals, of course). However, you can get the turbo XT model within your budget :)

Hyundai still uses a regular automatic on the Elantra, I think 6 speeds.

And of course the HRV is Honda, so you shouldn’t have any problems with it. The transmission is also a CVT.

Also, if you’re considering used, you might be able to get a CPO AWD Matrix, with Toyota quality and a 5-speed auto.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 14:39

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Sounds like my debate, we drive the same tdi at the moment. I am looking at the cx-5, Tuscon, Santa fe, escape. All of which are the same cargo space or a bit bigger. The elantra gt, the forte5, mazda3 are all a bit too small.

dogisbadob > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 07/03/2016 at 14:45

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How about a CX3 or HRV? :)

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > dogisbadob 07/03/2016 at 14:47

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Too little cargo space with the rear seat up. I will have two munchkins in car seats so the stroller is turning out to be a defining piece of luggage.

Danger > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 14:52

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At 25k miles a year I would completely rule out a true body on frame SUV. Even off roading every weekend it would be hard to justify 19mpg-ish. You’re be better off with a car and a beater truck.

A soft-roader or car is probably a better way to get AWD and aacceptable mileage.

TDIGuy > dogisbadob 07/03/2016 at 14:53

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I may have to consider Subaru a little more with the turbo XT model, I am always good with a manual, just some CVTs bug me. I also wanna go test drive an HR-V because they do look good and they sound like they will do just about everything i need.

TDIGuy > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 07/03/2016 at 14:59

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Yeah its tough because I’m in a weird position because I’ll get money from VW and I’m making a good salary so like I could afford something cool, but I also don’t wanna be that idiot that spends all the money on a car, so I’m kinda trying to future plan this car purchase.

duurtlang > dogisbadob 07/03/2016 at 15:02

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You do realize a CX3 is significantly smaller than a Mazda3, right?

TDIGuy > Danger 07/03/2016 at 15:04

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Yeah that’s kinda what I’m thinking the more I look at the situation, because I love the body on frame SUV but with how much I drive, it just isn’t worth it, I’m really leaning car with AWD or no AWD and get a second off roader

shop-teacher > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 15:15

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Wow, you’re all over the map on this. You drive a hell of a lot, so you’ll be spending a TON on fuel if you go with a 4-Runner, and even more so whenever oil prices go back up.

Of the cars you mentioned, the Fusion sport seems like the best compromise of fun and still being pretty practical. I still think they look amazing as well.

Others I’d look at are the Mazda CX-5 if you want AWD. We got my wife one about a year and a half ago, and I love it. You can pick up a loaded one in your budget. We got an almost loaded GT AWD for less than $28k. You can get a manual and better fuel economy with a 6 sedan though. I think if I were you I’d get that, and a beater off-roader.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 15:16

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I kind of disagree with Danger, but for different reasons. While the gas mileage is not great, not having to deal with it breaking for 200k miles is worth a lot. If you are putting a ton of miles on something in a short span, it’s hard to go wrong with a 4Runner from a reliability and durability standpoint.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 15:16

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Same, an optioned out Tuscon or cx5 is like 31 but I see them on lots near me for under 30.

TDIGuy > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 07/03/2016 at 15:25

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Yeah, I kinda like the HR-V because loaded they are well under 30 but they are small and I’m sure they feel very sluggish with the civic motor. I was also looking at the RAV-4.

My citroen won't start > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 15:26

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Mercedes R-Class 4Matic.

TDIGuy > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/03/2016 at 15:27

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Yeah, see thats my dads stance and mine a little bit too, the way the 4Runner is built, it will last me 200k plus, we have an ‘04 with well over 200k and we have literally never done anything to it besides oil changes and tires and breaks

TDIGuy > shop-teacher 07/03/2016 at 15:29

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Yeah I know I’m all over the map because like, I want the 4x4 in some aspects but I also want to enjoy my car on all the other days I don't need 4x4, which is most of the time. In reality I should keep with the balance of fun and gas milage, and get a beater if I really need 4x4

Steve in Manhattan > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 15:30

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An SUV is more complicated than a car and the 4WD adds weight. You could always go Subaru - Outback or Imprezza, tried and true. And a used current gen SHO? Very nice - had a ‘97 SHO myself.

TDIGuy > Steve in Manhattan 07/03/2016 at 15:39

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I was looking at the used SHO, still an option for sure

TDIGuy > My citroen won't start 07/03/2016 at 15:39

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I mentioned reliable right ?

My citroen won't start > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 15:40

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Carmax R Class 4Matic

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 15:47

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Have you considered a CX-5 or a Subaru Outback?

TDIGuy > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/03/2016 at 16:03

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Yeah I’ve looked at the outback, its on my list of cars to consider for sure, I don’t love the way they look but they do most everything

dogisbadob > duurtlang 07/03/2016 at 16:04

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I did not.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 16:07

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Well... Looks do matter.

Of the ones you posted, I like the Golf wagon best, but I’m someone who lives where AWD is unnecessary so...

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > dogisbadob 07/03/2016 at 16:07

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Mazda in their infinite wisdom created misleading names. The cx3 is based off of the 2 and the cx5 is based off the 3.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 16:16

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I always felt like the Taurus was huge until you got inside it, and then the outside still felt huge but it was tiny inside. What about a Mazda 6?

TDIGuy > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/03/2016 at 16:40

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Yeah I agree too, but the GLI is a little more fun to drive

TDIGuy > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 07/03/2016 at 16:41

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Yeah I looked at the mazda 6 but if I’m gunna go no AWD I’m gonna get a GLI or a Golf wagon

red_ > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 17:10

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I have a ‘16 Cherokee (KL) Trail Hawk, V6. AMA

If you do go with a KL, don’t get a ‘14. Story goes mid year ‘15 the 9 speed had some hardware tweaks to deal with all the shifting issues that software updates couldn’t fix.

Under normal conditions the KL acts like a big FWD crossover. It’ll send power to the rear diff when it figures you need it or when you switch into a “4x4" mode. The Trailhawks are a bit better, or anything with Active Drive II in this regard as it has a dedicated front diff like unit hanging off the PTO output, vs the Active Drive I where its bundled inside the trans.

Its a good commuter type crossover for the occasional weekend trip. I’m getting around 23-24 MPG out of mine, but I drive mostly highway. The 2.4 is kinda gutless. It’ll do the job, but struggle the whole time.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 19:04

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I am waiting to see if VW is going to give us even more incentive to stay with the brand. I could be convince to go with a GSW to replace my JSW instead of taking the money and running away.

wafflesnfalafel > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 07/03/2016 at 19:17

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Agree about the Taurus, not great use of interior space. The Impala is huge inside compared to the Ford even though they are about the same size.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 20:06

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We have a brand new 2.5 Limited with eyesight. It’s amazing what this car does. And i think it looks great in darker colors.

shop-teacher > TDIGuy 07/03/2016 at 20:15

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That makes the most sense to me, with the amount of driving you do.

I only drive 7-8k miles a year, so gas mileage really doesn’t make a whole heck of a lot of difference in my bottom line. That’s why my two vehicles are a full size truck and a Roadmaster wagon. If I drove like you do, it’d be a whole ‘nother story.

Mitch Moen > TDIGuy 07/04/2016 at 01:57

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I vote GX460. All the 4runner capes with more luxury and if you are looking to buy used..a comparable price (Although the Lexus starts out higher)

TDIGuy > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 07/04/2016 at 09:11

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How is the CVT in it ?

TDIGuy > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 07/04/2016 at 09:13

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I think I may do the same because it’ll be a while before they do anything plus I read that Vw will have all wheel drive to the GSW before the year is out

TDIGuy > red_ 07/04/2016 at 09:14

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Yeah that was my biggest concern is that 9 speed especially coming from manual everything

TDIGuy > shop-teacher 07/04/2016 at 09:15

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Yeah after doing a little reading yesterday I'm kinda thinking I'll just get a Golf Sportwagen for the daily

red_ > TDIGuy 07/04/2016 at 16:00

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I was in the same boat. Been driving stick since I learned how to drive, though sitting in traffic for a few hours every day was getting old.

Overall, its not too bad of a transmission. Especially if you are commuting. 98% of the time its in the right gear at the right time. Shifts are almost as smooth as a CVT. The other 2% of the time are all WTF moments, where you’ll hear bangs, try to figure out how it got into 6th at 35 MPH and why it won’t downshift before that garbage truck hits you.

TDIGuy > red_ 07/04/2016 at 20:43

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Yeah I mean in reality it won't bother me 99% but who knows !

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > TDIGuy 07/05/2016 at 11:37

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The CVT is.... weird. In a good way.

I don’t know who else’s CVTs you’ve driven before, but this is so far from Hondas and Nissans.

It thinks it’s a 6 speed. The car actually revs and you will watch it “downshift”

the paddles actually do something and give you 6 gears to choose from. And it gets over 25 mpg in pure city driving