Oppo Asks: College Cars

"Amoore100" (amoore100) 04/25/2017 at 21:13 • Filed to: Oppo Asks, Volvo, Subaru, Forester

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Hey Oppo, I’ve pretty much committed to the University of Arizona to attend college this fall. With this decision, my parents have deemed it necessary to pick up a new set of wheels for me since an ageing Volvo isn’t necessarily the best match for 300 days of sweltering sun (ahem, Swedish radiators much?) That said, my dad’s hoping to get something newish around $10-$17K and suggested some basic AWD since it’s Arizona and there’s plenty to explore off the beaten path.

I want a stick shift for funsies, so I’m leaning towards a Subie XV Crosstrek Forester (I’ve heard XV’s are deadly slow, can anyone confirm?) since it has a proper stick and the pretty good AWD system that Subaru makes (better than Honda’s, for sure.) I am a bit concerned, though; many report issues of engine failure even with the new FB’s and I don’t want to have a several-grand engine replacement marring the reputation of what’s supposed to be a relatively “reliable college car.”

Besides the XV, I’m also considering perhaps a CPO Mazda 3 hatch or 6 (no AWD, but stick), Outbacks (H6 is more reliable, but no stick and it’s massive), modern stick-shift Acuras—TL, TSX (stick and sometimes AWD, but no ground clearance), and even a Honda Accord Crosstour!? (iffy AWD, no stick, really ugly, I kinda like it?) My dad, the loyalist that he is, hasn’t ruled out perhaps a newer, less dog-eared Vo like an XC70 or XC60, but I kind of want a manual for once (so yeah, no Crosstour).

TL;DR—I need a car for college and I want a manual with AWD+some ground clearance. Are Subaru FB engines questionable? Feel free to chime in with your own ideas that I might have overlooked.

$15-18Kish

Reliable, manual transmission

Preferably hatch/SUV, AWD+some clearance

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:16

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Can you get an AWD Mazda CX-5 that low yet?

Amoore100 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/25/2017 at 21:18

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I don’t think those ever came with stick, FWD only with the 6-spd man. Don’t quote me on that, though, I’m not certain.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:21

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Juke. Good ground clearance, if you keep up your momentum fwd will do fine, the AWD system is really good(but a bleh cvt), the 1.6T engine is great. I’ve taken my FWD Juke down some knarly trails, I just had keep up my momentum. The manual is now NISMO only is the US, but used ones can be had with a stick.

wafflesnfalafel > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:22

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Stock Crosstreks are slow - especially with the CVT, but are still a great little vehicle that get surprisingly good gas mileage/range. If you can find a manual Forester that might be a better option.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:23

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Manual, AWD, and reliable are going to keep your options very limited. Subaru is pretty much your only choice, and then you knock reliable off. Mazda will give you reliable and manual, but not AWD. Jeep will give you AWD, Manual, somewhat fun to drive, but not reliable.

Your boy, BJR > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:24

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Get an Evo.

Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:25

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Jeep Renegade 4WD Latitude

Noah - Now with more boost. > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:26

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If you wanna go real nuts, there’s the 3.0 first gen X3, which can be had with a manual.

Autofixation > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/25/2017 at 21:27

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What’s so unreliable about the new Subarus?

My citroen won't start > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:29

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Badaboom

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/697781807/overview/

Autofixation > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:30

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Your parents are buying you a car in that price range to take to college... I have absolutely no advice for you.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Autofixation 04/25/2017 at 21:34

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I have a friend of the family with a 2014 or so XV Crosstrek still under warranty on it’s third engine...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Autofixation 04/25/2017 at 21:35

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They’ve been having serious engine failure issues. Before those, they liked head gaskets.

Under_Score > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:36

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Isn’t there a new Accord in your family, or am I thinking about someone else? Because that would be my suggestion for college car. Contrary to what one may believe, my RAV4 was my mom’s for the first four years, and it’s also gonna serve as my college and beyond car.

Amoore100 > Autofixation 04/25/2017 at 21:36

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Arizona’s a big place and my dad wants something that he can ahem, “borrow” to go to Mexico for scuba diving when he “visits”...

Amoore100 > Under_Score 04/25/2017 at 21:37

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That was a courtesy car for our wounded Odyssey, we only have the Ody and two tattered Volvo wagons. My dad hopes to essentially do the same, get something I can use in college and keep forever as he doesn’t believe in selling cars.

Autofixation > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 04/25/2017 at 21:37

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I am aware of the machining problem with the cylinders of the FB20 and leaking timing cover. Just didn’t know if there were other problems. My girlfriend just bought a used ‘14 Outback with 53k.

Amoore100 > My citroen won't start 04/25/2017 at 21:38

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Ground clearance, GM reliability, auto? Maybe later, but I don’t feel like being elderly yet. Lovely car, but I don’t think it would fit the bill.

Amoore100 > Noah - Now with more boost. 04/25/2017 at 21:39

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True, but that   would probably break even more often than my current ‘05 V50 which is as simple as you please, so probably a no go!

Amoore100 > Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) 04/25/2017 at 21:39

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I’ve been looking. How is reliability on these FCA beasts?

Amoore100 > Your boy, BJR 04/25/2017 at 21:39

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No.

Autofixation > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:40

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Fair enough. I am buying a previous generation Outback (‘05-’09) with 113k on it with a manual. Still has the EJ engine and after changing the head gaskets it is pretty set. They can still be found with well under 100k on them. I know you’re probably wanting newer, but that’s my suggestion.

Under_Score > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:41

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That sounds like a pretty good plan. This is gonna sound super boring, but 2017 Corolla. I purposely mention the 2017 because an LE model with a discount is in your budget and has most of those safety systems many seek out today.

Amoore100 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/25/2017 at 21:41

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Yeah, that’s what I was wondering. Asking mainly to know if Subaru has gotten its act together with the FB range, but I guess not. Maybe I’ll stick to a Mazda 3 hatch because there’s no point in the ground clearance if it’s FWD.

My citroen won't start > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:41

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Point taken.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/695425043/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/694998886/overview/

Amoore100 > wafflesnfalafel 04/25/2017 at 21:43

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I’ve heard some complain that they drive like a truck, and the Forester does seem a bit faster. The one pictured is on sale locally, a 2012 2.5X Premium w/ stick. My only concern is the FB engine’s reliability.

Amoore100 > Under_Score 04/25/2017 at 21:45

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Eh, if I went that route I’d go CPO 3 or something, no point in taking the depreciation and still ending up with something so basic for a long time. I’m still leaning to Subaru’s Crosstrek or Forester because AWD and AZ has plenty of dirt tracks/washes but reliability is my greatest question.

Amoore100 > My citroen won't start 04/25/2017 at 21:46

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Wrong.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:46

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Eh, yeah there is. You can still travel down dirt roads fine, and you have more ground clearance to prevent from hitting debris. Also, ingress/egress is easier, along with having a softer ride.

Your boy, BJR > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:46

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Better than a Volvo, I’m sure.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:47

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Jeep Wrangler? A 2012 forester has the FB engine that burns oil like a 2-stroke unless it has already had the short block replaced. I would go older in the forester like 2006-2009. The RAV 4 isn’t bad either and a bit cooler than the forester.

Amoore100 > Autofixation 04/25/2017 at 21:47

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Got it. So avoid the FB is what you’re implying? I’m totally down for an older manual Outback (in fact, it’s what I wanted in the first place) but I’ve been wary of the EJ’s.

My citroen won't start > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:47

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126k miles is a bit much, and the non-facelift Cayennes are the worst.

Amoore100 > Your boy, BJR 04/25/2017 at 21:48

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Hard to say. Neither of our Volvo’s have ever stranded us. They just leak. I’ve heard these Jeeps liking to, uh, break down. Often.

Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:48

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Good question, no clue...

AestheticsInMotion > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:50

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Base model mustang/camaro? Cheap to buy and maintain, reliable, manual, decent ground clearance, lots of fun, doesn’t attract the wrong kind of attention...

Oh man. University of Arizona is an absolute blast. I ended up leaving after a quarter because I would have gotten zero real work done but yeah, fantastic place.

Don’t be too dead set on awd. The manual will help more with offroad shenanigans for the vast majority of trails you’d find around there. Plus rwd is so much more fun on dirt/gravel. I offroaded a 90% stock g35 a good hundred times and got stuck once. And that was only because 1st gear went out and 2nd wasn’t cutting it

Amoore100 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 04/25/2017 at 21:51

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Got it, so older Fostys are the way to go. My mom’s outlawed Jeeps for lack of rollover protection, she had a friend who lost his life to one in college. Do RAV4's come in stick? If not, I’d just go with a CX-5.

Amoore100 > My citroen won't start 04/25/2017 at 21:51

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But stick shift and this!

My citroen won't start > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:51

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The two I showed you are stick shifts and can do this.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:53

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The Forester isn’t bad and the CVT isn’t horrible but you will find cars with much better driving dynamics on your list.

Disclaimer, I hated the Forester interior so much I bought a Mazda.

Amoore100 > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 04/25/2017 at 21:54

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Haha, I’d only buy a Subie if it has a stick. Otherwise, Mazda all the way for an AWD crossover.

Amoore100 > My citroen won't start 04/25/2017 at 21:54

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Oops, I can’t read :/

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:55

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The really old RAV’s might have come with a stick but I don’t know about the new ones. I don’t get it about the wrangler that would be a perfect arazona car.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:56

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As an alumni of U of A, congrats, you’re going to love it. My car was a Galant and it was automatic, slow, and very unreliable. Still had tons of fun with it. With $15-18k, you can do much better than that.

I’d recommend a Mazda3 hatchback, even though it’s not awd or SUV. So good to drive and 40mpg. Or, for the oddball option, a G37x to get your awd? Reliable and good to drive, but expensive to own compared to the Mazda.

AM3R, lost another burner > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:57

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E91 328xi. I have a friend going to Arizona next year.

Amoore100 > AM3R, lost another burner 04/25/2017 at 21:58

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Are they decently reliable?

shop-teacher > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 21:59

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I’d go with a 3 hatch with a stick. Make friends with someone who has a more off-roadable rig and let them beat the crap out of their vehicle.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:02

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Yeah, I was coming from my TDI wagon with the 6MT and while I had to concede the third pedal I refused to go complete appliance.

Edit: If you are considering an older Mazda pay attention to the trim levels as to which motor is in the vehicle, it does matter.

Die-Trying > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:09

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old 4wd truck, with large bumpers, front and back. that a way you can park by braille

something that can handle, and shrug off college parking lot damage with ease...... besides, old trucks never go out of style......

awmaster10 > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:09

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My advice: Get something way cheaper thatll just last you until 3-5 years after graduation when you can responsibly buy and maintain something nice and fun. My college cars have been:

And if I were driving something $15k I wouldnt have had NEARLY as much fun. BUT in your price range my suggestion is a 2nd gen xterra with a 6 speed:

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:09

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I just bought a full-size, 4WD, reliable pickup for 14.5k before trade. No manual but it’s got real 4x4 and will probably out live a lot of cars. Not exactly what you want but an option id maybe consider.

Really the only way you’re gonna get reliable, manual, AWD, and hatch is if Toyota starts selling 4WD Corolla Wagons again. I like Subarus but I put them about level with ze Germans reliability wise. Cut out AWD and you get a couple more manual options but not much. Basically it sounds like you want a modern S10 Blazer sans the old GM-ness.

wafflesnfalafel > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 04/25/2017 at 22:11

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agree - the Mazda interiors are super nice... and ergo is top notch.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:12

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*Whispers

El Camino...

In all seriousness. Unless your going to be doing serious offloading, you won’t need AWD or 4x4. My brother and uncle used to have 4x4s and even going off road to places (Not going out for the sake of offroading) I don’t think we ever actually used 4x4. Just go with someone who can pull you out.

Boxer_4 > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:12

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The major issue with the FB20 and FB25 from 2011 to 2014 is that they have issues with excessive oil consumption. Several people have experienced it on Oppo, and a friend of mine is noticing it now with his 2012 Forester. There is a fix (new short block), and it is covered under the powertrain warranty. The powertrain warranty was increased to 8 years 100,000 miles and should be transferable, so you would be covered if it wasn’t already done and it did pop up. Whether you want to deal with that is up to you.

The later NA EJ25s (06+) are pretty good bets; not head gasket hungry like the earlier NA EJ25s. They do still pop up occasionally, but it’s a very rare occurrence. Just make sure the timing belt has been done if it’s at 105k miles or 105 months.

AM3R, lost another burner > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:12

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The N52 naturally aspirated inline six is very reliable. I’d say one of bmws most reliable modern engines. It was used in so many different models, so parts are very easy to find. It really is a gem of an engine. My brother has an E90 328i as his college car, and he commutes to school. He loves it and has never been stranded.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 04/25/2017 at 22:14

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A Wrangler is seriously the perfect car for this problem. You can set it up for off road, it has 4WD, it can come with a manual, reasonably reliable, old enough is pretty simple, and they hold their value.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:14

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Jeep of some sort?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:15

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That is sad. How does a Jeep lack rollover protection? They come with a built-in roll cage, what’s better than that? As long as it has a top, there’s nothing to worry about.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:15

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I have an Outback as my college car, and it’s worked out fairly well.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > My citroen won't start 04/25/2017 at 22:17

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Sexy. If it was manual, that’d be a sweet college ride.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > My citroen won't start 04/25/2017 at 22:20

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High mileage and fear of high-mileage Porsche reliability would keep me away, but manual Cayenne is pretty freaking awesome.

Amoore100 > Die-Trying 04/25/2017 at 22:23

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My mom was like, “Let’s just get a Tacoma” and my dad shot it down. He’s not sold on the idea of having a bed...

Amoore100 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/25/2017 at 22:24

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Does it burn oil? What engine is in it? CVT, right?

Die-Trying > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:31

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what is wrong with having a bed?..... you can bring home all kinds of fun interesting things......

hike > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:35

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Renegade seems to be one of the better FCA products lately, speaking strictly on reliability. I’d avoid the magic sky roof or whatever it’s called. There are also base model sports with 4wd and a manual out there.

Norton15890 > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:38

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The Volvo is good enough, unless you need extra luxury and are willing to pay for that, really there is no better replacement after all. Trust me.

Amoore100 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 04/25/2017 at 22:41

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With Subarus it just seems like dump oil in and you’re good? My dad’s headed back to Volvo-land again, I might just end up with an XC70...

Amoore100 > awmaster10 04/25/2017 at 22:41

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Well I’d keep my old beauty but my mom would never let me hear the end of that...

Amoore100 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 04/25/2017 at 22:42

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I think this is the worst it’d be, so yeah.

It’s peace of mind though, especially for my city-slicker parents.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:45

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Just remind them that AWD gets worse gas mileage though :)

Although even then ground clearance for a normal car could be an issue.

Amoore100 > Boxer_4 04/25/2017 at 22:45

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Do the later EJ cars have AUX jacks? I know the fourth-gen Leggy/OB’s didn’t but perhaps they added them with the facelift or something—I’ve lived with my V50 sans AUX for too long!

Is there anything wrong with the oil consumption? We have old cars with old engines so we’re used to checking the oil every other weekend anyways and topping up as necessary. Can you just keep dumping oil in indefinitely or does it indicate something worse that will catastrophically go wrong? And so you’re implying 2015+ cars are ok? Sorry for the number of questions, but as an Oppo I want to be as thorough as possible before going into something as dedicated as a car purchase otherwise I’ll never hear the end of it! ;)

Amoore100 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/25/2017 at 22:46

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Eh, FCA reliability is not a beacon of hope in our brains after renting many new GC’s on road trips with their “exciting” electrical gremlins.

Amoore100 > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2017 at 22:49

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Yeah, it was a topless Jeep and I guess the car rolled in a way that left the rearmost passengers vulnerable—a model before the rearmost bar was added. Anyways, you know how convincing parents goes. My mom won’t let me have a Saab because someone she knew once died in one of those too. Or an Audi for that matter. Or Volkswagens in general, because “your uncle’s [Mk4] Golf breaks too often!” Sigh.

Amoore100 > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 04/25/2017 at 22:51

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Well, we’ve never been an economical family when it comes to fuel dollars! Our fleet average probably hovers around 17 mpg and no one bats an eye. Yeah, a bit of ground clearance is probably good, with at least the possibility of power going to the rear/front wheels.

Amoore100 > Die-Trying 04/25/2017 at 22:53

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Eh, my dad thinks I’ll need room for more friends than stuff, and an open trunk is pointless in his eyes. I’d need a tonneau cover, at which point an SUV makes more sense anyway.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:54

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FBs burn oil like rotaries from what I’ve heard. EJs are well documented to like eating head gaskets. Axle shafts have to be replaced with OEM Subaru parts or the car no like for some unknown reason. Mind you, these aren’t all things that would happen but every 100k miles, except the oil consumption thing which may be limited to early FBs I’m not sure.

Amoore100 > Norton15890 04/25/2017 at 22:54

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The XC60? My dad’s considering XC70's, same idea. I don’t really need/want luxury, thus the Subies, but I do want some modicum of “not going to blow an engine in the middle of the desert”.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:55

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Fair enough

Shift24 > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 22:56

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Junk, they are based on the 500L and consumer reports absolutely hates that car . Plus the 1.4T is a troubled engine. Would rater that AWD Caddy wagon.

I know that its a long shot and not a Manual but it has flappy paddles and SH-AWD, the first gen RDX. Peppy motor compared to any Subaru or Mazda SUV. Honda reliability and safety ( 5 star except rollover 4 star ). Forester owners comments about it

Amoore100 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 04/25/2017 at 22:56

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As I said to Boxer_4, I’m totally ok with putting as much as necessary as long as it’s not just putting off something more major. As long as it’s recognized as a requirement, then everything’s fine—too many of these whiny soccer moms who normally drive Toyotas are just getting their panties in a twist because they might actually have to lift their hoods. Granted, our Ody drinks oil mightily too because it’s an early VCM V6, but that’s why my mom makes me check it every weekend.

Amoore100 > Shift24 04/25/2017 at 22:58

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Oooooohhh!!!! That sounds brilliant, I’ll have to look into them. Funky looks to be sure, and we do trust Hondas ‘round these parts. If it can get a bit dusty then everything’s dandy, a good option to be sure—thank you!

Die-Trying > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 23:03

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if you NEED to haul more people around, you could always get a crew cab......

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 23:05

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I’ve got the CVT. I have found that it is picky with oil. When I run with Subaru motor oil, or Mobile-1, I am fine for the full 5-6k miles, however I’ve tried two other brands, Shell and Valvoline and both triggered a low oil light within 2k. I’m at 47k now and haven’t had any significant issues. My horn broke, radio has acted up, and have had a few water leaks, however I get the feeling that these are typical first model year problems. The car is nearly unstoppable off the pavement (except for sand, I got really stuck in some soft sand on the beach), and I average about 27 mpg.

Amoore100 > AestheticsInMotion 04/25/2017 at 23:08

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Well, if my dad didn’t stipulate AWD with clearance, I’d be down pat—stick shift TL’s with SH-AWD, manual T5 C30's with Polestar optimization, six-speed Bimmer estates, the list goes on and on. Maybe this is a good limitation, it keeps me somewhat down-to-earth...

Honestly perhaps drive wheels aren’t too much of an issue since AZ is dry, just ground clearance.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 23:09

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Excessive oil consumption isn’t really a maaaaajor issue, it just gets annoying to have to top off the oil so often. It doesn’t *really* harm the motor, there’s just a higher risk of oil running low should you forget to check it. As others have said though, Subaru doesn’t seem to be hesitant to replace the short block under warranty should it get too bad.

Amoore100 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 04/25/2017 at 23:10

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Maybe an EX35? The modern Skyline estate, if you will...

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 23:18

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Don’t know if that comes in manual, but I don’t hate it.

Amoore100 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 04/25/2017 at 23:19

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Unlikely, did G37x’s? I thought it was a RWD only thing, but I’d be down for a stick shift AWD sedan.

DipodomysDeserti > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 23:19

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You don’t need AWD to explore around Tucson. I got into backpacking during my time as a Wildcat. I spent many a night sleeping in the Catalinas and many a class periods hiking in the Tucson mountains. I DD’d an SV650 when I was a student. Tucson floods during monsoons, but 90% of the locals do fine with twenty year-old civics. Just don’t plan on driving for the next hour if you see storm clouds to the north. Driving through flooded streets on a motorcycle is tons of fun...

Shift24 > Amoore100 04/25/2017 at 23:48

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Yeah not every one likes the looks but from what I have seen Honda did their research and there are a few cheap things that go wrong but the powertrain is really strong. One guy is rolling with 305k miles on his.

https://acurazine.com/forums/first-generation-rdx-2007-2012-147/rdx-reliability-926083/

Land_Yacht_225 > Amoore100 04/26/2017 at 00:15

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The Korean compact SUVs aren’t that bad. Last nice one I drove was a 2015(?) Tucson Limited AWD and it was a pretty nice place inside. Same goes for the Kia Sportage.

Amoore100 > Land_Yacht_225 04/26/2017 at 00:30

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I had thought of them, but I hear their four cylinders esp. the turbo ones are sketchy as hell.

Land_Yacht_225 > Amoore100 04/26/2017 at 00:40

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I actually love the 2.0T, it makes the Sonata/Optima incredibly driveable. I’ve never seen a catastrophic failure in the Enterprise fleet of a Turbo or a regular 4.

The other thing to consider is the available equipment. If you go for a 2014 Sportage SX, you can have stuff like ventilated seats for all that Arizona swamp ass.

https://www.carmax.com/car/14217098

Amoore100 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/26/2017 at 01:40

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I suppose so. But I’m not sure if it’s worth the handling/useability trade off for less outright capability. Maybe I’ll do what you did, split the difference, and get a manual T5 C30 and an old Xterra 

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Amoore100 04/26/2017 at 01:42

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That budget will easily get you into a current generation SJ Forester, so don’t settle for the older SG. I paid $16,500 for my manual 2014 with 30k miles well over a year ago now, so you should be able to get one with decently low miles for under $15k easily. With 22 hp and one more Gear than the Crosstrek, it scoots a lot better. The FB motors are warrantied to 8/100k now 8 believe as a result of the lawsuit. I did have my short block replaced and was without the car for about 4 days. My clutch fork also bent and was replaced under warranty. Other than that it’s been good, but I’d say overall reliability is middle of the road. Personally, I love the way it drives with the manual and proper AWD. It also handles way better than most other small crossovers and has decent steering feel. A word of caution - the A/C is pretty weak. It just barely keeps up once the weather is over 100 here in TX. So definitely test drove when it is over 100 out to see if it is cool enough inside for you.

Amoore100 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 04/26/2017 at 01:42

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So it’s not like the oil consumption indicates an engine about to blow? Because if that’s the case I’d totally split the difference and just get a Subaru from the problem range years and top up with oil every time I get gas. As long as I know it’s no biggie.

Amoore100 > Die-Trying 04/26/2017 at 01:45

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But then there’s still a pointless bed. Get a Suburban and at least we could sleep in that while camping even without any tents.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Amoore100 04/26/2017 at 10:04

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I actually don’t know, I owned a G35 coupe, so my sedan and awd knowledge is slim. Good platform, though. If you’re brave and mechanically inclined, the 2008-ish Saab 9-3 XWD is awesome and comes in manual. Reliability however...

DanimalHouse > Amoore100 04/26/2017 at 10:46

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Buy something cheap that is cheap to run (but still fun), save as much money as you can to A) pay off your college debt and/or B) buy a house once you’re out of college.

‘Ahem.

http://bringatrailer.com/2016/05/24/rare-awd-6-speed-wagon-1991-honda-civic-rt4wd/

Boxer_4 > Amoore100 04/26/2017 at 10:50

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The 2007+ Outback and Legacy got an AUX jack on all trim levels. The Forester and Impreza got it on all but the base trim in 2007, and all trims had it by 2008 or 2009 I believe.

In general, oil consumption isn’t great for the longevity of an engine. It’s one thing with an older engine that’s only burning a bit of oil, but the worst of the FB engines were burning 1 quart per 1000 miles, sometimes more. A lot of times, it would get worse with mileage, because it was the piston rings that were wearing prematurely.  Oil contamination, spark plug fouling, and emissions equipment damage are just some of the issues that excessive oil consumption can cause. Trust me, you would want the situation fixed, especially since Subaru is paying.

We have a 2015 Forester with the FB25 in the family. We haven’t seen any oil consumption issues so far; granted, we’re just crossing 17,000 mile now.

Don’t worry about asking too many questions! That’s one of the things Oppo is for, and I always enjoy answering questions!