"newsmctado" (newsmctado)
07/19/2017 at 14:16 • Filed to: None
1
42|
"newsmctado" (newsmctado)
07/19/2017 at 14:16 • Filed to: None | 1
| 42 |
So, I am in the market for a new (used) vehicle, and I want to crowdsource some suggestions.
I am currently driving a 2006 Jeep Liberty with 90k on the clock. It was a hand-me-down from my mother-in-law to my wife. When my wife got pregnant, I sold my Jetta (2.0T) to buy her a Subaru Forester and started driving the Jeep. Overall, it’s not a bad vehicle, especially during heavy west Michigan winters. But, I do have some complaints: poor mpgs averaging about 14-16; very loud (I think my transmission, transfer case, and/or differential needs work); it doesn’t have enough room for two adults, a baby, two dogs, and all the luggage/gear; and, being a mid-00's Daimler/Chrysler product, the build quality is poor (I already had to replace both front doors due to rust, and now the rears and rocker panels are starting to go).
Thus, I am in the market for another used car to replace the Jeep. I am enough of a motorhead that I want something that is in someway “interesting.” Not necessarily fast, or cool, or sporty; but at least interesting enough that I can take pride in it. I am also now making enough money that I can afford a little more. We’re not talking Audi/Mercedes/BMW money, but I am not looking for a $5,000 craigslist special either. Can you help me identify some vehicles that I might not have considered?
Here are my requirements:
Used with less than 50,000 miles
Four doors
Room for 5, plus luggage (SUV/Wagon highly preferred)
AWD or 4WD
Reliable with reasonable maintenance costs
Late model (needs to be safe for baby)
Under $25,000.
Something interesting about the vehicle that I can take some pride in.
So far I have considered Cherokees (especially used Trailhawks), Grand Cherokees, Audi Q5s, VW Tiguan and Touregs, Subaru Outbacks (3.6Rs only), and Ford Explorers (with the twin-turbo 6-cyl), and Volvos wagons/SUVs (but these are hard to come by with low miles in my price range).
I am open to all suggestions.
Flying Lancia Stratos for your time/suggestions:
UPDATE: Going today to pick up a 2014 Cherokee with 31k miles, the 3.2 6-cylinder, and the Active Drive II system. Only catch is they need to address a warped front passenger side brake rotor before I buy. I had them agree that they would reface or replace the rotor (depending on service recommendation), and that I would be taking it for another test drive before signing the deal. They gave me a good price and about $1,000 more on my trade than I expected, so I am pretty happy overall. It even has about 8 months left on the factory driveline warranty.
interstate366, now In The Industry
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:21 |
|
If AWD weren’t a requirement I’d say TSX wagon.
OPPOsaurus WRX
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:22 |
|
Take your wife’s forester and get her a Flex
Now_looking_for_a_cheap_car
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:25 |
|
would you consider another Subaru ? LInk Cheaper, little older-still CPO Link 2
Its a CPO outback which gives you warranty as well as being larger than the Forester. I’ve also read articles mentioning that its a pretty competent overlander unless you get into gnarly terrain
|
newsmctado
> interstate366, now In The Industry
07/19/2017 at 14:26 |
|
Yeah, I like the Acuras. A good friend of mine has a TS sedan with the 6-cyl and AWD. He said most of the time the AWD is enough to get around in the winter, but when the snow gets deep, the rear-wheel bias is a problem. As an aside, he is selling the Acura, and flies out Thursday morning to Minnesota to look at a 2007 Audi S8 (V10), which is his ultimate unicorn car. I’m very much looking forward to some rides in that thing.
boredalways
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:28 |
|
Face it, you’re getting an Outback.
At least with CarMax, you have the option of the Doug DeMuro Special. So if you are willing to go as high as 80k on mileage, you may get a Volvo XC70 or M-B E350 4Matic Estate plus warranty.
|
newsmctado
> Now_looking_for_a_cheap_car
07/19/2017 at 14:29 |
|
The reason why I am looking at the 3.6R is because it has about 80 more horses than the 2.5L 4-cyl that is in my wife’s Forester. The Forester does fine (meaning it’s not dangerously slow merging or passing), but it certainly is not a fun car to drive, especially with the CVT. I have been looking at a 2014 Outback 3.6R, largely because that has the larger engine (~255 hp) and a 5-speed torque converter, rather than the CVT.
|
newsmctado
> OPPOsaurus WRX
07/19/2017 at 14:30 |
|
The 2.5L 4-cyl doesn’t have enough juice for me. She also loves her Forester. If I was gonna go 2.5L route (like in her Forester), I’d just get a base engine Outback because I like the wagon design more than the crossover look. Base engine Outbacks are a dime a dozen in west Michigan.
Trevor Slattery, ACTOR
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:30 |
|
Just throwing it out there...not the nicest interior however.
Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:37 |
|
Mini Countryman? If they are 25,000
|
newsmctado
> boredalways
07/19/2017 at 14:37 |
|
Yeah, I am leaning very heavily toward a 2014 Outback 3.6R that is at a dealership here. A little higher on miles than ideal (~51k). I’ve driven some 3.6Rs before. It’s definitely not a screamer of an engine, but I’m not taking ti to autocross or anything. It’s certainly enough to make it an enjoyable ride. I think people forget that, until about 10 years ago, 255 hp was an immense amount of power in a family car. I mean, my 2009 Jetta 2.0T had about 201 hp and 205 lb/ft, and that thing did 0-60 in the 6s with the dual clutch automatic.
Sovande
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:37 |
|
2012 Volvo XC70 with 57k on the clock - $21,000. And that’s in my expensive neck of the woods.
Quick search in Michigan shows a couple 2012 examples with mileage close to what you are looking for at under $25k.
bshappy
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:38 |
|
4Runner. Real body on frame SUV, good looking, fits 5 plus luggage, reliable. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired but its better than your jeep.
|
newsmctado
> Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner
07/19/2017 at 14:40 |
|
I get the appeal of the Mini Countryman, I really do. But, I just can’t justify buying a “Mini” that is the size of a mid-size wagon.
Cash Rewards
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:41 |
|
That’s an illusion, it’s smaller than a VW golf bumper to bumper. I’m serious.
|
newsmctado
> bshappy
07/19/2017 at 14:43 |
|
Awesome choice for all the reasons you list. I love 4Runners. Unfortunately, what makes 4Runners great, also keeps their used value high. For example, this is the cheapest 4Runner within 50 miles of me with less than 60,000 miles: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=456321503&zip=48108&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D48108%26showcaseOwnerId%3D1360424%26listingTypes%3Dused%252Ccertified%26startYear%3D1981%26maxMileage%3D60000%26sortBy%3DderivedpriceASC%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D2018%26modelCodeList%3D4RUN%26makeCodeList%3DTOYOTA%26searchRadius%3D50&listingTypes=used%2Ccertified&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2018&modelCodeList=4RUN&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&searchRadius=50&makeCode1=TOYOTA&modelCode1=4RUN
|
Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:43 |
|
just felt like adding this because SO BRITISH
|
newsmctado
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:43 |
|
I could probably do it, but I’d max out my budget and miles, and still end up with a 6 year old truck that gets about 20 mpg combined.
Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now)
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:45 |
|
$16k
|
newsmctado
> Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now)
07/19/2017 at 14:46 |
|
RWD. CTS-4 Wagons are about $8-10K more than comparable 2WD models.
JR1
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:47 |
|
If you’re looking for something interesting, is good off road, reliable, and luxurious the GX470 and LX470 are in your price range and they made the GX470 until 2009. I love my GX with ATRAC, a center locking diff, hill descent control, etc. it is like a reliable Land Rover. You can maybe get the updated GX460 in that price range too but the mileage will be a little high. But consider if you’re in a Lexus it will be sure to last
I also think looking into new Grand Cherokees is a good idea.
|
Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now)
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:48 |
|
XTS-V
|
boredalways
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 14:56 |
|
Subiephiles would know better than I, but I heard it was the CVT programming that is holding the 3.6 back. Not sure when they phased out the 5sp Auto.
|
newsmctado
> JR1
07/19/2017 at 14:57 |
|
As many complaints as I have about my Jeep Liberty, I still love Jeeps. I’ve owned three in my life: 2 Cherokee XJs (1999 4x4, and 2000 2WD; both of which ended up stolen while I lived in Washington, DC), and my current ‘06 Liberty.There is something to be said for the reliability of a Chrysler inline-6 mated to a nearly indestructible 4WD system.
My father in law has a 2015 Grand Cherokee Overland Edition (top of their model line), and it’s one of the nicest, most comfortable vehicles I have ever driven. It’s like a Range Rover for $50k less. I have even considered leasing for the first time ever, because I could probably get into a Cherokee Trailhawk or Grand Cherokee Laredo for about the same as my financing payment would be.
|
JR1
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:00 |
|
Sounds to me like a Jeep is the way to go then!
|
newsmctado
> boredalways
07/19/2017 at 15:02 |
|
Yeah, that could make sense. I know Subaru has been using CVTs for a long time. I don’t know when they phased out the torque converter. I know the 2014 I am looking at has a conventional automatic, while the 2017 Outback 3.6R uses the CVT common to the rest of the Subie line.
syaieya
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:05 |
|
Honest, Id find a local carmax if you got one and burn a couple hours just meandering their lot and checking out random things. Mazdas and subarus will most likely be sparce but itll cover most bases
|
newsmctado
> JR1
07/19/2017 at 15:07 |
|
I could definitely afford a used Cherokee 4x4 (probably even a Trailhawk), but it’s not as big on the inside as you would imagine. As for Grand Cherokees, I am having difficult finding one in my price/miles range that also has the Select-Terrain 4x4 system. Though all Grand Cherokees are now “4WD standard,” the base models actually use a front wheel drive biased AWD system, and don’t have a locking diff. If I am going to get a Jeep, I want a solid 4x4 system. I have only found one GC that met my requirements; I went to look at it and it had been in two accidents and was obviously a smoker’s car, which immediately ruled it out.
Everything points to one of three possible outcomes: Subaru Outback 3.6R, Cherokee Trailhawk, or (if I can get really lucky, find what I want, and snatch one up at a good price), a Grand Cherokee.
|
newsmctado
> syaieya
07/19/2017 at 15:08 |
|
We actually just got one in Grand Rapids, MI a few months ago. I’ve looked at their online stuff, but haven’t had a chance to walk the parking lot. May do that this weekend. I may also try to push the Liberty through one more winter. Waiting another 9+ months would probably up my budget a little bit.
E90M3
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:12 |
|
Used with less than 50,000 miles: Several examples out there
Four doors: it’s a wagon so yes
Room for 5, plus luggage (SUV/Wagon highly preferred): wagon
AWD or 4WD: they are out there, just not this one. They do sell snow tires.
Reliable with reasonable maintenance costs: I’ve put 11k on my N52 powered BMW with no issues other than a burned out tail light. They’re really not unreasonable to maintain
Late model (needs to be safe for baby): 2012
Under $25,000.: yup
Something interesting about the vehicle that I can take some pride in.: Last N/A BMW wagon.
|
newsmctado
> E90M3
07/19/2017 at 15:17 |
|
Definitely an interesting suggestion if I could find one with the XDrive system. As for snow tires, two things:
(1) I am originally from South Carolina and only moved to MI four years ago. This means that I do not know how to drive in the snow, though I am getting better. I had snow tires on my Jetta, which certainly helped, but the problem is human error, not lack of mechanical grip.
(2) My wife’s family has a cabin in northern Michigan and, in the winters, they regularly get snow storms that will dump 20+ inches of snow in 24-48 hours. The only AWD systems I am going to trust in that type of snow are either Audi or Subaru; something that can throw the torque around to either axle. I believe the BMW XDrive will only do about a 20/80 split. That helps on a snowy plowed road, but even with snow tires it’s not getting through the deep stuff.
|
newsmctado
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:21 |
|
I will post something here once/if he ends up buying the S8. It’s a car that I’ve been really interested in for a long time, so I am excited to see if it lives up to the hype and my dreams of what I believe to be the ultimate sleeper super sedan (the M5 and S55/63 are too flashy for my tastes).
2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:23 |
|
You could probably get a used Buick regal turbo or gs for that.
My grandpa’s regal t only has 33k on it but is only worth 14k dollars
|
bshappy
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:28 |
|
You need to think about it the other way though. When your subaru has 100k on it its worthless, the 4runner will still have a lot of value.
|
newsmctado
> 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
07/19/2017 at 15:30 |
|
The only Buick I would consider (and I wish my budget was about $5-$8k higher) would be the new X Tour. It’s going to start around 29K with AWD and a 2.0T making about 250 hp. It’s also one of the best looking wagons I think I have ever seen:
|
newsmctado
> bshappy
07/19/2017 at 15:33 |
|
Yeah, I get that reasoning, but it doesn’t put more $$ in my bank account. And, I am not really concerned about resale value because I plan to drive this thing into the ground over the next 6-10 years. That’s one of the reasons I like the Subaru; it might not hold it’s value, but certainly has a reputation for reliability and longevity, and I will be able to have it for the conceivable future. Don’t get me wrong; the 4Runner has that same reputation, I just think it’s out of my price range. A friend got a used 2015 (I think) 4Runner with about ~25k miles, and I think he paid around $30k for it.
|
syaieya
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:39 |
|
Yeah, no reason to be in a hurry, especially with the used, sub 50k, suv market being the biggest thing growing.
Ill bumble over to the local carmax every couple of years just to familiarize myself with newer stuff.
How kias and hyundais have lots of boxes checked but i personally dont like how the materials feel. How a nissan leaf for how short the range is actually has a pretty comfy seat. How so many cars dont actually have a spare tire of any capacity and that worries me.
They may pressure you saying “you never know when another one like this will show up” but they said that to my friend looking at a silver elantra and i showed him 8 on the hyundai lot half a mile away.
punkgoose17
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 15:57 |
|
I would personally look at a 2012-2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara. At 50k miles they are $10-12k. They were and are the most capable off road small SUV.
My other recommendation is a Ford Flex. Available AWD and tons of interrior space.
|
2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 16:21 |
|
So a 260 HP fwd sedan is a no.....
|
bshappy
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 17:01 |
|
Don’t mind me, I’m just being an enabler because I’d really like a 4runner for myself. Good luck with the search!
RT
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 17:36 |
|
Also it’s an Opel anyway.
|
RT
> newsmctado
07/19/2017 at 17:39 |
|
Non-CVT Outbacks, AWD E91s and recent AWD Volvos fit your requirements nicely.
pip bip - choose Corrour
> newsmctado
07/20/2017 at 06:48 |
|
Subaru?