My Drummer Needs a New Car, Preferably a Wagon

"Garrett Davis" (GarrettDavis)
06/18/2014 at 14:52 • Filed to: None

He didn't want a wagon at first, but I convinced him that it will hold just as much as the small SUVs he was looking at, but would get better mileage. He's moving soon and needs the space to haul his drums up and down California.

His budget is firm at $16k-$17k, and he needs something reliable, so sadly no Jalop-insanity here.

So far he's looking at Outbacks and other Subaru wagons, anyone know of anything to watch out for with these? I really know nothing about Volvos, are they expensive to maintain? The Jalop in me loves them, but he doesn't really give a shit, and just wants it to work and be cheap to keep up.

What he's found so far in San Diego:

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! — 70k miles

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! — 86k miles (turbo, yay!!)

What I've found:

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! — 68k miles (it's a brown wagon!!!)

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! — 56k miles (manual transmission!!)

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! — 2.5 i5 AWD, 60k miles

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! — 2.4 i5 2wd, 49k miles

Any ideas, guys? Thanks!

DISCUSSION (51)

OPPOsaurus WRX > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 14:57

I'd imagine he could fit a complete set in a WRX and at that price he'd be looking around a 2008. Screw Miata's, WRX is the answer.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > OPPOsaurus WRX
06/18/2014 at 14:59

I think the vibe I'm getting here is that this guy gives zero shits about driving, and needs more space than that. So no, WRX is not the answer.

dinobot666 > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:00

Second gen Scion xB would suit his needs nicely. It's basically a tall Camry wagon and will have lower operating costs than any of the vehicles you've shown.

bob and john > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:00

volvos: IF you take care of them, thye will last. comfy, great for commuting.

Coty > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:01

Kinja'd!!!

All his if he has a Baja bug to trade.

MazdaMonkey > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:01

My old drum teacher had a Scion tC. You wouldn't think it, but it could hold his entire kit pretty easily and was a fun car to drive around! Gets great mileage and Toyota reliability.

Garrett Davis > OPPOsaurus WRX
06/18/2014 at 15:02

Yeah, what SM70 said is pretty much the case. If I were him I'd go down that route, but he just wants something that works and gets him from A to B. If it has decent power, he's all for it, but space and mileage are more important.

Garrett Davis > MazdaMonkey
06/18/2014 at 15:03

That's hilarious! He has fit his kit in his girlfriend's Civic coupe before, but nothing else.

Garrett Davis > Coty
06/18/2014 at 15:03

I keep sending him stuff like this. It's too tempting.

Garrett Davis > bob and john
06/18/2014 at 15:05

Then I think I'll advise him to stay away. He's not very maintenance heavy with his cars — currently a Ford Ranger which requires just about zero maintenance.

Brian Silvestro > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:05

Jetta Sportwagon TDI??

Garrett Davis > dinobot666
06/18/2014 at 15:05

I'm sure it would work great, but he absolutely hates them. Hahaha

mcseanerson > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:05

Old Volvos, turbobricks that is, are great for maintaining but you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty. Not that it's difficult, the opposite actually, and you'd be a fool to pay someone else for repairs on a 240/740/940.

Burn the FWD stuff though

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:07

I would go with the Legacy/Outback. Also a good idea would be a Toyota Venza , or even better, a Ford Taurus X /Freestyle.

bob and john > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:07

well, also remember that to me, "last" is more then 200k km.
we had a 2001 S40 that my MOTHER took care of. lasted 207K KM then the head gasket blew.
also, by maintian, i mean keep up on oil changes and generally stay on top of fluids.

mcseanerson > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:07

To truly haul stuff minivans can do it better than wagons sometimes. If you think he may be interested I would suggest a Mazda5. They drive like slightly taller heavier Mazda 3s

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:07

I say Jetta TDI wagon is best choice. Big and efficient

Garrett Davis > bob and john
06/18/2014 at 15:07

Hmm, I'll have to do some research. I'm just worried about cost to repair, which will be strictly done by a shop.

mcseanerson > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:08

Also those Subarus are going to need timing belts in 30k-40k miles. Not a cheap job.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > MazdaMonkey
06/18/2014 at 15:09

That's true. Even better, maybe a scion XB, Honda Element, or Kia Soul.

bob and john > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:14

if something goes wrong, its a European car. meaning European prices.

that said. If he blows a head gasket on a subaru, or need spark plugs, the first step is: remove engine

so yea.

V8VespaStoppie > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:15

I would take that 07 Volvo XC70 all day.

dinobot666 > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:26

Drummers aren't known for being astute or for making sound financial decisions. Basically, it's the best vehicle for the job. You get Toyota reliability, but without the the insane resale value, so you can get one on the cheap.

If it's Scion that he hates, then maybe a Kia Soul would do the job.

Jagvar > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:29

That's not a Passat wagon. It's a Jetta Sportwagen, which itself is not really a Jetta at all, but built on the Golf platform. That being said, I love the Sportwagen, especially in diesel trim.

Big Bubba Ray > mcseanerson
06/18/2014 at 15:31

I only paid around $800 to have my Subaru dealer do it. Not as bad as everyone thinks.

CRider > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:33

Ford Flex

Impreza Wagon (I saw a brand new one of these yesterday, it looked great)

VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI

Possibly a used E Class or 5 Series Wagon, although those will cost more to maintain.

mcseanerson > Big Bubba Ray
06/18/2014 at 15:33

Really I've been quoted much higher.

Coty > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:35

That's my pig I just really want a baja.

Big Bubba Ray > mcseanerson
06/18/2014 at 15:35

How much were you quoted? I was surprised the dealer got it done for $800. Usually they mark stuff up like crazy.

Garrett Davis > Jagvar
06/18/2014 at 15:36

That's funny, I was talking to a co-worker about Passats when I wrote that. Must have crossed wires there.

Garrett Davis > Brian Silvestro
06/18/2014 at 15:37

Whoops, I wrote Passat, thanks.

JEM > MazdaMonkey
06/18/2014 at 15:41

I used to haul my kit ('67 Ludwig 4 piece) and a Fender amp, and a couple guitars all in my '05 Tiburon. Hatchbacks are amazing like that.

Also - the Kia Soul would definitely work I think, unless he has some Neil Peart setup, and those are pretty fun to drive little boxes.

Garrett Davis > mcseanerson
06/18/2014 at 15:43

That's a good point. I'll suggest that.

mcseanerson > Big Bubba Ray
06/18/2014 at 15:43

I've been quoted from $1200 to $2000+

Roundbadge > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:45

As a drummer, I used a 3-door '86 Civic Si, a '92 S10, and a '99 Dodge Dakota (at different times). The S10 had enough room under a cap for my 5 pc, equipment and cymbals (all in hard-shell cases), the band's PA system, 32 track mixer, snake (for mic cables, etc...), mic cases, several guitars, rugs, speakers, and monitors. A current-gen Tacoma would do even better, and I know my current Taco gets around 25MPG.

That being said, it really got old being the guy responsible for almost all the equipment after playing all night.

ColoradoTaco > mcseanerson
06/18/2014 at 15:46

What? That's more than my S4

ColoradoTaco > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:48

I know nothing about them and am only suggesting since no one else has, Honda Element. Personally I'd go Subaru Wagon

Garrett Davis > Roundbadge
06/18/2014 at 15:51

That's exactly what he's going through with his current truck. He hates having to guard all the gear while everyone else gets to do what ever they want.

Big Bubba Ray > mcseanerson
06/18/2014 at 15:55

Holy santa claus shit, how is that possible??

Roundbadge > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 15:57

I 'guarded' the gear by G-ing-TFO when we were done. Sadly, I didn't have the energy after 4 hours to stay out and party and still be able to unload my stuff after an hour or so drive home.

mcseanerson > Big Bubba Ray
06/18/2014 at 15:57

They're not called stealerships for nothing.

Garrett Davis > Roundbadge
06/18/2014 at 16:04

That's pretty much what he does. I don't blame him.

Boxer_4 > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 16:17

The things to watch out for on Subarus depend on the Subaru being looked at:

Forester, Impreza Wagon, and Outback with the Non-turbo EJ25:

Head gaskets failure can be a concern on older Subarus. The newer the Subaru, the better chance you have at avoiding this (even within engine models).

Ideally, he is looking for one of the above with the EJ253 engine. This was the last version of the Non-turbo EJ25 series in the US, and had structural changes to the block to help prevent head gasket failure. Failure can still occur on these newer engines, however, it is very limited. The newest EJ253 is found in the 2006-2011 Impreza 2.5i, 2006-2010 Forester 2.5X, and 2006-2012 Outback 2.5X and 2.5i.

These engines also use a timing belt, and are interference engines. If the belt breaks, the engine will see somewhere between moderate to severe damage. Timing belt replacement is at 105,000 miles or 105 months, which ever comes first, and is typically a $750 -$1000 job depending on the shop.

Forester, Impreza Wagon, and Outback with the turbo EJ25:

These are higher maintenance, and will see problems if the maintenance schedules are not followed. Turbo failures from clogged banjo bolts and spun rod bearings are some issues that do pop up on occasion, especially with modified or less well maintained vehicles. The EJ255 had ~224 hp in the 2004-2013 Forester XT, 2005-2009 Outback XT, and 2006-2009 Impreza WRX and GT, while it had 265 hp in the 2009-2014 Impreza WRX.

The timing belt concern is the same for the EJ255. However, since it is a DOHC engine (the EJ253 is a SOHC) the belt change can be more difficult.

Outback with the EZ engines:

Another option is the 6 cylinder EZ engines, the EZ30D and the EZ36D. Only available in the Outback and Legacy, the EZ engines are more powerful than the EJ253, but have also proven to be more reliable, too. They don't have a history or reputation for head gasket failure, and they use timing chains (no replacement needed). I've even spoken with a higher up at the Subaru USA offices in the past, and they have even admitted that the 6 cylinders are some of their most reliable.

The EZ30 is a 3.0 Liter flat 6, found in the 2005-2009 Outbacks 3.0R. It produces 245 hp, however, only ~215 ft-lbs of torque. It also requires premium fuel.

The EZ36 is a 3.6 Liter flat 6, found in the 2010-Present Outbacks 3.6R. It produces 256 hp, not much more than the EZ30D, but it has a significant jump in torque at 245 ft-lbs. It also doesn't require premium fuel.

Fuel economy as reported is not the best in the 6 cylinders, however in practice, we've gotten in the low 30s with our 2012 3.6R.

Other things of note

Transmission and differential issues if the fluid hasn't been changed at the 30,000 mile intervals. The AWD is hard on transmission fluid and differential fluid. As long as the car hasn't been abused and the fluid was changed regularly, everything should be fine. If the transmission doesn't feel right, then stay away.

Other items that the AWD system puts extra stress on is wheel bearings and CV boots. These may need to be replaced sooner than on other vehicles.

Subarus are great vehicles, and we've been very happy with our 2009 Forester 2.5X Limited and 2012 Outback 3.6R Limited. In your Drummer's position, I'd say that an Outback 3.0R or 3.6R would be a pretty good fit.

Garrett Davis > Boxer_4
06/18/2014 at 16:25

Wow, all great info. Thanks!

Textured Soy Protein > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 17:25

FYI a Subaru 2.5i isn't a turbo, 2.5XT is.

Garrett Davis > Textured Soy Protein
06/18/2014 at 17:29

Whoops, I have those mixed up. Thanks!

ctmeche > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 18:16

I really wouldn't consider the 2005-2010 Outbacks if he wants decent fuel economy. I have a 2008 Outback 2.5i Limited automatic and it's a great all-around car for a daily driver, but fuel economy is not it's strong suit. I average about 21-22MPG overall, which a lot of other cars can best. If you want fuel economy and an Outback, get a 2010 or newer, which had the CVT in the 4cyl and MUCH better fuel economy than the previous generation. Also, the base 2.5 engine Outbacks of that generation came with a 4sp automatic, which pretty much sucks, and likely contributes to my relatively low fuel economy.

Also note that the 2005 model year 2.5 Turbos often had failures. Google "subaru turbo banjo bolt." Also note that the Turbo and 6cyl Subarus all require premium gas.

Subaru boxers typically require the timing belt at 105k miles per the book.

Garrett Davis > ctmeche
06/18/2014 at 19:18

Cool, thanks for the info!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 21:48

Mercedes 123 or 124. If it's too slow, just LS swap it. That is jalop and meets all of your criteria. I don't normally condone LS swaps in German cars, but I think I can make an exception this one time.

wallaby13 > Garrett Davis
06/19/2014 at 07:49

I wouldn't recommend the TDI. I actually own a 2006 TDI, and the newer TDI's with the HPFS, have some issues. There have been lots of reports of the fuel pump eating itself, and sending bits of metal through the entire fuel system ($2000-$4000) repair. Also there is the DPF to worry about, inter coolers freezing, ect. I would only buy a newer TDI if it had an extended warranty.

Per the Volvo, the newer (P2) models are pretty reliable, however Volvo's AWD has always been a little weak, and unless you need AWD I would stick with a regular V70 or V50. Also while the V70R is awesome it needs to be maintained/loved regularly.

Personally I'd go for the newest subaru, or mazda that you can find. You can find a brand new mazda 3 hatch back for ~$18K. Have you friend look into them as well. If you can find a 2013 still on the lot you might be able to get a hell of a deal, since 2014 is a new body/generation. The 2010+ has the efficiency sky-activ engine. While the 2014+ has a few more aerodynamic/weight tricks to do even better with the same motor.

Garrett Davis > wallaby13
06/19/2014 at 10:37

Awesome! Thanks for the info!