Help me find a car!

[Alphamazing]

Alright, I've been researching different cars that would be reasonable for me to get after I graduate from grad school. I'm looking at '05-'07 models because I plan to buy used, Somewhere in that general range should work.

In short, I'm looking for a reliable AWD sport sedan with a manual transmission. I've been looking heavily into the Subaru Legacy GT, and I recently discovered the Mazda Mazdaspeed6. The Legacy GT has appealed pretty heavily to me for quite some time now, and has got pretty good reviews. The Mazdaspeed 6 is also pretty comparable to Legacy GT, but from what I've read the interior quality is somewhat chintzy.

Unfortunately, the IS250 AWD is only availible in automatic transmission, as is the Infiniti G35x Sedan. The BMW 3-series has an all wheel drive version, but from what I've read it isn't as reliable as I'd like, and the price on them tend to climb quickly.

What else is out there? Opinions? Thoughts? Comments?

[annguyen1981]

Question...  Why are you considering an AWD vehicle?  Are you planning on moving somewhere that snow really exhists?  lol.  j/k.

But seriously, do you really NEED AWD.  Just wondering what your reasoning is for choosing AWD.

I've only had two 4x4 Blazers and my current FWD Cirrus.  I miss my 4x4's.

[Susuki_Jah]

Question...  Why are you considering an AWD vehicle?  Are you planning on moving somewhere that snow really exhists?  lol.  j/k.

But seriously, do you really NEED AWD.  Just wondering what your reasoning is for choosing AWD.

I've only had two 4x4 Blazers and my current FWD Cirrus.  I miss my 4x4's.

AWD= more traction and FWD cars suck . its either RWD or AWD. but seriously AWD vehicles handle amazingly, and im talking about cars not suv's or trucks.


try a infiniti. they made some AWD little sedans that were super quick.


or look at the volvo v50 T5 AWD. 218hp  they are sweeet little cars. and can haul crap too.


or the volvo s40.

the cool thing about the volvo's is the 6 speed that comes with them and trust me even back in the 80's they were kicking ass with there turbo wagons


subaru's are still cool but I think way over priced for what you get.

here is a ford fusion they produce an awd version as well

[l3uddha]

I worked for Subaru for 4 years. They are bulletproof.

The Lagacy GT is a very nice sedan.

I owned a Forester XT (2.5L turbo, 5-spd manual) for two years & the thing was a rocketship. In the 1/4 mile figures, the Subaru was very close to the Porsche Cayanne twin turbo.

Suprisingly it was much faster than the WRX. The Forrester was more of a detuned STi engine.


I think you'd be very happy with the Lagacy GT.

As far as reliability goes, I currently drive a '92 Subaru Loyale wagon. They havent made them for a loooong time. As much as I try; I cant kill the friggin thing as long as I check the oil. 

[Susuki_Jah]

I also own a 1989 subaru hatchback  with the horizonatly opposed 4. it wont die. very underpowered but wont die.

[l3uddha]

I should add the AWD is everything these days. I dunno what you'll be using the car for, but AWD is the king sh*t. You have no Idea what AWD is capable of until you're using it through New England winters.

[Onlypastrana199]

AJ is talking about trading in her car next year before winter, she has a z24 cavalier which was fine for Indiana winters but not for the northeast. Plus her job isn't the kind where you can call in due to the weather, so she's gotta have something thats really good in the snow. We're also looking at the subarus..though we lovingly refer to them as "lesbarus"

[l3uddha]

AJ is talking about trading in her car next year before winter, she has a z24 cavalier which was fine for Indiana winters but not for the northeast. Plus her job isn't the kind where you can call in due to the weather, so she's gotta have something thats really good in the snow. We're also looking at the subarus..though we lovingly refer to them as "lesbarus"

ROFL!!!! yes I did come across quite a few "colorful" bumperstickers while I worked for Subaru.

[CasiUSA]

How about the Audi A4? I know that in the past their reputation hasn't been the best, but I have one friend who has an 03 A4 and my uncle bought  new S4 (DROOOOOLLLLL) and they are both very happy with them. I also think that if you buy certified pre-owned, they have that service plan included that covers most repairs from regular use.

I saw a bunch of 05+ Manual Quattros on eBay that are going for $20-25K.

[l3uddha]

two of my brother in-laws own and owned Audis. One has the A4 2.0T, the other had a A6 2.7 bi-turbo before getting a BMW M5.
My sister currently ownes an A6 wagon.

The A6 2.7TT (old S4 engine) was a fun car, but I've never been too fond of Audis. The interior always felt sort of bland & they dont get very good reliability scores.


hell, I'd still take one over my current car any day though.

[Susuki_Jah]

AJ is talking about trading in her car next year before winter, she has a z24 cavalier which was fine for Indiana winters but not for the northeast. Plus her job isn't the kind where you can call in due to the weather, so she's gotta have something thats really good in the snow. We're also looking at the subarus..though we lovingly refer to them as "lesbarus"

ROFL!!!! yes I did come across quite a few "colorful" bumperstickers while I worked for Subaru.

I think SAAB's and jeep wranglers take the trophy for colorfull people driving them

[Onlypastrana199]

When I was roadway flagging, I'd get incredibly bored so I'd play count the ghey people/lesbarus...We had a couple regulars..a girl in a Jeep Wrangler who drove like a psycho, a girl in a Bronco, a woman on a harley, and a BUNCH of subarus. There was also two scary chicks who wore flannel and rode around in an F250...

[Turd Ferguson]

I've never understood the "Audi's checkered past" thing.  It turns out that a bad case of sensationalistic journalism got the whole public against the company for NO reason what-so-ever.  Audi's have always been solid cars.  My family bought my Audi A6 brand new, and 11 years later its still the most reliable, indestructible and nicest car I've ever owned.  I'm getting rid of it Thursday which will be a sad day!

Go for the A4 1.8T, Brian!  If you're looking for some performance, the S4 is no slouch!

-Turd.

[Alphamazing]

try a infiniti. they made some AWD little sedans that were super quick.

[snip]

or the volvo s40.
the cool thing about the volvo's is the 6 speed that comes with them and trust me even back in the 80's they were kicking ass with there turbo wagons

subaru's are still cool but I think way over priced for what you get.

here is a ford fusion they produce an awd version as well

1) Infiniti has no AWD sedan with a manual transmission. Both the G35x and M35 AWD come with automatic transmissions only.

2) From what I've read on numerous sites and reviews, the Volvo is pretty sub par compared to the Subaru and other sport sedans, especially in terms of sporty driving. Apparently it is more of an AWD family sedan than a sport sedan.

3) The Subarus, especially the Legacy GT, have a number of standard features that normally wouldn't come standard in this price range. In other words, you get a surprising amount for your money.

4) The Ford, as well as being not as reliable as I'd like, is not as high a quality that I'm looking for. If you noted the ones I have been looking into, Infinitis, BMWs, Lexuses (Lexi?), and the upper echelon of Mazdas, the Ford doesn't exactly fit in with that category.

The Lagacy GT is a very nice sedan.

I owned a Forester XT (2.5L turbo, 5-spd manual) for two years & the thing was a rocketship. In the 1/4 mile figures, the Subaru was very close to the Porsche Cayanne twin turbo.

Yeah, the Legacy GT uses the same 2.5L turbo that Forester has, and is as you said, a detuned STi engine. 250 HP and 250 lb-ft make for a quick ride! Plus, the STi is too ricer-boy shopping cart looking for me.

I should add the AWD is everything these days. I dunno what you'll be using the car for, but AWD is the king sh*t. You have no Idea what AWD is capable of until you're using it through New England winters.

The increased grip and handling are the main attraction. I'll be using it for everything I don't use the bike for. Grocery getting, commuting when the bike is down or the road is way too nasty to ride, etc...

How about the Audi A4? I know that in the past their reputation hasn't been the best, but I have one friend who has an 03 A4 and my uncle bought  new S4 (DROOOOOLLLLL) and they are both very happy with them. I also think that if you buy certified pre-owned, they have that service plan included that covers most repairs from regular use.

It's about $5000 more expensive than the Legacy GT when similarly equipped, but we'll see how used prices hold up in a few years. It definitely looks like a nice car, and well worth considering.

Go for the A4 1.8T, Brian!  If you're looking for some performance, the S4 is no slouch!

The S4 looks hot, but I'm not looking for a V8. Some semblance of reasonable gas mileage would still be nice! 

[CasiUSA]

I've never understood the "Audi's checkered past" thing.  It turns out that a bad case of sensationalistic journalism got the whole public against the company for NO reason what-so-ever.

I think it was the ignition randomly starting the car or something. I never actually read the article about it, but that sounds pretty dangerous. As far as Audi now, I totally agree that they are awesome. I would love the new RS4- hopefully I'll be able to afford one soon...

[Susuki_Jah]

try a infiniti. they made some AWD little sedans that were super quick.

[snip]

or the volvo s40.
the cool thing about the volvo's is the 6 speed that comes with them and trust me even back in the 80's they were kicking ass with there turbo wagons

subaru's are still cool but I think way over priced for what you get.

here is a ford fusion they produce an awd version as well

1) Infiniti has no AWD sedan with a manual transmission. Both the G35x and M35 AWD come with automatic transmissions only.

2) From what I've read on numerous sites and reviews, the Volvo is pretty sub par compared to the Subaru and other sport sedans, especially in terms of sporty driving. Apparently it is more of an AWD family sedan than a sport sedan.

3) The Subarus, especially the Legacy GT, have a number of standard features that normally wouldn't come standard in this price range. In other words, you get a surprising amount for your money.

4) The Ford, as well as being not as reliable as I'd like, is not as high a quality that I'm looking for. If you noted the ones I have been looking into, Infinitis, BMWs, Lexuses (Lexi?), and the upper echelon of Mazdas, the Ford doesn't exactly fit in with that category.

The Lagacy GT is a very nice sedan.

I owned a Forester XT (2.5L turbo, 5-spd manual) for two years & the thing was a rocketship. In the 1/4 mile figures, the Subaru was very close to the Porsche Cayanne twin turbo.

Yeah, the Legacy GT uses the same 2.5L turbo that Forester has, and is as you said, a detuned STi engine. 250 HP and 250 lb-ft make for a quick ride! Plus, the STi is too ricer-boy shopping cart looking for me.

I should add the AWD is everything these days. I dunno what you'll be using the car for, but AWD is the king sh*t. You have no Idea what AWD is capable of until you're using it through New England winters.

The increased grip and handling are the main attraction. I'll be using it for everything I don't use the bike for. Grocery getting, commuting when the bike is down or the road is way too nasty to ride, etc...

How about the Audi A4? I know that in the past their reputation hasn't been the best, but I have one friend who has an 03 A4 and my uncle bought  new S4 (DROOOOOLLLLL) and they are both very happy with them. I also think that if you buy certified pre-owned, they have that service plan included that covers most repairs from regular use.

It's about $5000 more expensive than the Legacy GT when similarly equipped, but we'll see how used prices hold up in a few years. It definitely looks like a nice car, and well worth considering.

Go for the A4 1.8T, Brian!  If you're looking for some performance, the S4 is no slouch!

The S4 looks hot, but I'm not looking for a V8. Some semblance of reasonable gas mileage would still be nice! 

infiniti did make a manual transmission AWD vehicle , and I beleive they made it up to 2005 it was compared to the BMW M3 ..I cant remember the damn name of it though. but I just checked it out on the site in 2005! I KNOW THEY SOLD IT! they even advertised it being better than the M3 and you said you were looking for preowned. I am bias to volvo because I know the potential they have. they really are faster than you think .  but it sounds like you like the subaru. I just wasnt as impressed with them when I test drove a few of their cars when i was looking for new ones. actually the car that impressed me the most was the lotus elise and the 350z  when I test drove them who needs AWD when you own either one of those bad ass vehicles

[Alphamazing]

infiniti did make a manual transmission AWD vehicle , and I beleive they made it up to 2005 it was compared to the BMW M3 ..I cant remember the damn name of it though. but I just checked it out on the site in 2005! I KNOW THEY SOLD IT! they even advertised it being better than the M3 and you said you were looking for preowned. I am bias to volvo because I know the potential they have. they really are faster than you think .  but it sounds like you like the subaru. I just wasnt as impressed with them when I test drove a few of their cars when i was looking for new ones. actually the car that impressed me the most was the lotus elise and the 350z  when I test drove them who needs AWD when you own either one of those bad ass vehicles

I checked, and I didn't find any manual transmission AWD vehicles made by Infiniti. The G35x was compared with the BMW 3-series, but just like today, it was not offered in manual transmission.

And it isn't that I'm biased against Volvo, but everything I've read say that they are more about being comfortable family sedans than a sport sedan, as I noted originally.

As to the Lotus and 350Z, they aren't what I'm looking for at all. For one, they are sports cars that are coupes, not sedans, and neither are offered with AWD. The Lotus especially is a hard edged sports car not exactly meant for every day driving and grocery getting. Couple that with the fact that the Lotus is way out of the price range I am looking at, neither of those are viable options. At all.

[Susuki_Jah]

infiniti did make a manual transmission AWD vehicle , and I beleive they made it up to 2005 it was compared to the BMW M3 ..I cant remember the damn name of it though. but I just checked it out on the site in 2005! I KNOW THEY SOLD IT! they even advertised it being better than the M3 and you said you were looking for preowned. I am bias to volvo because I know the potential they have. they really are faster than you think .  but it sounds like you like the subaru. I just wasnt as impressed with them when I test drove a few of their cars when i was looking for new ones. actually the car that impressed me the most was the lotus elise and the 350z  when I test drove them who needs AWD when you own either one of those bad ass vehicles

I checked, and I didn't find any manual transmission AWD vehicles made by Infiniti. The G35x was compared with the BMW 3-series, but just like today, it was not offered in manual transmission.

And it isn't that I'm biased against Volvo, but everything I've read say that they are more about being comfortable family sedans than a sport sedan, as I noted originally.

As to the Lotus and 350Z, they aren't what I'm looking for at all. For one, they are sports cars that are coupes, not sedans, and neither are offered with AWD. The Lotus especially is a hard edged sports car not exactly meant for every day driving and grocery getting. Couple that with the fact that the Lotus is way out of the price range I am looking at, neither of those are viable options. At all.

well when you said BMW and Lexus you are talking about 40K+ cars the lotus elise is a 42k car new so I assumed you had that to spend.  im still searching for that AWD car for you I might have been looking on a overseas infiniti site though. it seems like you like the subaru though out of all of them. Id say go for it. 

[Alphamazing]

well when you said BMW and Lexus you are talking about 40K+ cars the lotus elise is a 42k car new so I assumed you had that to spend.  im still searching for that AWD car for you I might have been looking on a overseas infiniti site though. it seems like you like the subaru though out of all of them. Id say go for it. 

BMW 328xi - $34,300
Lexus IS250 - $34,285
Subaru Legacy GT - $28,295
Audi A4 2.0T Quattro - $30,340

[Susuki_Jah]

well when you said BMW and Lexus you are talking about 40K+ cars the lotus elise is a 42k car new so I assumed you had that to spend.  im still searching for that AWD car for you I might have been looking on a overseas infiniti site though. it seems like you like the subaru though out of all of them. Id say go for it. 

BMW 328xi - $34,300
Lexus IS250 - $34,285
Subaru Legacy GT - $28,295
Audi A4 2.0T Quattro - $30,340

well whats and extra 8k when your spending that much anyways lol im just kidding. what do the used priced look on those vehicles? you could probly get a pretty good deal.

ok this is just an idea and you can shoot it down but I thought it was cool and it would totally cross my mind if I was looking to spend that kinda cash. because I know you want a pretty bad ass sporty sedan thats awd and manual

check these out

http://fast4wheels.com/cars_for_sale.html#car3

http://fast4wheels.com/tabs.php

now I dont know if this would or would not meet your needs but its an idea and I know it is a very desirable vehicle.

also inspired by the Nissan Pulsar GTI-R which is exactly what you would be looking for in a car. AWD hatch back with some serious BALLS. which is another cool car that you can find imported or import.

also you might want to wait till the end of the year when the new models are rolling out for 08. because you might find an AWD one of these
http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/nissan/2005/nsc-hatch/home.shtml

also the new Nissan Skyline for the US is coming to the autoshow this year and Im sure you will see it very soon. 

like I said they are just ideas and I thought you might enjoy