High-Test's car thread, Have many Subaru questions.

[High-Test]

The Benz.. Is dead. Rust In peace, Herr Fritz Ulrich von Nerdwagen.

Even at the end, with a toasted transmission, blown water pump, fried wiring, and broken auxiliary fans, the car ran like a sewing machine straight to the corner where he's been left. I am formally submitting a temporary resignation from the Mercedes-Benz religion.

In short, I humbly submit a plea for suggestions in finding a new station wagon type thing. It needs to be relatively new, relatively economical, and it better be trouble-free or come with a great warranty.

Criteria:

$24,000 is the absolute ceiling.
1994 or newer, preferably newer. Under 40k miles.

Not: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Saturn, Chrysler, Buick, Scion, Lexus, Saab, or Volvo.
No trucks or SUVs.



The Suggested:
2000-2006 FocusToo many miles on them, no warranty.
Mazda 3 - Happy car is happy.
2008 Dodge Magnum SXT AWD hugetastic, and the car Gods hate gray interiors.
Waiting for a Diesel Polo - MILEAGE! WOOT!
Mazda 6 / wagon - I loves me some Mazda 6.. Can't find a decent wagon in my mileage quota, regular 6 not as good as the 3..
Subaru Legacy - Go anywhere car goes anywhere, and happy driver is happy.
Waiting for Fiat 500 - Expensive car will be expensive.
Pontiac Vibe GT - meh.
Volvo V70R - Don't need a hotrod....or the repair bills
Honda Element - I know I said no SUVs, but this.. is interesting. I'm genuinely curious.

The Driven:
1993 Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon - Bad experience... 1.5/10
2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i - Fantastic vehicle. 8.5 / 10
2009 Nissan Cube 7.0/10
2010 Mazda 3 i touring 9.1/10

 

[JCE]

I second this:

Since its a dead species it might be fun to own for a while being exclusive. I don't see as many of these as I do the Chargers and 300s.

 

[High-Test]

Okay,

Question. That lifetime powertrain warranty. Does it only apply to owner #1? If I can be owner number two and get that warranty, then.. it's a no brainer.


And I could at least be somewhat faithful to the silver arrow. It's got a 722.5 transmission, W220 front end, and a rear end from the accursed W210. But it was most likely derived heavily from the 124's 5 link, so the 210 connection is forgivable.

I want (and find myself needing often) an estate/wagon.

 

[Omnis]

Wait for the diesel polo.

 

[Joey D]

We had Magnums at the city when I worked there, truly an awful car to drive. It's hard to see out of, lots of road noise, uncomfortable, and slow with the V6 in it.

Out of your choices I'd get a Mazda 3, it's an awesome car with good mileage and practicality. Get a 2009 over a 2010 though so you don't have to own the world's happiest car.

 

[High-Test]

We had Magnums at the city when I worked there, truly an awful car to drive. It's hard to see out of, lots of road noise, uncomfortable, and slow with the V6 in it.

Out of your choices I'd get a Mazda 3, it's an awesome car with good mileage and practicality. Get a 2009 over a 2010 though so you don't have to own the world's happiest car.

Dude. I've been driving a car for two years that has no concept of acceleration. I don't think I'd know what to do anymore with it. I can't stand the 2.7 in the magnum. I am satisfied with the 3.5, as my mom had a 300C with the 3.5 and it was a pretty solid car.

I've got a while to wait on this deal, I'll pounce in september when my finances are more solid. But I need to start test driving and looking around now. The more I know, the better off I will be.

I would be a very happy man in a mazda 3...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> How about the Subaru Legacy/Liberty Wagon or Outback?

- AWD
- Good gas mileage (non-turbo)
- Decent size
- Good ground clearance (Outback)
- Zippy handling (Legacy)
- Choice of A/T or M/T
- Looks good too! (2004-2007)

 

[Philly]

I also recommend the Legacy and the 3. I adore both cars, and both really are the best in their respective segments IMO.

I donno how you feel about mediocre reliability, but I think you might like a GTI. It's a very quick car, but is still able to be a daily family hauler. And it's a hatchback so you know it can swallow anything you throw at it.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

What about a Mazda 6 wagon?

Can't find them new any more but I can imagine you'd be able to find one to taste with a bit of hunting.

 

[Jim Prower]

Don't knock NUMMI 'till you've tried it...Might suggest the 1.8 2ZZ-GE powered Vibe GT in this case. Should have plenty of room and zoom...:3

Might also wait for the FIAT 500, if you're gonna wait for a Diseasel Polo. You've already got the Mazda 3 on the list.

 

[Joey D]

Dude. I've been driving a car for two years that has no concept of acceleration. I don't think I'd know what to do anymore with it. I can't stand the 2.7 in the magnum. I am satisfied with the 3.5, as my mom had a 300C with the 3.5 and it was a pretty solid car.

We had the 2.7's at the city and the car seriously couldn't get out of it's own way. You are right the 3.5L is better but I still think it's down on power for the weight the car carries. It's quick enough but it feels like a chore getting on the freeway with them.

Might also wait for the FIAT 500, if you're gonna wait for a Diseasel Polo. You've already got the Mazda 3 on the list.

I have to imagine the Fiat 500 is going to fall to the same curse the MINI fell to and be needlessly expensive.

 

[High-Test]

On the GTI, I'm going to avoid ze Germans until I have the extra cash to deal with their vehicular maintenance.

I'll look seriously into both the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3. I think the serious road test will devolve into a fun road test, with smiles abound for happycar.

Can't stand the current Impreza, but I love the Legacy/outback.

 

[Philly]

How about an older WRX wagon? They have a great tuner base with the STI so they can be made to go infinitely fast if you want. A definite sleeper with the way everybody thinks they're driven exclusively by lesbians.

 

[Joey D]

How about an older WRX wagon? They have a great tuner base with the STI so they can be made to go infinitely fast if you want. A definite sleeper with the way everybody thinks they're driven exclusively by lesbians.

Don't WRX's have some insane insurance stigma attached to them though?

 

[Philly]

This is true. Although I was quoted at less than a Mazda 3...

 

[YSSMAN]

Hmmm, interesting problem... Sorry to hear about the Benz, as I knew it had been having issues over the past couple of months. I guess what you're looking for is going to exist on a pretty narrow plane, but ultimately, there are some options out there.

2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4MOTION Wagon - $14,000

From what I've heard, and understood, the Passat W8s are for the most part pretty reliable, and otherwise, powerful daily drivers. It seems like they suffer from the typical VW problems of the day, buttons and switches breaking, electric window problems, etc. Outside of that, these cars were usually bought by hardcore VW fans, so you know they were taken care of.

2005 Subaru Forrester XT - $13,000

Honestly, I think this is the best car that Subaru has ever made. Not only in performance, but in looks as well. They're dirt cheap, from what I understand, reliable, and ultimately a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Minor tweaks turn it into a bigger WRX, and that would be a worthwhile investment. But, like the Passat, they become a little rare.


I would put the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 on the list as well, but admittedly, I do not know enough about the cars to make a good recommendation. The new ones are awesome, but older ones, I don't know.

 

[High-Test]

Well, the Saabs are wishy-washy. You either get the perfect angel of a car that leaves you smiling every time (mom) or the transmission eating demon that leaves you paranoid with a sour taste in your mouth. (me)


Something interesting has popped up..

My dad is practically demanding that I get a new car. He said that trading in his trailblazer on a car for me and selling my Mercedes for a small pile of savings to put towards a down payment would be sensible. (The Trailblazer is sitting) Assuming I can get 8 to 10k for the trailblazer in a trade-in (it's worth about 13, I think) and then get 1800 or so for my car selling third party, payments on a new 2009 Subaru Outback or Legacy would be ~$275 per month. Those have a lifetime powertrain warranty. I must, in the meantime, learn to drive a manual.

Our frontrunner is the Subaru. Gotta get out and look at one. My other thoughts if I must go new are the Mazda 6 and the VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen. (Dad likes the mileage idea although he's afraid of the german-ness)

The Subaru seems to have an unbeatable warranty. I'm going to go look at some scoobys.

 

[JCE]

Dude. I've been driving a car for two years that has no concept of acceleration. I don't think I'd know what to do anymore with it. I can't stand the 2.7 in the magnum. I am satisfied with the 3.5, as my mom had a 300C with the 3.5 and it was a pretty solid car.

Yea, don't listen to him the 3.5L V6 is perfectly adequat for the daily commute with a little bit of oomph to get out of its own way. You can always tune it and do some bolt-ons and get some actually quite surprising power increases.

This is true. Although I was quoted at less than a Mazda 3...

No way... I was quoted over $500 less per 6mo premium for a Mazda3 than I was a regular WRX.

2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4MOTION Wagon - $14,000

From what I've heard, and understood, the Passat W8s are for the most part pretty reliable, and otherwise, powerful daily drivers. It seems like they suffer from the typical VW problems of the day, buttons and switches breaking, electric window problems, etc. Outside of that, these cars were usually bought by hardcore VW fans, so you know they were taken care of.

I knew this was coming, and I would support it if the car was low miles and was in good mechanical shape.

 

[Joey D]

Yea, don't listen to him the 3.5L V6 is perfectly adequat for the daily commute with a little bit of oomph to get out of its own way. You can always tune it and do some bolt-ons and get some actually quite surprising power increases.

How about you read what I actually said first. We has 2.7L models at the city which were unholy slow. I still stand by the statement that the Magnum is still a poor vehicle since it's hard to see out of, uncomfortable, and is cheaply made. Why people buy these is still beyond me.

===

High-Test, have you thought about maybe a used Volvo? V70R, eh? eh? eh?

 

[High-Test]

High-Test, have you thought about maybe a used Volvo? V70R, eh? eh? eh?

Indeed I have, Sir. Since I am getting some funding from the FNBD, (First national bank of Dad) the less than 40,000 miles clause applies. As much as I would LOVE a hotrod volvo station wagon, I really don't need one. I appreciate all the suggestions.

I need a warranty, because the car Gods throw lightning bolts at every vehicle I touch. Let's review:

1992 lexus: first it needed an alternator fuse, then an alternator. after alternator replaced, car was jump started due to low battery charge. wiring melted, smoke bellowed from usebox.

1960 Chevrolet Biscayne: First it wouldnt start after having been shut off, then the motor blew itself up in 300 miles.

2003 Saab 9-3 Linear: Was on its THIRD transmission in three years, ate O2 sensors and batteries like nobody's business. Transmission was slipping out of second in early august of 2007, locking the car frequently.

1994 Mercedes-Benz E320: I have singlehandedly broken one wiper motor, two oil pans, outer tie rods (ok, North Dakota did that) and a fan clutch. The score was me 5, car 0 until June 2009. Now I need a new transmission, a new water pump, new wiring or something, as my turn signals are intermittent, new auxiliary fans, and a new window regulator. I noticed today that the water leaking from my pump had oil in it. That's a new discovery for today. My car pees greenish chocolate milk...

Murphy has my ass marked. Oh, and let's throw in the fact that my Dad's Trailblazer grew into a couple malfunctions while I was driving it. Now there's a man with a hammer in the rear of the interior, who hammers away at stuff for five minutes and then stops. And there's always the truck not knowing how fast it's going and wanting to tell me it gets 34 miles to the gallon.


BUT if you're still actually reading through the regular High-Test nonsensicalness, dear reader, I found love today. It's called a 2009 Subaru Outback.

I loved that car. Not because it had functional reverse or because the air conditioning could be used in gridlock traffic, but because it had a soul. The interior quality is top-notch, the ride is about what I'm used to in my car. I didn't get to feel it on bad bits of highway that undulate, I'm sure it won't take those as smoothly.

I tested the 2.5i, and it had the perfect pep. It wanted to go forward, and it wanted to go there now. The seats were a bit stiff, and I had the most barebones one in the lot, but it still felt like it should cost much more money. The handling was very good, the car seemed very responsive. Even though the one I tested had cloth, the quality was phenomenal. (as was stated above)

I'm about sold on it. Now here's why: LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. If the car Gods want to hose my car, let them. I'm covered, as long as I own the vehicle. If I could have been more comfortable with my third pedal skills, I would have driven the 5 speed they had. In all honesty, though, the 4 speed with the "sportshift" is all I would need.

It seems to have excellent stuff-eating abilities, even though there's a gap between the front seat and the headrests of the rear seat when folded down. (My car has no gap when seats are folded down)

How could I possibly lose? The warranty is phenomenal, and the car is even better. I want alloys though. The one I tested only had steelies and hubcaps. There's always the aftermarket though..

8.5 / 10



That said, I'll still look at the Mazda 6, 3, Jetta, and any other reasonable suggestion.



-Chris

 

[Philly]

How about a regular Legacy wagon? My guess is they'll be cheaper than the Outback, and I think they are awesome looking cars.

 

[High-Test]

Did they make regular Legacy wagons in 2009? If so, I'd do that. The only wagons they (olathe subaru mitsubishi) had were Outbacks and impreza hatches..

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ I think the last regular Legacy wagon would be an '08 model but I'm not quite sure. You can still get an '09 with special clearance deals, plus it looks lightyears better compared to the upcoming '10 model.

 

[High-Test]

Indeed it does. I'd take an 09 over the 10 anyday.

Little update on my car.. He has been put in a corner to wither away and die. I've looted it for goodies, (toolkit, first aid kit, floormats, trunk ornament) and now I'm driving my dad's trailblazer. T'was sad. the first and last CD I ever listened to in that vehicle was disc one of the Stray Cats Rumble in brixton.
Revved it up to about 6k on the drive to my Dad's place, and it still purrs as smooth as buttah.

I think the last Legacy wasgon was in 07. In all honesty, I'd be peachy with an outback. Regardless, I hope to take a look-see at a couple Mazdas today. I'd have to go 30 miles in either direction to find a VW dealer.

My deal is that the auto trans is 1000 dollars more on the Outback and that I have to get the midrange to get LSD on the rear. Maybe I can bring them down a lot? who knows. I'd love a standard, but It would end being fun for me and become drudgery after a couple months. The four speed is plenty sufficient for my needs.

 

[Greycap]

As much as I would LOVE a hotrod volvo station wagon, I really don't need one.

Don't take a hotrod then, settle for less. I'd say that you would be well off with a V70 MkI but it most certainly won't fit the mileage rule and that's pretty much the last Volvo you'd want to own. Having driven one it's already on the verge of being a generic body transferrer but there is still some of the old spirit left. After the discontinuation of the old body style in '00 there was none.

But if you have to decide between the Outback and just about anything else, take the Subaru. You can't have a car with too much ground clearance, too much room or too much fun factor. If it feels right for you it's what you should take - that's what I did with mine and I know it was the right decision.

 

[High-Test]

You can't have a car with too much ground clearance, too much room or too much fun factor. If it feels right for you it's what you should take - that's what I did with mine and I know it was the right decision.

More wisdom from the flying finn. 👍 Indeed. It felt right when I drove it. But other cars could feel right as well. That be why I shall test drive a couple Mazdas this afternoon.

How's your self-propelled shipping container holding up, Rene?

 

[Greycap]

PM in the making soon. Better keep any wider discussion of my highway tractor out of your thread. 👍

 

[High-Test]

Whoa. I drove a 2010 Mazda 3 earlier today...

2010 Mazda 3 i touring 4 door
Copper Red Mica / Dune cloth

I have a few complaints with this car. They range from nonsensical to just minor nuisances.

1. There's a sedan, there's a hatch, but there's no wagon version of the sedan. This needs to be ameliorated.
2. The torque steer is forgiven, given how much of a blast this thing is to drive. But imagine if it were rear-drive...
3. The plastic "tongue" for its huge smiling mouth doesn't come in hot pink.

Holy crap, Batman. This car blew me away. I was just expecting some fun to drive small sedan along the lines of a Nissan Sentra. I can't try and objectively cover it, because this truly is a magnificent car. Therefore, I don't think this should go into the car review thread. I've grown used to the styling, and I actually like it. The car feels solid and well-built. It looks like a racy little fun machine that moonlights as something practical.

It is. The interior quality..it's just...damn. It is nice. Very soft touch materials for the dashboard and armrests. The doors are like those of a safe, and the whole car feels like it should cost much more. I was surprised by the glovebox of this car. It can eat an entire shoebox and have room to eat the vatican city for dessert.

Driving it is awesome. Even with the 4 speed auto. It's incredibly responsive, it rides very well, and everything about the car is tailored towards the driver. It's what would happen if the lotus seven were built to keep passengers as happy as the driver.

It's a very fun car, with lots of creature comforts. MP3 player input standard, bluetooth connectivity standard, there's a multifunction display.. It's the sensible small sedan's adrenaline junkie younger brother. You know, the car that gets straight As but calls barreling down double diamond runs a walk in the park.

9.1 / 10

Yeah. I rated it higher than the Subaru. I expected to be a little surprised by it. I like wagons. I like having some power to the back wheels. But with this, I didn't expect a small, relatively cheap front-drive sedan to be this amazing. It came from nowhere and showed me a truly phenomenal vehicle.

 

[JCE]

Glad you like the new Mazda3, just snag one in black so the ugly front nose gets washed out. Great car all around except for the front. Looks like a Peugeot but not as good. Observe:

I just can't get into that front end on the 3.

How about you read what I actually said first. We has 2.7L models at the city which were unholy slow. I still stand by the statement that the Magnum is still a poor vehicle since it's hard to see out of, uncomfortable, and is cheaply made. Why people buy these is still beyond me.

I did read it, and I still took away that you hated the 3.5L as well when I read-between-the-lines. 👍 I don't care for the engine myself unless you snag the AWD model which makes the car actually 20% better in acceleration in real world applications--IE traffic/merging etc. I do disagree that the Magnum is a poor vehicle--quite the opposite. It is actually a decent car that can be whatever you want it to be. You can mod it to make it look good as well as upgrade the engine for some reasonable power. Plus--it looks good, is reletively quiet inside, comfy seats, good cargo space and most importantly cheap to buy/run/insure. It may not have good visibility or a good interior but it ticks too many good boxes for the car to be called "poor". Plus I'd imagine the 2.7L or 3.5L engines are probably durable since they are basically for fleet duty and or daily commuters.

 

[Philly]

Now you know why the Mazda3 is as incredible a car as it is, and why several members here have bought them. I've liked them from day one, and I still wish I had one every time I blow by one in the GTI. Yes, I just said I'm jealous of Mazda3 drivers while I'm driving a car that does everything right. And that's before I even think about reliability.

The 3 and the Outback are two cars that I absolutely love. You've got a tough choice there, I think. I know I'd have a very hard time deciding between the two.