Our new car(post 54)! Super Sweet, now with pics (60)

[Philly]

Although, the thing about the Scooby is that if I go to college around here, I could probably take it with me. No way I could do that with an A4.

 

[1X83Z]

Although, the thing about the Scooby is that if I go to college around here, I could probably take it with me. No way I could do that with an A4.

Come to this campus. My roommate runs a supercharged Range Rover, one of four current-gen Rovers on campus. And there's always this:

 

[Tornado]

Lincoln LS. Czech-mate.
If you can't find at least an '02 for around $13,000, you simply are not looking at all.
Though I will agree with Doug: The Ubaru is a very nice fallback car, though I would spring for a Legacy instead of an Impreza; but only if you can find a 6 cylinder one.

 

[Philly]

I almost forgot, American cars don't sit well in this family. No, they aren't bad vehicles it's just that we consider Japanese and European car better.

M5, If I went down there, do you think that lambo guy would be willing to buy me a car if I got to know him? How about rides everywhere?

 

[1X83Z]

Though I will agree with Doug: The Ubaru is a very nice fallback car, though I would spring for a Legacy instead of an Impreza; but only if you can find a 6 cylinder one.

Why would you choose a 6-cylinder Legacy? Pre-2005, it absolutely sucked, and 2005+ everyone knows the turbocharged 4-cylinder is the way to go. You're crazy!

M5, If I went down there, do you think that lambo guy would be willing to buy me a car if I got to know him? How about rides everywhere?

One of my friends tells a story about how once he went into CVS and the Lamborghini was parked outside. He found the guy in the store and said something like 'that's a beautiful car.' The guy said nothing, so my friends said, 'are you gonna stonewall me?' After no response again, my friend told him to **** off and walked away. So to answer your question, probably not.

 

[Philly]

One of my friends tells a story about how once he went into CVS and the Lamborghini was parked outside. He found the guy in the store and said something like 'that's a beautiful car.' The guy said nothing, so my friends said, 'are you gonna stonewall me?' After no response again, my friend told him to **** off and walked away. So to answer your question, probably not.

Snobby rich guys are soooooo funny that its not even funny.

 

[Tornado]

Why would you choose a 6-cylinder Legacy? Pre-2005, it absolutely sucked, and 2005+ everyone knows the turbocharged 4-cylinder is the way to go. You're crazy!

Its bigger and put together better than any Impreza. And the 6 cylinders have an decent amount of power, at least when compared to the 4 cylinder models.

 

[Philly]

Its bigger and put together better than any Impreza. And the 6 cylinders have an decent amount of power, at least when compared to the 4 cylinder models.

Haven't we been through this with the A6 and A4?

 

[1X83Z]

Its bigger and put together better than any Impreza. And the 6 cylinders have an decent amount of power, at least when compared to the 4 cylinder models.

Power is 250 for both engines; the turbocharged four-cylinder delivers it better and pull a slightly better acceleration time. Of course, it helps that they have significantly more torque too. The pre-2005 6-cylinder only ran 210 horsepower, and due to Subaru's inability to make a competent automatic transmission (it was never available with a manual) the vehicle never did 0-60 better than 8.3 seconds. Worse yet, it was only available on the Outback sedan, not the regular Legacy, so handling suffered due to the increased ride height.

At the end of the day, the 2005+ turbo four-cylinder is the one to have if Legacy is a must.

 

[Max_DC]

HORRIBLE NEWS!! You were right Kyle.



Dad just called from Denver and said that he wants to get a subaru. How on earth am I to get out of this one?

I just wanted to suggest that, since, I always do

Go for Subaru, fun to drive and you most certainly won't have any trouble with it. I drive mine for 5 Years now and I didn't have a single problem.
Personally I'd prefer a WRX ( STi is probably too expensive to maintain ). If your parents don't want a WRX/sti then I'd take a Legacy...

 

[Thirdeye]

Subaru Impreza WRX (non-STi, for this price range, might not be big enough for 4 tall people, though), Lexus GS (older ones), Nissan Sentra SE-R, 2002-2005 Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Acura CL, Lexus IS, 2003+ Accord EX Sedan/Coupe.

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

WRXs actually have shockingly ample interior space.

However... I wouldn't recommend one. I've had nothing but trouble with mine, and a lot of my friends in the Subaru community agree. They're very quick, but they're not all that well built, and the years that are likely to fall into your price range had a lot of problems.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy one brand new, knowing that I'd be trading it in before the major problems would show up, but around 50-60k mi, a lot of issues start to develop. It's especially bad, because most have been abused by their first owners.

 

[Thirdeye]

Really? I've actually heard that more about the Evos (especially the clutch being kinda poor in them). I'm surprised, you'd think Fuji Heavy would put more effort into Subaru's more luxurious and performance offerings.

 

[1X83Z]

Lexus GS (older ones),

No point in this car if it's not the V8. Six-cylinder 93-97 models are okay I guess, but you really want the 8-cylinder, and preferably the 4.3-liter which is not in his price range. It'd be hard to find a GS400 in his range, in fact.

 

[JCE]

That and the insurance on that GS430 would down right eat his wallet.

 

[1X83Z]

That and the insurance on that GS430 would down right eat his wallet.

Is that accurate? I imagine they're pretty bad, but worse than a WRX?

 

[YSSMAN]

It's especially bad, because most have been abused by their first owners.

I hear ya! Back when I was in High School (almost three years ago now, holy cow!) there was this douchebag kid who had a WRX who just completely failed at life, and had absolutely no idea what to do behind the wheel of that thing. I remember walking out to my car, and watching him go by in the lines out of the school, hearing him slip the clutch so much, and then completely fail at the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts at speed.

Then he manages to beat the hell out of the car, think he is God with AWD in the winter, and then forget to change the tires, and manages to get himself stuck. Dumbass.

...I hate kids with lots of money sometimes...

---

On the subject of Subarus in General, I'm a bit passe on the whole brand. Overall the cars have the look and feel of being built well, but recent long-term tests of Impreza/WRX and Legacy/Outback models have shown the bad-side to Subaru. Things aren't always screwed together just right, transmission issues are more common than they should be, and the electronic ghosts can become an issue. Beyond that, fuel mileage isn't great, parts replacement costs are high, and because of that I would assume that insurance prices would be rather steep as well.

If we're looking for cheap AWD models, I again highly suggest shopping over at the VW side of the market. Yes, they do fall into some of the same pitfalls of the Subaru, however I belive at least from personal expirience it is to a lesser degree. Unfortuantely we did not recieve the 4MOTION models of the MKIV Jetta and Golf in America, however there were quite a few Passat models that made it across the pond, and this one in particular may meet your standards:

2001 VW Passat V6 4MOTION Wagon

The asking price is listed at $10,900 which seems like a pretty fair deal. Given that compared to most 4MOTION Passats this one is a "stripper" (cloth seats, hubcaps, etc), it still passes as a highly refined and rather nice sedan to satisfy the needs of your parents as well as yourself.

I quite like it, but it is a bit out of my price range. I love the color combos, the wheels can easily be replaced, and mechanically speaking, it is spectacular. This one would be worth a look if you were asking me...

 

[JCE]

Is that accurate? I imagine they're pretty bad, but worse than a WRX?

No, the WRX has a symbol rating of 26. I think the GS430 was 22~23 if I remember correctly. The IS300 was also a 26--the insurance premiums for Lexus' are generally very high.

 

[land sea air]

If you buy a brand new Impreza 2.5i you should get a reliable car (new so not abused) with reasonable insurance and gas mileage thats still a riot to drive...
Definately a sensible alternative to a used WRX

 

[skip0110]

Subarus have kind of a "big car" solid feel to them despite their size, but I munched up all the clutches in my rear diff having some fun. That shouldn't happen with 165 hp. You really do have to maintain the AWD.

But overall, I'm pretty happy, it starts every day, and they are pretty safe.

It is fairly good fun to drive, it really comes into its own at about 35-65 mph on a twisty road. Above about 90 on the highway I get some front end lift. Around town it's quiet etc and behaves nicely. Automatic/non-turbos are slow as molasses, though. About 22-24 mpg real life with a stick.

No electronic gremlins, and the rear diff still works after I flushed out a handful of clutch pieces, just with the occasional moaning....

 

[1X83Z]

No, the WRX has a symbol rating of 26. I think the GS430 was 22~23 if I remember correctly. The IS300 was also a 26--the insurance premiums for Lexus' are generally very high.

...with good reason.

Given that compared to most 4MOTION Passats this one is a "stripper" (cloth seats, hubcaps, etc),

Hubcaps weren't even available with the V6 4Motion - this person got aftermarket ones, evidenced by the lack of VW badges on the center caps. If this dealer could find the OEM wheels they could probably get another few hundred for the car.

 

[YSSMAN]

Hubcaps weren't even available with the V6 4Motion - this person got aftermarket ones, evidenced by the lack of VW badges on the center caps. If this dealer could find the OEM wheels they could probably get another few hundred for the car.

I suppose that is true, kinda forgot about how VW does things with the upper models. Chances are that those are snow tires of some kind, as I doubt they would ditch the standard 5-spokes on the regular car. Good news is that you could ditch those wheels and strap-on a nice set of BBS wheels, and you've got a great-looking Passat.

 

[Philly]

So, in the last week or so, this discussion has come up more seriously. We have also moved on to new cars. I figure I could probably push into $16 or $17K for a really good car. I am currently eyeing:

Audi A4 (1996-2001 look best) still
Lexus IS 300 2003ish, still
Possibly a Saab 9-3 2003+. (Found a really nice ARC model for $16k)
Or, maybe a VW Rabbit 2-door, brand new.

I'm currently liking the Saab, but it may be too long. 180 in. is best for our garage, but we managed to squeeze the 185 in. XC70 into that spot. The biggest problem with the Saab is that it would be a bit tight.

 

[Philly]

SUCCESS!!!

Today we spend a good long time at the Bellevue VW dealer. We left with another car to add to our garage: A 2006 MKV GTI. Black, two door, leather interior. There are quite a fw dents and scratches, but the dealer said they would repair those for free! 22K miles. The cost? $19,850. I am super happy and have been driving it around for quite awhile.

 

[Perfect Balance]

*wanders in* Hmm, no pictures? *wanders out*

 

[Philly]

*wanders in* Hmm, no pictures? *wanders out*

Too bad it's too dark to take anything. I'll have some up as soon as I get the chance. The reflectors aren't too stunning.

 

[Pupik]

There are quite a fw dents and scratches, but the dealer said they would repair those for free! 22K miles. The cost? $19,850. I am super happy and have been driving it around for quite awhile.

Make sure you have that in writing, or you're going to have to haunt the salesman every hour for the next two weeks.

Meh, my Lexus GS wasn't too expensive to insure, just a few more bucks per month than the 'Rolla. But then again, I'm over 30, and Corollas used to be one of the most stolen cars in the US, until Escalades went into their 2nd-generation.

 

[viperpilot]

nice purchase..........please show us the pics as soon as possible!

viper

 

[YSSMAN]

SUCCESS!!!

Today we spend a good long time at the Bellevue VW dealer. We left with another car to add to our garage: A 2006 MKV GTI. Black, two door, leather interior. There are quite a fw dents and scratches, but the dealer said they would repair those for free! 22K miles. The cost? $19,850. I am super happy and have been driving it around for quite awhile.

Hotness!

Sounds like a good buy, and I you and your Mom enjoy it. I get jealous every time I see one drive by, as they are some of the best cars sold in the US...

 

[Philly]

Today at school, I told quite a few people about this car. I was completely floored by the number of people who don't know what a GTI is! And I only talked to two girls about it. (why I tried is beyond me...). Those who did know what it was were very excited about it.

The car is currently at the mechanic. It should be back in half an hour, but sadly it is going to start getting dark soon. I will try my best to squeeze in a photo shoot this evening.

EDIT: It turns out I had plenty of time to shoot the car. I tried to get all of the critical angles, but somehow forgot the engine. I can snap any angles anybody wants, but that would be tomorrow, seeing as how the car is gone again. Please excuse my very poor photography skills.

Our mechanic said everything was OK with the car, so now all we have to do is take it up to the dealer for the free body repair. I can see there being a lot of conflict over who gets it, but I'm not worrying too much about that. I will probably spend tonight driving it around and showing friends, like last night.