Thinking about a new 4wd car

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bengee

bengee

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Well, a few weeks ago my gf's eclipse gs overheated and the engine is screwed up. It wasnt really her fault, but more of her fathers for not getting a leak in the coolant fixed. I am giving her my 944 cause i cant drive it cause of double vision (got it from an unrelated experience). Anyways. I am interested in getting a 30,775 r32 golf, a legacy sedan one of the middle models, or a brand new g35 sedan with 4wd (coming out in 2005 i believe, but that may just be a rumor). They dont have a 4wd g35 coupe :(. If you guys can come up with any other 4wd new vehicles that are in the same price range as the above vehicles feel free to post them. Thanks
 
The 4WD G35 is already out. In fact, I didn't even know for sure if they were coming out, then I saw one. It's called the G35x, it starts at $31900.

Your best bet is probably one of the turbocharged Subaru Legacys - they're damn nice cars, even though their fuel economy statistics leaves something to be desired. Obviously you could have a look at a Lancer, though it's probably not what you're looking for. And the Nissan Murano, while an SUV, is a pretty kick-ass vehicle. It doesn't drive or feel like an SUV, it handles well, and it's quick too. R32 Golfs are ridiculously overpriced for what they are; don't get that.
 
The Legacy is a good choice. The Dodge Magnum will gain a version of Mercedes' 4Motion system some time in the future, that might be a good choice too.
 
In all honesty, I would not consider any of them, exaept the legacy. If you want to spend $30k on a 4wd car then I'd take the Evo VIII MR or STi over the R32. VW just hasn't learned how to make 4wd rockets light yet. Give them 5 to 10 years. Now, you've got Evo, Evo RS, and Evo MR. I wouldn't get an Evo RS without at least the package that includes A/C and radio. The Legacy 2.5 GT is my top choice for the Legacy trim. I'd take a Lancer Ralliart but they're FWD, so the Regular Evo or the RS with radio/AC would be the pick. For Impreza, take any model. Need it bee 2.5RS, WRX or STi there's a hp number to suit your needs. Seriously consider the Impreza and Legacy Outback models. I wouldn't take a Mitsubishi Outlander because they're underpowered and the much better Forester costs just a few grand more.


If you want 3 doors, you're pretty much stuck with the R32. But I wouldn't take the ATESSA-equipped V35. Too soft for my taste, but diehard Skyline enthusiasts might appreciate it.

You might also want to look at the Toyota Matrix slash Pontiac Vibe AWD models. The 1ZZ-FE does a good enough job with 140 hp on tap, plus they're very nicely sized. The cheapest AWD on the market I think is the Impreza 2.5RS, by a hair over the Vibe/Matrix.

My pick: Evo RS.
Practical Pick: Vibe AWD
Good trade-off between practicality and power: Forester XT. 250 is quite enough hp.
 
I am thinking about a 4WD car too. Not that I could afford one that runs, but I like thinking about them.

I would go with a legacy or WRX.
 
Victor Vance
You might also want to look at the Toyota Matrix slash Pontiac Vibe AWD models. The 1ZZ-FE does a good enough job with 140 hp on tap, plus they're very nicely sized. The cheapest AWD on the market I think is the Impreza 2.5RS, by a hair over the Vibe/Matrix.
........................................................................
Practical Pick: Vibe AWD
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Hmm, the Vibe/Matrix is slow and you can't get the Celica motor with AWD.

I sat in one, the steering wheel/cowl/shifter/pedal ratio is all mucked up. You need to have monkey arms, midget legs, and a huge torso.

You can't read the guages.
 
Meh, I'd go for something abit layed back, sortof like a G35x sedan, just because it has 2 more doors doesn't make it any less special then the coupe. I'm starting to like sedans more than coupes, there alot more practical.
 
Ok cool

Looks like people are thinking the same way as me. Legacy is at the top of my list and the golf is a second, but with two more cylinders it should ahve more hp...

Thanks and others feel free to respond.
 
Did someone say 4WD?? :)

05STS

'05 STS


Standard Engine 4.6L 320 hp V8
Horsepower 320 @ 6400 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 315 @ 4400 RPM

Price: $49,645 :scared:
 
I'd have to suggest the G35 AWD and the Impreza WRX, they would be great choices. The Evo and the STi have very stiff rides, so they'd probably be poor choices unless your gf would be willing to put up with that.
 
LOL. Thanks. I would never consider an Evo, but i dont think she really minds stiff rides :). Lucky for me. The only poor thing about the g35 is that only the sedan is 4wd or so i hear. Doesn't say anything about the coupe. Which is a shame. I really like the coupe.
 
bengee
LOL. Thanks. I would never consider an Evo, but i dont think she really minds stiff rides :). Lucky for me. The only poor thing about the g35 is that only the sedan is 4wd or so i hear. Doesn't say anything about the coupe. Which is a shame. I really like the coupe.
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Heh. Legacy 2.5GT is hard to beat, but the G35x makes a good case too. Have you thought about an Audi A4 1.8T Quattro?

What makes the Evo or STi out of consideration?


M
 
The STi isnt out of consideration. I am just a Subbie fan, and i appreciate the engineering that went into the STi (with its inverted struts and such). I know that the mags said the evo won by a slight margin but whatever. I have been thinking about the A4 quattro, but i think its a bit exp for a good one. plus i like the legacy's flat 4.
 
skip0110
Hmm, the Vibe/Matrix is slow and you can't get the Celica motor with AWD.

I sat in one, the steering wheel/cowl/shifter/pedal ratio is all mucked up. You need to have monkey arms, midget legs, and a huge torso.

You can't read the guages.
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You don't know your Toyotas do you.The 1ZZ-FE is the 1.8 liter VVT-i engine standard on the Corolla, Celica, Vibe and Matrix. The 2ZZ-GE is the same motor with VVTL-i and is standard on the Matrix XRS, Vibe GT, Corolla XRS and Celica GT-S. Same engine, different cam setup.
 
Victor Vance
You don't know your Toyotas do you.The 1ZZ-FE is the 1.8 liter VVT-i engine standard on the Corolla, Celica, Vibe and Matrix. The 2ZZ-GE is the same motor with VVTL-i and is standard on the Matrix XRS, Vibe GT, Corolla XRS and Celica GT-S. Same engine, different cam setup.
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Ok, I wasn't aware that they made Celicas with the slow motor. But it only makes 130 hp in the Matrix, and only 123 with AWD.

So it'll be a dog.

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/matrix/specs.html
 
What about the 9 series Saab 9-something x. it has an inline 4 and is the cheapest new awd car i have seen... but i still like the flat four more.
 
What about the Audi S3, TT250bhp quattro ?

Personally I woyuld like a EVO VIII FQ 340 but as i commute 1000 miles a week the servicing and fuel costs would cripple me !
 

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