Used car search? Used car search...Crunch time.

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Thatman

Thatman

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A Man Hamster
Okay, I need some input from GTP.

My secondary vehicle wants and kinda needs are:
Transmission:MANUAL ONLY
Drivetrain:AWD preferably or RWD
Really want a WAGON. Crossovers and coupes are out of the question...
I like heated leather seats and sunroofs and may spend more for a car that has them. Also needs 4 doors. Finally the car MUST, again MUST have a good reliability track record. Now I know it really depends on how its been cared for but some are still better than others.

I prefer to be under $3k, 6k is pushing it and anything over 9k I really cant do. However, I dont have to take out a recreational loan if the car is 03+ which would be nice. So preferable under 3k if older than 03. Insurance is insurance, I have factored that into my math. And getting parts is no big deal I have a 20+yr old Rx7 I pay more for parts anyway.

Here is what I have been looking at for an idea:
WAGONS!!!:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/3843717823.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/3846882919.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3845750012.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3833085372.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/3853922106.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/3853129962.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/ctd/3853765795.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3805901030.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/cto/3825277632.html

Less desirable sedans:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/3845739548.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3863468384.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/pts/3813284372.html
http://www.pb4w.com/2003-BMW-530-i-Chippewa-Falls-WI/vd/14984379
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3722953697.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3851116145.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/cto/3847593599.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/3845739548.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3863468384.html

So yeah, thats were I am at, I have been texting the Saab guy, that one seemed like a good one, and I also kinda want the 2006 Impreza but he only replied once. Any of these good deals? Should I go for a sedan? Btw, the car I'm getting will be driven across the U.S to California. Thanks!👍
 
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Of the wagons you have there, I'd say the 2000 Outback. Of the sedans, I'd say the 328i. The rust on some of the other ones looks a lot more like real rust rather than the surface rust it is claimed to be.
 
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I tried to look for Volvo turbo wagon with AWD, but they're priced ridiculously there compared to SoCal. I'd say that the BMW's are the best choice for you, outside Saabaru.
 
Yeah, I tried looking for them too...

Thanks for the input.

But with BMWs hows maintenance on them? Are they mechanic friendly?
 
Up until E36 I'd say so. Vanos-models might cause some problems as the early ones weren't that well sorted out. If memory serves, Vanos landed on US shores around '94.
 
The E36 is fairly straight forward to work on as well, and certainly more so then any Japanese car I've dealt with from that era.
 
My first thought was the Subaru Outback or Legacy GT, but you're already looking for them. I know Subaru made the manual, turbocharged Legacy GT in wagon form, but finding one--especially one that hasn't been thrashed--is difficult.

The only RWD wagons I can think of are from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac. I'm not sure of their availability with a manual and the cost of maintenance for one around 10-years old.
 
So then right now Im kinda thinking the Saabaru? Any Naysayers for that?
 
Wagon you say?

std_1970_ford_ltd_country_squire.jpg


1970 Country Squire, 7.5L V8, 375hp, 500 lb-ft of torque, 3 speed manual. 12-13mpg (only problem), mad reliable, can haul 10 people, tow up to 7,000lbs with the tow package. Where's the problem? =P


Couldn't resist.
 
Slashfan
Wagon you say?

std_1970_ford_ltd_country_squire.jpg


1970 Country Squire, 7.5L V8, 375hp, 500 lb-ft of torque, 3 speed manual. 12-13mpg (only problem), mad reliable, can haul 10 people, tow up to 7,000lbs with the tow package. Where's the problem? =P


Couldn't resist.
Click to expand...

How does it handle? :p
 
Thatman
So then right now Im kinda thinking the Saabaru? Any Naysayers for that?
Click to expand...

I'm no expert, but in the ad for that Saab it mentions it has a salvage title. If something bad happens to a car, and the cost to repair it is more than the car is worth, the insurance company totals it. There's people who will buy that wrecked car for cheap and repair it and try to resell it at a profit. Now that the car's been repaired, it has a salvage title. A quick internet search also notes that salvage cars can sometimes be difficult to insure. Some states will give your car a salvage title if it's a theft recovery. If you do end up getting the car and end of selling it some time in the future, know that a lot of people won't get involved with salvage vehicles, making it harder to sell than a comparable Saabaru without a salvage title. If you get into a wreck, insurers tend to give out a lot less money because of the salvage designation. So just know that the fact that it does have a salvage title could throw you some hoops if you do decide to look into that Saab.
 
Aye, My bank would only give me trade in value on the Saab and don't have the difference.

I suppose I will check in with that BMW guy or the 2000 outback....But if anyone is bored and sees something in my price range please post.
 
The car kind? Pretty much was open to anything that had Manual,Wagon and AWD or RWD.
 
Okay, I looked at a few but I think I'm down tho these two:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/cto/3849685685.html
And
http://www.ulrichmotorsco.com/9905-audi-a4-wagon.html

So I got the black Subaru down to $2900 when i drove it it seemed okay, it had a cracked windshield. It also had an odd brake problem where they work but I could lift my foot off a little bit and then it would bite better. The rear brakes also need to be replaced or the cable needs to be adjusted. Other than that it was nice.

The Audi at first didn't start, there wasn't any gas in it though. The instrument panel also was shot, but I see on ebay that is very common, do I HAVE to get the same one? or do other ones work? Um There also wasn't any sunroof and the A/C needed the car to move before it was cold, but after that it seemed fine... the car did die on the test drive but I'm thinking it could have been the small amount of gas.

Lastly Im annoyed I didn't get a Wrx Sti for $11500. :irked:

Anyhow, what do yall think? I know Tornado already said the outback, but anyone else there? Or should I go route 3 and try and wait? (btw the7 has been sick and we have had bad weather here so I DO need a car)
 

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