Author Topic: New Vehicle Decision-Help (Subaru, Honda or Volkswagen?) (Read 8975 times)

Shnak · « **Reply #80 on:** May 14, 2005, 01:00:17 pm »

Cherhs, what about the Malibu Maxx? Might be worth a look...

cherhs · « **Reply #81 on:** May 16, 2005, 12:07:24 am »

Thank you Shnak for suggestion on Malibu Maxx. I'm really looking for driver seat ergonomics (bad back) and overall Safety standings and the Subaru still better meets these. Appreciate your help though.

Shnak · « **Reply #82 on:** May 16, 2005, 08:36:23 am »

hmm thinking about it... why don't you seek a used certified Saab 9-5 Wagon 2002-2004... something like that. They depreciate like mad, are extremely safe and confortable vehicles, TONS of space for everyone and everything, and are distictive and attractive looking vehicle and should be pretty reliable.

There are plenty of 2002-2003 Wagons with low mileage for 25-26k$ on autotrader. Look into that car, they're an incredible deal when purchased used!

wing · « **Reply #83 on:** May 16, 2005, 08:49:11 am »

What about the Mazda6 Wagon? I see a lot of them running around lately.

mark · « **Reply #84 on:** May 16, 2005, 09:19:40 am »

That's a good suggestion Shnak with the 9-5 Wagon - but make sure there is extended warranty.
Cherhs, I see you've not talked about the Passat Wagon yet. I offer it up again as an alternative to at leasts look into. Very safe - either FWD with ESP, or the 4-Motion (AWD) system. A wide range of engines (4, 6 cyl gas, or a diesel) and firm but comfortable seats with lumbar support. The new generation of Passats is to be introduced soon, so there should be good deals on the current version.

cherhs · « **Reply #85 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:01:06 am »

Thanks Mark, Jamesbe and Shnak....going to London this Friday and will look into the Mazda and Passat. Going with my friend who does alot of travelling with me so good to have her input. Will also stop at London Subaru and get a quote. We (my husband and me) are going to Owen Sound Subaru tomorrow to test drive all of theirs to see which we like best. Still weighing it all out and doing lots of research. I think my hubby is proud of me that I'm looking into this decision about a car so deeply. Thank you all once more for continued help.

inco · « **Reply #86 on:** May 16, 2005, 01:56:44 pm »

And don't forget me if your going to consider a Passat - I have a real nice 03 available. I do - I do. Mark knows.

cherhs · « **Reply #87 on:** May 17, 2005, 06:58:15 pm »

Did more test driving at Subaru dealers today and we (husband and me) have narrowed it down to the Subaru Outback 2.5i....wish I could go Limited but extra cost just doesn't justify when the 2.51 is already so well loaded and the only thing I'd really miss by not getting the Limited would be the power moon/sun roof. Asked about tire exchange as was suggested earlier (poor Bridgestone Potenza RE92A's)...they will do the exchange and of course I will pay any extra cost of tire and changeover per the dealer. I told them to find me a tire that was in the same cost ballpark but would improve upon hydroplaning, poor traction issues (ice, snow with the Potenzas) They mentioned alternates of Michelin HydroEdge and a type of Goodyear (can't recall exact name). Their tire guy was very open with the sales rep in agreeing with me that the Potenza is a poorer tire and others have requested change outs in the past. I think the salesperson was taken aback a bit but I respect the tire guys honesty..they are sending me a quote to change out /replace with the 2 alternates I mentioned. Does anyone else have a better suggestion for tires or can you give me better input on the 2 possible options the Subaru tire guy gave me. We are still getting overall $ quotes for this vehicle from other dealers to try to get the best deal. Thanks for any help you can offer.

AVToller · « **Reply #88 on:** May 17, 2005, 08:50:03 pm »

Congratulations. I think that you should be extremely pleased with your new 'Ru. I'm also very glad that you are doing the tire swap now - the OEMs are pretty poor, to say the least.

keithb · « **Reply #89 on:** May 17, 2005, 09:13:28 pm »

After rapid wear from OEM Goodyears , I installed Michelin Hydroedge and only have good things to say- a super tire. However I would not use it (nor any other all season tire) in the winter. Goodyear has a relatively new competitor to the Michelin HydroEdge called the Assurance-looks very similar and might be a good alternative. I would think the Goodyear Integrity or Regatta inferior to the Michelin.

Snowman · « **Reply #90 on:** May 17, 2005, 09:16:03 pm »

Good choice Cherhs….you can’t go wrong with Subaru quality and reliability. Wiffy and I tested the identical 2.5i and were impressed. Good call on the tire swap.

barrie1 · « **Reply #91 on:** May 17, 2005, 10:41:35 pm »

The tire swap should not cost you anymore then $200. as The Michelins which are excellent are not all that expensive new. The Subaru Dealer in London is on Hwy 126 which is Highbury Ave at the corner of York ST. Its the 4th light from the 401 or the 2nd light past the overpass. Turn left off of 126 and you are there.

ghost · « **Reply #92 on:** May 18, 2005, 09:03:22 am »

Congrats! I hope when my time comes to buy an LGT, I too can ask for tire swaps! Won't mind paying a few more bucks for a whole heckuva better tires!
Subi of London is by the railway tracks! That's where I got my 01 2.5rs from them. the service manager - Hanz is a kewl guy. I used to walk into their service bay and watch them perform maintenance on my car. The autobody shop (if it's still there are also very nice.) they helped installed my Holzer front lip all painted and installed for like $75! I miss London.

cherhs · « **Reply #93 on:** May 18, 2005, 09:11:49 am »

Thank you for input all...Thanks to Ghost and Barrie1 for London Subaru directions..I will use them this Friday for sure!

Bullet Blue · « **Reply #94 on:** May 18, 2005, 10:20:26 am »

Glad a decision is finally made! Enjoy your Subie, it will come in handy in the winter with its AWD.

Don't forget to post some pics for us when you get a chance.

mark · « **Reply #95 on:** May 18, 2005, 10:54:07 am »

Congrats Cherhs, a great vehicle. Hope you enjoy it! (hooray for wagons)

weebl · « **Reply #96 on:** May 18, 2005, 11:48:24 am »

Congrats, Cherhs! Can't wait to see your new ride once you pick it up!

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #97 on:** May 18, 2005, 11:55:36 am »

She hasn't bought it quite yet, sheesh people, contain the excitement!

cherhs · « **Reply #98 on:** May 19, 2005, 08:18:24 pm »

Yes gang don't get too happy for me yet...now the hard part...selling my current car and figuring out how I would finance the new one!!! The worst part. I've heard back from a few that if I change out the current tires on the Subaru Outback for something better that the Michelin Hydroedge or Goodyear Assurance are 2 good options. Agree everyone?

jpd · « **Reply #99 on:** May 19, 2005, 09:43:13 pm »

You cannot make any mistake by choosing Michelin!But to me, if you have to pay extra money for these "four season tires", I would save that money to buy in 6 months, 4 Michelin Alpine winter tires. Just my 2 cents!