Topic: Looking for reliable used AWD wagon for 2nd car/teenager driver

[bmckenney]

First time poster here.  Greetings from Calgary.

I did search the boards last night looking for threads and posts on this subject but didn't find much that I could use.  But this looks like the kind of car discussion site that has lots of activity and relevant topics and knowledgeable posters based in Canada.

We are a two car family with a G35X (primary dad and mom dd)  and a 04 TSX (teenagers to school, second car for mom and dad).  I want to get rid of the TSX and replace with an awd wagon.  I'd like awd so the kids can safely get out on the highway in winter to go skiing.

After lots of online reading and some test driving I ruled out these options for the following reasons:

• SUVs- too big, truck chassis not for the driving enthusiast on road city driving, hard on gas, but great awd/4wd technology and robustness.
  Truck - same as SUV, plus the wife says no trucks.
  Sedans - typically not enough room.
  CUV/ute - trying to be too many things and usually not a great handling vehicle and usually too heavy for with a 4 cyl.

What I like about an awd wagon is:

• AWD.
  Space.
  Lower to ground than SUV/CUV, lower center of gravity.
  Better handling (if designed that way)
  Good looks.

My criteria for a awd wagon are:

• Affordable, older used model.  Under $15K.
  Proven reliability track record - motor, transmission, transfer case can last a long time if well maintained.
  Decent on gas.
  Power to pass and merging onramp (small turbo, or a 200HP 6 cyl)
  Comfortable and quiet, suitable for longer highway drining.
  Good handling with minimal body roll and good manners.
  Good, accurate steering.
  Automatic (wife).

A couple of examples of what I have been considering, but not even test driven yet.

• 06/07 Legacy wagon GT, but it's too much power in the hands of an 18 yr old male.   Higher mileage examples may need work.
  Volvo wagons - not sure about this brand.  Older models, even with only 100K on them, seem to need expensive work.  But the right V50 might be ok, however they seems to be rare.
  Older Audi wagons - not sure about all the different models and AWD technology in them.  Not sure about what work is likely required on older model.
  Mazda - I don't believe there is an AWD wagon in Canada.
  

Any recommendations would be appreciated.  And if there is a CUV that I should look at even though it's off my list now, I'd be interested in that too (e.g. V6 RAV4).

[Brig]

Welcome!  I'm moving your post to the Buying, Selling and Leasing section, as that area gets lots of traffic/exposure.  I'm sure many forum members will be along shortly to offer suggestions.  You're not the only one who's got the hots for AWD wagons!   

[blotter]

I can tell you from experience the RAV 4 V6 is great.
It get the same mileage as a used Subaru.
While the Subaru AWD is superior, I had zero issues with our 2009 RAV going skiing and anything else you can throw at it.


However, if you don't want your son to have a Legacy GT --- you might want to stay away from the V6 RAV
while it's an SUV --- it's also very powerful and it doesn't take much to get into trouble.
the throttle is pretty sensitive and it's not hard to make her squeal!


What about a used Outback?  (2009ish)
doesn't have the legacy GT power....  the older Outbacks are more wagon than they are today.


only other thing is these two statements contradict each other:

Power to pass and merging onramp (small turbo, or a 200HP 6 cyl)

but it's too much power in the hands of an 18 yr old male.

[bmckenney]

I suspected I had a contradiction in the post.  And you found it.  It's hard to have everything.  I want to have power for highway maneuvers, but not too much power.  Two test drives I found had this balanced well is a 2010 Rogue and a 2000 Volvo 5 cyl turbo.  The Rogue is a 4 but was responsive (because of the CVT I guess) enough that I thought it would be good on the highway, but my test did not get out on the trans canada.  The Volvo turbo had impressive power but was not overboard in my opinion.  The RAV4 V6 might be ok too, but I need to drive one along with the 4 cyl too.  Also drove a Honda CVR which just did not have enough power for my liking.  I'd hate to drive that on a highway.

[OliverD]

What about an Outback? You should be able to find a 3.6R model for under $15k.

But really, it sounds like a lower power car will be adequate for your needs. A 2.5i Legacy wagon or Outback should be fine. You might even be able to get the larger '09+ model for $15k these days.

[blotter]

did a quick search for Outbacks in Calgary (within 100k) 2008 to 2010
ouch.... nothing!!!!

within 250k there are some options
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Outback/Red+Deer/Alberta/5_22369918_20070815130049950/?ursrc=hl&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=3_15_4

[bmckenney]

Which gen of the outback should I be looking at?  3rd was 2006-09.  This gen would be cheaper.  Looks like the current gen is 2010 onward and more expensive.  And there are so many different builds of this car with different 2.5 and 3 liter engines and different AT's and CVTs.  It's hard to tell what is good on gas, what is reliable, what has acceptable power, what transmission is better etc.

[OliverD]

Personally I really like the third gen. Not too big, reasonably efficient (for its time at least), should be reliable.

I think you would need to test drive one to figure out if power is acceptable. Personally I'd look for a manual one.

[Fobroader]

Welcome to the fray fellow Albertan!! The Rav4 with the V6 goes pretty well and they are very reliable. A Forester with a turbo also goes very well, is reliable but is also fun to drive, something no one will ever accuse a CUV of being. I would say any Subaru would fit your needs very well.

[bmckenney]

Welcome to the fray fellow Albertan!! The Rav4 with the V6 goes pretty well and they are very reliable. A Forester with a turbo also goes very well, is reliable but is also fun to drive, something no one will ever accuse a CUV of being. I would say any Subaru would fit your needs very well.

Thanks!  Which Calgary Subaru dealer is better?  Or both about the same?  Esp when it comes to the pre-owned.

[Fobroader]

Welcome to the fray fellow Albertan!! The Rav4 with the V6 goes pretty well and they are very reliable. A Forester with a turbo also goes very well, is reliable but is also fun to drive, something no one will ever accuse a CUV of being. I would say any Subaru would fit your needs very well.

Thanks!  Which Calgary Subaru dealer is better?  Or both about the same?  Esp when it comes to the pre-owned.

My mom bought her Subaru many moons ago from the dealer on McCleod Trail....they were a Volvo/Subaru dealer at the time, they were pretty awesome, but that was the mid 90s 

[blotter]

Which gen of the outback should I be looking at?  3rd was 2006-09.  This gen would be cheaper.  Looks like the current gen is 2010 onward and more expensive.  And there are so many different builds of this car with different 2.5 and 3 liter engines and different AT's and CVTs.  It's hard to tell what is good on gas, what is reliable, what has acceptable power, what transmission is better etc.

3rd generation still holds the more "traditional" wagon looks.  2010 onward has the more current CUV look.

I don't believe any 3rd generation would have had CVTs.... just manual or auto. 


I've always loved the 3rd gen as the best looking Outback.

[Agiledood]

If it's mostly for the teenager and 'too much power' is more of a concern than wanting 200HP, what about an Impreza instead? Or even an AWD Vibe.

[tenpenny]

The moment you say AWD wagon, you mean  Subaru Outback, no matter what anyone says.

So, figure your budget, and find one that fits.




Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

[Travel360]

Make them an offer!http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-RAV4-LIMITED-3-5L-V6-4X4-MOONROOF-100K-MI-2008-toyota-rav-4-4-x-4-3-5-l-v-6-moonroof-100-k-mi-/151601888404?forcerrptr=true&hash=item234c2d3c94&item=151601888404&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

[bmckenney]

Going to test drive today hopefully.  Hit up some dealers in S Calgary.  Subaru, Toyota, Mazda.  Got some snow blowing around, so will get to see how the different awd systems work for me, but I suspect Subaru will be the winner here.

[ElectricMayhem]

Be aware that station wagons lead to teen pregnancy.

If you insist on one, I'd skip the 4WD and get a P2 Volvo V70 (2001-2007) with Gislaved Nordfrost 5 studded winter tires.

[mmret]

Be aware that station wagons lead to teen pregnancy.

If you insist on one, I'd skip the 4WD and get a P2 Volvo V70 (2001-2007) with Gislaved Nordfrost 5 studded winter tires.

Yeah but at least you'd already have a car that can haul kids around.

[quadzilla]

Be aware that station wagons lead to teen pregnancy.

And phone apps have caused an increase in STDs.

[Blueprint]

2nd gen Matrix or Vibe awd. Rare, all automatics, super reliable, roomy and slow. Perfect teen cars!