Best AWD under $40k?
08-19-2008, 12:47 PM
#23
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Yeah...definitely stay away from Land Rover but Volvo's are pretty solid in general. I really liked the X90 until I drove one and it's a nice ride just extremely bland driving experience...even for an SUV.
08-19-2008, 12:49 PM
#24
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Originally Posted by cornercompacts,Aug 19 2008, 12:38 PM
any feedback on Land Rover LR2 or Volvo SUV?
The volvos are also nice, and can be had with major discounts if you time it correctly. However, a guy in my office used to work for Ford and owns a Volvo...he was a hard core fan (since he worked there) until the tranny went at...yep, 40,000 miles. Best part is that it was out of warranty, and there was a tech notice out about fixing some parts (he ALWAYS goes to the dealer), they didn't do it...and it eventually required the entire assembly to be replaced. He called them on it (after doing a lot of research), and they fell back on the all-too-easy excuse: "the tech notice doesn't apply to your situation". I guess he could have had a legal battle with them, but in the end decided it wasn't worth the time and expense of pursuing it.
Bottom line is that most European cars really need to be outstanding to justify the risk you're taking on by buying one. Most Bimmers, some Benzes, Porsches, etc easily make up the risk with outstanding drive qualities. I don't think the Volvos really do, IMO.
08-19-2008, 01:33 PM
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XC70, their beefed up wagon is very nice, and lots of deals can be had on them. I think they look great, good space, nice luxury features, etc. Just wish it had a bit more steering feedback, and more power the current 230Hp NA I-6 is smooth, but it's getting a turbo this year.
I almost got one before deciding on the MDX. Although if the XC70 had the turbo available last year I probably would've gotten it.
I almost got one before deciding on the MDX. Although if the XC70 had the turbo available last year I probably would've gotten it.
08-20-2008, 04:24 AM
#28
Originally Posted by vader1,Aug 19 2008, 03:09 PM
Your experience mirrors two coworkers that have had Forresters. It was at about the same mile mark and one woman who drive like an old lady needed a whole new engine.
I have an 07 Outback which I really like, but have my fingers crossed. I only put 6,000 miles a year on it so I will probably keep it ten years and sell with about 60,000 miles on it or so.
These stories freak me out because some people have Subies and have no problems for a couple hundred thousand, but I know two people personally who have had the cars go horribly wrong at around 70,000 miles. The woman had piston slap when the car was new and the dealer told her "thats normal in boxer engines" and never fixed it. Thats what ended up destroying the valves after the warranty ran out. The other guy beats on his cars though.
On the other hand, you can deal for a Legacy GT for less than $30k that is loaded and has a pretty nice interior with lot of features and a few dollars more makes it a delicious turbo performer. Milage can be good and insurance rates are rock bottom on that car. Opt for the wagon version like I did and get lots of utility too boot and 5spd turbo if you like. Its fantastic in bad weather and after the cobb stage one, its much quicker and my average tank is now 26-27 mpg for a 3500 pound wagon.
I have an 07 Outback which I really like, but have my fingers crossed. I only put 6,000 miles a year on it so I will probably keep it ten years and sell with about 60,000 miles on it or so.
These stories freak me out because some people have Subies and have no problems for a couple hundred thousand, but I know two people personally who have had the cars go horribly wrong at around 70,000 miles. The woman had piston slap when the car was new and the dealer told her "thats normal in boxer engines" and never fixed it. Thats what ended up destroying the valves after the warranty ran out. The other guy beats on his cars though.
On the other hand, you can deal for a Legacy GT for less than $30k that is loaded and has a pretty nice interior with lot of features and a few dollars more makes it a delicious turbo performer. Milage can be good and insurance rates are rock bottom on that car. Opt for the wagon version like I did and get lots of utility too boot and 5spd turbo if you like. Its fantastic in bad weather and after the cobb stage one, its much quicker and my average tank is now 26-27 mpg for a 3500 pound wagon.
