dcak

Hi All, I just read the conversation on SUVs on another thread and I have a related concern. My fiance and I are taking new jobs in Pittsburgh in June and she'll be needing another car, but she only wants a $8-10k car. She really thinks we need 4 wheel drive for the winter. I think it might be ncie, but not really neccessary. But anyway, she thinks she wants to get a blazer, but I'm not a huge SUV fan, and I'd rather get something smaller and better mpg. What would you suggest? I imagine that subby's would be a good choice, but I don't think she'll like the styling.
I just don't think we "need" a 4x4 SUV. Any thoughts?

sca037

All I can say is to buy something based on what your actual needs are, and don't worry about anyone else's perspective.
Having said that, we bought a used AWD Chrysler Town & Country.
Imagine that, a married couple with no kids and a race car to tow, and this thing is 100% better suited to our daily needs than any of my old Suburbans or pickups were. It hauls plywood & drywall with the seats out, becomes a leather-lined luxury car for 7 with the seats in, has amazing traction in all conditions, and the 3.8L V6 has averaged 22MPG per tank (real readings via a gas log at every fillup, not the computer display ) over the years in a very comfortable package.
Crunch the numbers, and buy the vehicle that fits your needs....even if it turns out to be a ( ) minivan!

Brian
(minivan haters apparently can't do math )

mvf4s

subaru legacy
toyota tacoma

Slamnasty

Well, outside of a 4x4 truck or minivan, there ain't much.

Late 90s Subaru Legacies, Imprezas and Foresters would be the cheapest bets that are non-SUV. Other than that there's older Audi A4 Quattros. Mistu Eclipse GSX or 3000GT VR4...?

There really is not a great deal of AWD cars available in the price range you're talking.

A Tacoma 4x4 would do you best, and probably be the best value for the money.

Saki GT

Subaru Legacy, Outback, or maybe an Impreza, since you can get any of them as a sedan or wagon depending on size needs. It has awd, is relatively reliable and inexpensive to repair, its better than any SUV, and its easier to deal with in the city.

cacophony82

An ouside the box idea that you could have for far less $$$ is a low mile Galant Gsx 1991-1992.....great car for mod purpurposes, you would get the AWD, and a lot of bang for the buck. Good MPG(compared to an suv) and you get a smallish econo car with cheepy insurance

cb1118

get used Toyota Highlander

artur1976

buy my 98 subaru outback AWD in like new condition 4.5k. Email me at arturbujak@sbcglobal.net for pics and more details

Slamnasty

I don't think a used Highlander will be anywhere near 8-10k. Are they AWD?

Dr. WOT

AMC Eagle!



(get the suby)