Foo - Looking for a new (used) car

Prefer AWD/4wd.

Needs to be peppy but would like at least 25mpg.

(Small) Pickups ok.

Hatchback could be a plus (think bike gear).

Historically reliable.

Under $10,000

Less than 10 years old.


Thus far the only things that seem to fit all that are the Impreza wagons (WRX would be great, typically out of my price range).

Discuss.

Consumer reports is showing the 03-04 Subarus that should fit your need and budget. Also they reccomend the Mazda 6 / 626 which was available in a wagon and in AWD.

1987 Porsche 928 S4.

Couch

Have you done a search using Autotrader.com? It will give you a good idea what is out there in your area. Set the make to Subaru and set you min and max price. I was finding 05 Subarus with 90K miles for around 8500 here in Dallas area.

Good luck finding the greatest car ever. Toyota? They make good cars.

[LIST]
Prefer AWD/4wd.

Needs to be peppy but would like at least 25mpg.

A perpetual motion machine would be nice too. I think you're after a paradox here.

Have you done a search using Autotrader.com? It will give you a good idea what is out there in your area. Set the make to Subaru and set you min and max price. I was finding 05 Subarus with 90K miles for around 8500 here in Dallas area.

I have a little, I seem to have more luck on ebay motors. I'm open to making a road trip out of it.

It looks like I may be able to find a WRX wagon for around that budget. My family has owned a suburu in the past and I was happy with everything about it.

*EDIT*

I was thinking of carmax, I always forget about autotrader.

A perpetual motion machine would be nice too. I think you're after a paradox here.

It's 2010. It's called technology. Get with it.

The WRX STI puts out 300hp and makes 23mpg.
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza-wrx/sti/index.html

It's 2010. It's called technology. Get with it.

The WRX STI puts out 300hp and makes 23mpg.
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza-wrx/sti/index.html

Maybe in 10 more years that'll be up to 25mpg.

Maybe in 10 more years that'll be up to 25mpg.

Maybe in 10 years your foo humor will deliver.

ford escape 4 cyl manual transmission!

Saw one of these for sale for $7500. It was in pretty good shape. It's 57 years old, of course, but really low miles. (And it really was low miles, the owner bought it out of an Army Storage Yard in crate. I remember when he got it 3 years ago.

http://www.dodgepowerwagonm880.com/beeldmap/Dodge%20M%20military%20truck%20series/1952%20M37%20Dodge%20Power%20Wagon.jpg

ford escape 4 cyl manual transmission!


Interesting.

I didn't realize they came 4WD--for some reason I thought they were one of those lameass FWD SUV's

Saw one of these for sale for $7500. It was in pretty good shape. It's 57 years old, of course, but really low miles. (And it really was low miles, the owner bought it out of an Army Storage Yard in crate. I remember when he got it 3 years ago.

http://www.dodgepowerwagonm880.com/beeldmap/Dodge%20M%20military%20truck%20series/1952%20M37%20Dodge%20Power%20Wagon.jpg


PS

It must fit in my small driveway.

tspek ~ yep. I have a 2001 (their 1st model year) they still make them though! I was looking at new 2006 or 2007 units before I got this older one. wicked roomy, gas efficient and sporty to drive! they have a low center of gravity. I drove 4runners for 20 years and then got this. it's no 4runner but I can still get on the beach to fish. it doesn't have the same ground clearance, you know?

mine has front wheel drive with automatic 4 wheel drive. I also have a manual switch on the dashboard to turn on the 4wheel drive and keep it there. I think it's a great system. not sure how they worked the 2006 and 2007 units. mine is due for a replacement and I would consider getting another. I wish they made their hybrid on the 4cyl unit but they only make the hybrid on the 6 cyl unit.

Toyota Matrix or Pontiac Vibe are the same car and both come with AWD. For the price you are looking to pay you should be able to find a 2006 -2008. Check it out.
Example:
http://inventory.ccluyq.com/cars/2009/Toyota/Matrix/Hatchback/SAWDHatchback/3226542.html

It's 2010. It's called technology. Get with it.

The WRX STI puts out 300hp and makes 23mpg.
http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza-wrx/sti/index.html

A brand new STi for under $10k! I'll take 3!

You're not going to get 25mpg+ out of a WRX or STi. Your not going to get 25+ out of any awd turbo 4 cylinder. My WRX consistantly got 17-18 mpg. My AWD DSM got 12-20mpg.

A 2.5RS might get you the mpg, if you baby it. No American NA Impreza got smaller than a 2.5L in the last 10 years. The 93-00 body style (GC) could be had with a 1.8L.

you guys ever see this site? I use for comparisons only - cuz real life may be different

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/bymakemodelNF.shtml

A brand new STi for under $10k! I'll take 3!

You're not going to get 25mpg+ out of a WRX or STi. Your not going to get 25+ out of any awd turbo 4 cylinder. My WRX consistantly got 17-18 mpg. My AWD DSM got 12-20mpg.

A 2.5RS might get you the mpg, if you baby it. No American NA Impreza got smaller than a 2.5L in the last 10 years. The 93-00 body style (GC) could be had with a 1.8L.

Lets not get caught up on a finite number.

I've owned a WRX ('01). It didn't get 25, but it was capable in getting close to that. The truck I'm driving now will only get about 14mpg if I just drive, but if I pay attention to how I drive I can get 17mpg out of it.

mileage is certainly relative. my Escape with 24.5 during the commuter week, and 30 on the highway at 65 with cruise control unloaded with tires fully inflated can't get close to the other car we have - a Toyota Matrix with it's tiny motor, etc. However, I picked up 11 mpg when I switched from my 4Runner to the Escape. that made a big difference! another cool thing was both vehicles had the same size tank, so I really feel the benefit of not going to the gas station as often!

stupid dealer mechanics replaced my 4 runner tank with a 14 gallon tank instead of the stock 17.5 gallon tank it was supposed to get. they are such a-holes - they didn't put gas in it so when I went to drive away it died in their driveway. at least give me a freakin gallon of gas for cryin out loud - so I can get to a station!

'02-03 Honda CR-V...around $10k.

In '02 Honda bumped up the HP for a second time...to 160 (was 140). Prior to that they had no balls whatsoever. I had a '99 but that thing would go through anything. And mid 20's mpg hwy.

A brand new STi for under $10k! I'll take 3!

You're not going to get 25mpg+ out of a WRX or STi. Your not going to get 25+ out of any awd turbo 4 cylinder. My WRX consistantly got 17-18 mpg. My AWD DSM got 12-20mpg.

A 2.5RS might get you the mpg, if you baby it. No American NA Impreza got smaller than a 2.5L in the last 10 years. The 93-00 body style (GC) could be had with a 1.8L.

I get 21.5 mpg from my 07 STI. You could probably get 23 or so if you drive like a human being.

Getting back to the original question, I would look for a 03-05 Imprezza. Very reliable.

See if you can find a Suzuki Aerio (http://nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2002_Suzuki_Aerio&ReviewID=4250) in your area. Can be had with AWD, and comes with a timing chain- not a belt.

'02-03 Honda CR-V...around $10k.


Also an option we've been thinking about. The ladies mom has an '06 that she may want to sell.