Audi, Subaru, BMW, Infiniti, or Lexus?

[ponyfool]

I am looking to replace my cage, a 99 Grand Am (that's right, I've been styling in a 99 Grand Am oooh ya!), with an awd sedan.

I have test driven the Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited, the Lexus GS350 awd, the Infiniti G35 and the BMW 535xi. The BMW was the most fun to drive, but it was "busy" inside and not nearly as intuitive as any of the others, and my wife has to drive this car sometimes too. I also looked at the 3 series, and it would likely do as well, but the same negatives apply. The Lexus had by far the coolest features and was the most ergonomically natural, but it was also much more expensive than any of the others. I sat in the Lexus IS250 and it is simply too small, so it's out. I have not been able to test drive the new Audi A4 quattro, but I have been in them in the past, and they are a bit too small for me. Hopefully, the new 09 will be slightly larger. I also don't fit well in the Infinity G35. The Subaru is the barest of all of them when it comes to features, but is also the least expensive, and I am really not a flashy sort.

I am looking for safety (Subaru wins in this group), awd (all of them have it), comfort, and reliability. What other vehicles that fit this mold am I forgetting? I want to stay in the mid 30's range so a 1 year old version of the more expensive cars would be considered.

 

[cougar8000]

Scott, check out the new G37 Coupe. I have 35 Coupe and absolutely love it. For winter I put winter tires and have had no problem in Chicago weather. Last year I even went to WI on a ski trip with just my oldest boy on it. People were looking at me llike I am crazy, but that is ok I am

 

[worldbound4now]

For safety and AWD that works well while maintaining a user-friendly interior, check out Volvo as well. The S40, S60 and S80 all are available in AWD.

 

[rwenck]

I am looking to replace my cage, a 99 Grand Am (that's right, I've been styling in a 99 Grand Am oooh ya!), with an awd sedan.
. . .

I want to stay in the mid 30's range so a 1 year old version of the more expensive cars would be considered.

Think about what I did - get a new "leftover" chrysler 300c srt8. Top speed, acceleration and handling are comparable to fjr and interior is comfortable and complete without being overly technical or "busy." very safe too with side curtain air bags, 4 wheel abs, traction control, etc. A 4200 lb car with 425 hp, automatic/ manual shift & many other features.

 

[beerme]

Not that my newly acquired company car is causing undue bias, but there's always the AWD Charger. It's even in your price range.

 

[Murph]

For safety and AWD that works well while maintaining a user-friendly interior, check out Volvo as well. The S40, S60 and S80 all are available in AWD.

I agree. You'd really miss out not to at least give a Volvo a look. After all, you said safety is a factor!

Not that my newly acquired company car is causing undue bias, but there's always the AWD Charger. It's even in your price range.

I have a similar company car (but it's the Chrysler 300) and it's just ok. I wouldn't buy a 300 or a Charger unless it was at a fire-sale price. There's nothing bad about it ... in fact it does everything ok ... but it doesn't do anything really well.

 

[FJRay]

Don't know if you want domestic but I bought the Ford Edge or the Fusion is the same basic platform. Its the best all weather car I have driven. Lots of power and it fits full size people.

 

[Toecutter]

I like the 2006 Saab 9-2x. Made by Subaru, with Saab styling. Manual very sporty to Auto very refined. Can be had for about 17-20k

JMHO....

 

[ridepastu]

For safety and AWD that works well while maintaining a user-friendly interior, check out Volvo as well. The S40, S60 and S80 all are available in AWD.

Volvo residuals are the worst in the car industry. Old body, nothing new for at least 10 years. S-80 T6 is nice but the car business is doing bad. I'm in the same boat as you. Coming out of a G35X, low lease payment. Looking at subaru and possably Honda CRV for the wife.

just my .02

 

[dbvolfan]

As a former Subie owner (WRX), I cant say enough good things about that car. In the rain and snow it gave you a lot of reassurance and stuck to the pavement. Fast as snot and easy to work on. The new ones are even more refined and powerful than my '04. Subaru has come a long way in terms of refinement.

The one area that dissappointed me was MPG. Subies AWD system drain gas and most all of the models, especially those that have turbos require premium.

We recently looked at the Legacy and it was really nice. I may be biased but it gets my vote.

BTW, BMW service will cost you a right nut and maybe your left one as well.

 

[Niehart]

Hey buddy, if I lived in the town of winter ice storms I would think of 4wd first and narrow it down from there.

 

[myzen]

Hey buddy, if I lived in the town of winter ice storms I would think of 4wd first and narrow it down from there.

Mercedes C300 4 matic , I have the C300 and LOVE the car.

 

[user 213]

Pony - check out the Nissan Rogue.

Volvo - BTDT, high maintenance costs. ditto for Audi. Subi's I've had better luck with, but the high end ones seem to be more maintenance intensive than the plain jane ones.

 

[jcyuhn]

Mercedes has AWD systems available in the C & E class, though it sounds like both would run more than you've budgeted.

I wouldn't purchase a Chrysler product. I think there are better than even odds Chrysler won't exist this time next year. That's not going to do much for the resale value or the parts & service.

I think Ford has an AWD version of the Taurus. It's built on the same platform as the Volvo S80, so boasts good refinement and safety. May be worth a look.

- JimY

 

[Randy]

I didn't see any mention of SUVs/Crossovers in your original post. I see you wanted to stay in the mid 30's range, but you also list a 535xi? If you can find one of those for mid 30's, jump on it. Great car.

I got a great deal on my Acura MDX and if you get one without Nav, you might be able to keep it under 40 for a brand new one if you can find an '08 leftover. I was shopping the MDX and Honda Pilot and ended up getting the MDX for less than a comparably equiped Pilot. Strange.

Another one that surprised me is the Dodge Journey. I've had one twice for a rental and I liked it. Comfortable and decent gas mileage for an all wheel drive Crossover. Interior is a little bland, but, lots of bells and whistles.

 

[Fairlaner]

My wife and I both have Audi's and love them, hers is the 3.2 A3 which a fun little car to thrash around town (bit on the thirsty side if you thrash it too much) mine is the A8L which I love and it gets 24mpg on the highway.

We have had the A3 for 3 years and the 8 for a year, maintinance costs so far $0 as all scheduled services where included.

Save yourself the depreciation and buy a 1 year old Audi.

R

 

[Niehart]

R, bout time you chimed in. 24MPG at what speed

 

[Fred W]

SAAB now has an AWD version of the 9-3 Sport Sedan called the Turbo X. It might be a bit too small for you based on your criteria.

I own an '03 9-3 Vector (Aero). It is a very nice car. I haven't driven the new AWD yet, but hope to soon. Gotta love the SAAB turbos!!

[edit] I love that I get great performance and still manage 33-34mpg on the interstate (when I'm not boosting in the orange)

 

[donaldb]

well you asked for it............I know you are familiar w/the opinion analogy :glare:

My issues w/Volvo are that if you plan on keeping the car more than 4 years........Volvo parts and service is incredibly expensive.

Wife and I have been in the market looking and test driving since last June. I recently sold my 03 Ford F150 supercrew so she could get a new car.

We drove Mazda's, Hyaundai's Kia's, Honda's Nissan's Toyota's, GMC's Buick's, Fords, and VW's.

Then there was Subaru.........never owned a subie before......wife liked the most out of all she drove the 2009 Subaru Forester

look here

Some incredible competition included in that group. Wife was wanting a SUV/CUV because it rode higher, gave her better vision around her and also her knees are starting to give her some problems...we aint youngsters anymore.

We got the top end turbo limited w/navigation. The AWD feature and the excellent crash rating helped sell us. All subie owners I know have loved their cars..........so we jumped out, took a chance...drank the cool aid and so far we have been very happy w/the decision. We have 2k miles on the subie and the turbo is a lot of fun.

Good luck in your search.

not usre the link above is working. If not try here.

https://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/11...year/index.html