[RichMattB]

Hey All,

I'm just looking for some feedback. My lease is up in a few months on my 08 G35x. I'm looking to spend less than 20 g's on a new used car. This car is my winter/2nd car so it must be AWD or 4WD. I was looking at 07 or 08 A4's since they represent a really high level of "bang" for your buck.

Any ideas? Good experiences with the A4?

I'm all ears...

Thanks!

[CAPSGOD]

09 Subaru Legacy Spec B/3.0R

[Scrubber]

Suzuki SX4. Add $4,000 rims.

[Artmasterx]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

09 Subaru Legacy Spec B/3.0R

+1 on the Subie if you want something decently sporty, but you may hard-pressed to find an 09 spec.B for that price (I personally would love a white one). An 07 or 08 spec.B with decent miles is probably possible, and an 07/08 Legacy GT with fairly low miles should be easy, and they are nice cars in their own right. You have to worry about the turbo, but otherwise surprisingly nice inside. You may also want to look at the Mazdaspeed6.

I guess you didn't really say what was important other than AWD: new/used, performance, handling, MT/auto, cargo space, MPG, sedan/hatchback/CUV/etc.

Other options on the sporty side (used):
Volvo S60 R
VW R32
Audi A3 3.2
Suzuki Kizashi GTS AWD (nearly new but CVT though... booo)
Older Acura RL AWD
and the usual older-model A4/3-series/C-class...

[RichMattB]

Thanks guys - Subaru is a really good option too. The Boxer motors are apparently bulletproof.

To be more specific, I'll suggest that I won't like anything that is new for under 20k so used is probably the way to go. I would prefer auto and I like sedans. Cargo space and fuel economy aren't that big of a deal.

Keep the ideas coming!

[kdiggz]

u have a 2011 m3 and 20k for another car? should have just bought a GT-R

[RichMattB]

Haha - yea but I have to have 2 cars...and the GT-R isn't exactly good in the snow!

[boombastic]

I don't agree with you. I had OEM winter package with all season tires for last winter in NYC. Even better than my old M3 with snow tires.

Originally Posted by RichMattB

Haha - yea but I have to have 2 cars...and the GT-R isn't exactly good in the snow!

[Silver-Bolt]

Anything from Subaru. Skip the R32. Had one and not impressed.

[CAPSGOD]

Forgot about the 2006 Acura RL SH-AWD: low resale makes it a bargain. The RDX is a fun ride as well.

[Artmasterx]

Originally Posted by RichMattB

Thanks guys - Subaru is a really good option too. The Boxer motors are apparently bulletproof.

To be more specific, I'll suggest that I won't like anything that is new for under 20k so used is probably the way to go. I would prefer auto and I like sedans. Cargo space and fuel economy aren't that big of a deal.

Keep the ideas coming!

Well, unfortunately the Legacy auto transmission doesn't get glowing reviews, but I think it's acceptable. You may have to worry about the turbo in a older Legacy GT... something to do with a banjo bolt filter getting clogged and starving the turbo of oil. Someone correct me if I wrong.

Check out the 2011 WRX sedan. Should be good if it isn't too low end or boy racer looking. I think the banjo bolt issue was fixed by then.

A few other options:
- Cadillac CTS AWD
- Lexus GS300 AWD (not too sporty, but it's probably better than the IS250 AWD and would make a nice cruiser)
- Audi S4 (watch out for maintenance though)

There really aren't many more sporty, AWD, sedans that haven't been mentioned. You can get into the standard Fusion/MKZ, 300C, etc categories which are pretty uninspiring.

[RichMattB]

Originally Posted by boombastic

I don't agree with you. I had OEM winter package with all season tires for last winter in NYC. Even better than my old M3 with snow tires.

I was thinking more in terms of ground clearance. However, you have first hand experience so I stand corrected.

[RichMattB]

Originally Posted by Artmasterx

Well, unfortunately the Legacy auto transmission doesn't get glowing reviews, but I think it's acceptable. You may have to worry about the turbo in a older Legacy GT... something to do with a banjo bolt filter getting clogged and starving the turbo of oil. Someone correct me if I wrong.

Check out the 2011 WRX sedan. Should be good if it isn't too low end or boy racer looking. I think the banjo bolt issue was fixed by then.

A few other options:
- Cadillac CTS AWD
- Lexus GS300 AWD (not too sporty, but it's probably better than the IS250 AWD and would make a nice cruiser)
- Audi S4 (watch out for maintenance though)

There really aren't many more sporty, AWD, sedans that haven't been mentioned. You can get into the standard Fusion/MKZ, 300C, etc categories which are pretty uninspiring.

Do you know, off hand, what model years had problems with the turbos? I also looked into the 2.0T A4's and found that cam roller are a known issue, as are diverter valves.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by RichMattB

Do you know, off hand, what model years had problems with the turbos? I also looked into the 2.0T A4's and found that cam roller are a known issue, as are diverter valves.

Older model Audi's also used Timing belts instead of Timing chains. This is a decently costly thing to maintain and fix. I think for the A4 the last one was the B6, before they found the light.

[Artmasterx]

Originally Posted by RichMattB

Do you know, off hand, what model years had problems with the turbos? I also looked into the 2.0T A4's and found that cam roller are a known issue, as are diverter valves.

I am not 100% sure, but I think 05-08 had them.

Here is some additional information:
http://www.justanswer.com/subaru/2ah...77k-miles.html
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthrea...al-62371.html?
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthrea...val-61689.html

[b0bab0i]

Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

[shipill]

Audi A4 B7

[mtla4]

Forget the luxury cars. Im an Audi fan but gotta admit not reliable. Around 20K I go pick up a brand new car civic etc. If you decide to get the audi you'll have to deal with peeling interior switches, fsi engine problems etc. Been there done that and still doing that. I just went back to your post go buy a Subaru Impreza (2011 model being replaced by an all new model).