I moved this over from the build forums section because it seemed like you would get more answers over here.
I moved this over from the build forums section because it seemed like you would get more answers over here.
The Subaru is probably your best bet, however there are a few issues to note:
If I used the converter correctly, you’re looking for something that gets roughly 23mpg or better. Just about every non-turbo Subaru fits the bill.
They're solid cars except for the mentioned head gaskets on 2.5L engines. Interiors are a bit basic relative to other cars of similar vintages but that’s really it from what I’ve seen.
The answer is easy. CRV. Dead solid reliability outside of the AC. Decent fuel economy. Easy on maintenance. Much better made than any Subaru I've been in.
bmw88rider said:The answer is easy. CRV. Dead solid reliability outside of the AC. Decent fuel economy. Easy on maintenance. Much better made than any Subaru I've been in.
I would say a CRV or RAV4.
Subaru is great but gets crappy mileage.
If you could cut your mpg requirements in half you could find a nice used Yukon Denali for that price.
RAV4.
My wife's previous gen Subaru Outback CVT got pretty decent gas mileage. Better than 2004 Impreza stick shift.
V50.
I have a Volvo s60 2.5T AWD. Nice comfortable car with a little giddy yap. Gets around 25 mpg highway at 75+ MPH. Make sure maintainance schedule was performed, ie: timing belt. The CRV, or Subaru, are good choices also. My SIL has a CRV, and loves it. Gas mileage is relative, since my main rig is a Lincoln Navigator. The Volvo V or XC series are worth considering. Volvos do have strut bearing,and end link issues, though overall reliable.
In reply to Dr. Hess :
no 2.4's.. 2.5 or v6 only
bmw88rider said:The answer is easy. CRV. Dead solid reliability outside of the AC. Decent fuel economy. Easy on maintenance. Much better made than any Subaru I've been in.
The CRV has the WORST awd system that I have ever experienced. It is a disgrace. If the OP really needs traction then avoid the CRV and get a Subaru. My neighbour's CRV would get stuck on a slight incline when my rwd Lexus would have no issues. Slip and grip awd systems have teh suck.
That said, tires will make the most different. Get some good new winter tires and you will be way ahead.
I'm pretty sure this is a canoe.
I didn't notice the link. I think you're right, DC.
dculberson said:I'm pretty sure this is a canoe.
I am in full agreement with you sir. Just had to reread it and it hit me.
In reply to ebonyandivory :
Yup... check his profile
I saw this yesterday and removed the link. It seemed likely to be a canoe but just in case it isn't I left the rest of it up as the questions can be addressed without a link.
In reply to Fueled by Caffeine :
Thanks, I did not see the link in his profile yesterday. I have deleted this spammer's account
V6 Rav4
I love my Nissan Juke. Turbo engine and AWD with true torque vectoring (not brake-based). I get over 30 mpg on the highway.
Honestly, I still think AWD is not needed for 99% of the population. I drove through the blizzard of 1999 from Chicago to Ames, IA in a Dodge Colt GT turbo with snow tires and had no issues at all. It was one of the worse blizzards that the chicago region ever saw. 22" of snow and 45-60 MPH winds.
So a poorly executed AWD system is still better than nothing and really not too many people will even notice. I'd rather have something dead nuts reliable since you aren't going to take any of these cuv's trail hopping anyways. If you want that then it's a different story.
My neighbour's CRV would get stuck on a slight incline when my rwd Lexus would have no issues.
Do you still have the Lexus? Because i have some dirt and a water hose..
I took a customer's AWD CRV into a dirt lot and did some mild 'testing' of the AWD system. It's definitely not FWD and i have to wonder how much of what is said about the system comes from examples that aren't working right. After reading a little on the dual-pump rear diff system I've also been very curious as to whether you couldn't tap a few pressure ports and wire an electric pump inline to activate the system from a switch. Functionally it's possible, i just don't know how buried those passages are in the case and how hard it would really be to implement.
Plenty of turbocharged AWD Civics putting power through CRV parts, so not worried there..
2001 IS300 with automatic and LSD. It was great winter car. I gave it to my BIL for cheap and it is still going strong as his only car. Sees snow all the time around these parts. On the other hand my neighbour dumped the CRV soon after that winter. Maybe it was defective, but it was truly terrible.
I have had 2 subarus, an AWD Saab and an XDrive BMW and they all rocked in the slippery stuff, totally unlike the CRV.
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