docwyte wrote: You can get an Allroad in a 6 speed manual, but they're rare, hard to find. All roads are also one of the most complicated cars in the Audi line. I like the additional space, but not the mechanical problems they have. bravenrace, thanks for the offer, but I need something that will go up a mtn pass without me having to get out and push it.
cough http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7ZzqBPz4sY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=fvwrel&v=7ARaCKd8-0c
mrhappy wrote: Forester xt
I've never seen one for sale that wasn't an automatic. I'm sure they exist, but they seem to a "pry it out of my cold, dead fingers" kind of car.
Did the CX7 sport ever come in a stick? Same motor as the Mazdaspeed3/6 and it's AWD (I think).
Javelin wrote: There can only be one...V70R
This is the correct answer.
B6/7 S4 Avant, I have a B6 Sedan and it is hard to go wrong with a 340hp 4.2L v8. It's not direct injected like the RS4, but I think they had some issues with the (then new for them) fuel system. I guess the one negative I can think about is the 10L oil change, using Total Quartz 9000 (you'll read about all kind of oil system issues, but no one is using an oil that is qualified to the correct VW spec, these engines use a gear and chain driven valvetrain, and most oils do not hold up) it's about $80 for 2x 5L jugs and an oil filter, but not worth saving a few bucks and dealing with other issues. Owned mine for a couple years and 40K+ miles, and never uses oil, or have had any engine mechanical issues, has over 80K on it now. Haven't really looked at used prices, but I know trade-in value is near your price.
I have a buddy that has a B5 Passat wagon with a W8. It is cool.
I also vote V70R. So comfy plus that inline 5 growl!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFi3o3ivdb8
Yes please!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwrel&NR=1&v=Hx0TorGVg2U
If you want to screw with an Allroad owner, call their car an Outback. It'll hit them right in the brand awareness center and they'll sputter like Donald Duck. It's awesome.
I'm currently looking for something along these lines, and I'm thinking previous generation Outback.
the fizzy feeling in my stomach says B5 S4 avant as well, but I think I'd get either the cleanest impreza outback sport +$5k for sti swap =], or an early wrx wagon if you could find it.
and man I love those b5 w8 cars too.
I'm trying to tame my masochistic ways though
Javelin wrote: There can only be one...
Yes, I tend to agree. It's quite a car. Finding one with a stick is difficult. Finding one you'd want to buy is harder. Finding one you'd want to buy, with a stick, for 10k is going to be nearly impossible. I feel like I got extremely lucky to find mine for just over 10k, and I had to take a bit of a chance on a higher mileage car. Low mile examples have been going for 20k+ lately.
There is a v70r in CA on autotrader asking $9200, but it has bad shocks and those are eye wateringly expensive.
docwyte wrote: What do you choose and why? Obvious choices are the Audi A4/S4, Subaru/Saabaru WRX and ???
Audi Allroad and put the rest into a repair/maintenance fund.
Ya rly.
AMC Eagle?
chockrl wrote: B6/7 S4 Avant, I have a B6 Sedan and it is hard to go wrong with a 340hp 4.2L v8. It's not direct injected like the RS4, but I think they had some issues with the (then new for them) fuel system. I guess the one negative I can think about is the 10L oil change, using Total Quartz 9000 (you'll read about all kind of oil system issues, but no one is using an oil that is qualified to the correct VW spec, these engines use a gear and chain driven valvetrain, and most oils do not hold up) it's about $80 for 2x 5L jugs and an oil filter, but not worth saving a few bucks and dealing with other issues. Owned mine for a couple years and 40K+ miles, and never uses oil, or have had any engine mechanical issues, has over 80K on it now. Haven't really looked at used prices, but I know trade-in value is near your price.
The Avants command a noticably higher price than the sedans, don't think you'll find one much below $20K.
I buy oil for mine from the dealer -- they used to use a German-spec Castrol SynTech, but the last time I did it they'd switched to a Pennzoil product instead. I bought it with 15K, and have 56K on it now. Had one spectacular engine issue (leaky coolant O-ring between the block and the crank carrier) that the extended warranty company paid $8000 to fix. Other than that one glaring issue, it's been great. :)
I had a B6 S4 avant just like the above car. The issue with them is the timing chain. It needs to be replaced around 120k miles or so and just the parts cost $4500! Then if you haven't done the clutch yet, you might as well, that's another $1500 in parts. So $6000 in parts and $2000 in labor later, you have the car back together.
If you don't pro actively replace the timing chain and all the plastic (!!) guides and tensioners and one of them breaks, you end up dropping a valve and destroying the motor.
Audi seems to have done a better job with the B7's, but it still needs to get done around 120-140k miles.
Finding a B7 S4 avant 6MT is hard and they're in the mid to high $20k's when you do.
There is a Forester XT 5MT for sale locally, guy has modded it with the STI turbo, intercooler, Cobb exhaust, accessport, coilovers etc. Looks like a nice car, but he's asking $19k for it.
If I'm gonna spend that much I'll buy the '01 Porsche 996 C4 6MT instead!
Only a little above your price cap, maybe check Craigslist.
I was wondering what you had done to make everybody hate you and suggest audis. Volvo made the v50 and v70 (non r) with awd and a manual but other than that you are looking for a saabaru/Subaru in your price range.
In reply to pinchvalve:
Not a manual! 
ReverendDexter wrote:mrhappy wrote: Forester xtI've never seen one for sale that wasn't an automatic. I'm sure they exist, but they seem to a "pry it out of my cold, dead fingers" kind of car. Did the CX7 sport ever come in a stick? Same motor as the Mazdaspeed3/6 and it's AWD (I think).
Makes me feel good about owning a 5 speed Forester XT. Which is also my vote in this situation. Think WRX without insurance hike due to flat bill brotatoes.
"flat bill brotatoes" HAHA!!!
I may have to check out the one near me, just don't really wanna pay the $19k he's asking for it...
GTwannaB wrote: Legacy Wagon. Trade off vs Impreza on size but I think the Legacy interiors are nicer.
This, my buddy has one, good all-round
docwyte wrote: "flat bill brotatoes" HAHA!!! I may have to check out the one near me, just don't really wanna pay the $19k he's asking for it...
I am in the Springs if you ever want to meet up in Castle Rock you can check my forester out just to see how they are. I kind of went off the deep end for upgrades on a daily, but it is a lot of fun.
In reply to docwyte:
Holy eFF. 
http://www.euroaddiction.net/forum/b6-b7-platform/5527-b6-b7-s4-timing-chain-faq-information-discussion-thread.html
Not quite as bad as your $$$$, but still painful.
Gimme a timing belt and a standard service interval any day.
A V70R sounds nice too... but I'm still in wait and see mode with regard to newer Volvos. Ask me again sometime in the Fall after I replace the timing belt in the g/f's '96 850.
Find a 2004 forester xt. It will be tough to find a legacy xt in the $10k price range. Not impossible, but tough to find one without some issues at that price point. I think you'd find the legacy is a little more comfy. More sound deadening and that sort of stuff.
how about an Outback XT? a strut/spring set away from basically driving like a Leggy GT i would think. much easier to find in a 5 speed and have even more of the sleeper thing going for them if you're into that.
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