Awd sports sedans

[300zx_tt]

So I am looking into getting an awd "sports" sedan. I was trying to pick up a diesel work truck but guys want ridiculous money for them. This is not a what should I buy thread this is for general info, reliability and personal experiences with the cars listed.

Looking at the following
01-04 Audi S4/A4/A6
04-06 Volvo S60 R
01-05 BMW 330XI
04-07 Subaru Legacy GT

Trying to stay newer than an 02 and less than 100k if you can think of anything not listed post it. I'll be in the market in a month or so, I'll be test driving these over that time. I'm 6'4" so I don't know if I'll fit in the Audi or BMW. Just gotta get my ass in the seat

[schaffer]

Are you looking for a bit of luxury as well, but yet a fun vehicle?



WRX,EVO, Lexus IS is awd....

[camopaint0707]

the volvo s60 is an amazing sleeper underrated car. I would rock one of them in heartbeat

[ambitiousCK]

Mazda speed6? VW R32

[Bates]

Mazda speed6? VW R32

He said reliable lol.

[x03_EVOx]

Well here is a little comparison. Two of my buddies have these. One has an 06 legacy gt spec B. The other one has an 04 Volvo s60r. Personally I like the legacy a lot better. Also if you were looking to do any mods the Volvo cost way more. The Volvo that my buddy has also gives him a lot of issues.

[Bates]

I would go with the Subby or the Volvo. The Legacy is always a good looking fun car, and the Volvo, well it is a Volvo you can't go wrong.

As a biased Nissan fanboy I am going to throw my hat in the ring: Juke NISMO or Juke NISMO RS. Don't know what your budget is though.

Only downside of the AWD Jukes is no manual, but the Juke Nismo RS is seriously nice, and if I didn't have a ton of custom work already put into my Juke, I would hop on one. Great exterior styling, awesome interior including Recaros, upgraded engine and trans, more power, good AWD system, after market is getting pretty good for Jukes as well. A good amount of suspensions mods, lots of coilover choices (including Cusco, BC, Tein, and RS*R), upgraded intercooler and turbo options, intakes, exhausts, etc...

I know you said Sports sedan, but honestly, once you lower a Juke, it becomes a sedan in my opinion.

[JERRYM1997]

What about a g35x?

[mg23]

big fan of the infiniti's lately

[jpalamar]

Is350

[breNTx22]

You missed the two big ones. EVO and WRX/STI. The WRX just got a complete redo. The EVO is a great car in general.

[Bates]

You missed the two big ones. EVO and WRX/STI. The WRX just got a complete redo. The EVO is a great car in general.

Those are $35,000+ cars though, we really don't know the OP's budget.

[300zx_tt]

Yeah I forgot, budget will be 11k which is why I had posted the cars I did and not the Evo Sti is250/350 they were all out of my budget.

I don't like to finance things. Haha

[breNTx22]

Yeah I forgot, budget will be 11k which is why I had posted the cars I did and not the Evo Sti is250/350 they were all out of my budget.

I don't like to finance things. Haha

You could get an older WRX for a little less than $11k. Personally, I think getting a used WRX, STI, or EVO is a crapshoot.

$11k could be a good down payment on a $18k car. Your payments would probably be around $150/month for 60 months. Though I'm not sure if you "dont like financing" because you have credit trouble. Use best judgement.

If it must truly be under $11k, no exceptions, be very careful. Anything sporty and cheap tends to get abused and neglected. Then some poor fellah like you buys it, drives 1000 miles, and discovers they need to find $4k for repairs.

Cars I would consider...

Forester XT
Infiniti G35x
Dodge Stealth (Mitsubishi 3000GT)
Acura TL - Don't they make an AWD version? Or maybe that's the TSX.
VW R32

Once again, anything cheap and sporty is a major risk unless you have the money for big repairs. If you don't want spend closer to the $25k that's your business. Just know you have to pay to play.

[Shipman]

You could get an older WRX for a little less than $11k. Personally, I think getting a used WRX, STI, or EVO is a crapshoot.

$11k could be a good down payment on a $18k car. Your payments would probably be around $150/month for 60 months. Though I'm not sure if you "dont like financing" because you have credit trouble. Use best judgement.

If it must truly be under $11k, no exceptions, be very careful. Anything sporty and cheap tends to get abused and neglected. Then some poor fellah like you buys it, drives 1000 miles, and discovers they need to find $4k for repairs.

Cars I would consider...

Forester XT
Infiniti G35x
Dodge Stealth (Mitsubishi 3000GT)
Acura TL - Don't they make an AWD version? Or maybe that's the TSX.
VW R32

Once again, anything cheap and sporty is a major risk unless you have the money for big repairs. If you don't want spend closer to the $25k that's your business. Just know you have to pay to play.

I dont see how that is the case. I bought a used 06 STi and its in perfect condition. You just have to make sure you do your research and pick a good one and pay the correct money. I dont understand how buying a used evo/STi/WRX is a crap shoot, yet buying a used forester XT is better.

[breNTx22]

I dont see how that is the case. I bought a used 06 STi and its in perfect condition. You just have to make sure you do your research and pick a good one and pay the correct money. I dont understand how buying a used evo/STi/WRX is a crap shoot, yet buying a used forester XT is better.

I guarantee you for every clean WRX/STI/EVO there are 5 that were modded to hell, beat within inches of their life, returned to stock, and then traded in. As you said, if you play it smart, you will find one eventually.

The problem is the crowd that's shopping for a rally car (just using the term to make a point) is wayyyyyyy different than those shopping for a Forester. There are tons of examples...The K24 (Honda) is an excellent engine. It's cheap, reliable, and can be used to make a lot of power. These typically get swapped in to older Civics, Preludes, Integras, and CRX's. Typically the crowd that does that isn't the type to shift at 3000rpm. Now on the other side, you have the same engine being put in to Accords and CRV's.

The point is, when you come rolling in to your high school parking lot with your swapped in K24-turbo you're the bee's knees. When you driving in with your CRV, no one thinks twice about it.


Edit: Also, being a WRX owner what I said should be common knowledge if you have spent more than 5 minutes on NASIOC. Go take a look at all the "HELP! Just installed a downpipe, intake, and BOV on my car. I drove it a few miles now it won't start!! Do I need a tune?!?!". That will be the same car you see at Carmax the next day. Then several days later you'll see the thread about the guy who spent $18k on it because the body was perfect so naturally it meant the rest of the car was. Unfortunately, the car started limping along after 100 miles.

[300zx_tt]

You could get an older WRX for a little less than $11k. Personally, I think getting a used WRX, STI, or EVO is a crapshoot.

$11k could be a good down payment on a $18k car. Your payments would probably be around $150/month for 60 months. Though I'm not sure if you "dont like financing" because you have credit trouble. Use best judgement.

If it must truly be under $11k, no exceptions, be very careful. Anything sporty and cheap tends to get abused and neglected. Then some poor fellah like you buys it, drives 1000 miles, and discovers they need to find $4k for repairs.

Cars I would consider...

Forester XT
Infiniti G35x
Dodge Stealth (Mitsubishi 3000GT)
Acura TL - Don't they make an AWD version? Or maybe that's the TSX.
VW R32

Once again, anything cheap and sporty is a major risk unless you have the money for big repairs. If you don't want spend closer to the $25k that's your business. Just know you have to pay to play.


I don't like the fact that I owe a bank money. I never finance anything. Just a personal preference. And I'm choosing to spend 11k because I can't justify spending all of my money on a car, I could go out and buy something for 25k; Just doesn't seem responsible. I'm 22. Just so everyone knows I'm not some 30 year old dude with **** credit that cant finance a car haha

[breNTx22]

I don't like the fact that I owe a bank money. I never finance anything. Just a personal preference. And I'm choosing to spend 11k because I can't justify spending all of my money on a car, I could go out and buy something for 25k; Just doesn't seem responsible. I'm 22. Just so everyone knows I'm not some 30 year old dude with **** credit that cant finance a car haha

Sorry, didn't mean to make it sound like I thought you made bad choices.

On a side note, build some credit. You'll be thankful later. It's nice knowing when you do need to finance something (mortgage, etc) your history is good enough that you don't spend more money (higher interest rate) than needed.

[Shipman]

I understand the beat on vehicle idea but there are way more beat on forester xt's than you may think. People are very aware that they are a nice alternative to the wrx and often buy and trash them as well. Im very pro-subaru and dont think a used wrx is a bad idea, like you said though just do the research.

As far as looking for cars you could also go with an impreza or base forester or outback, it may eliminate some of the issues commonly found in used turbo cars that kids get.

[sfd]

My only contribution is skip the Audi. Take it from an ex-Audi guy. For every solid A4/S4 you find you'll see 5 more with problems. Expensive to fix as well.

[mcperson2k]

Yeah, especially those b5's... :mad: so sexy though!

If it were me, I would just save that money and buy something I really like later. Just get a reliable DD and pocket the rest! Only saying this cause you went from a diesel truck to an awd sports sedan, clearly you are settling.

[300zx_tt]

Yeah, especially those b5's... :mad: so sexy though!

If it were me, I would just save that money and buy something I really like later. Just get a reliable DD and pocket the rest! Only saying this cause you went from a diesel truck to an awd sports sedan, clearly you are settling.

The b5 is a sweet car man, it really is.

I am settling but to get the truck I want I'd need like 30k+ which is a down payment on a house. I figured an awd sporty sedan would at least be an ok compromise. I have been just looking at cheap dd's sub 6k and there's some decent stuff out there.

On another note Trailblazer SS is in my price range.... Just wish the srt8 jeep was haha

[Shipman]

I hear a lot of negatives about the SRT8 jeep. It looks great and is fast but its a chrysler product and apparently isnt functional really. Small storage space, offroad capabilities are meh and its a pain because of tire sizes and makes normal stuff annoying. This is all just things Ive heard. Never experienced.

[WC Roadie]

My buddy has a newer 330xi and it's sweet, cost a lot more than 11k tho! Another has an 04 VWR32 and it's nice as well, just hit 100k miles and he had no real issues with it other than paint peeling. Lots of good choices, just research good like others mentioned.

[300zx_tt]

Might try and pick up something sub 5k just an everyday plain jane dd as depressing as it is to admit, it's probably the more responsible thing to do at this point. I have plenty of time left to buy a sports car

[breNTx22]

Might try and pick up something sub 5k just an everyday plain jane dd as depressing as it is to admit, it's probably the more responsible thing to do at this point. I have plenty of time left to buy a sports car

Ehh you'd be surprised. Before you know it you're 30 with 8 kids piled in your minivan. This is probably your only chance and if you don't get one you'll regret it the rest of your life.

:lol::lol::lol:

[300zx_tt]

Ehh you'd be surprised. Before you know it you're 30 with 8 kids piled in your minivan. This is probably your only chance and if you don't get one you'll regret it the rest of your life.

:lol::lol::lol:

You son of a bitch.

One thing I'll never drive is a minivan :cool:

[CleanNeon98]

I wouldn't touch a high tech euro car without a loooooong and comprehensive warranty on it. My coworker bought a 2010 128i and has already had the ENTIRE STEREO replaced (after 2 service attempts). I'm talking speakers, headunit, wiring, etc. Luckily his car is a CPO but when that warranty runs out, watch out baby! Something makes me think its going to have a lot of electrical problems down the road.

[300zx_tt]

I wouldn't touch a high tech euro car without a loooooong and comprehensive warranty on it. My coworker bought a 2010 128i and has already had the ENTIRE STEREO replaced (after 2 service attempts). I'm talking speakers, headunit, wiring, etc. Luckily his car is a CPO but when that warranty runs out, watch out baby! Something makes me think its going to have a lot of electrical problems down the road.

I have heard horror stories of early 90's euros and the electrical issues they have. A guy I know had a 95 3 series, his brake lights only worked with the radio on! I though in the early 00's that wasn't so big of an issue. There are essentially no American made awd sporty sedans. Mostly euro and Japanese.

[breNTx22]

I have heard horror stories of early 90's euros and the electrical issues they have. A guy I know had a 95 3 series, his brake lights only worked with the radio on! I though in the early 00's that wasn't so big of an issue. There are essentially no American made awd sporty sedans. Mostly euro and Japanese.

I would be nervous of any early 2000's AND late 2000's. Pretty much anything out of warranty :lol:

I agree, I can't think of many American AWD sporty sedans. Besides the Dodge Stealth I mentioned before there's also the Ford Taurus SHO AWD. I think they only started making them in 2010 so it may be hard to get it in your price range.

The SHO is a 3.5L V6 making 365hp and 250lb-ft. 0-60 is about 5.1sec and 1/4 mile is ~13.5sec. Not bad for a 3600lb vehicle.

[CleanNeon98]

Fr 11k you won't get a good German car, sorry. You might, but you'll quickly be paying more for repairs and maintenance. Euro cars belong under warranty or in the hands of foolish rich people after the fact.

Legacy GT is a great choice if the trans is in one piece.

[mcperson2k]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/3e/3e563b9a02f0a0996107d755e8fed879aa839491a93880586d 1d11bb0114729b.jpg

[Redline86]

B6 S4 awd 6-speed 4.2 v8. you can find them close to 100k miles for around 9-12k

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/medium/0192.jpg

[mckpat03]

B6 S4 awd 6-speed 4.2 v8. you can find them close to 100k miles for around 9-12k

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/medium/0192.jpg

But... but... but...

you won't get a good German car, sorry. You might, but you'll quickly be paying more for repairs and maintenance. Euro cars belong under warranty or in the hands of foolish rich people after the fact

:roll:

[rocknrace03]

a well taken care of legacy gt would be a nice car. my friend has a 2009, is the second owner. all leather interior. Like driving a classy/more comfortable wrx.

[jpalamar]

Why do you need AWD?

[saxon]

B6 S4 awd 6-speed 4.2 v8. you can find them close to 100k miles for around 9-12k

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/medium/0192.jpg

ya if you want a $5000 timing chain repair!

[NJ_evoIXgsr]

Glad you are a responsible 22 year old. You would probably need a co-signer anyway if you decide to get a higher priced vehicle.

@11k

Keep your goals low because you know your budget won't buy you the best but there are a lot of good options that you listed. I personally will never buy another euro again due to "bang for buck". I buy a car to mod and modding a euro is 2-3x more expensive to maintain and a pain in the ass to go around the corner to get general fluid. g12, mann oil filters, 0-40w oil, tuners or euro mechanics are on the higher side.

All personal preference when buying a car so go out and test those cars. You'll likely buy the car that you find first in the best condition vs what someone on here has to say.

I'd go legacy just to keep on topic. Subaru is usually on point but I'm an evo guy so I'm slightly biased towards them!

[300zx_tt]

Why do you need AWD?

Don't need it, just a preference.

[EvoM3Evo]

I would vote Evo/STi hands down. Reliable, fun, great for all conditions.

[blue91lx]

Evo. Reliable

One of these things is not like the other.

[Slasher]

try and find 2005+ volvo s40 awd. most on the street are FWD but if your lucky you can score AWD. and if your really really lucky you can find an AWD with M66 trans.
a couple boltons + tune and you will be sleeper sleeper.

[amp]

He said reliable lol.
autocrossed.. dragged .. daily my speed6.. no issues to date other than requiring a new pcv.. bought her new 8 years ago..
best deal for your buck these days imo...
mine is goin up for sale soon.. need something bigger for the fam

[300zx_tt]

I think I have decided on an s60r... Unles I find a good deal somewhere along the line....... The search is on

[EvoM3Evo]

Evo. Reliable

One of these things is not like the other.


I'm not sure the extent of your experience with Evos, but I have much experience. I have owned 3 of them, all 2003 Evo8s, all between 80k miles& 106k miles. It should be noted each car was only basically modified. (No built motors, no big turbo). Only Tune, TBE, Intake, BOV, larger FMIC. Each car was daily driven, driven hard (not beat, but driven as an Evo should), & each has performed flawlessly without issue. My first Evo, a silver one, started life with me @ 92k and was driven to 106k in 4 months. (yes, you read that right) Without soo much as a single hiccup. My next, a black Evo8 was a bit rough around the edges. 96k-104k. Clean title, but a little rough from being a Boston car. Ran great though, one time I damaged a lower intercooler pipe on a parking block & had to limp the car home, though that was my doing & upon being fixed it was fine. Bought My last Evo was a blue one, & by far my favorite one. Bought with just under 80k miles & driven only to around 85k or 86k miles before I had to sell it. I truly miss that car.

There are guys running 550awhp on stock blocks for YEARS without issue. The Evo has been proven to be more reliable than its STi counter, especially when modding begins. Stock block STi motor have a 400awhp limit before throwing a wrist pin & grenading...

This is just my personal experience with these cars...as I've told many people, "There is a reason why I've owned 3 Lancer Evolutions yet no STi." One day perhaps I would like to own one, but chances are, I will take an Evo instead.

[Shipman]

The Evo has been proven to be more reliable than its STi counter, especially when modding begins.

This is just my personal experience with these cars...as I've told many people, "There is a reason why I've owned 3 Lancer Evolutions yet no STi." One day perhaps I would like to own one, but chances are, I will take an Evo instead.

Gasp!

[Slasher]

i'm not sure owning 3 different cars at an average of 3 months of ownership each makes anyone an expert on longevity or reliability of that particular brand/model/car.
nothing personal. just my opinion.

[EvoM3Evo]

Gasp!

i'm not sure owning 3 different cars at an average of 3 months of ownership each makes anyone an expert on longevity or reliability of that particular brand/model/car.
nothing personal. just my opinion.



LOL, that is a valid point! However, in the short time I have owned the cars (4 mo. 14k miles, 6 mo. 8k, & 4 mo. 5k) the miles I put on are at a yearly rate, give or take.

As per the STi/Evo reliability, I am not fan-boying or being brand loyal, I am just stating from my personal experiences & from what I have personally seen. If you look around at those cars for sale, most STi's will have a new short block, new turbo, rebuilt this, rebuilt that. The Evos, more times than not, is all original parts. No motor rebuilds, no issues. The way I see it, is WHY did the STi need a new motor to begin with whereas its not the case with the Evo? We all know how both cars are usually driven, and seeing those cars used for sale, with one showing all rebuilt/"new" everything, & the other still orig. parts, which one shows stronger to you??

[NirvanCol]

I bought my evo brand new, and in my experience they're very reliable. Mine just has basic bolt ons and a tune, 115k miles, and it has been rock solid.

[Shipman]

This is becoming an invalid argument, the OP's budget is 11k, youre not going to get an evo/sti for 11k with less than 100k.

[jpalamar]

this is becoming an invalid argument, the op's budget is 11k, youre not going to get an evo/sti for 11k with less than 100k.

/thread

[EvoM3Evo]

This is becoming an invalid argument, the OP's budget is 11k, youre not going to get an evo/sti for 11k with less than 100k.

Not true, I have quite a few times.

[Shipman]

Not true, I have quite a few times.

Thats highly unbelievable. Youve bought multiple with less than 100k and in good reliable working order for that price? Ive never come across a trust worthy one at that cost.

[EvoM3Evo]

Thats highly unbelievable. Youve bought multiple with less than 100k and in good reliable working order for that price? Ive never come across a trust worthy one at that cost.

Believe it or not, why would I lie about something like that? The answer is yes I have found several. Several reliable, inspected, good running condition Evolutions for under $11k. I will say that STi's are much harder to find less than $13k, but Evos pop up from time to time.

I bought my first Evo, a silver 03 with 92k miles on it/clean title, bone stock w/ just exhaust for $9700. No issues what-so-ever. No CEL, no nothing....Oh, the A/C compressor was shot, THATS IT. My next Evo, a black 03 w/ 96k clean title was picked up for $11k. Finally my last Evo was purchased with 79k miles (yes, 79k), for $10,000. So deals are out there, you just have to search high & low quite regularly & be ready to pull the trigger ASAP before someone else gets to it.