As I prepare to retire, I am making a list of new or slightly used cars to replace the Corvette and the Jaguar. I want an AWD sports sedan for vacations (we intend to see the USA), and so I don't need to worry about repairs. My current list of cars to consider:
Ford Fusion AWD
Jaguar XF AWD
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8
Dodge Charger AWD
Infiniti G37 AWD
Mercedes C400 4Matic
Subary Lrgacy SPORT AWE
Toyota Highlander
Need:s comfortable for long road trips, fast, spacious, AWD or 4WD.
If you don't mind a GM the newer caddies are excellent, and all are available in AWD trims.
ReplyDeleteI had one for a few years, and loved it.
I and my friends have all had very good luck with Subarus, especially in terms of reliability (I'm THIS close to putting 300,000 miles on my 92 Loyale.)
ReplyDeleteYukon AWD is nice, so is the 4WD
ReplyDeleteSubaru Outback, Forester or Crosstrek
ReplyDeleteReliability & full time 4WD
Have a 2010 Outback with a 6speed Manual transmission average 28mpgThe Crosstrek is supposed to get over 30mpg with the new CVT transmission.
Happy trails
I considered looking for a good used Subaru Outback from before they changed to higher beltline and roof. The dealer said that they see very few traded back.
ReplyDeleteHonda Pilot great modern AWD with super reliable engine. My brother swears by his much cheaper Subaru.
ReplyDelete.
It's not a sports sedan, but I'd *strongly* suggest looking at the AWD Toyota Sienna.
ReplyDeleteToyotas are *rock solid* in the "need repairs" department, Toyota dealers exist all over the *world* and minivans are comfortable for the long haul, decent gas mileage and carry lots of stuff in easy to get to ways.
Also if you need to they're a LOT easier to sleep in.
Since you mentioned the Jeep, take a look at this:
http://expeditionportal.com/top-10-used-overland-vehicles/
You could do worse than a late year Toyota Land Cruiser.
To back up what Mauser said:
ReplyDeleteI had a '91 Subaru Legacy that completely fell apart on me at 450 *thousand* miles. Give or take.
Up to the last 500 miles (or so) it was very reliable, started every time, and (more importantly) stopped when I told it to.
Then the radio died. The windshield wipers stopped working reliably, then the transmission started going out etc.
This was in 2005 BTW.
The only problem with the Subarus is that they are definately a low to mid-end car. Reliable, sturdy, but short on creature comforts and a bit small. After my 1991 legacy died I bought a 2004, which we still have--with only 150k on it. We've used it to pull overloaded trailers from California to Missouri, then from MO to Colorado. It's only got the naturally aspirated 2 liter, so it's not spritely up the hills, but it gets there.
However mine isn't so comfortable for the long haul (yeah, because CA to MO in 42 hours isn't a long haul (had cats and a 18 month old. We just kept the car moving, that's how we rolled).
Toyota 4-runner. I don't know why anyone would fool with anything else.
ReplyDeleteClayton,
ReplyDeleteWe are on our 3rd Toyota SUV (passing them onto friends and family after many miles, and they still continue in good service).
I would HIGHLY recommend that you do not buy until you examine the Toyota Highlander. In our experience, it has been flawless. It has the tight and smooth ride of a sedan, with the handiness of an SUV. The creature comforts are very good, the powertrain is smooth and powerful (V6), it is AWD, and the power liftgate read cargo area is wonderful. We have used it in heavy unplowed snowy rural roads, and it has seamless traction. Give it a real examination before you buy.
My sister loved her AWD Subaru Outback wagons, and I think other owners have had similar appreciation for it. Might look into those as well.
ReplyDeleteI am right now trying to decide between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner. This after my old Sequoia finally bit the dust. Both look very good. The Highlander is more comfort oriented and has more high end gadget features, and the 4Runner is a more serious off-road vehicle.
ReplyDeleteSubaru Forester. Still big glass for big views.
ReplyDelete