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sir pball

(5,001 posts)

2. Subaru Impreza

Reply to Flying Squirrel (Original post)

Fri Mar 21, 2014, 12:27 AM

Mar 2014

I've had several Subies over the years and I have nothing bad to say about them - my original 4-door "GL" ran for 80K after I bought it with 170K on the clock...and that was including the time a radiator hose burst about ten miles from home and I decided to limp in with no cooling; after 6 miles the engine was simply shutting off at stoplights because of the massive overheating, but I made it in slow and easy, replaced the hose, topped her off and got another 50K out of her.

But more than that, especially now that a $2500 "old" model is still probably post-2000, is the electronic AWD. My last car, an 08 Forester, could drive itself better in snow, ice, and rain than I could "by hand" even with formal training in skid recovery/car control (Another good investment, actually. Check local "racing" schools.) and 15+ years of winter driving experience. The best way to survive an accident is to not get in one in the first place. I'd suggest an Audi, their AWD is the best anywhere ever, but they're hard to find in that price range.

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First car for my 19yo daughter? [View all] Flying Squirrel Mar 2014 OP

At that price range I think you're buying the seller, not the car. LeftyMom Mar 2014 #1

Not true LoveMyCali Mar 2014 #16

My best friend has a Kia Soul. It's a nice car, and I'd recommend it if it were in the winter is coming Mar 2014 #34

The first new car Mom ever owned was a Hyundai KamaAina Mar 2014 #22

Subaru Impreza sir pball Mar 2014 #2

I was going to suggest looking for a Subaru in that price range. Fridays Child Mar 2014 #3

I really liked my GL, and the Forester blossomed into true love sir pball Mar 2014 #4

One of these days, I'm going to need to replace my current vehicle. Fridays Child Mar 2014 #5

I'd actually love a hybrid, too.. sir pball Mar 2014 #12

I would be very suprised if you could find a decent Honda or Suburu for that price BainsBane Mar 2014 #6

Have seen a few decent-looking ones at that price but Flying Squirrel Mar 2014 #8

It's a bad time of year to be shopping in that price range. LeftyMom Mar 2014 #9

Good point... but tell that to my daughter ;) Flying Squirrel Mar 2014 #10

Honda or Subaru.... Demo_Chris Mar 2014 #7

We have a 2007 Red Toyota Camry Hybrid with a moon roof, 74000 miles DebJ Mar 2014 #11

Volvos are the safest. grasswire Mar 2014 #13

Unfortunately, they are notorious for electrical gremlins. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #14

that's what finally did in my 240 fizzgig Mar 2014 #26

As a teenager, I did everything possible to destroy my Accord. The thing was a tank. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #15

"...definition of reliable." Raffi Ella Mar 2014 #21

Teach that young woman how to drive a stick shift. Frank Cannon Mar 2014 #17

i miss my manual fizzgig Mar 2014 #27

Better acceleration, more control. Frank Cannon Mar 2014 #36

Our 2008 Corolla 5-speed manual gets 38 mpg on the highway. Enraged_Ape Mar 2014 #39

My 15 yr old Honda CRV has 259k miles. Still going strong for my 17 yr old daughter riderinthestorm Mar 2014 #18

Homda just rolled it's UncleYoder Mar 2014 #19

Corolla MissMillie Mar 2014 #20

Yep. I voted for the Camry because I drive one and I love it, but Pool Hall Ace Mar 2014 #37

The earlier Saturns were pretty reliable and you won't find an inch of rust on them. Gidney N Cloyd Mar 2014 #23

The engines tend to run hot as they age, so it's good to always have some oil in the trunk. winter is coming Mar 2014 #35

This message was self-deleted by its author fizzgig Mar 2014 #24

It's her money, I'm only contributing about 200 or so as a birthday present. n/t Flying Squirrel Mar 2014 #28

gotcha fizzgig Mar 2014 #29

Horse and Buggy? LynneSin Mar 2014 #25

so would a bus pass... Callmecrazy Mar 2014 #30

Buses are too boxy ;) Flying Squirrel Mar 2014 #32

non-boxy Volvo marzipanni Mar 2014 #31

I have an '04 Camry that drives 840high Mar 2014 #33

What about Toyota Corolla? That's not on your list. cui bono Mar 2014 #38

Good point, added it Flying Squirrel Mar 2014 #40