Tech Looking to buy a new car

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A year and a half ago I was planning a road trip around the country, so I went looking for the best road trip car I could find. I did a ton of research and, long story short, I bought a used (2013) Acura RDX through Carmax (great experience btw). I hadn’t bought a used car in 30+ years but the RDX was well worth it (and used was the only way I could comfortably afford one). I could not be happier with my choice. It has a lot of power (6 cylinder) and gets 28 mpg consistently, even at 80 mph. It’s very comfortable, quiet and well built, with all kinds of room. And it’s a pure pleasure to drive. I’ve never felt so “one with the car” before. Too, the stereo system is outstanding. The last 2 vehicles I purchased had Bose surround sound systems and they weren’t anywhere near as good. Just a great all around car that I expect to last me a very long time. And I can virtually guarantee that the next car I buy (whether for me or for the wife) will be another RDX. Or at least an Acura. You get what you pay for.......
 
We like the Camrys but they don't come with AWD. Camrys are out.

Nissans come with AWD and Volvo S60s will come with AWD starting in 2019, Dec.

We live in the hills of Lake Oswego and need AWD in the winter to get us back and forth to the hospital which is essential.

Also would like backup camera, lane departure, pedestrian avoidance, blind spot warning, a cruise control that accounts for the speed of the car ahead of you and halts a front end collision with the car in front of you, interlock, GPS, keyless entry, smart key fob, sedan, hybrid and good gas mileage.
 
SlyPokerDog said:
Camry is Camry, nice car, kinda boring.

Look at the Lexus IS 300 or 350 AWD. It's a Camry on steroids. Great looks, value, and reliability.
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The IS is absolutely not a Camry. It is a RWD car, the Camry is FWD - very different chassis. The ES350 and the Camry were once one and the same, not sure if it is still the same - or if the ES is based on the Avalon now (which is bigger than the Camry).

Having said that, the IS is a fantastic car.
 
andalusian said:
The IS is absolutely not a Camry. It is a RWD car, the Camry is FWD - very different chassis. The ES350 and the Camry were once one and the same, not sure if it is still the same - or if the ES is based on the Avalon now (which is bigger than the Camry).

Having said that, the IS is a fantastic car.
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Shhhhh.... you drive a Miata. No one wants to hear from you.
 
If you are going for a Subaru - avoid the EJ engine- not sure if the Forester and Outback still have that or if they moved to the new engine that the Impreza and Crosstek use - but the old EJs will blow their head-gaskets sooner or later and when it happens, engine death can be immediate.

We have had 4 Subarus, loved 3 of them, were ok with the last one. Unfortunately, that one blew a head gasket when I was out of the country and my wife did not check the oil every other week as one should on these old Subarus. The result... blown engine.

FWIW - Of the other 3, another one had a blown head-gasket, but I caught it and was able to fix it before it detonated it's engine.

EDIT: Looks like the Outback still has a 2.5L 4 cylinder 175BHP engine, that smells like an EJ to me. If I were to look at an Outback, only the 6 cylinder - avoid that engine.
 
SlyPokerDog said:
Shhhhh.... you drive a Miata. No one wants to hear from you.
Click to expand...

I wish I could drive the Miata more, but it is summer vacation and I have to pick 2 kids from theatre - I am mostly driving an EV or an old Lexus GX this summer. But, I did have an old Lexus IS before - an older IS300 (the first IS) - and it was a fantastic car. I wish I still had it.
 
Lanny said:
My wife and I have narrowed it down to either a Nissan, Camry or Volvo s60 Hybrid. We need awd.

Any suggestions? Especially from you, Bodyman.
Click to expand...

If awd performance is important, there's Subaru, and then there's everybody else. :cheers:

 
andalusian said:
If you are going for a Subaru - avoid the EJ engine- not sure if the Forester and Outback still have that or if they moved to the new engine that the Impreza and Crosstek use - but the old EJs will blow their head-gaskets sooner or later and when it happens, engine death can be immediate.

We have had 4 Subarus, loved 3 of them, were ok with the last one. Unfortunately, that one blew a head gasket when I was out of the country and my wife did not check the oil every other week as one should on these old Subarus. The result... blown engine.

FWIW - Of the other 3, another one had a blown head-gasket, but I caught it and was able to fix it before it detonated it's engine.

EDIT: Looks like the Outback still has a 2.5L 4 cylinder 175BHP engine, that smells like an EJ to me. If I were to look at an Outback, only the 6 cylinder - avoid that engine.
Click to expand...
My wife's 2005 Camry and my three Volvos never blew a head gasket. I think I got up to 300,000 miles on one of my Volvos. Another 1969 Volvo got 150,000 miles and had to trade it in on a new one when I moved to a sales tax state and wanted a new car without paying a tax. The second one got 300,000 and the third got totaled when a lady rear ended me violently.

Edit: A failing head gasket shows up when the oil looks like foam or the oil starts leaking out the gasket.
 
MARIS61 said:
If awd performance is important, there's Subaru, and then there's everybody else. :cheers:

Click to expand...

My brother had a Suburu. It had other problems.
 
Lanny said:
My wife's 2005 Camry and my three Volvos never blew a head gasket. I think I got up to 300,000 miles on one of my Volvos. Another 1969 Volvo got 150,000 miles and had to trade it in on a new one when I moved to a sales tax state and wanted a new car without paying a tax. The second one got 300,000 and the third got totaled when a lady rear ended me violently.

Edit: A failing head gasket shows up when the oil looks like foam or the oil starts leaking out the gasket.
Click to expand...

I am aware of the issue. The problem with that engine is that it is prone for that issue. I honestly think that Subaru's AWD system is fantastic and they often make wonderful cars, my 2001 Impreza RS was an amazing car and lots of fun, but - they have issues that one needs to be aware of.

FWIW - I would still take a Subaru over a Nissan for AWD, but I would remember to check the oil on that Subaru often.

Or.. if you can live with a slightly smaller car, the Subaru Crosstek has all the advantages of great AWD without that 2.5L EJ motor. I am wondering if I should get a used one for my daughter instead of having her drive a giant old Lexus.
 
andalusian said:
Let me guess.

1. CV Joints?

2. If CVT - CVT?
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My brother passed away 13 years ago. I don't recall the problems except for the leaking front windshield. There were others but like I say I can't recall them.
 
Lanny said:
My brother passed away 13 years ago. I don't recall the problems except for the leaking front windshield. There were others but like I say I can't recall them.
Click to expand...

Lanny, look at the Lexus.
 
riverman said:
My solution to living in the foothills without 4 wheel drive is to just stay home when the roads are bad
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I have to go to the hospital and when I need to go it's practically life and death. When the weather gets bad I've been taking a chance that I can't make it through the ice and snow.
 
Nissan Altima is awd. Or are you looking for something bigger?

2019-Nissan-Altima-01.jpg
 
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