What AWD cars are out there?

[slippers2k]

I'd really like a vehicle with all wheel drive as my next purchase. Aside from Subaru, what other options could I possibly begin to get my hands on for under $30,000? (Realistically that is my absolute ceiling)

If not, what are some great fwd cars that are REALLY safe, unrealistically reliable, and fun to drive for less than $22,000?

Thanks in advance for all your info. I'm looking for 4 door sedans and small wagons. I've already considered Subaru (but I may not be able to afford it), and am considering Toyota and Honda.

-slippers2k

[quaddriver]

Originally Posted by slippers2k

I'd really like a vehicle with all wheel drive as my next purchase. Aside from Subaru, what other options could I possibly begin to get my hands on for under $30,000? (Realistically that is my absolute ceiling)

If not, what are some great fwd cars that are REALLY safe, unrealistically reliable, and fun to drive for less than $22,000?

Thanks in advance for all your info. I'm looking for 4 door sedans and small wagons. I've already considered Subaru (but I may not be able to afford it), and am considering Toyota and Honda.

-slippers2k

used audi A4s or VW passat 4motions might be had for that price range.

I looked at buying either new recently and found that the VW tends to use the 'previous' engine from the audi (when v6), but the passat and a4 are essentially the same car for about 6k diff.

[Moppie]

Telling us a little about where in the world you are would help, as well as wether you want new or used.

If you have access to used Japanese imports, or you live in Japan then the list is almost endless, as everything from a Honda Integra to a Toyota Hiace is avliable in AWD.
In Europe the pickings are a little smaller, but even Seat have an AWD model.
If your in North America is your choice is a bit more limited again, but AWD is becoming increasing avliable, especialy on European models.
(your $30,000 price limit also goes a lot further).


But you should also consider why you want or need AWD, depending on the climate you live in, and the sort of driving you do it might be an unneccasry waste of money, and un-needed on going running costs.


And, Ill move this into the car comparison forum as well.

[NISSANSPDR]

Remember...not that I recommend this....the Vibe and Matrix come in AWD on their 140hp versions...

[ghetto7o2azn]

you could try get a used lancer or a mitsubishi gsx even though thats not 4 door

[NISSANSPDR]

What Lancer (besides the Evo) in the US is AWD?

[pod]

not a recomendation but an old eagle tallon tsi awd

[BP2K2Max]

look at the Infiniti G35X. it's got the GT-R skyline attessa tranny and a 260 hp VQ35. very nice.

[flylwsi]

and it's more than 30k for that infiniti.

awd, used.

find an older subaru, like a legacy.
doesn't seem like you're looking for a performance car.
older a4 with quattro and the 1.8t...

[ricerz4ever]

we just bought a used '00 mercedes e320 4 matic for $26k that is a beast in the snow, and we also hav a '98 volvo v70 awd for $28k and they both are wonderful

[youngvr4]

umm hello vr4

[BP2K2Max]

Originally Posted by youngvr4

umm hello vr4

hello insurance


other than that though a vr4 is definitely worth considering. just think though, the insurance you're gonna spend on a AWD sports car (especially a TT) could be the extra $2K over your ceiling for a brand new G35x luxury sedan with 5 spped automatic, 7 year warranty and AWD. not to mention that i had a 95 maxima that was sold at 168,000 miles. nissans(infiniti's) are reliable cars


the oz rally lancer is AWD but slow as shit. my sister has an 02 impreza RS. RS must stand for RealSlow. gsx eclipse's are ok but 2 doors. wrx impreza's are pretty awesome. the sti and evo8 might be a bit over the celing too especially after sales tax, but they kick some ass. audi's are nice cars. they tend to run a little expensive though and aren't really all that fast unless you look into the S's. maybe a bmw 330 xi, i'm not very sure how much they'll run you though. if price is a big issue maybe you should just wait a year until all the new models are available as used for slightly cheaper.

[slippers2k]

I was surprised to find out the Matrix was available with full time 4wd. Is this anything close to the system used before in the Celica GT-four drivetrain?

I like the car, but would be concerned with potential rollover risk in emergency maneuvers. Can it be tamed?

And yes, if I can go Subaru at all, I am soooo in.

-slippers2k

[AcesHigh]

I didn't think the OZ Rally Lancer was AWD.

[S2kStu]

First off, the OZ Rally Lancer is most definitely NOT AWD. Why anyone would get that impression I don't know.

If you're looking in the $30,000 price range or under than I might recommend a few vehicles. First off, the Evo VIII: As used you can find them around $25k, or there is a stripped model (no AC, HIDs, ABS, stereo) for a reduced price. I think that one is around 25k or 26k brand new. Then there are the beautiful Euro cars, the Audis. The A4, A6 in quattro format are wonderful cars. Very luxerious and well built. I recommend the 2.7T A6. AWD coupled to 250 hp is GREAT. The 3000GT is another choice, the VR-4 model. You can get HUGE power out of those cars with very little money (I'm talkin $200 and you're hittin high 12s). WRX is self explanatory, great car. Now, if you cant find a Mitsu Galant VR-4, THOSE are cool little cars IMO. 2.0L Turbo with AWD ...few hundred dollars and you are a sleeper.

There's more, just can't think of them now. Cheers.