Possible car hunting

[helwen]

We're looking at possibly trading in for a wagon. We'd like to get one that gets at least 35 mpg and has a reasonable service record. I just tried checking Consumer Reports and couldn't get their web site to load properly (I think 3 tries is enough, thanks). Oh, and vehix.com didn't do much for me either, although at least I could look at it...

Anyone have recommendations on cars and/or a useful web site to do the research on?

Comments

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

Subaru has a couple of known issues; bad valves, bad fuel injectors, and a bad rear end. They also have limited service availability.
However, they have many used parts available wherever yuppies and hippies convene, and have that one feature you require; 4x4.
Any car is a compromise.
No matter what you choose, I hope it brings you ease and safe use.

[dreda.livejournal.com]

Because our current car is a hatchback Impreza and the next one is likely to be a Forester, would you mind pointing me to some references on those known problems? We haven't had them, but we could just be fortunate. ;)

(To the original point, we love our Subaru and although it doesn't get 35mpg, it does pretty damned well.)

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, it's all direct evidence and anecdotal evidence from the mechanics I work with. Only one will still take on Subarus, and he curses them.
That said, I'm hoping to get a used one soon.

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

I'll be impressed if you can find a wagon that gets 35 mpg. But I am very pleased with my Toyota Matrix (Corolla wagon), which dependably gets 29-31 mpg, hauls a pretty good load, and has AWD.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the Toyota info. We used to have a Ford Escort LX and it got decent mileage, up to around 34 mpg. But we had to get something or other overhauled every couple of years. At least the parts were easily available....

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

I had good experiences with my escort lx as
well. I passed it on to a roomie some months
ago, and he is having pretty good luck with
it too.
My most local garage specializes in buying
salvage escorts and making franken-cars with
the best bits. They find the parts VERY easy
and cheap to come by, and they put together a
nice little wagon.
(Both mechanics are hobbyist stock racers, and
so have some good experience in such things.)

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

To date, the only work I've had done on my Matrix was oil changes/scheduled service, body work (repairs after an accident), and a windshield replacement to pass inspection. No mechanical troubles ever. I am about to replace the original tires after 55K miles.

[kass-rants.livejournal.com]

Email your boy apprentice at bob [at] reconstructinghistory.com. He can't access LJ from work anymore. But he does have a vast knowledge of the used car market and access to some industry information that the average consumer doesn't.

And since we were looking for a wagon recently, he may really be able to help you, even though he doesn't sell anymore. =)

Doh!

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Oy. Thanks!

[bytchearse.livejournal.com]

www.bargainnews.com

You can choose "central MA" as a search location. While there isn't reserach as such, there are vehicles there and if you find one that might work for you, maybe you can do some specific research on that vehicle.

Lots of other stuff on there too, BTW!

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

You do realize that we're in western MA, don't you? ;-)

[helwen.livejournal.com]

I'll check it out, thanks.

[estela-dufrayse.livejournal.com]

We have a Jetta stationwagon TDI, best car we've ever owned, will go about 750kms on one tank of fuel, and gets more fuel efficient as the engine "breaks in"
It feels like a tank when you drive and is high on the safety factor with air bags and roll bars.

It also had the most amount of cargo space, even more than some of the SUV's we looked at! But the back seat is a little tight on leg room.