Help me change my husband's mind about cars!!!! - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Flame Of Liberty · 03-31-2008, 03:03 AM

One comment about high repair cost: I've said it here once, and I guess now it is a good time to say it again, don't buy OE spare parts. Car companies don't make their own shocks (for example), they buy them from shock absorbers producers, then pack them in their boxes and charge you outraguous price (in OE servises). Be smart and buy the same product in different (branded) package. You can save a lot of money that way.

Fozzie_DeBear · 03-31-2008, 07:15 AM

If given the choice between the two I would also go with the subie...but do you really need the STI (stooopid fast)? The WRX will haul just fine...

But if you are interested in other alternatives...all of these are hatches/wagons and are quick...some even WRX quick

Audi A3
Audi S4 wagon
VW GTI
Subaru Legacy GT/Outback XT
Forester XT (Fugly...but when you have kids you'll be jonsing for space and will be happy to have an alternative to a minivan)
V70R (see above)
BMW 540 Wagon

FLAMESRULE · 03-31-2008, 07:53 AM

Go for the Subaru Legacy Spec B. I have an '07 an it is just awesome. About the same price tag as an Sti...but looks much better and is a bit more "civilized". I walked into the dealership expecting to get an Sti and got the Spec B and am much happier for it.

Its about 50HP short of the Sti...but nothing an AP flash and exhaust cant fix.

This is the 3rd Scooby I've owned and chances are will always buy Subaru. The prices are getting a bit higher, but the AWD and turbo charged engines are worth it. The 2.5L engine in the '07 Legacys won Engine of the Year I believe.

notoepik · 03-31-2008, 08:03 AM

Borrow a car seat from someone, and try putting it in the cars. Then try sticking a kid in the car seat. Sit in the drivers seat and try to look back at the kid, pretend he/she is screaming and needs attention. That should make your decision easier.

Trust me, both cars you own will need to have easy car seat access.

SeeGeeWhy · 03-31-2008, 08:19 AM

My friend's parents survived an accident on Highway 2 coming back from Edmonton in a Subaru.

They were getting back from vacation and were quite tired from the flight into the Chuk, and his dad (who is about 60) fell asleep at the wheel. His side clipped a semi, and they got spun around in front of another semi, into the ditch and rolled the vehicle a few times.

They basically walked away (shaken up and very bruised) from the wreck and they both feel like they owe their life to Subaru for designing such a safe vehicle.

chid · 03-31-2008, 09:21 AM

My parents and I all drive Subarus, I have spent less than 200 on repairs in the past 2 years I've driven my beater. My parents also have spent minimal on repairs
My friend has a BMW and spends money each month to fix SOMETHING wrong with his Beamer.

I am all for getting a Subaru, but I am biased. (just look at my profile pic)

4X4 · 03-31-2008, 10:12 AM

My uncle's wife drives a BMW. Apparently, last month, the BMW dealership tried to rob her of $4,000 for some basic repairs and maintenance. After refusing and bitching about it to a few friends, they found another mechanic that did the work for less than $2,000.
I guess this has been the story of her BMW ownership. Constantly needing expensive repairs from a shop that fleeces her.

As for Subarus, everybody I know that owns one, swears by it. Those cars get purchased by one person in a family and one by one the whole family ends up owning one. That says alot to me.

Sorry to pile on in the wrong direction, OilersBaby...

chid · 03-31-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

As for Subarus, everybody I know that owns one, swears by it. Those cars get purchased by one person in a family and one by one the whole family ends up owning one. That says alot to me.

Sorry to pile on in the wrong direction, OilersBaby...

I own a 1990 Subaru Legacy
Dad owns 2000 Subaru Outback
Mom owns 2005 Outback LL Bean edition
Uncle owns 2000 Subaru Forester

Never any complaints, my uncle also but a Subaru engine in his Vanagon.

CaramonLS · 03-31-2008, 10:27 AM

I own a BMW and I think you should go with the Subaru for what you are looking for. I haven't had any problems with the 7k I've put on it so far, but that is probably to be expected of new cars, so I'm not jaded as of yet. But I have heard the horror stories of BMW Service.

While searching for my latest vehicle I test drove the WRX STI, and a BMW 3 series.

Subaru is probably the better car in that price range, especially if you are planning to have kids. I'd rather have the car with standard 4 wheel drive in Calgary Weather than the vehicle without.

The Subaru is a more powerful car, but not as nice of a ride and has a much more bland interior though.

The BMW is a more expensive car (quite a bit more infact), but has a far superior interior, quieter ride and the smoothest car I've ever driven.

The cheapest model version with 4 wheel drive is the 328xi (new). Otherwise go with the Subaru. I ended up going with the 328xi and it is night and day compared to front wheel/2 wheel drive. BMWs are Rear-Wheel standard, so getting the xdrive is something you should seriously consider if you are going to drive this thing in Winter.

Incinerator · 03-31-2008, 11:04 AM

How'bout the Acura RDX? Room for kids + Reliable + AWD + Turbo = winner!

FLAMESRULE · 03-31-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chid

I own a 1990 Subaru Legacy
Dad owns 2000 Subaru Outback
Mom owns 2005 Outback LL Bean edition
Uncle owns 2000 Subaru Forester

Never any complaints, my uncle also but a Subaru engine in his Vanagon.

Nice!! Same thing here...

I've owned an '87 RX 2 door, '04 2.5RS, '07 Legacy Spec B
Mom owns an '06 Forester
Sister - my old '04 2.5RS
Grandparents '03 Outback
Dad - Volvo, but I'm working on him getting a "real" car ;-)

And I absolutely swear by them...

Flames in 07 · 03-31-2008, 11:39 AM

One second while I put my soapbox in place.

Id say your honda civic is of a higher quality than the BMW. You need to get into the 5 series to get a respectable car.

Of all cars, to me the BMW is the most over priced and overrated car there is to buy. For a premium brand it's resale isn't great either, if you need a big brand go Acura, Lexus or Infinity.

The service for BMW's in Caglary is brutal and the sales staff is unprofessional.

Also BMW's just scream new money.

The Yen Man · 03-31-2008, 11:54 AM

I'd also go with the STI over the BMW.

But I guess if you really want something the BMW is better for, I guess the interior of the Beamer should be better (although I'm not sure, cuz I've never seen the inside of the one you're talking about). I find Subaru interiors to be kind of cheap. But hey, you're paying for performance, not the interior when buying the STI.

Honestly I would have went with the Evo over either car.

Buff · 03-31-2008, 11:59 AM

If you're gonna have kids get a lousy minivan. I hate the things, but I am glad I have one. It was a pain in the rear to get a kid in and out of a car seat in a car. Anything big like a minvan, suv etc. The more space the better, because when you have a kid you also have to pack around a lot of stuff.

Frequitude · 03-31-2008, 01:33 PM

135i

STI

Audi = expensive as hell to maintain

automaton 3 · 03-31-2008, 01:35 PM

A buddy has an STI...great car. Really quick, absolutely reliable, but rides a little on the rough side.

I echo the advice RE: 4 doors if kids are in the future. Wrestling car seats, kids and assorted stuff in and out of a 2 door is not fun.

henriksedin33 · 03-31-2008, 02:03 PM

If you want a car similar to the STI, less expensive, but not quite as fast, checkout the Mazdaspeed 3. Ive heard good things about them.

Its not balls to the wall fast like the STI, but its far from slow. Very similar in terms of design, its more comparable to a normal WRX though.

CubicleGeek · 03-31-2008, 02:07 PM

Ariel Atom.

0-60 in 2.9 seconds.
Beaten only by the Enzo as the fastest production car, all at a bargain ~20000£.
Beat a CBR600 RR around the track by a whopping 4 seconds.
Might have get inventive with how to carry the kids.

Gugstanley · 03-31-2008, 02:08 PM

What hockey team does your husband like? Might be easier to just change him out

FurnaceFace · 03-31-2008, 07:51 PM

I have a 99 Outback I bought new in Dec 98. 9.5 years and I have not had any maintenance other than oil changes. I think I finally need to have the front diff checked, but that's it. No visible rust yet either.

I'm a big fan of Subaru.