Thinking of Buying a New AWD Car

[Burninator]

So I am considering replacing my 06 Mazda 3 with something else. I would really like to get something that is AWD. I'm not interested in a truck, haven't thought much about SUV's to be honest, but I don't want something large.

The first two things that jumped to mind where the Subaru WRX and the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. Both are 4 cylinder turbos around the same price and they have very similar features throughout.

Does anyone have experience with these two cars or the manufactures? I'm not too familiar with either. I've been reading reviews online, but they are pretty sparse with useful information. They mostly seem to talk about the specs, which is something I can look up on my own. I'm more interested in peoples experiences who own the cars. Comfort, reliability, cost of repairs etc. Any help would be appreciated.

[Fobby]

The Ralliart with the SMG is fun. Does it still come with the recaro seats?

I test drove the STi, and the build inside just feels cheap.

[pylon]

Don't know how soon you are looking, but we will be seeing these hopefully in Feb/Mar 2012. We have a ton of pre-orders, but this will be an awesome car.

2012 VW Golf R



The will be 270 HP stock I believe, but once APR gets a tune set up, I am thinking the will run low/mid 300 HP levels.

I am guessing it will come in at $38-42000.

[photon]

Audi A3 and BMW 3 series as well have AWD versions. Some Volvos do too, but not sure about their smaller cars.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Fobby

The Ralliart with the SMG is fun. Does it still come with the recaro seats?
I test drove the STi, and the build inside just feels cheap.

The Recaro seats are part of an upgrade package. I've read that they are good for spirited driving, but uncomfortable for long road trips. I've heard that complaint about the WRX interiors as well, although I've heard the Ralliart isn't much better. I recall reading about my Mazda having a cheap interior, but it seemed fine to me, guess I am not picky.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

the Volvo V50 s40 do come in AWD...there is also the Mazdaspeed 6 which can be found reasonably priced used...the Nissan Juke...and the Suzuki Kyashi (sp?)

Not sure if a manual tranny is important to you...

[Burninator]

I should also add that I would like to be around the 35k range or lower.

[3thirty]

Audi A4, may have to get a year old one, but can then get the extra CPO warranty, I have an 08 and LOVE mine. Quattro owns in the winter.

[likwid888]

My Mercedes c350 has never let me down in any driving conditions. Intelligent AWD FTW.

[Fobby]

Originally Posted by pylon

Don't know how soon you are looking, but we will be seeing these hopefully in Feb/Mar 2012. We have a ton of pre-orders, but this will be an awesome car.

2012 VW Golf R



The will be 270 HP stock I believe, but once APR gets a tune set up, I am thinking the will run low/mid 300 HP levels.

I am guessing it will come in at $38-42000.

I went into a VW dealership and I asked about the R, and he told me "yea, we are never getting that"...

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Fobby

I went into a VW dealership and I asked about the R, and he told me "yea, we are never getting that"...

No, we are certainly getting it I know this as a VW dealer. The allocation is going to be small, but we have a order code for it. I certainly hope one of my sales guys didn't say this. PM me the dealer you were at.

[Fobby]

PM sent.

Yea, I was once at the same place as the OP, driving a 2004 mazda 3 looking for an AWD vehicle. VW was the first dealership that I stopped at asking about the R, then went over to test drive the STi, then the ralliart.

I also test drove the C300 4matic, and then the TL AWD.

Out of all the vehicle I drove, I felt that the most comfortable ride was the TL AWD follow really closely with the C300 4matic.

Fun factor, it was the ralliart follow closely with the VW GTI (Yes, i know the GTI is not awd, but there's the R now!)

Subaru just reminds me that u r a bus...

Best bang for the buck tho, was still the TL AWD... it was a boat, but it was a great vehicle...

[Ben_in_Canada]

Used to own a WRX, was outstanding............... but That was in Australia.
Was great on the road, gravel and in mud. Couldn't tell you about snow & ice.

[3 Justin 3]

Be a man, get a Lamborghini Aventador.

[Daradon]

I had a friend who had a WRX and it was a very nice ride. And I do believe they are considered to be one of best functioning AWD systems. They always seem to be picking up the rally awards anyway.

[THE SCUD]

I had a 2010 A4 and now have a 2011 Q5 - audi quattro is great. I'd suggest a base model 1-2 year old 2009+ A4 quattro.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by photon

Audi A3 and BMW 3 series as well have AWD versions. Some Volvos do too, but not sure about their smaller cars.

I love the A3, it's one of my favorite cars out there. Sadly, the AWD versions only come in automatic....how lame is that?

If you want an AWD wagon with a manual, the WRX is pretty much the only option you can buy these days. Too bad the interior's are so cheap feeling compared to the competition.

That R is definitely a great option too, it just might be a while to wait for it.

[Wormius]

I have a Subaru Impreza (old TS wagon) I have had it 8 years since new and never had any issues with it. Just regular maintenance at Calgary Subaru / All Makes. Only problem was the paint is easily chipped on this model/colour.

I guess it depends on why you need AWD. Its great in winter and on ice (unless all 4 wheels are on ice at the same time. Never stuck going up hills in the winter.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Call your insurance company and get a quote for coverage. You may suddenly decide not to get a hot hatchback.... Rates are stupid on these types of cars (Depending on your age and history of course).

Which is how I ended up with something else in the Subaru lineup. Good thing I did, I need the extra room now.

[Handsome B. Wonderful]

Originally Posted by Burninator

The first two things that jumped to mind where the Subaru WRX and the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. Both are 4 cylinder turbos around the same price and they have very similar features throughout.

Does anyone have experience with these two cars or the manufactures? I'm not too familiar with either. I've been reading reviews online, but they are pretty sparse with useful information. They mostly seem to talk about the specs, which is something I can look up on my own. I'm more interested in peoples experiences who own the cars. Comfort, reliability, cost of repairs etc. Any help would be appreciated.

From what I've heard from Lancer Ralliart/Evo owners, the transmissions are flaky as hell. They spend a lot of time in the shop, and Mitsubishi expects 50% of new transmissions to fail. I've never heard a complaint from Subaru owners.