[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
![]() | [Main Other Cars Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Inexpensive AWD Vehicle Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email] ![]() ![]() |
A down on her luck relative is moving to Colorado in a month or two and her trusty E320 is going to be making a lot less sense when she does. I'd like to help her replace it with something AWD to help make her life a little easier. I know a FWD car with proper shoes would do her fine, but she just isn't the type to pay attention to seasonal tire changes (which is part of the reason she is where she is). I am trying to avoid anything 4WD as I just don't think she will easily grasp the proper use of a transfer case, though I haven't ruled out something like a Cherokee. As she'll be out in the boonies, something with some ground clearance might make sense, but honestly she's not that adventurous, so a normal car might be just fine.
The budget is going to be around $5k - not optimal, but I think achievable. Some things I am considering:
A P80 or P2 Volvo, like an XC70, V70, or S60
1st or 2nd gen CR-V
1st gen RAV4 (2nd gen cars are crazy expensive here)
1st gen Santa Fe (we have a 1st gen 2WD and it's been adequate)
Turn of the century Subaru of some type
Saturn Vue
Volvo is the only European car on the list right now - it's not going to be an Audi or a BMW, an XWD Saab is not going to fit the budget, and I am not sure I'd trust a 4matic Benz. Everything I named should be easily serviceable and cheap to run. I'm not fond of the Hyundai option due to safety concerns, and I'm not fond of the Subaru option due to comfort concerns - but both are on the list.
Anything I have overlooked? Any opinions on what I've named? And, anybody know of any reputable shops in or near Colorado Springs?
posted by 69.62.25...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |