Currently trying to help my mom buy a car ... and I'd love to get the input of everyone here in car chat!

Her requirements:
Japanese car preferred (Doesn't have to be a lexus!)
$7000 or under
RWD/AWD strongly preferred
200hp or higher
Automatic
4 doors (sedan, hatch, pickup, etc)

I was looking at IS300s, but they just seem to have hit the $10k mark ... so its a little out of the price range.

Feel free to throw out any suggestions - even if it may not meet every single one of the requirements listed above.

Thanks guys!

 

what about a subaru

 

Check out 2000-2001 ES300. It's a nice car. Good mpg, vvt-i, smooth quiet engine, hid headlight and drive like butter. You can find some in really good condition because people who own one are older and take good care of their cars. There is platinum and coach edition when looking.

2005 mazda speed 6 or subaru legacy.

 

good start would be filling in that info at autotrader.com
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...rch=true&Log=0

 

Agreed that the 4Gen ES is nice, but it is FWD. He wants RWD or AWD.

It would have to be the Legacy GT to get the 200 minimum HP he wants. And, not only does the GT use premium fuel, but, during some years, it also did not offer an automatic transmissions. Even when it DID, most were built with manuals.

 

GiantsFan...if your mom doesn't mind driving around in a compact hatchback, check out a used Toyota Matrix or Pontiac Vibe. (the Vibe was simply a Toyota-designed Matrix in Pontiac trim). Both were reliable, both offered 5-doors in a hatchback model, both offered your desired AWD as an option (FWD in base form), and the Pontiac versions can be probably serviced at any GM or Toyota shop. Matrix models will usually be in better supply on the used-car market than Vibes, as more of them were built and sold in the U.S., even before Pontiac went out of business.

 

Subarus are nice

Thanks, Ill look there

Thanks mmarshall, I will pass that suggestion along. I didn't even think of the matrix/vibe!

I'll also look into the legacy GT

 

Might have to look some to find one with an automatic....the clear majority of them were built with manuals. Also, the 2.5L turbo engine, I believe, requires premium gas.

 

Premium gas isn't a problem

 

2nd gen GS300?

 

I don't think they have 200 hp as I used to test drive the Vibe when new (4cyl.) but regardless it is a very buzzy engine.

I say Subaru if she likes/needs AWD.

 

What about a 98 GS400? Thinking of selling mines. It meets all of your criteria.

 

Older awd rav-4?

 

That's why I stipulated the condition that his mother be willing to drive a lower-priced compact. The Vibe's 4-cylinder, of course, is the same one used in the Matrix, which itself is Corolla-derived, so the engine can't be TOO buzzy. Toyota, like Honda, has a reputation for making at least reasonably smooth-running fours.


Agreed. it's hard to beat Subie's AWD systems. But the Matrix and Vibe also had reliable AWD systems. And both Toyota and GM have a more widespread dealer-network system than Subaru.