weezer

Hi everyone - My business needs demand that I put on about 30,000 miles a year but don't necessarily require an SUV, but it is preferred. I am considering getting a car for the long trips and miles, and the SUV just for the bigger jobs. Safety and technology are at the top of my list, but also have a sweet spot for the GS since I use to own a loaded 07. All three cars will be about $30,000 out the door.

The GS is an 11', one owner with 20,500 miles. Certified pre owned and pretty much bumper to bumper coverage until 100,000 miles. Loaded except for mark Lev, and the color combo I want that is hard to find. 24 MPG Highway. Much higher maintenance costs and premium fuel.

New Mazda 6 drove great, tons of plusses but no AWD - the absolute worst late 90's feeling infotainment/GPS. I rely on a sweet built in GPS, and would have to replace this for about $1000. 38 MPG Highway.

New 2015 Subaru Legacy, haven't driven it yet but 36 MPG and every Subaru owner I know raves bout them. I know nothing about their reliability or brand though... the few reviews I have seen show the GPS and infotainment is now what toyota uses, so it's pretty good.

My current Kia sorento has an incredible GPS/infotainment system, so no matter what these will all be a bit of a downgrade in that regard.

Looking forward to your recommendations.

Thank you!

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

How much of a priority do you place on having AWD?

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

I think only you could make the decision especially these 3 cars are completely different from each other. Since you drive a lot, you should look at costs to own such as maintenance, insurance, gas, etc...just the MPG alone, the Lexus uses approximately 30% or more on gas (which is a lot if you are driving 30k miles/year).
If money isn't an issue then go for the Lexus.

bagwell

I really like the new Legacy myself...esp if AWD is a concern

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

At that price point, I'm more inclined to go with a Camry XLE Hybrid if part of your annual 30,000 mile involves heavy city driving. it's takes a slight mpg hit from the LE hybrid (40/38 vs 43/39), but it's the only trim with Navi I believe.

spwolf

I would get new every time :-).

Accord Hybrid or Camry Hybrid as well.

Overall, you will get much better mpg in hybrids, regardless of highway ratings.

mmarshall

If you like the Legacy, and still want an SUV for bigger jobs, consider the Outback. It is essentially a Legacy sedan with a wagon/hatch rear end, raised-suspension for more ground clearance, and standard AWD. For 30K, which is what you want to spend, you can get a nice one. It uses regular fuel, and reliability has been better then average, according to Consumer Reports. If the 4-cylinder Outback (which is a little low on power) doesn't have enough spunk for you, check out the 3.6R models. The Outback drives more like a car, IMO, than any other SUV.....so you can have your cake and watt, too.

I just did a full-review on a new Outback a couple of weeks ago.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...u-outback.html

SW17LS

If I were deciding between these cars it would be the Mazda 6.

mmarshall

True, it's a great sedan for the sport-oriented, but the OP seemed to want AWD, and only the older, limited-production MazdaSpeed6 models had that feature. They would be hard to find, and probably be quite worn from hard use by previous owners.

SW17LS

FWD vs AWD for a car thats going to do mostly highway miles, I wouldn't care. The Mazda 6 is a great looking and very compelling car IMHO. The GS is a good buy, but I'm a new car guy not a used car guy. The Legacy is nice, but doesn't have the style I'd be looking for, and I don't care for Subaru's interiors.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

mazda 6 is v. nice outside, but the infotainment is so bad i'd pass.
legacy vs a gs? lol. the legacy is improved, bulletproof reliable, but still won't hold a candle in refinement vs. a gs.

but if i was driving 30k mi. a year fuel economy would definitely be important, unless your business makes enough that it's irrelevant.

spwolf has a good idea with accord or camry hybrid.

mmarshall

Considering that a Legacy costs (roughly) half what a GS does, I'd say it still easily gives you your money's worth.

MikeP

Check out Motorweek's review of the 2015 Legacy:

SW17LS

I've not tried Mazda's infotainment so I can't really comment on that...

dseag2

Agreed. If I wasn't in the market for a new GS I would go for the Mazda 6 for looks and driving dynamics alone. I would use Google Maps on my iPhone for the nav.