I need suggestions for a beater...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-13-2015, 08:48 PM
  #1  
Acura drove me away too..
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
BlueAc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Philly
Age: 42
Posts: 1,771
Received 107 Likes on 66 Posts
I need suggestions for a beater...

What's up guys? Here's the deal, I work for a major Northeast passenger transportation company. Up until recently I was catching the train to work which made life simple. I was reassigned to a new location. While closer, it makes catching the train way more inconvenient. I'm currently using a friend's '02 Grand Am to make the 80 round trip commute but she needs it back soon. Of the 40 miles (one way) about 30 of it is all highway. I'm looking for an older vehicle capable of accumulating high miles. Preferably something AWD as I need to make it to work through all weather conditions. I would consider a manual, only because I would like to get better with one and this would be a good chance. I would like either a wagon or small SUV, since I could also use it for small home projects in addition to the work commute. I've been looking at Subaru Foresters as it appears they would fit the bill. I was wondering if anybody had any experience with this vehicle? Any opinions? Are they pretty solid? Also feel free to throw some other suggestions at me. I'll set my budget at about $3500, Im not looking to spend a fortune. Thanks!

Last edited by BlueAc; 11-13-2015 at 08:51 PM.
Old 11-13-2015, 10:31 PM
  #2  
9 mpg.
 
D's Up's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sometimes here, sometimes there.
Age: 32
Posts: 1,628
Received 306 Likes on 249 Posts
At $3,500 and your requirements, I feel that a Forester would be your best bet. If your budget was slightly higher, you might've been able to swing a used, older WRX wagon.
Old 11-13-2015, 11:35 PM
  #3  
Team Owner
 
TacoBello's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: In an igloo
Posts: 30,487
Received 4,416 Likes on 3,322 Posts
1G CRV, with manual transmission.
Old 11-14-2015, 09:40 AM
  #4  
Ex-OEM King
 
SamDoe1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesnowta
Posts: 15,895
Received 5,832 Likes on 3,853 Posts
Forester, Legacy wagon, or Outback. Bonus points if you can find a Legacy GT wagon.

Those are pretty much your only options.
The following 2 users liked this post by SamDoe1:
mrmako (11-20-2015), YeuEmMaiMai (11-28-2015)
Old 11-14-2015, 10:20 AM
  #5  
Jeff
iTrader: (3)
 
Oh Sickest TL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Port City, New Brunswick Canada
Posts: 5,728
Received 815 Likes on 726 Posts
Originally Posted by TacoBello
1G CRV, with manual transmission.
thats what I wanted for my winter beat but all of the ones I looked at were rusted to hell. Ended up getting a 03 Acura EL. Has done me great.. OP a crv or a forester would be great
Old 11-17-2015, 02:32 PM
  #6  
Drifting
 
iSeeYouTwo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: City of Champs, MA
Age: 32
Posts: 2,969
Received 657 Likes on 478 Posts
1G CR-V MT gets my vote. My co-worker has one and it's a blast in the snow with the right tires.
Old 11-17-2015, 03:00 PM
  #7  
seizure force field!
iTrader: (1)
 
v6cord2k5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Monkeytown
Age: 36
Posts: 8,971
Received 115 Likes on 95 Posts
325ix
Old 11-17-2015, 06:15 PM
  #8  
Fahrvergnügen'd
 
charliemike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Maryland
Age: 52
Posts: 13,494
Received 1,568 Likes on 985 Posts
Man, $3500 doesn't get much. But, if it's a true beater get a Forester.
Otherwise, I'd consider something like an Accord.
Old 11-17-2015, 06:52 PM
  #9  
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
 
JS + XES's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Socal
Age: 39
Posts: 20,301
Received 2,603 Likes on 1,571 Posts
Civic!
Old 11-17-2015, 07:05 PM
  #10  
Intermediate
 
alaxgoaly8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 41
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Pm me. I've got an 03 TL with the 06 accord tranny in it for sale. 123k miles. Some body damage, but mechanically sound and drives great.
Old 11-19-2015, 07:52 AM
  #11  
Racer
 
foxriderar77's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 32
Posts: 281
Received 64 Likes on 42 Posts
AWD is not a necessity for snow and it kills gas mileage, civic would be my pick
Old 11-19-2015, 08:04 AM
  #12  
Three Wheelin'
 
Jakes_tl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lititz, PA
Age: 38
Posts: 1,974
Received 360 Likes on 319 Posts
FWD with nice winter tires would work just as good as AWD.
Old 11-19-2015, 12:50 PM
  #13  
Team Owner
 
oonowindoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 23,362
Received 4,273 Likes on 3,050 Posts
come and buy my 06 accord LX. but not at $3,500 tho.

The rear seat is extremely comfortable and I have gotten plenty of compliments from the Ladies and most of them were 9.5.

$6,000 @105,000 miles Just put $1,000 of maintenance in a few months ago
Old 11-19-2015, 12:58 PM
  #14  
GEEZER
 
1killercls's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dunedin, Fla.
Posts: 44,441
Received 2,214 Likes on 1,418 Posts
RDX Elite.
Old 11-19-2015, 02:32 PM
  #15  
Welcome to Olliewood
 
HBaJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: CT/EU
Posts: 1,322
Received 63 Likes on 48 Posts
B5.5 Passat. Wagon or sedan.
Old 11-19-2015, 02:36 PM
  #16  
Team Owner
 
TacoBello's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: In an igloo
Posts: 30,487
Received 4,416 Likes on 3,322 Posts
Originally Posted by HBaJ
B5.5 Passat. Wagon or sedan.
what a terrible recommendation.
Old 11-19-2015, 02:37 PM
  #17  
Team Owner
 
TacoBello's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: In an igloo
Posts: 30,487
Received 4,416 Likes on 3,322 Posts
Originally Posted by foxriderar77
AWD is not a necessity for snow and it kills gas mileage, civic would be my pick
Pretty sure the 1G CRV gets pretty good gas mileage. Maybe not as good as a civic, but still pretty damn good.

He wants AWD and cargo room. CRV is the answer.
Old 11-19-2015, 03:34 PM
  #18  
Ex-OEM King
 
SamDoe1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesnowta
Posts: 15,895
Received 5,832 Likes on 3,853 Posts
Originally Posted by foxriderar77
AWD is not a necessity for snow and it kills gas mileage, civic would be my pick
Location: Mooresville, NC



You don't know snow brosef.

Originally Posted by Jakes_tl
FWD with nice winter tires would work just as good as AWD.
Not as good as AWD with snow tires...

Originally Posted by HBaJ
B5.5 Passat. Wagon or sedan.
The word reliable never shows up when describing a B5 Passat.
The following users liked this post:
TacoBello (11-19-2015)
Old 11-19-2015, 03:49 PM
  #19  
Racer
 
carz0159's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 300
Received 55 Likes on 37 Posts
What about a Lexus LS400. One can be had with low 100,000 miles in your price range. It's good in snow and extremely reliable.
Old 11-19-2015, 03:53 PM
  #20  
Instructor
 
06TLMatt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 228
Received 20 Likes on 17 Posts
Originally Posted by SamDoe1
Location: Mooresville, NC



You don't know snow brosef.



Not as good as AWD with snow tires...



The word reliable never shows up when describing a B5 Passat.



We actually got about .25" of powdery goodness one day last winter here in NC, so I'd suggest you check the facts before you post there pal. It was so bad , I almost had to turn on my windshield defroster. It was rough, the quarter of an inch of white hell took half the morning to melt, but we made it through. Though our community was shaken, we will rebuild, stronger than ever .
The following users liked this post:
D's Up (11-30-2015)
Old 11-19-2015, 04:01 PM
  #21  
Ex-OEM King
 
SamDoe1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesnowta
Posts: 15,895
Received 5,832 Likes on 3,853 Posts
Originally Posted by 06TLMatt
We actually got about .25" of powdery goodness one day last winter here in NC, so I'd suggest you check the facts before you post there pal. It was so bad , I almost had to turn on my windshield defroster. It was rough, the quarter of an inch of white hell took half the morning to melt, but we made it through. Though our community was shaken, we will rebuild, stronger than ever .
I've posted this before but it's so true...



The following 3 users liked this post by SamDoe1:
Oh Sickest TL (11-19-2015), RPhilMan1 (11-20-2015), YeuEmMaiMai (11-28-2015)
Old 11-19-2015, 04:04 PM
  #22  
Team Owner
 
oonowindoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 23,362
Received 4,273 Likes on 3,050 Posts
incorrect. it only takes below 70s for girls to wear UGGs and hoodies and that pic is BS since we do not get below 50s at day time.

When it is below 50s at night time, we call it frostbite advisory
The following 2 users liked this post by oonowindoo:
06TLMatt (11-20-2015), D's Up (11-30-2015)
Old 11-19-2015, 04:04 PM
  #23  
Team Owner
 
TacoBello's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: In an igloo
Posts: 30,487
Received 4,416 Likes on 3,322 Posts
Originally Posted by SamDoe1
I've posted this before but it's so true...



That's pretty much all of Canada. Except for Vancouver.
Old 11-19-2015, 04:15 PM
  #24  
Ex-OEM King
 
SamDoe1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesnowta
Posts: 15,895
Received 5,832 Likes on 3,853 Posts
Originally Posted by oonowindoo
incorrect. it only takes below 70s for girls to wear UGGs and hoodies and that pic is BS since we do not get below 50s at day time.

When it is below 50s at night time, we call it frostbite advisory
Uggs and hoodies are not winter wear. Uggs actually make crappy boots, would never use them in the cold here. Girls here wear those when it gets below ~40 too more as a fashion statement and general comfort than for actual warmth.
Old 11-19-2015, 04:30 PM
  #25  
Team Owner
 
oonowindoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 23,362
Received 4,273 Likes on 3,050 Posts
Remember I live in Los Angeles, the home of Kardaishians. It is never about the warmth.
Old 11-19-2015, 04:32 PM
  #26  
Senior Moderator
 
thoiboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal, CA
Posts: 46,887
Received 8,584 Likes on 6,630 Posts
Originally Posted by SamDoe1
Uggs and hoodies are not winter wear. Uggs actually make crappy boots, would never use them in the cold here. Girls here wear those when it gets below ~40 too more as a fashion statement and general comfort than for actual warmth.
Form > Function



Old 11-19-2015, 05:37 PM
  #27  
Acura drove me away too..
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
BlueAc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Philly
Age: 42
Posts: 1,771
Received 107 Likes on 66 Posts
Thanks for all the suggestions fellas. The CRV didn't cross my mind, I'm definitely going to give that a look. I had a friend with a B5 Passat that he bought to use as a daily driver. I won't make that same mistake lol.
Old 11-19-2015, 05:53 PM
  #28  
Intermediate
 
alaxgoaly8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 41
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by BlueAc
Thanks for all the suggestions fellas. The CRV didn't cross my mind, I'm definitely going to give that a look. I had a friend with a B5 Passat that he bought to use as a daily driver. I won't make that same mistake lol.
https://acurazine.com/forums/member-...mplete-938790/

I can be close to your price range. I can meet you in northern md if we make a deal.

2003 Acura TL w/123k miles. Interior is nice. Mechanically great.
Old 11-20-2015, 12:18 PM
  #29  
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
 
mrmako's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,451
Received 946 Likes on 515 Posts
If you can find an older Legacy Outback wagon with the 3.0L motor you will be very happy. Lots of torque, reliable, and the cargo room will be reasonable.

And Lesbians will adore you (don't laugh until you see my signature).
Old 11-28-2015, 12:23 PM
  #30  
Suzuka Master
 
YeuEmMaiMai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,863
Received 435 Likes on 342 Posts
+1 more for insert some Subaru here. They literally eat snow for breakfast.... this is one of my favorite Subaru videos here



here is another but its got the turbo
Old 11-28-2015, 06:11 PM
  #31  
zac
Burning Brakes
 
zac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Lancaster PA
Age: 33
Posts: 969
Received 39 Likes on 12 Posts
Ha, I love those subie videos.

With these subies though, get them with the head gaskets and timing belts done, ask for proof.
The following users liked this post:
mrmako (12-04-2015)
Old 11-28-2015, 08:45 PM
  #32  
Senior Moderator
 
Crazy Bimmer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Chicago Burbs
Age: 43
Posts: 34,937
Received 638 Likes on 276 Posts
1st gen RL.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
guitarplayer16
Car Parts for Sale
0
11-05-2015 08:31 PM
wowzer
2G TL (1999-2003)
4
10-31-2015 04:52 PM
265 ssi
4G TL (2009-2014)
9
10-21-2015 09:43 PM
MilanoRedDashR
3G TL Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
5
10-18-2015 01:06 PM
mlody
5G TLX Problems & Fixes
1
10-17-2015 08:29 PM



Quick Reply: I need suggestions for a beater...



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:42 AM.