All,

From being a two-time TL owner and current RL owner, I can say with certainty that Acurazine is THE BEST forum on the net (car related). This is why I'm asking a non-RL question (moderators, please forgive me).

I have been asked by several people in the market right now what car to to buy. Here's the criteria, listed in order:

1. Under $25K total (tax, tags, options, etc.). This is MAX.
2. AWD
3. DVD-Navigation System

Any ideas?? Is there such a car? I suggested a Legacy, but to get Navi, you have to order a ton of other options that bring the car to over $30K. Can't get much info on the new Mazdaspeed6, but preliminary pricing puts it too high (again, $30+)

 

Paul, this (car talk) is the place to ask non-acura questions...

 

GreenMonster - VP911 pointed me in this direction.

I'll know for next time.

P

 

Does the navigation have to be OEM? I would suggest the Subaru WRX and then purchase an aftermarket double din DVD/Nav System. That should be right around $25K. If that's too much, you could look to get the Subaru RS instead.

 

Virtualbong - thanks for your reply. The WRX may be over-the-top for these people, but I was thinking base Legacy and adding afternarket Navi to it.

What do you think? have you heard anything about the Legacy? How about aftermarket GPS/NAVI/DVD players?

P

 

I think the base 2.5 Legacy sedan would be a good choice indeed. Match that with the double din Pioneer AVIC-D1 Nav/DVD Player and that would be just what you want I think and maybe some money leftover.

 

 

Does it have to be brand new?

How about slighly used A4 1.8T?

 

Unless it was previously fed synthetic oil, I wouldn't touch one of those sludgemonsters.

I did some research and was unable to find a single AWD vehicle with factory Navi for $25K OTD.

I would consider the Saturn VUE AWD V6, as the V6 engine is the same one that is in the Honda Pilot. You can buy the VUE much cheaper than the Pilot if you look in the right place. Add an aftermarket Navi to it. The CRV and RAV4 (new one in december) are also good choices, if you don't mind a 4-cyl.

 

BTW, invoice on the VUE is $21,260...so knowing domestics, you may be able to get it for that amount...which is an awesome deal for a SUV with a Honda powertrain and transmission.

 

How about a slightly used 4motion Passat? Those are actually the most reliable VWs...

 

the new hyundai santa fe will have a navi, AWD and under $25k~

 

I checked the HyundaiUSA website for the 06 Santa Fe and I don't see a Navi option. There were rumors about putting a Navi option for the 06 year, but I guess it didn't happen.

I guess the only option IMO is to go w/ an aftermarket Navi system, if so, that gives you more options for the car...what type of car are you looking for Paul?