What car would be suitable for me in Anchorage Alaska

Question

Ive been living here now for almost 9 years and I'm in a need of a new car because my 1992 Subaru SVX just died down on me and it's not worth being repaired. My price range is no more then $20,000. Also, I've narrowed my searchings down into 3 vehicles. The area I live in his sort of a rural area which sometimes doesn't get plowed and I need something reliable. So I narrowed my searchings into 3 vehicles which

are:

2006 Toyota Rav4 $19,500

2004 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro $18,800

2004 Subaru WRX Impreza $15,000

Ive already spoken to all the dealers and I tried to get the lowest price for these cards.

Answer 1

Don't waste your time and money on the Audi. Get the Subaru and enjoy the speed and reliability plus excellent AWD to boot. The Rav4 is my second choice on that list but it doesn't compare to a Suby. Forget the Audi -- it has underwhelming performance (I mean REALLY underwhelming), awful reliability issues (especially of that vintage), and  most average styling - both inside and out. Even the Rav4 has a better interior.

Edit:

Levi makes a good point. Diesel fuel is expensive but a diesel Mercedes will be cheap to buy and last you a lifetime. Diesel engines in general will outlast the rest of the car.

Answer 2

Well Done!  You've done your homework.

All 3 are first rate choices.  Here's the breakdown IAW Consumer reports.

2004 Audi - Above Average in reliability (earlier models didn't rate so high.

2004 Subaru Impresza - Much better than average.

2006 Toyota RAV4 - Much better than average.

I personally have a strong bias for Toyota products.  However, part of my family lives in Vermont, and New Hampshire with similar driving conditions as you.  The both states look like giant Subaru lots.  These cars do very well in the cold.

My only complaint on the Subaru's are that I find them difficult to get in and out of.  If you don't have that problem, or the age difference between 2004 v. 2006 means little...then I'd need to toss my bias in favor of the Subaru brand. I like the newness of the RAV though.

To me, a toss up on the Toyota or Subaru.

All fine selections

Answer 3

if i were you i would get a diesel yes the price of diesel is insane but you will never have a problem with your car not starting in the cold weather

Answer 4

The Audi by far.

You cant even compare a Toyota or Subaru to an Audi

Answer 5

If it was me I'd choose the Subaru. Their track record is legendary, and the AWD with turbo is fun too. =)

Answer 6

Best all round choice is the Subaru; price, gas mileage and reliability.

Answer 7

the subaru will be the cheapest to run