New car shopping

[Dan Topp]

Looking for something that has enough cargo room and short enough to fit under my storage lift max 70”Looking at Gla 250 audi Q5 or suburu out and forester. Any comments or recommendations would be appreciated.No used or hybrids

 

[mikeru]

It would be good to know your price range. Given your requirements and assuming price doesn't matter, I'd recommend something like an Audi RSQ8. But realizing price is probably a concern it would be good to know what your range would be.

 

[Dan Topp]

It would be good to know your price range. Given your requirements and assuming price doesn't matter, I'd recommend something like an Audi RSQ8. But realizing price is probably a concern it would be good to know what your range would be.

Yes that would have been nice sorry.Trying to stay under 60k Now considering going to see an outback touring xt 45k It’s becoming a which car do I hate less.Im used to a tuned Audi or a S/C Ram.The Audis and Mercs are all hybrids

 

[Treburkulosis]

Subaru builds a good vehicle. Audi is nice, but I could not see myself in one. I think if it were my choice I would go with the Subaru.

 

[Dan Topp]

I’m trying to get past that touch screen that controls nearly everything and a cvt trans,new issue with the tcv valve that replaced the thermostat.Not to mention the idiotic plastic all over the body.Dam if it doesn’t have 76 cu ft.of cargo and 260 hp.I can’t find a second place for something that will fit under the small lift since the tall side is truck and vette.

 

[mikeru]

Yes that would have been nice sorry.Trying to stay under 60k Now considering going to see an outback touring xt 45k It’s becoming a which car do I hate less.Im used to a tuned Audi or a S/C Ram.The Audis and Mercs are all hybrids

Can't speak to Mercedes but I can speak to Audi. We currently own two of them, an A4 Allroad and an S5 Sportback. Neither of which is really a hybrid, although both have systems that are very similar to the etorque system Ram uses. Because of that they are technically classified as mild hybrids, but are nothing like a full hybrid.

I was initially going to recommend an A4 Allroad, but I'm not sure they would have enough cargo space for you. They have less than an Outback when comparing them. But the driving experience is night and day between the two. There's no way I'd buy a car based on which one I hated less. Are you in any way comfortable with buying used? It would definitely open up your choices.

 

[Dan Topp]

I don’t know about the “mild hybrid system” but I do see lithium batteries listed and I want a regular gas car.I always wanted a alroad but since storage is why we are car shopping a lot of them are eliminated. So you don’t see any possible long term problems with the hybrid setups that Volvo merc.and Audi have.That cvt on the suburu sounds worse the more I look (24)

 

[mikeru]

While I'd rather have a manual transmission in a car, the 7 speed dual clutch transmission in the Allroad works great. My only issue with it is the need to replace the fluid every 40k miles. Audi's are great cars but you definitely need to be diligent with the scheduled maintenance.

I can't speak to the long term reliability of Audi's mild hybrid system. It's only been in A4's since the 2021 model year. I imagine it will be a lot like Ram's etorque system reliability because of the similarities between them.

I'm with you regarding the CVT. That would drive me bonkers even with Subaru trying to mimic it having actual "gears". I've owned two Subaru's in the past, both WRX's. Fun cars but not the best for longer drives. In 2020 I rented an Outback for a week. I absolutely hated it. You might want to try renting one before committing to buying one.

 

[Dan Topp]

While I'd rather have a manual transmission in a car, the 7 speed dual clutch transmission in the Allroad works great. My only issue with it is the need to replace the fluid every 40k miles. Audi's are great cars but you definitely need to be diligent with the scheduled maintenance.

I can't speak to the long term reliability of Audi's mild hybrid system. It's only been in A4's since the 2021 model year. I imagine it will be a lot like Ram's etorque system reliability because of the similarities between them.

I'm with you regarding the CVT. That would drive me bonkers even with Subaru trying to mimic it having actual "gears". I've owned two Subaru's in the past, both WRX's. Fun cars but not the best for longer drives. In 2020 I rented an Outback for a week. I absolutely hated it. You might want to try renting one before committing to buying one.

That is a great idea I’m expecting it to be like my first ride in a Polaris UTV. It’s too late for this 2400 mile trip and hate putting the miles on my 19 ram.But the new car would need a break in anyway so I have time to shop.

 

[aces-n-eights]

We have an Audi Q7 and, as I understand, the "hybrid system" is a battery that runs all the electrics when the gas engine shuts down in the "stop/start" mode. It provides no drive power. I think they throw the word hybrid around because it's trendy... As an aside the Audi stop/start is the best I've had. It really seems invisible. I've shut it off in every other car I've had, but leave it on in the Q7.

 

[Dan Topp]

We gave up on something short enough to fit under our HD9 lift and will raise it up with blocks if necessary because now mama is hot on the grand Cherokee limited.At least I’m familiar with this platform if we manage to get a hemi without going 3rd row.69k though.Check back after we go drive it.

 

[Dan Topp]

It’s crazy trying to get something but now we narrowed it down to this.Drove one without the magnetic ride and decided to spend the money to get the package.Needed the towing package anyway for the massive carrier for the E bikes but if I didn’t have one foot on a banana peel nowadays I wouldn’t spend this on a caddy.We are waiting for the dealer to get it so no pictures and no test drive

 

[mikeru]

It’s crazy trying to get something but now we narrowed it down to this.Drove one without the magnetic ride and decided to spend the money to get the package.Needed the towing package anyway for the massive carrier for the E bikes but if I didn’t have one foot on a banana peel nowadays I wouldn’t spend this on a caddy.We are waiting for the dealer to get it so no pictures and no test drive View attachment 543108View attachment 543114View attachment 543115

What kind of interest rate are they giving you? My local Audi dealership just sent out an email today announcing 3.99%. I still think that’s high but for current times it’s a very good rate.

 

[ReddJackson]

Love to find a 1954 Chevy pickup to play with…that I can afford

 

[Derwood]

I’ve owned two Subaru Outback’s (2014 & 2019) and they have been dependable and very capable in the snow and sand. The maintenance is less expensive than expected and most importantly my wife loves them.

 

[Dan Topp]

Love to find a 1954 Chevy pickup to play with…that I can afford

I’ve owned two Subaru Outback’s (2014 & 2019) and they have been dependable and very capable in the snow and sand. The maintenance is less expensive than expected and most importantly my wife loves them.

The wife part is key

 

[Dan Topp]

What kind of interest rate are they giving you? My local Audi dealership just sent out an email today announcing 3.99%. I still think that’s high but for current times it’s a very good rate.

Not planning to finance doesn’t seem to be any extra incentives.

 

[Derwood]

I don’t know what the current interest rates are, we purchased this Subie in February 2019, rates have gone up.

 

[Aldiyarch]

I went through the same process a few months ago, so I get it. Here are a few things that helped me out.

 

[Aldiyarch]

I went through the same process a few months ago, so I get it. Here are a few things that helped me out.

First, make a list of what you need in a car. Do you want something fuel-efficient, or are you more about the style and features? Once you have that sorted, it gets easier to narrow down your choices.
Next, set a budget. It’s easy to get carried away with all the fancy options, but sticking to your budget will keep things realistic. Don't forget to factor in insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs.
Test driving is super important. It gives you a real feel for the car. Sometimes a car looks perfect on paper, but driving it might tell a different story. When you're at the dealership, don't be afraid to negotiate.