TrueWhiteBoy Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I really like the 2015 WRX, the much better gas mileage, and upgraded performance/interior has me greatly considering it, but insurance for the thing is so incredibly expensive! I think the last quote I got for it was something like $160/170 a month! I'm currently paying $80/mo for the '05 LGT In about the same price range I was looking at a used 2013/2014 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T. The interior looks great, performance seems pretty impressive as well and it also offers AWD. Insurance is still expensive, but slightly cheaper at $135/mo. I was wondering if anyone else had any new recommendations for something that's AWD, in the 260HP+ range, and better in gas mileage than the LGT that's currently averaging around 20 mpg :-/ I'd like to stay in about the same size car if that's possible and hoping to find something in the 27K range. Anyone have any suggestions on some fun cars to look out for that might be a good alternative? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbone Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 The insurance is so expensive because the WRX tops the charts of vehicles with most speeding tickets. 1 in 3 WRX drivers have a ticket. http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/these-cars-get-most-traffic-tickets-n214946 This might just be the one issue that would keep me from buying a WRX/STi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackal8788 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I'm not sure what the prices are like in your area, but a Taurus SHO could be fun, though probably not a significant improvement in mileage. Otherwise maybe a G37x or a Volvo S60R, though those may also be tough to find in your price range. The A4 is a pretty common find and you can certainly mod to boost the power into the range you're looking for. VF54 to 20G to VF54 to 18G build thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoplightAssassin Posted October 10, 2014 Share Posted October 10, 2014 The ATS is a great car. I have a RWD 2.0t 6MT. The aftermarket is getting better too. I've kept a little log of my ATS and impressions here: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2012-cadillac-ats-ats-v-162458.html?t=162458 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian3676 Posted October 10, 2014 Share Posted October 10, 2014 My other car is a awd Lexus is350. Great car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mass-hole Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 335xi? They are 300hp, awd, can be had with a manual, and probably get marginally better mpgs. You might be able to get one CPO in that ballpark. I know i was looking at 2011 335d's that were in that range and those are usually loaded to the brim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbone Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I think a more pertinent criteria OP should provide is the cost of ownership preferred ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueWhiteBoy Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 I think a more pertinent criteria OP should provide is the cost of ownership preferred ... Hahahaha, yes. While I do love the BMW's I worry that the later cost of ownership may be quite high once the warranty expires (I'm expecting to have about 2 years of warranty for whatever I end up getting). I figured the ATS' powertrain is used on a number standard Chevy cars, so maintenance may not be that bad (or is that just wishful thinking?) The WRX would be ideal for this reason as parts for the Legacy have been rather reasonable as well. The G37X, S60 T6/R, IS350 AWD seem like great options too, I think it would have to come down to the end cost as they don't seem to get nearly as good gas mileage (I'm stuck driving roughly 2 hours in stop and go traffic, thank you 405 and with the Legacy I'm averaging about 19/20 mpg). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbone Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 To be honest I personally find an IS350 hard to pass up. It's a very well rounded entry-level luxury vehicle, and reliable to boot from what I know. For me personally that's what sets it apart from the rest in its class, IF nothing else. Lexus consistently ranks highest in customer satisfaction and low problems with their vehicles, by a fair margin. It may not pack the strongest punch in its class, but it's no slouch either and you get a fair amount of car for the money. Around here in the Dallas area Lexus is quite popular and for that reason there's plenty to pick from used and for damn good prices. If you're still shopping in the realm of Subarus, I personally think the new 3.6 Legacy would also fit the bill nicely. If you get a WRX you have to consider premium only gas, the fact that you may itch to mod it, it's turbo so whatever comes with that territory is on you, and the insurance is killer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoplightAssassin Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 I figured the ATS' powertrain is used on a number standard Chevy cars, so maintenance may not be that bad (or is that just wishful thinking?) I couldn't really say at this point. All of our maintenance is included for our lease period, but I couldn't really see maintenance costs being too crazy. Like you basically said, current Cadillacs all just pull from the GM parts bin (mostly). Stuff like brake rotors and pads seem very reasonable, depending on grade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRSCobra Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 Ever consider the Buick Regal GS? They only offer a 6mt in the FWD version, though. But if you can deal with an automatic, you can get it in AWD as well. Most people seem to be above GM products these days, without even giving them a test drive, so resale value on a used one will be pretty low. I think they look awesome and I wish I could find a practical fit for one in my fleet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary245 Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 Ever consider the Buick Regal GS? They only offer a 6mt in the FWD version, though. But if you can deal with an automatic, you can get it in AWD as well. While looking at the 2015 Legacy I mentioned to the salesman that I was considering a Regal GS. He asked if it would be the last car I was planning to buy... a little age related slap in the face. But, comparing the 2, I was really unimpressed with the Legacy - it just seemed very mainstream, Accord/Camry like. I do appreciate the features of the 3.6R, but in comparison with the Regal GS AWD, I decided to buy a 2015 Regal. There are a couple features on the GS I wish I had, doesn't have fog lights & comes with 19 or 20 wheels - I'd prefer the 17. I ordered a AWD GS - it should arrive next week... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasejase Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 I thought the OP wanted AWD? IS is a great car, but no AWD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueWhiteBoy Posted October 22, 2014 Author Share Posted October 22, 2014 TRS Cobra, Gary, Thanks for the Regal suggestion, that was definitely not something on my radar until now, I'll have to check it out. JaseJase, The IS350 does have a AWD model, they introduced it later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasejase Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 That means late model. May make it a budget breaker. They are awesome cars though. The caddies are also very nice. My wife has an srx, and the appointments are amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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