Small, AWD, simple vehicles

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cchase

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My sister is in the market for a smaller, all wheel drive vehicle. I'm looking for ideas.

The vehicle would be used most likely.

The requirements are:

- be about the same size as her current 2002 BMW 325xi wagon.
- have more horsepower (she vetoed a CR-V because she doesn't feel 180hp is enough for a 3500 lb vehicle)
- be all wheel drive
- simple or inexpensive to repair

She does have some odd brand opinions so certain manufacturers won't be considered, but I'll leave that out of it unless they are suggested specifically.

Thanks for any ideas, since this one is starting to sound impossible to me.
 
Subaru has the only AWD system worth having IMO, other than Audi. However, I'm not sure they make something that fit all of the criteria you are after.
 
The Volvo XC 90 is an awesome car. It's very good looking, easy to repair, and not too expensive. Somehow I talked my mom into getting one, a non turbo, and she's been having a good time with it since. However if your sister is into loud music, the radio really needs to be upgraded, even at a normal volume, it's a bit tinny. But if she's like me, and the radio stays off most of the time, she's fine. The non turbo engine does feel a bit slow though, so if there's any interest, try a turbo version. Good luck
 
Originally Posted By: buster
Subaru has the only AWD system worth having IMO, other than Audi. However, I'm not sure they make something that fit all of the criteria you are after.


Subaru is one of the "off limits" manufacturers for my research. She is not a fan of their propensity to turn into a red driveway stain within the first 5-7 years.

Originally Posted By: 79sunrunner
The Volvo XC 90 is an awesome car.


XC90 is 6" wider and 13" longer than the BMW, so it's off the table. I don't know much about the XC70 but on truedelta.com the reliability does not look promising.
 
Anything smaller will likely have a 4-cylinder engine. Toyota's RAV4 offers a 3.5L V-6, and you could get a 3.0L V-6 in the Ford and GM small SUVs as well. The AWD systems are all going to be "on demand", though Toyota's does allow you to lock the center via an electronic button, which could be handy.

The economy and ease-of-maintenance on our CR-V is excellent. I've never owned a vehicle as easy to maintain as either of our current vehicles. You can tell they were designed with DIY maintenance in mind.
 
Quote:
She is not a fan of their propensity to turn into a red driveway stain within the first 5-7 years.



?? not following you.
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Anything smaller will likely have a 4-cylinder engine. Toyota's RAV4 offers a 3.5L V-6, and you could get a 3.0L V-6 in the Ford and GM small SUVs as well. The AWD systems are all going to be "on demand", though Toyota's does allow you to lock the center via an electronic button, which could be handy.

The economy and ease-of-maintenance on our CR-V is excellent. I've never owned a vehicle as easy to maintain as either of our current vehicles. You can tell they were designed with DIY maintenance in mind.


Ford and Toyota use 4 cylinders in the Escape / Rav now.
 
Does it have to be new? A certified pre-owned Ford Escape or Toyota RAV4 V6 may fit the bill. I believe both offered a V6 through the 2012 model year. Both seem to be relatively simple, reliable vehicles with modest repair and maintenance costs.
 
Small, AWD, decent HP, No Subaru.

Another BMW, Audi, used RAV4 V6, used Escape/Tribute/Mariner V6, Volvo XC70 or XC60...

Everything else I can think of is either too big or has power similar to the CR-V
 
Originally Posted By: cchase
Originally Posted By: buster
Subaru has the only AWD system worth having IMO, other than Audi. However, I'm not sure they make something that fit all of the criteria you are after.


Subaru is one of the "off limits" manufacturers for my research. She is not a fan of their propensity to turn into a red driveway stain within the first 5-7 years.


I'm not even sure what that means... but to answer your question (assuming Subaru is out) there are a few other cars I would consider. First and foremost why not just get another BMW? The 328i xDrive Sports Wagon should be relatively similar and puts out 240hp. Other options to consider are Audi Allroad (220hp), Infinity G37x (328hp), Acura TL SH-AWD (305hp), Volvo S60 AWD (250 or 325hp), and Lexus GS350 AWD (306hp).

All that said these are just high horsepower AWD cars. I'm not really sure if any of them are particularly simple or inexpensive to work on.
 
Honda Crosstour 3.5litre V-6 with AWD

Toyota Venza same as above

station wagon like, AWD, V-6 power, reliable, fancy interior on the upper models
 
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I have an 07' Impreza wagon, without a speck of rust and live in the mid Atlantic, where they salt the streets even with the threat of snow. Its AWD and the car weighs about 3050 lbs. The NA version has 175HP, and the turbo weighs 3100 lbs has 225HP. 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, cruise and AC. The turbo came with climate control.

Don't know what you mean about easy to fix, are any cars easy now?
 
Originally Posted By: cchase

Subaru is one of the "off limits" manufacturers for my research. She is not a fan of their propensity to turn into a red driveway stain within the first 5-7 years.


They don't rust out any worse than anything else these days.

I would have agreed with that statement for Subarus 20yrs ago. Not so much anymore. We've got a 1996 Legacy wagon and a 2001 Forester in the family that have held up quite well. Both bought well used with 2-3 prior rust-belt owners.
 
Originally Posted By: VinceF
I have an 07' Impreza wagon, without a speck of rust and live in the mid Atlantic, where they salt the streets even with the threat of snow. Its AWD and the car weighs about 3050 lbs. The NA version has 175HP, and the turbo weighs 3100 lbs has 225HP. 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, cruise and AC. The turbo came with climate control.

Don't know what you mean about easy to fix, are any cars easy now?


Yes, some still are. AWD and turbos with funky flat fours put Subies out of our driveway also.

Personally I like their design, but every single one I know of has had issues...
 
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