Ideas: $10, 000 and Below Daily Driver Car

Fiance currently drives a 2004 Toyota Corolla with 300, 000+ miles (the odometer stopped at 299,999). It runs like a top but the drivers window doesn't roll down, trunk doesn't open, radio/clock doesn't work, and worst of all is missing a hub cap. It's a piece of shit that we could realistically sell for $2,000.

Anyways, we had a long-term goal of paying cash for a nicer car but the Corolla won't last much longer so we will need to buy something soon. Our budget is $10, 000 cash.

Initial thoughts; Subaru Outback, Jetta SportWagon, Prius, IS 300 Wagon

MPG is not a deal-breaker as we don't drive often. Definite automatic. Need to match the Corolla reliablity as much as possible.

We are outdoorsy and have a dog so decent cargo space is preferred. I think cars are gay but she doesn't want an SUV. So basically we are looking at station wagons which I'm stoked about. I will be driving this car a lot so it needs to be fun to drive.

 

Lexus IS300 Wagon?

 

Honda element. Also comes in manual and/or AWD. Waterproof interior, foldable/removable seats, outdoors oriented. Ive had 2. Super reliable

 

figure out what car you want first then go shopping for it, you've list a half dozen cars that you may or may not like. nobody here can make up your mind for you what would be the best its your choice

 

Wagons are the best things ever!

That said, we need more requirements to narrow it down.

Daily mileage?
Fuel economy target?
Prefer a manual?
Want all wheel drive?
How willing are you to maintain it properly? (ie, can you handle an audi wagon)

 

GREAT recommendation. Looking prices now seems like they are within our price range. Added to the short list

Yeah no shit Bill but this is a forum where we discuss cars and ideas

 

Great questions. I'll add to OP

 

audi allroad

 

Acura TSX.

 

I've had multiple audi wagons and they are my favorite. Also had a saturn wagon and a VW jetta wagon.

 

Do Audis still suffer the reliability issues from years past? Those allroad air suspensions are terrible from what I understand

 

just buy one of each it makes decision making easier, all your going to do here is get a million different opinions on what to buy from others, only you know what to buy and what fits your needs and costs, nobody can do it for u

 

I've been through the European late 90s-early 2000s bender before (Land Rover Discovery). Not particularly interested in experiencing that again

But with that being said the Jetta Wagens apparently have that bomb-proof diesel, right?

 

not sure on the airbags. As for reliability I had quite a few and they never left me stranded but all mine were 1.8T I've heard bad things on the 2.0

 

Jetta TDI wagon

 

2003 Jetta Wagon TDI

Although the automatics are notorious for failing. The 5 speed version gets 55MPG and lasts 500 000 miles.

 

although buying a different car may make sense, why not take your current corolla to a reputable mechanic to see how much itd cost to fix the corolla. considering the value, it may be significantly easier to just fix the minor issues and run it till 500k

 

I totally agree but I tend to be the more conservative one. She's been driving that car for 7 years and is tired of it which I can also understand. I'm optimistic we can find a nice example on CL or eBay for cash and potentially sell the Corolla for some beer money

 

I don't know about brand new models but Subaru has had a lot of issues over the last 10-15 years with some of their engines failing at a high rate. My cousins in Oregon are obsessed with subarus and I have helped them do multiple head gaskets and engine swaps. I know they have a 2008 forrester that had hgs done under warranty at 60k and went again at 130k. They also have a 2003 WRX which I personally helped swap with a replacement engine at 140k after a warped head and bIown hg. I have been told the 6 cylinder models are immune from this high failure rate.

 

audi a4/s4 wagon