Winter/Highway Car 2022 Edition

[birdman86]

So I split my year about 50/50 on the farm and in Calgary, including lots of trips down the highway in the summer (3 hours each way). My farm truck is great, but the thing guzzles gas at 22L/100km and is a clumsy oaf getting around parking lots, so with gas prices where they are I'm thinking about buying a second vehicle just for highway and Calgary driving.

The wish list:

AWD for snowy/icy highways (top of the list).
Best fuel economy I can find within reason. I'd be happy with anything in the 12L/100km range or better (I figure 6L would even make the payment).
Hatchback or compact SUV with room for two 100 lb dogs in the back.
Highway comforts (cruise control, ride quality, comfort for 6' 230lb me) - prefer SUV over hatchback for this reason, probably.


Budget is negotiable, in my mind I'm thinking up to $30K. Definitely don't want to go above $40K all in, especially if wheat prices keep getting crushed :banghead:.

So for ideas:

Corolla Cross - Fits the budget (well, MSRP anyway). Not sure on availability. Love me a Toyota, but wasn't planning on going new.
Rav4 Prime - Probably zero availability (and quite a bit over budget).
Rav4 Hybrid - Holds value well
Focus RS - Hard to find. Also over budget.
Mini Countryman All4 - Don't know a thing about them, also never really cared for Mini's.
Golf R/Jetta/Golf Alltrack - Gotta go high miles for AWD to get the price down.
Crosstrek - Seems like it checks all my boxes, kinda girly though.
WRX - No hatchbacks? Not really my style anyway.
Ford Escape - Easy to find, fuel economy maybe could be better?
CRV - Price is right. Pushing it on cab space for the dogs (but lots of these probably are).


Any other cars I should be thinking about? Any thoughts on the listed ones? Any advice?

[Sentry]

Trackhawk

[ExtraSlow]

You want new or used? Nothing beats a diesel Jetta for highway economy, but not awd.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Out of all those a 2015-2021 WRX base would be my choice. Miss mine at times.

[birdman86]

Out of all those a 2015-2021 WRX base would be my choice. Miss mine at times.

My brother had I think a '15 STI and we drove to Camrose during a blizzard once. All I remember was him driving stupid aggressively and the thing was just glued to the road despite massively shitty conditions. If there's something about the Subaru's that make them that good in the winter I can embrace my inner 20 yr old asian and go for it

Would there be much difference between the Crosstrek and a WRX if I don't particularly care about driving fast?

[killramos]

Defender

[90_Shelby]

Trackhawk

I was actually thinking this would be a good option as well.

+1 for Trackhawk

I actually managed about 13L/100km on the highway to BC recently.

[ExtraSlow]

Rhd jdm legacy wagon.

[max_boost]

Any Subaru awd vehicle that runs 87, you need a ufa gas card? Lol jk

[rage2]

RAV4 prime isn’t great on the highway if that’s your primary driving. The hybrid gets better fuel economy. The hybrid is definitely more available out there so you might get lucky. Don’t bother looking used, miled out 100k km rav4 hybrids still selling at new msrp price. If you find one new, it would hold value real well for the next 2 years (at least) till shortages recover, if it even does.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

My brother had I think a '15 STI and we drove to Camrose during a blizzard once. All I remember was him driving stupid aggressively and the thing was just glued to the road despite massively shitty conditions. If there's something about the Subaru's that make them that good in the winter I can embrace my inner 20 yr old asian and go for it

Would there be much difference between the Crosstrek and a WRX if I don't particularly care about driving fast?

Crosstrek is just boring to drive, can’t fully disable traction control, woeful power, no steering feel.

[ExtraSlow]

Cross trek is worst Subaru.

[rc2002]

Crosstrek is just boring to drive, can’t fully disable traction control, woeful power, no steering feel.

I think it should be removed from the list. An underpowered car like that is dangerous on the highway. 0-60 in over 9 seconds is insane these days.

[zechs]

Buying a $30k+ car to save fuel is false economy. After additional 2 car running costs plus depreciation of two vehicles, just drive the truck.

Of course, if the real issue is the ponderous nature of trucks, then by all means, continue on. 2008+ WRX hatchback would be ideal... I actually have one for sale (2011 so its the widebody).

Way under you budget too ;)

[Team_Mclaren]

Ford escape. Any import SUV would run you over 30k that's also 6-7 years old. Its z beater. Who cares about fun. An escape is cheap to buy, cheap to own, chrap to run.

[jutes]

Buying a $30k+ car to save fuel is false economy.)

Guy at work is selling his 200k used Ridgeline that's paid off for a new Ford Maverick Lariat which he's financing. Reason being is the Maverick gets better city mileage, on paper anyway. The Ridgeline is in excellent shape and nothing wrong with it. I don't know how long it will take or how much driving he needs to do until he sees the savings in gas.

[flipstah]

Best car is a paid off car

What about a Jetta Alltrack?

[DonJuan]

Lightly used 4cyl Venza? (I just threw up in my mouth) or RX350? Over valued but low depreciation. RX is comfy AF and under 30K.

[G-ZUS]

Used CRV?

[2Legit2Quit]

I was going to recommend CRV as well as we loved our 2016 before upgrading to a Highlander, but then I read he wants space for two 100 lb dogs. Unless he wants to fold the seats down, the trunk/cargo area wouldn't be comfortable for 2 dogs that size, it was cramped for having two 60 lb dogs back there without the seats folded down.

Otherwise CRV ticks a lot of boxes

[birdman86]

I think it should be removed from the list. An underpowered car like that is dangerous on the highway. 0-60 in over 9 seconds is insane these days.

Removed. Didn't realize its underpowered, that'd be shit for highway driving.


Buying a $30k+ car to save fuel is false economy. After additional 2 car running costs plus depreciation of two vehicles, just drive the truck.

Of course, if the real issue is the ponderous nature of trucks, then by all means, continue on. 2008+ WRX hatchback would be ideal... I actually have one for sale (2011 so its the widebody).

Way under you budget too ;)

Don't take this away from me man! Haha
I know its not perfect math, but right now it costs me $250+ in gas alone just to run to Calgary for a weekend. Not enough to stop me from going but enough to make me feel guilty doing it.

Also having a dedicated personal vehicle will simplify taxes and let me claim 100% expenses/CCA on the farm truck. I'm just making excuses here.


Ford escape. Any import SUV would run you over 30k that's also 6-7 years old. Its z beater. Who cares about fun. An escape is cheap to buy, cheap to own, chrap to run.

I guess I should look at domestics....added


Best car is a paid off car

What about a Jetta Alltrack?

Forgot about Jetta's, added


Used CRV?

Added. Someone in my town has an old 2004(?) CRV lowered, rims etc. Looks silly but I like it.

[tonytiger55]

The Rav4 is a hard drive. I did not find it comfortable and the driving assist is not great. Its twitchy. Rear truck space is better than the CRV.

CRV hands down. Fuel milage and power is great. Really comfortable drive, suspension is softer and the driving assist is great on the highway. The new gen 6 will be coming out after September. But rear space, you will have to put the seats down.

But to be honest. I was in the same situation with the budget of 30k. With the inflation in car prices over the last two years. It did not make sense to buy used.
For 30k. It puts you in a strange price point. I noticed (for the CRV/Rav 4 anyways) the vehicle will be about 3-4 years old and coming out of warranty. Everything in that price range was over priced. If you are financing plus tax, you are looking at 37-39k for a 30k vehicle. I calculated that it was cheaper to buy new (im not making this up). Its not what you want, but putting a small amount down and make the payments instead might work out to be more cost effective.


I think it should be removed from the list. An underpowered car like that is dangerous on the highway. 0-60 in over 9 seconds is insane these days.

The newer ones in the last two years have a 2.5L engine. Much better power and suited for it. Not sure about fuel economy.
For the size, fuel economy and power, the 1.5T on the CRV is impressive.

[ExtraSlow]

Used highway beater, the answer is to buy cheaper not nicer. Under 15K for sure or you are wasting money. Subaru Forester is worth looking at, the XT model preferably. Kijiji has a few.

[killramos]

Did the turbo CRV ever fix the issue with head gasket leaks (Coolant in Oil) and the heater not working?

I know multiple people who ditched theirs over those issues that Honda was unable to fix. I think it was also documented in the news?

Personally, I’d pass on CRV.

[DonJuan]

No love for my old woman RX350 *sad noises*

[killramos]

RX350 isn’t exactly good on gas.

[Ukyo8]

I think this hits all your criteria minus fuel economy and budget :D

https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2013-ferrari-ff_100413264_l.jpg

[DonJuan]

RX350 isn’t exactly good on gas.

No way the RX gets worse than 12L/100km

[flipstah]

Lame. Golf Alltrack goes for $35k+

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/volkswagen/golf%20alltrack/calgary/alberta/5_55322920_20210224155242261/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&ursrc=hl&orup=1_4_4&pc=T3C%203P7&sprx=100

[vengie]

Lame. Golf Alltrack goes for $35k+

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/volkswagen/golf%20alltrack/calgary/alberta/5_55322920_20210224155242261/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&ursrc=hl&orup=1_4_4&pc=T3C%203P7&sprx=100

Wild market is wild.

Two years ago that would be <$30k.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah that was one of the cars I was watching, prices were insane.

[gpomp]

None of your choices have 400 hp which is the requirement to pass on highways.

[spike98]

None of your choices have 400 hp which is the requirement to pass on highways.

Volvo XC60 Recharge Extended Range. We pick it up this weekend. 455hp 523ftlb. Perfect for passing on the #2. Plus 63 eMPG. Sure its over the $30k budget but who the fuck cares.

[flipstah]

None of your choices have 400 hp which is the requirement to pass on highways.

Small bottle of NOS solves that

[tonytiger55]

Did the turbo CRV ever fix the issue with head gasket leaks (Coolant in Oil) and the heater not working?

I know multiple people who ditched theirs over those issues that Honda was unable to fix. I think it was also documented in the news?

Personally, I’d pass on CRV.

Yes, that issue is closed now. It was gasoline in the oil. It effected a small number of the 17/18 year models. But not all.

This is covered on Honda forum:

https://www.crvownersclub.com/threads/oil-dilution-discussion-merged-master-discussion-thread-updated-july-2021-closed-to-further-discussion.220882/


Used highway beater, the answer is to buy cheaper not nicer. Under 15K for sure or you are wasting money. Subaru Forester is worth looking at, the XT model preferably. Kijiji has a few

That idea works pre pandemic. But there were two hail storms that totally decimated the used car market. Prices got super inflated, people were importing junk vehicles from other provinces and selling at inflated prices. The amount of shady sit that is happening is insane. I nealry got caught out one time. There are no decent priced used vehicles. One has to factor in people who cannot buy new. They are struggling to find anything decent. Then at that price, one has to spend money on some maintence to bring the vehicle back to par. The used beater market is a shit show.

That being said... that its got me thinking... There is one solution... A option could be a MK 2 CRV Manual (2002-2006). K series engine and AWD. The manual would make it a better buy as people don't want those. So its a easy buy. A decent one would be around $5-6k. Then spend another 3-4k on maintenace. So struts, brakes, CV joints, boots, O2 sensor. That would bring it back on par. Lots of space in the rear for the dogs, easy without putting the seats down. The highway fuel milage would be around 9-10L/100km. So total spend would be about $9-10k.

[bjstare]

I don’t really know what I was expecting, but 9-10L/100km is awful for something that small and gutless. My GX460 gets 10.5-11 on the highway.

Also, an older gx460 would be worth considering. It’ll probably have 200k on it within the stated budget, but it’s barely broken in at that point and they don’t really depreciate.

[killramos]

:werd:

[ExtraSlow]

The 2.7L F150 gets 9.5L on the highway. 9 is pretty poor honestly for a "highway car"

[birdman86]

That being said... that its got me thinking... There is one solution... A option could be a MK 2 CRV Manual (2002-2006). K series engine and AWD. The manual would make it a better buy as people don't want those. So its a easy buy. A decent one would be around $5-6k. Then spend another 3-4k on maintenace. So struts, brakes, CV joints, boots, O2 sensor. That would bring it back on par. Lots of space in the rear for the dogs, easy without putting the seats down. The highway fuel milage would be around 9-10L/100km. So total spend would be about $9-10k.

I was thinking about doing something like this but then rust becomes an issue, and even if its supposed to be a beater that just kills it for me but I'll keep an eye out for something like that. Worth keeping an eye out though.


The 2.7L F150 gets 9.5L on the highway. 9 is pretty poor honestly for a "highway car"

Last time I had a car was an '04 Accord and it got I think 12L...have they really come that far in the last ten years?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I was thinking about doing something like this but then rust becomes an issue, and even if its supposed to be a beater that just kills it for me but I'll keep an eye out for something like that. Worth keeping an eye out though.



Last time I had a car was an '04 Accord and it got I think 12L...have they really come that far in the last ten years?

Wtf no way an Accord should be that bad. My Echo gets 5.5-6L/10km mixed city highway and my FRS can get under 7L/100km highway.

[killramos]

I just realized 7.1L/100km in my X5 to Invermere lol.

[birdman86]

These numbers are seriously making me die a little. The Tundra is so bad on fuel. Just checked my spreadsheet, 20.8 L/100km since I bought the truck. And I'm a very relaxed driver.

[ExtraSlow]

The tundra has been the worst half ton fuel economy since it was invented.

[haggis88]

The tundra has been the worst half ton fuel economy since it was invented.

Nissan Titan has entered the chat

[zechs]

Nissan Titan has entered the chat

Both were just so terrible, might as well just daily a trackhawk.