umirza

Well thats not making this decision any easier Being stranded with an engine problem is exactly what I would like to avoid the most since I will be using it for road trips. I don't really have the option or time right now to purchase and sell the motor and put in a new one. While I'm not really against that option, my current circumstances sort of prevent that. Great to know that worrying about the AWD system doesnt need to be at the top of my list. So knowing all this, do I get the 2004 Acura EL with 118,000km (~73,500 mi) on the engine + snow tires, or get the 99 SUS with 30,000km (~18,600 mi) + replacing the gas filler neck, then save for HG replacement while just driving until it needs replacing.

Ok thats great to know that I have until around 150k, noted that I should get the timing belt checked. Im not really looking for a status car just something to get through the next few winters. I have my Porsche for the summers just looking for something for winter/road trips where I dont want to put the km on my other car. Thanks for the prices for the filler neck thats good to know maybe I can work something out with that. I think thats a great idea, since im at 30,000 km (~18,600 mi) I can hold off until about 125,000 km (~78,000 mi) and preemptively do the HG's - seems like that is a solid plan of action for the future. Also in regards to doing regular coolant changes is this something that costs quite a bit? and how often do you mean by regular? Yes taking a peak into the engine bay it really did seem like everything was easily accessible which surprised me. Does anyone have any thoughts on the AWD system? is this something I should be budgeting for in case of failure in any way?

This is what I am trying to avoid though I already have a play car and I dont think the significant other would be too impressed if i ended up doing an engine swap within a year or two on a car I just bought, Im looking for something reliable that I can drive that is also good in the winter and road trips during better weather. Its just we bought a house and we just need something that we dont need to dump lots of money into - I dont mind regular maintenance and little problems as you cant escape those. But its the bigger issues like the HG and issues that cost over 4/500 to fix that id like to avoid for at least few years. But i see what you're saying that it might be cheaper to do an engine swap than replace the HG's.

The AWD and ride height are definitely pluses but the body already has rust on it which worries me. The Acura comes with a set of snow tires so should pretty much be the same as the SUS which only has all seasons I would think. The HG issue is my biggest worry in picking the Subaru, it only has 30,000 km but it worries me that if I take it on road trips that it will randomly become an issue. I sort of feel like I would be buying a ticking time bomb which sucks because everything else about the car seems great. Both cars are currently being held by my mechanic (good friends) and they are $4000 each. The lower miles is what is making this such a hard decision - if it had >100,000km i would pick the Acura but it only has 30,000. My mechanic has been driving it around the past month or so and hasnt had any issues. I guess I should ask about the timing belt, and also the HG though I doubt its been done at this stage. As far as issues in the Acura the body has 140,000 or so on it but it has an engine in it thats only got 118,000 with no rust - I completely trust the mechanics as they are close friends. They think the Acura is more reliable but the Subaru makes more sense because theres a lot of snow where I am. No one is able to decide which car to pick because the pros and cons seem to balance each other out - everyone at the garage is split. 120,000 on an Acura EL (Honda Civic pretty much) is nothing and im sure it will do plenty of road trips. As far as maintenance they know that eventually the exhaust will need to be replaced on the Subaru since there is a bit of rust underneath, but not on the Acura before I get rid of it....its such a tough decision. I agree with your point about snow tires, I love them. And would assume the SUS with new allseasons would be pretty much the same as the acura with winters. Also the gas mileage wise the Acura is much better, and the engine in the Acura is must faster/takes off quicker (though neither are 'fast' by any means). But is not as comfortable to drive or as smooth as the SUS.... everything just balances out My mechanics picked up the car, it only has 30,000 km so I doubt the head gasket has been done but I can ask tomorrow and also enquire about the timing belt. That price of $1700 to fix the head gasket seems so ridiculous - Im not arguing the price just saying wow. Like I said above the HG issue seems to feel like a ticking time bomb. Also Im assuming that the repairs on the Acura are marginally less over time than the SUS. And just want to thank everyone for the great responses, they've definitely helped me understand what I'm getting into.

Hello, Im looking for a reliable car for the winter and I've come across a 1999 Legacy SUS with only 30,000km on it, and also a 2004 Acura EL with 118,000. Im not really sure which car to pick as they are both pretty similar and cancel each other out with the pros & cons. I just need somethign really reliable as I am quite far up north in the winter and will also be using the car to do quite a few road trips. Well I am here so not looking for anyone to make a choice for me as I am leaning towards the Subaru. I was just wondering what problems I should be looking out for - the car has barely any kilometers and was well kept the interior is pretty much brand new looking black leather. Though there is rust on one of the doors but im not too worried about that, also some rust underneath. The only issue is a CEL, and we think its from a rusted pipe where you fill the fuel apparantly there is a sensor there - so the pipe would need to be replaced. Im having a tough time deciding figured if anyone had any real thoughts on the car.They are both going for the same price.