[V8] car pondering before our next blizzard

[Brandon Hoag]

If you want a decent AWD system, you only have about two options: Subaru or
Audi, with Audi having the advantage. Subarus with the 2.5 have major head
gasket issues, which leaves either the 2.2 or the 3.0/3.6 H6. The 2.2 is
probably their best, most reliable engine ever. I got 344,000 out of one on
the original timing belt. But it was only in Outback Sports or 95 (maybe
96?) Outbacks. Those models aren't the most luxurious (mine was "loaded)
and it had manual cloth seats and no sunroof), and rust has killed them by
now. The 3.0 H6 loves premium fuel not unlike the V8 we all know and love.
But they're hard to find, since most Subaru buyers are all about cheap and
efficient (finding an H6 Outback NEW was hard enough, forget about used!).
The 3.6 H6 uses regular fuel, and it CAN be efficient...but not in city
driving. The older Outbacks/Outback Sports handle amazingly well, but their
"extra ground clearance" is only about 6.5", which is a huge improvement
from the V8's 3.7", but not much more than a regular 5000/100/200. The new
(10+) models have 8.7", which is more than nearly anything else in its
class, save for the 4Runner. The 10+ Legacies are known as the "poor man's
C5 A6" and the Outback should be known as the "poor an's ur-allroad." The
only thing I really, really dislike about Subarus is their seats are so
damn "short" when it comes to the length of the cushion. In my Audis, the
seats come right up to the put of my knee, in the Outback, it's like
sitting on a damn perch.

On Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 2:48 PM, Kent McLean <kentmclean at comcast.net> wrote:

> Roger M. Woodbury wrote:
> >
> > Oh, yeah.  That other part. It is mandatory the cars have all wheel
> drive.
>
> It’s going to be difficult finding a non-technical gizmo’d car these days.
> Review cameras have become mandatory. In-dash display screens seem to be de
> facto. But given that, here’s one to consider (bless me father for I have
> sinned), a Volvo V60 wagon with AWD. This will get you just as much tech as
> an Allroad, though. But unlike the Audi, you can get it with a 5-cylinder
> turbocharged engine!
>
>
> http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-volvo-v60-t5-drive-e-test-review
>   http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Volvo_V60/
>
> Good luck in your search.
>
> —
> Kent McLean
> ’02 VW Beetle TDI and lots of ex-Audis, including Bad Puppy
>
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